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Established in 1917, a Japanese multinational corporation, Nikon has been the second major leader in the world of sports optics for past 100 years. Headquartered in Tokyo, Japan, the brand has now managed to claw its stand in the field of sports optics, cameras, camera lenses etc. Known majorly for its contributions to the world of cameras, the company has also made a significant influence on sports optics.

A big contender in the sports optics category, the company strives to produce better and more efficient products posing a tough competition to other manufacturers in the market. Being a 100-year-old pawn, the company has now excelled in the art of producing efficient and favorable optics and is, therefore, most sought among the buyers.

The success of the company depends on their guiding principle which revolves around making high quality, most reliable and affordable sports optics products which gives all other makers a run for their money. Their commitment to outstanding customer service and strong retailer partnerships is what makes them unmatched in their field.

The USP of Nikon is that they certainly have something for everyone. Money never turns out be a constraint for buyers for the brand. The exceptionally well-designed binoculars that provide clear, crisp and well-focused images are not enslaved to the money thrown upon, rather sufficiently well performing optical instruments are also available for low prices.

Having a top-notch customer interaction and dealings, the company has now become a conqueror in the field of sports optics. Being the king of optics, there certainly isn’t anything to be doubted upon, yet there are certain things one must look for while buying a Nikon binocular.

Our Top 3 Picks

Nikon Binocular Reviews

Though there are innumerable products in the category of sports optics under the Nikon banner, yet here is a list of binoculars best featured by the company, in all ranges for varied uses.

1. Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8×42 Binocular

Built with Nikon’s premium ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass, these Nikon MONARCH 5 binoculars provide sharper and clearer images with a more brilliant field of view. The fully Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses provide a high light transmittance and hence a glare-free view. The device has various user-friendly features such as Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups for better comfort to eyes, a Smooth Central Focus Knob for quick focusing of the lens and Flip Down Lens Caps to cover and protect the lens.

Built for use even in harsh conditions, the MONARCH 5 is waterproof, fog proof powered with a rubber armored body for strengthened durability.

Pros

  • Multicoated glass lens for higher transmission
  • Waterproof and fog proof built
  • Lightweight
  • Durable

Cons

  • The lens caps that come along fit loosely.
  • The strap material is flimsy
Sale
Nikon 7576 MONARCH 5 8x42 Binocular (Black)
  • All Monarch 5 binoculars are now built with Nikon's premium ED (Extra low dispersion); Glass for a sharper, clearer and more brilliant field of view
  • Almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor, the new Monarch 5 is even easier to bring along on your next adventure
  • Fully multicoated eco glass lenses provide a high light transmittance across the entire visible light spectrum
  • It is equipped with user friendly features such as turn and slide rubber eyecups, a smooth central focus knob and flip down lens caps
  • Built for extreme use, the Monarch 5 is waterproof, fog proof and has a rubber armored body for strengthened durability

Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7 8×42 Binocular

The Nikon 7548 Monarch 7 8×42 Binoculars are waterproof, fog-proof and can be used at all places irrespective of the terrain. They have extra-low dispersion (ED) glass elements that enhance brightness and color of the image and hence deliver images of excellent quality. The All-Terrain Binocular (ATB) series of Nikon promises to deliver images of impressive quality and ergonomics at an affordable cost, making it a favorite among all. The Monarch 7 8×42 provides an exceptionally wide field of view that makes it easy to find the subject and in real-time. The device contains dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings that are applied to all the lenses to avoid glare and to produce sharp images with excellent contrast and color retention. The binoculars have a rubber armor that provides a strong grip and makes the device more durable. Being purged with dry Nitrogen gas makes the binoculars waterproof and fog proof.

Pros

  • Waterproof and fog-proof
  • Impressive image quality in terms of contrast and color and ergonomics
  • Exceptionally wide field of view
  • Durable rubber armored coating for better grip and safety
  • Multicoated lens system for anti-reflection
  • Weather-proof housing
Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7 8x42 Binocular (Black)
  • The MONARCH 7 8x42 provides an exceptionally wide field of view that makes it easy to find your subject.
  • Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings are applied to all lenses and prism coatings to provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.
  • Thanks to a durable rubber armored coating, the MONARCH 7 is comfortable to hold and rugged enough to stand up to any conditions.
  • Extra-low dispersion glass enhances brightness and color fidelity
  • Roof prisms with phase-correction preserve clarity and detail

Nikon Prostaff 7S 10×42 ATB Waterproof / Fogproof Binoculars

The Nikon Prostaff 7s 10×42 is binocular with a sleek and compact design that is built for any and all sorts of outdoor activities, making it a great accessory and a companion for nearly any adventurous outing. The device is designed with fully multicoated Eco-glass lenses and Phase-Correction Coated Roof Prisms. These technologies help PROSTAFF 7S deliver sharper images in terms of brightness and clarity.

Pros

  • Multicoated lenses for glare-free vision
  • High image quality
  • Durable
  • Comes with a hard case to keep the binoculars
Sale
Nikon 16003 PROSTAFF 7S 10x42 Inches All-Terrain Binocular (Black)
  • Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, 2 things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you both, thanks to Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms
  • Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn and slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to adjust the space between their eye and the binocular's eyepiece, ensuring a full field of view
  • The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also protects the binocular in case it is dropped or handled roughly

 

Nikon 8252 ACULON A211 10-22×50 Zoom Binocular

The ACULON A211 10-22×50 zoom binoculars feature adjustable multicoated lenses to prevent glare in images large objective lens to gather maximum light from the surroundings. These lenses are fabricated with Nikon’s exclusive lead and arsenic free Eco-Glass that add on to the quality of images. The BaK4 Porro prism systems within the binoculars deliver a high-quality image under all lighting conditions, making these binoculars effective during all hours of the day.

Pros

  • The smooth central focus knob
  • Multiclick rubber eyecups
  • Durable rubber armor
  • Multicoated glass lenses
Nikon 8252 ACULON A211 10-22x50 Zoom Binocular (Black)
  • Aculon A211 10 22x50 zoom binoculars are designed to be as light as possible along with excellent ergonomics
  • Easy to reach fingertip zoom control knob allows for quick and easy adjustment of the binoculars magnification from 10 up to 22 power. Interpupillary distance adjustment (millimeter) - 56-72
  • Turn and slide rubber eyecups allow for comfortable viewing during extended periods of use; Minimum focus distance 49.2 feet / 15 meter
  • Multicoated eco glass lenses deliver a bright and clear image in most lighting conditions; Field of view @ 1000 meter (meter/feet) 66/199; Apparent field of view (°) 36.7; Real field of view (°) 3.8
  • A durable rubber armored coating ensures a non slip grip, even in wet conditions; Exit pupil is 2.3 - 5 millimeter

NIKON 7279 Travelite VI Binoculars with 12 x 25mm

The Nikon 7279 Travelite binoculars are designed to provide the best experience of the binoculars within a constraint of cost. Designed with multicoated optics, these devices produce glare-free images. Equipped with a large central focusing knob, focusing of lenses on the objects is easier making images sharper. The outer coating of the binoculars is of tough rubber that acts as an armor to the inner optics and provides a strong and easy grip to the users.

Pros

  • Multicoated optics
  • Larger central focusing knob for smooth operation
  • Compact rubber coated design for easy grip
  • Bak4 high index Prisms
  • Click-type diopter adjustment ring for precise settings
Nikon Travelite 12x25mm Black Binoculars
  • Multicoated, Eco-Glass optics made without lead and arsenic reduce glare and improve light transmission, color rendition and contrast
  • BaK4 high index prisms for extra-high resolution images
  • Compact 25mm diameter objective lenses help to maintain a small form factor for easier handling and packing
  • Aspherical lens design minimizes field curvature, especially at the edges, and enhances sharpness
  • Durable and protective, rubber-armored coating

Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10×42 Binocular

The USP of the MONARCH 7 series under the Nikon banner is its exemplary optical system, that provides seamless images. Like other MONARCH devices, this device is also built with Nikon’s premium ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass and proprietary lens and prism coatings to enhance the viewing experience of the users. The device offers a wide field of view to cover maximum area of view, close-focus capability, and comfortable eye relief.

Pros

  • Wide field of view to find the subject of view with ease.
  • Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings that provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.
  • Durable rubber-armored coating to provide comfortable grip and durability.
Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10x42 Binocular (Black)
  • The MONARCH 7 10x42 provides an exceptionally wide field of view that makes it easy to find your subject.
  • Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings are applied to all lenses and prism coatings to provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.
  • Thanks to a durable rubber armored coating, the MONARCH 7 is comfortable to hold and rugged enough to stand up to any conditions.
  • Size (Length x Width) 5.6 x 5.1 inches

Nikon 8-24×25 Compact Zoom Binocular

The Nikon 8-24×25 ACULON zoom binocular is a portable, pocket-sized binocular. Made with all exemplary optical features, the compact zoom binoculars is certainly the best choice for binoculars for all purposes. Made with high index BaK4 prisms and bright, multicoated optics with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds, the device strives to provide the best anti-reflection images. The image quality is at par both in terms of brightness and contrast. It features a 25mm objective diameter with a 3-time zoom capability allowing users to zoom to 24-power for a close-in view and to direct maximum light from the surroundings to the lenses for brighter images

A centrally located zoom control lever enables the user to change magnification power and the focusing with an easy to use button at their finger-tips.

Pros

  • Multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds is placed on all lenses that provide a superior quality of images.
  • BaK4 high index prisms that provide extra high resolution to the images.
  • Central focus knob to alter the magnifying power and focusing of the lenses at one click.
  • Waterproof and fog proof
  • Durable
Sale
Nikon Aculon T11 8-24x25mm Zoom Binoculars, Black
  • 8-24x Zoom Range
  • BaK4 High Index Prisms
  • Smooth Central Focus Knob
  • Multicoated optics for supreme brightness
  • Porro Prism System assures image reproduction is essentially the same as when viewed with the naked eye

Nikon 7245 Action 10×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular

The Nikon Action Extreme binocular with a Porro prism has all attributes of a waterproof and fog proof binocular. The Porro prism technology makes the binocular adaptable to all conditions and hence can be used without fear under all conditions. Made with Nikon’s Eco-Glass lenses and prism systems, the binocular delivers images of high-quality. The glass used is lighter in weight, therefore, make the overall body feather weighted.

Pros

  • Rugged waterproof, fog proof construction
  • Multicoated optics for brighter and glare-free images
  • Long Eye relief for eyeglass wearers
  • Large objective lens and better focusing and magnifying power.
Nikon 7245 Action 10x50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
  • Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof performance
  • All-metal chassis in lightweight polycarbonate shell
  • Rubber-coated body for firm, non-slip grip
  • Magnification: 10x
  • Objective lens: 50mm

Nikon 16030 Prostaff 3S Roof Prism Waterproof Binocular, 8×42

The PROSTAFF 3S 8×42 binocular-like others in its categories provide best viewing experience because of its exceptional features. With bright, multicoated optics, wide field of view, long eye relief, and waterproof/fogproof performance, the device covers all possible needs of a perfect binocular. The light-weight and compact design of the binocular despite of its rugged exterior make it even more desirable for all seekers.

Pros

  • Compact Roof Prism optical path
  • Multi-coated optics that improve light transmission across the entire visible spectrum producing reflection free images
  • High-reflectivity silver-alloy Prism coatings that reduce internal diffraction for improved light transmission and hence improved quality of images
  • Highly durable
Nikon 16002 PROSTAFF 7S 8x42 Inches All-Terrain Binocular (Black)
  • Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, two things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you both, thanks to Fully Multilayer Coated lenses and Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms
  • Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to adjust the space between their eye and the binocular's eyepiece, ensuring a full field of view
  • The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also protects the binocular in case it is dropped or handled roughly

Nikon 8218 Trailblazer 10X25 Hunting Binoculars

The Nikon Trailblazer Binocular 10×25, are waterproof and fog proof.  Compact in design, the Trailblazer binocular has a sleek, lightweight body in unison with lead-and arsenic-free Eco-Glass optics. These optics provide crisp and sharp images with maximum brightness and color reproduction. The outer rubber coating provides a comfortable grip and strength to the binocular. A crisp and sharp viewing is offered by the multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds. The device uses a large objective lens to gather light from the surrounding areas and direct them to the converging lens ensuring that the image produced is sufficiently bright.

The device has a sufficiently wide field of view enabling the viewers to view a large frame at a time. This feature in addition to the magnifying power of the lenses makes the Trailblazer a perfect pair for spotting subject clearly and hence the name, ‘Hunting Binoculars.’

Pros

  • Compact, Rugged, Waterproof and Fog proof design enabling it to be used under all weather conditions
  • Eco-glass Lenses and Prisms
  • Multicoated lenses to provide glare-free images
  • Durable and light weighted body design
Nikon Trailblazer 10x25 ATB Waterproof Black Binoculars
  • Lead- and Arsenic-Free Eco-Glass
  • High-Index BAK4 Roof Prisms for extra-high resolution images
  • Fully multi-coated optics maximize light transmission for brighter views and improved color fidelity and contrast
  • Nitrogen Filled, Water and Fogproof
  • Rubber Armored Body

Other Best Selling Options

Bestseller No. 1
Nikon 8252 ACULON A211 10-22x50 Zoom Binocular (Black)
  • Aculon A211 10 22x50 zoom binoculars are designed to be as light as possible along with excellent ergonomics
  • Easy to reach fingertip zoom control knob allows for quick and easy adjustment of the binoculars magnification from 10 up to 22 power. Interpupillary distance adjustment (millimeter) - 56-72
  • Turn and slide rubber eyecups allow for comfortable viewing during extended periods of use; Minimum focus distance 49.2 feet / 15 meter
  • Multicoated eco glass lenses deliver a bright and clear image in most lighting conditions; Field of view @ 1000 meter (meter/feet) 66/199; Apparent field of view (°) 36.7; Real field of view (°) 3.8
  • A durable rubber armored coating ensures a non slip grip, even in wet conditions; Exit pupil is 2.3 - 5 millimeter
Bestseller No. 2
Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10x42
  • Multilayer-coated kenses for brighter images
  • High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coatings for a bright and clear view
  • Turn-and-slide rubber multi-click eyecups
  • Water Proof and Fogproof
Bestseller No. 3
Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 10X42 TRUETIMBER KANATI CAMO
  • Fully Multicoated lenses and prisms
  • Turn and Slide rubber multi click eyecups
  • Phase Correction coated roof prisms for high resolution
  • High reflection mirror coated prisms for bright images
  • Rubber Armored for shock resistance and a firm, comfortable grip
SaleBestseller No. 4
Nikon 7577 MONARCH 5 10x42 Binocular (Black)
  • All Monarch 5 binoculars are now built with Nikon's premium ED (Extra-low dispersion); Glass for a sharper, clearer and more brilliant field of view.
  • Almost an ounce lighter than its predecessor, the new Monarch 5 is even easier to bring along on your next adventure.
  • Fully multicoated eco-glass lenses provide a high light transmittance across the entire visible light spectrum. Apparent FOV: 51.3°
  • It is equipped with user-friendly features such as turn-and-slide rubber eyecups, a smooth central focus knob and flip down lens caps.
  • Built for extreme use, the Monarch 5 is waterproof, fog proof and has a rubber armored body for strengthened durability.
Bestseller No. 5
Nikon Aculon A211 10-22x50 Binoculars Black (8252) Bundle with a Tripod Adapter, Nikon Lens Pen, and Lumintrail Cleaning Cloth
  • Multicoated Lenses: 10-22x magnification the eco-glass, Bak4 Porro Prism lenses deliver bright and clear images in most lighting conditions
  • Ergonomic Binocular Design: These binoculars are lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended periods of time, great for bird watching, hunting, outdoor, sports, and more
  • Smooth Focus: Easy-to-reach Fingertip Zoom Control Knob allows for quick and easy adjustment of the binoculars' magnification from 10 up to 22-power in addition to a central focus knob
  • Design: Rubber-armored coating ensures a non-slip grip, even in wet conditions while the turn-and-slide multi-click rubber eyecups allow users to adjust the eye relief for a custom fit
  • What You Get: Aculon A211 10-22x50, Case, Lens Caps, Strap, Tripod Adapter, Nikon Lens Pen, and a Lumintrail Micro-Fiber Cleaning Cloth

Nikon Binoculars Buyer’s Guide

Binoculars are a set of devices designed for the purpose of giving a long sight to the viewers, i.e. to enable them to view a distant object without going near to that.

For such powerful devices to function well, there are certain parameters that need to be well crafted and looked upon for these parameters make and break a device. The better these parameters are, the stronger is the device functioning and hence better is its performance and acceptability.

Magnification

The major purpose of a binocular is to magnify distant objects so much so that a vivid image is visible to the viewers. This means that a pair of binoculars should have a sufficiently high magnifying power. Technically, the magnifying power of a binocular means at what distance the image appears in contrast to the original object. For example, if a bird at a distance of 1000 meters is viewed using a lens of 10x magnifying power, the bird would appear to be at a distance of 100 meters to the viewer’s eyes.

However, the amount of magnification provided by a binocular directly affects the brightness of the image. The more magnified an image, the less bright it is. Therefore, it is important to strike an optimal balance between the two to attain a crisp image of the object.

Field of view

Field of view can be defined as a the area of scene visible from the objective lens of a binocular set. The perspective of the unit is always directly proportional to the field of view. Thus, a wide filed of view makes for a wider perspective. This, in turn, makes locating the objects through the lenses of the unit a simpler task as a larger region can be viewed than normal.

The only downside of the a wide field of view is that the focus and clarity of the objects being viewed are reduces with the increasing value of field of view. The reason for this is that the magnification power of a binocular reduces with increasing field of view. So, it is vital that the sets are designed such that they maintain a balance between the two.

Objective Lens Size

The lenses present at the end opposite to the eyepiece are known as objective lenses. Objective lenses control the amount of light entering the binoculars and consequently, control its range of use. The larger the objective lens, the more is the amount of light entering from its surroundings, subsequently providing a better and brighter processed image. Binoculars having large objective lens are usually used in surroundings having low light, so as to allow better vision. The size of the objective matters a lot, as it not only controls the vision of the binoculars but also affects the overall size of the set in a proportionate manner. A larger objective lens makes for a larger size of the set.

Every set of binoculars include the name of the objective lens used for it in its name, with its measurement specified in millimeters. Generally, the most efficient binoculars have an objective lens in the range of 30mm to 50mm as this range is most commonly used and efficiently serves the most purpose.

Size and Weight

A binocular set’s size and weight play a very significant role and thus, is considered important for in-land units. The weight of the set should be designed in such a way that it can be carried long distances easily, especially as it is used mainly on field adventures. Along with this, the binocular set must be designed keeping in mind its balance. A binocular cannot be judged for its balance without it being used properly. A binocular unit can only be said to be well-balanced, if it causes minimum stress on arms, wrists and elbows, thereby requiring minimum efforts during its usage while viewing.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is another factor that can only be judged after using the binocular set. Eye relief can be defined as the distance between the lenses of the unit, such that the image being viewed is in focus. Often, goggles or glasses come in between the eyes and the ocular lenses. This is the reason why eye relief for longer time periods is required, so that the processed image comes out to be focused and no hindrance is felt during the viewing process. For unobstructed vision, binoculars with an eye relief of 15mm or 16mm is recommended. Also, large values of eye reliefs negatively affect the field of view, and thus, it is integral that balance between eye relief and field of view need is maintained.

Waterproofing

Since binoculars are essentially an outdoor device, it is important that they are waterproofed to a certain degree. Waterproofing ensures that the internal delicate optical parts do not get damaged by water retention and hence the performance of the binocular remains unhindered.

Conclusion

For past 100 years now, Nikon Corporation has been taking a lead in the world of optics with its flamboyantly well-crafted designs to suit the needs of all suitors. The experience of working in this direction has added much to the knowledge of the company making its flag fly high in the sky.


Flashlight
Mike Gardner
Author

Mike is an explorer and fan of outdoor pursuits such as bird watching, hiking & camping. He is our main editor and product reviewer here at Today's Cacher. Contact mike@todayscacher.com