Are Nikon Binoculars Worth the Money?
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Nikon is a Japanese quality. Though Nikon history starts in 1917 it was introduced to the world in 1988.
Nikon now is the name of quality and Nikon products speak for the themselves.
There are over 10 types of binoculars and each type is unique due to its features.
Nikon is a leading manufacturer of different optical devices, such as cameras, rifle scopes, camera lenses, binoculars and more.
Though Nikon name stands for quality it doesn’t mean Nikon is the best optical company in the world.
When it comes to cameras, yes, it’s one of the best in the world. When it comes to binoculars, it’s among good brands, such as Vortex, Carson, Leupold and the like.
If you ask me: Are Nikon Binoculars Worth the Money? My answer will be YES. But it depends a few factors, such as type of binoculars.
Like all other popular brands, Nikon can’t be classified as one type of optical instrument. Nikon binoculars are different.
Your budget will determine what type of binoculars you will finally get.
As I said, there are over 10 types of binoculars and you can choose one that suites your purpose of use.
If you want to read my full review of Nikon binoculars read it here.
In short post I will do my best to help you understand which type of Nikon binoculars exactly you need without reading the whole review.
Type of Nikon Binoculars
Nikon binoculars are different. Here is the list of Nikon binoculars depending on the quality of optics:
– Nikon Cheap class binoculars
– Nikon Medium Class Binoculars
– Nikon High Class Binoculars
– Nikon Premium Class Binoculars
– Cheap class binoculars range from $69 to $179
– Medium class binoculars range from $129 to $219
– High class binoculars range from $259 to $1,199
– Premium class binoculars range from $849 to $2,142
Cheap Class Nikon Binoculars
The first group of Nikon binoculars is a cheap class designed for ordinary people wanting to get their first binocular at an affordable price.
Such people don’t have too much money to spend and any decent quality optical instrument will satisfy they needs.
Nikon offers mainly 4 types of cheap class binoculars.
– Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars: $69-$79
– Nikon Aculon Binoculars: $69-$179
– Nikon Travelite Binoculars: $99-$119
– Nikon PROSTAFF 3S Binoculars: $119-$129
Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars is the cheapest type of Nikon binoculars that has BAK-4 prism. Generally speaking, BAK-4 stands for quality optics.
Though the price of this group is cheap, Nikon uses good prism that delivers good image quality.
Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars have excellent modern design and have compact design. They are convenient for stadiums, hiking, traveling, nature observations.
Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars have small size exit pupils which is not so comfortable when looking through binoculars.
But still Trailblazer has compact design and is preferred by many people wanting lightweight optical devices.
Nikon Aculon also has BAK-4 prism and porro prism thanks to which it delivers 3 dimensional image, a little different from roof prism binoculars.
Image quality is moderately good, but not excellent. You can notice the difference only if compare it with more expensive high class binoculars.
Otherwise you will not see the difference. It’s not lightweight because of porro prism and may not be convenient for hunters or bird watchers.
Nikon Travelite and PROSTAFF 3S are compact, lightweight binoculars with modern design and BAK-4 prism.
These optical instruments are suitable for hunters, travelers and nature observations thanks to advanced features, such as protection from internal fogging, water penetration.
Travelite binoculars are designed for stadiums and travelers due to compact design while PROSTRAFF 3S are more suitable for hunters.
Optics quality: 3.5 out of 5
Best for: Beginners, Travelers, Hunters, Sporting events
Medium Class Nikon Binoculars
Second group of Nikon binoculars is a medium class designed for those wanting to get more advanced optical instrument at an affordable price.
– Nikon Action Extreme Binoculars: $129-$219
– Nikon PROSTAFF 5 Binoculars: $199-$219
– Nikon PROSTAFF 7S Binoculars: $189-$219
This group of Nikon binoculars is designed for professional who are ready to pay for an optical instrument with some advanced features.
They are a little more expensive than cheap class but still the price is pretty affordable.
Action Extreme is more advanced version of Nikon Aculon binoculars. Most modern binoculars are roof while Action extreme is still porro and for a reason.
If you want an excellent 3 dimensional image, Action extreme is an ideal choice.
Action Extreme is suitable for terrestrial observations, travelers, hunters thanks to BAK-4 prism, waterproof and fog proof features.
PROSTAFF 5 and PROSTAFF 7S are multipurpose binoculars suitable for different groups of people.
They are suitable for hunting, nature observation, safaris, general use and even for general astronomical observations.
Optics quality: 4 out of 5
Best for: Hunters, Travelers, Amateurs of Optics
High Class Nikon Binoculars
Third group of Nikon binoculars is a high class designed for professionals wanting to get a professional optical instrument and are ready to pay for it.
– Nikon MONARCH 5 Binoculars: $259-$899
– Nikon MONARCH 7 Binoculars: $349-$469
– Nikon LaserForce Binoculars: $1,196
All binoculars in this category are high-end optical instruments designed both for those wanting to get professional optics.
Some binoculars in this class have BAK-4 prism in combination with excellent optics and dielectric high reflective multilayer coatings and phase correction.
This allows you to enjoy excellent quality optical instruments.
Some MONARCH binoculars have ED Glass which gives you an exceptional image quality and fantastic user experience.
Some MONARCH binoculars can be classified as astronomical optical instruments.
They are pretty expensive but worth the money you pay for such high-end binoculars.
You will really enjoy when holding in your hand Nikon MONARCH class optical instruments.
Optics quality: 4.8 out of 5
Best for: Bird watchers, hunters, amateurs of high-end optics
Premium Class Nikon Binoculars
Nikon premium class binoculars is the last and the highest class optical instruments designed for professionals willing to buy only high-end optics.
There are two types of Nikon Premium class binoculars, such as:
– MONARCH HG Binoculars: $849-$899
– Nikon EDG Binoculars: $2,142
As you can see, in this category you won’t find cheap binoculars.
These binoculars have all advanced features, such as ED glass, all types of coatings to ensure the best image quality possible.
Optics quality: 5 out of 5
Best for: Bird watchers, hunters, amateurs of high-end optics
Are Nikon Binoculars Worth the Money?
Nikon binoculars are very different and it becomes from this post.
If you can’t afford expensive optical instrument you can choose one that is affordable for you.
If you want high-end optical instrument, Nikon has it for you.
Nikon is not the best brand in the world, but among Nikon binoculars you can find optical instrument of any class, from cheap class ($69) to premium class ($2,142).
Are Nikon binoculars worth the money? Yes, It is definitely worth the money.
About the Author: Adam
We review and recommend quality binoculars so you don't waste your money on useless ones. 
Hi Adam .. again :)!
I just received my first binocular and it’s Nikon action 10×50 prior to advice and possibilities that you suggested to me (my first lookabout whose 12 and 16×50 but that’s probably every beginners fascination with magnification.
Do you agree with my choice?
Just to say that my friend both it for me via Amazon in USA with additional gear (cleansing pen and better cleansing cloth) for 185$. In Europe for EU and non EU countries (such as Serbia) is around 300$ so I think that i had a good deal.
Can’t wait to try it tomorrow!
Thanks allot ?
Hello Marko!
Yes, I agree with your choice. In my opinion, magnification 10x is the most optimal one in terms of magnification power, field of view and ease of use. Anything above that like magnification 12x, 15x, 20x, 25x are bulky and not so easy to use without tripod. Plus, field of view becomes narrower. It’s not surprise that 10x binoculars are the most selling optical instruments. My congrats on your purchase!