By Robin Owens 24 days ago, Binoculars
Popular and recently released Nikon binoculars.
Today, Nikon is well-known thanks to the quality of its binoculars and cameras. You can always find a product for every taste and budget. If you can’t choose good Nikon binoculars, we will help you make a choice.
Here you will find a list of the best binoculars that I compiled after thorough testing. There is a lot of information about each Nikon binocular including price, usage options, features, advantages and drawbacks. After reading these reviews, you will find a model that suits your needs best.
Magnification: 12x | Objective diameter: 42mm | Field of view at 1000m: 55.3 ft | Closest focusing distance: 7.8 ft | Eye relief: 15.1mm | Weight: 21.6 oz
⊕ 12x magnification
⊕ Excellent image quality
⊕ Great color transmission
⊕ Poor-light performance
⊖ Limited FOV
⊖ Edge distortion
The price of this product is very attractive, just as its specs. The Nikon Monarch 5 12×42 is one of the best models released by this company, so it’s worth being considered.
This product has great durability and pretty good magnifying power. Of course, the 12x magnification of this pair of compact Nikon binoculars is not suitable for professionals, but the key advantage is that the product works well in poor lighting.
All in all, the Monarch 5 12×42 is good for those who like to observe nature and small animals. The model is perfect for those who do not want to spend a lot of money.
Magnification: 16x | Objective diameter: 50mm | Field of view at 1000m: 220/ft | Closest focusing distance:29 ft | Eye relief: 12.6mm | Weight: 32.6 oz
⊕ Good picture sharpness
⊕ Tripod adapter added
⊕ Lightweight and easy to handle
⊕ Accessible price
⊖ Small package
⊖ The case is too big
For most users, the design of the Nikon Aculon A211 16x50 binoculars is quite convenient. If you need to buy a budget option with all the modern features, it is a good choice. The Aculon A211 16x50 binoculars with a 50mm lens have good focus sharpness. The body of this model is made of safe natural materials. This product is suitable for different conditions. Another advantage is that you get a free adapter.
Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 42mm | Field of view at 1000m: 320 ft | Closest focusing distance: 10 ft | Eye relief: 15.5mm | Weight: 30.9 oz
⊕ Solidly built, lightweight
⊕ ED-glass
⊖ The rubber armor is difficult to clean
The Nikon LaserForce 10×42 binoculars operate at a distance of up to 1900 yards. Thanks to Incline/Decline technology, this Nikon waterproof binocular has angle compensation. This helps if you need to observe a subject at an angle of up to 89 degrees. It’s also easy to adjust the brightness of the red OLED display. You can use different metric systems to measure distance.
To avoid overloading the battery, this pair of the best Nikon binoculars features an automatic switching option. In terms of optics, the ultra-low dispersion glass together with Nikon’s full multi-coating provide clear and precise images.
Thanks to the lead-free and arsenic-free glass, this option is pretty lightweight and environment-friendly. A small flaw is that the armor is made of rubber, which makes it is very difficult to clean. You have to be careful not to get the lenses dirty.
Magnification: 8x | Objective diameter: 42mm | Field of view at 1000m: 435 ft | Closest focusing distance: 8 ft | Eye relief: 17.8mm | Weight: 23.5 oz
⊕ Seamless design
⊕ 10x magnification
⊕ Smooth focus wheel
⊖ Poor visibility of sharp edges
⊖ Too long eye relief
Given the fact that the eye relief is very long, you should hold these binoculars farther away from your face to prevent eye strain.
Unlike other pairs of Nikon small binoculars, the Monarch HG comes with unique specifications. Different from its competitors, it boasts a great design and edgy technology.
Its multicoated lenses and prisms are made of Eco-Glass, which is one of the best options for optics. The BaK4 Porro prism system presents high-quality images in a wide range of lighting conditions. This allows you to use this model for hunting, birdwatching or sports events.
It’s one of the best pairs of Nikon binoculars that cost about $1000. Of course, there are more professional options available, but their price is also higher. If the price suits you and you are ready to accept its drawbacks, then it might be a good option to consider.
Magnification: 8x | Objective diameter: 30mm | Field of view at 1000m: 435 ft | Closest focusing distance: 7.8 ft | Eye relief: 15.1mm | Weight: 15.3 oz.
⊕ Outstanding optical characteristics
⊕ Portable
⊕ Build quality
⊖ May be too small for some users
What makes the Nikon Monarch 78 x30 different from earlier versions is its compact and lightweight body. If you are looking for cheap Nikon binoculars with a decent field of view, you will be pleased that this model has a wider viewing angle. The glass lenses were made with the help of ultra-low dispersion technology.
The Nikon Monarch will help you take sharper pictures. It’s a compact, durable and efficient model. If you’re looking for Nikon action binoculars with a solid build, take a look at this option.
Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 42mm | Field of view at 1000m: 367 ft | Closest focusing distance: 9.8 ft | Eye relief: 15.7mm | Weight: 575g
⊕ Portable
⊕ Suitable for glasses wearers
⊕ A wide field of view
⊖ No phase-correction coatings
⊖ No tripod mount
The Nikon Prostaff 3S has all the latest features, so you should pay attention to it if you’re interested in a good shot. This pair of the best Nikon binoculars has a solid build and is quite portable. While they come without any advanced features, they are quite simple to use, especially for beginners.
Magnification: 8x | Objective diameter: 42mm | Field of view at 1000m: 330 ft | Closest focusing distance: 8.2 ft | Eye relief: 19.6mm | Weight: 21.5oz
⊕ Rubber texture on the outside
⊕ Intuitive focus knob
⊕ Roof prisms system features a dielectric coating
⊖ Magnification value could be higher
If you look through the pros and cons I have outlined, you will notice that the model’s benefits outweigh its drawbacks. Therefore, you won’t find a lot of negative Nikon binocular reviews on the 7297 Monarch ATB 8×42. For the price, you will be getting more than you can expect.
However, these binoculars are suitable mainly for observing birds, sports events, car races, hunting and practically any other activity connected with dynamic subjects.
In case you are going to observe motionless subjects, the Monarch 10×42 will be the best Nikon binoculars for you. They may also serve as a wonderful present for amateur binocular users who will need such a device outside.
Beginning bird watchers will appreciate this model as well. It is a go-to option for those who are on a tight budget but wish for qualitative binoculars. When you are ready to step up the game, you can invest in more performant Nikon Monarch bins.
Magnification: 20x | Objective diameter: 56mm | Field of view at 1000m: 173ft | Closest focusing distance: 16.4 ft | Eye relief: 16.4mm | Weight: 43.6 ozg
⊕ Ideal for all sorts of weather conditions
⊕ Sturdy and fog-resistant
⊕ Ability to spot a subject at a distance with glasses
⊖ Insufficient sharpness of the produced picture
⊖ Occasional chromatic aberrations
The Nikon 7582 Monarch 20x56 boasts incredibly low dispersion glass, as well as an entirely multicoated eco-glass lens. The model produces a true-to-life, detailed and vivid picture.
Besides, these Nikon lightweight binoculars are supplied with turn-and-slide rubber eyecups and long eye relief. Thus, the bins won’t bring you any inconvenience.
Magnification: 10x | Objective diameter: 50mm | Field of view at 1000m: 341 ft | Closest focusing distance: 23 ft | Eye relief: 17.2mm | Weight: 36g
⊕ Water-resistant
⊕ Fog-resistant
⊕ 25-year warranty
⊖ Rather bulky and heavyweight
⊖ May be inconvenient due to the weight
The Monarch ATB 42mm pleases users with dielectric high-reflective Multilayer Prism coating, enhanced performance in poor light, sufficient brightness, sharpness, clarity and color saturation. The model’s body is made as sturdier as ever. For extra reliability, these Nikon waterproof binoculars incorporate rubber armor and a strong grip. Being fog-resistant as well, the bins will handle even the roughest situations. You will see three variations of this model: 8x42, 10x42 and 12x42. Besides, it is present in team Realtree models with the Realtree APG HD camouflage pattern. The company offers a 25-year limited warranty and no-fault repair/replacement policy.
The price/quality ratio is truly remarkable – you will get top-grade binoculars at a price of approximately $180. Still, I wouldn’t call it a very beneficial investment since, according to the Nikon binoculars review, the model causes inconvenience. These bins weigh a lot, so if you don’t have a tripod and don’t want to purchase it yet, you should pay attention to a different model. For instance, opt for Nikon 7245 Action Ex Extremes or binoculars with a smaller objective lens.
| Image | Name | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Nikon Monarch 5
Our Choice |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Nikon 8250 Aculon
Budget |
CHECK PRICE → | |
 |
Nikon Laserforce Rangefinder
Tactical |
CHECK PRICE → |
Now that you have examined this review of the best Nikon binoculars, you may still be wondering which model to settle for. You may not notice much difference between them although their feature sets are quite one-of-a-kind. Read on for more detailed info.
It is especially relevant to have compact Nikon binoculars if you are going hiking. The bins that you will be using from home or from the car can be on a heavier side. Despite the better magnification, such models may be bulky and inconvenient to bring around. The bins that I have covered in this review weigh from several ounces up to 2.5 pounds.
It is possible to get a decent Nikon binocular that costs no more than $100. In case you can afford to spend more, consider investing in a more high-end model with additional capabilities.
The magnification level and the lens diameter are the most significant characteristics of binoculars. These values are found on top of the bins specified in the form of magnification x diameter. An acceptable magnification level is 10 times. However, if you are interested in observing subjects at a far distance, stick to the magnification that is close to 20 times.
The diameter value indicates the width of the objective lenses. It is measured in millimeters and identifies the amount of light that is able to get into the binoculars. For the purposes of observing stars or any other activity in poor light, I suggest binoculars with wider lenses of approximately 42mm. For the use of bins in daylight, you may need Nikon small binoculars with small lenses of approximately 25mm.
One more important parameter is the close focus distance. It specifies the minimum distance at which the binoculars are capable of focusing. For the magnification of closer subjects, pick the model that focuses at under 10 feet. Speaking of the long-distance bins, a considerably higher minimum focus distance will do.
The lens glass of the highest quality is BAK-4. It is high-density and doesn’t cause much distortion, especially around the edges and in poor light.
Lens coatings influence the clarity of view through the binoculars. Top-grade binoculars boast multi-coated lenses with the special treatment carried out in order to avoid chromatic aberrations, glare and all sorts of distortions. The lenses of each model from Nikon are multi-coated.
According to Nikon binoculars comparison, most of them are supplied with an array of accessories, for instance, neck-straps, lens covers and carrying cases. More premium bins please users with extra protection in the form of caps for the eyepiece and objective lenses.
Nikon binoculars are praised for reliable, waterproof rubber coating that is slip-resistant as well. Premium models boast extra weather protection, namely fog- and water-resistance, interiors filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings. Thus, the bins won’t be fogging up within.
A considerable lifetime warranty protects all Nikon binoculars. It features coverage of each component of the optical system, which will be repaired or replaced for free by the company. Non-optical components are covered by a seven-year warranty. Mind that the warranties can’t be transferred. So, in case the bins you bought are used, the warranty may be absent.
Yes. They are fog-, rain- and weather- resistant. The majority of Nikon bins are dust-proof as well and are practically unbreakable. In case of malfunction or damage, the binoculars are protected by the warranty, and it will not be the users' fault.
If you need binoculars for regular use, not for a certain activity, the recommended magnification values are from 7x to 10x. In most cases, these values will cope with the task and won't lead to destabilization due to the slight hand movement. The binocular's specifications are represented by two numbers, for instance, 7 x 35 or 10 x 50.
A normal price range for qualitative binoculars is from $100 to $500. Models from such brands as Swarovski, Zeiss, Nikon, etc. are more expensive. Prices for them can reach $3000 and you may start wondering what exactly you pay such big money for.
Typically, the prices for decent models may range from $100 to $500. But if you are willing to invest more, pay attention to premium binoculars from Nikon, Zeiss, Swarovski and others.
