Opinions wanted on Nikon binoculars

[MaterDei]

I'm looking to buy some binoculars for my wife. I'm considering a Nikon pair and was wondering whether any of you had any experience with that brand. I've always been a big fan of the quality of their cameras and was wondering whether the optics and durability that I've experienced on the camera side translate to their binos.

They also have a very strong no fault warranty.

Thanks.

 

[bean357]

Not sure if you are looking or something more compact or in a full size...My husband and I both have a pair of the Nikon 12x50 5.5 Fieldmaster binoculars. Love 'em!! They are pretty much the only ones we use. If something happened to these, I'd buy another.

 

[HankB]

Nikon seems to have different quality levels for their binoculars. The cheap compacts in particular are trash - I've seen more than one pair in which the cemented doublets inside were de-laminating.

So don't buy the "bottom of the line" stuff, even if the label says Nikon.

 

[dakotasin]

nikon makes decent binos for the money.

don't rule out pentax or the bushnell legends (surprisingly) until you at least have a look.

my nikon bino's are pretty decent glass quality, but are heavy and bulky. my nikon spotter is probably as good as it gets for the money.

if i were to make these purchases again, i would not get the nikon binos, but i would get the nikon spotter again.

 

[Nontypical]

I agree w/ the opinions expressed thus far...
Nikon has a huge line... all the way from cheap to the LX L's which rival the best in the world

which part of the line are you looking at?

basically, if you spend >200 on binos these days, you're going to get a pretty good pair (assuming you're getting a decent deal)

beyond that, they get better but it becomes diminishing returns in optical quality and ergonomics for you is always important

 

[Bwana John]

Ive got a pair of waterproof, armored, 8 X 23 Mountaineers. Ive had them for ~ 10 years and really like them.

 

[halvey]

if i were to make these purchases again, i would not get the nikon binos, but i would get the nikon spotter again.

dakotasin,
What spotter did you get? I was looking for something for range use out to 300 yards.

 

[kimbernut]

Nikon Binoculars

"Nikon seems to have different quality levels for their binoculars."

As do all of the lower price range glass I have looked at.

"basically, if you spend >200 on binos these days, you're going to get a pretty good pair (assuming you're getting a decent deal)"

BINGO! for Nikon,Bushnell,Weaver,Leupold,Burris,etc.(good name brands)

Don't expect the quality of Zeiss,Leica,or Swarovski but the above are all great for the amount spent.

Halvey- don't overlook the Burris 15-45 x60 Spotter can't be beat for the money!

 

[rexelbion]

I think Burris products are the best quality for the money

 

[MDHunter]

What/How Far Will You Be Glassing?

MaterDei,

What will your wife use these for?

I have a pair of 10x42 Nikon Monarch ATBs, paid $289 new for them - use them in Alaska to hunt moose and caribou, where you're glassing pretty much all day. I found them clear and sharp, and was comfortable (no excessive eye-strain) despite glassing for several hours at a time. They are also 25 ounces, alittle lighter than some of the other binos around the $300 range.

I also have a pair of Bushnell Legends in 8x42 that I used in Alasks the two previous years, they also worked very well and had good clarity, but were a little heavier (32 ounces). These work much better back in Maryland where I live, the 10 powers are a little too much in the woods where I hunt deer.

I really like the Nikon ATBs, but if you're gonna use them in woods consider buying the 8x42 rather than the 10x42. Just my two cents.

Michael

 

[LHB1]

Hi MaterDei,
I'm a birder (birdwatcher to others) as well as a shooter and binoculars are a passion with me. Nikon binos range from trash to outstanding. At 300 (street price, NOT list price) quality becomes pretty decent. At 500 quality gets better. Top of the line in my opinion are the Nikon Superior E binos in 10x40 and 8x30. These are truly outstanding binos, as good optically as my favorite Leicas. For absolute top quality optics and construction, would suggest Leica 8x30 binos for your wife and 10x42 for you.

Good shooting/watching and be safe.
LB

 

[secluded]

I've had a pair of Nikon Elites for a few years that I'm very satisfied with.

 

[Richard.Howe]

My Nikon 8-power ATBs are all you could ever ask for in a sub-$1000 set of glass. And I got mine free!