Top 11 Nikon Binoculars to Choose and Why

 

It’s not a secret that Nikon is one of the leading manufacturers of high-quality optical devices suitable for various activities, such as star gazing, hunting, sport events, bird watching, terrestrial observations, general observations.

Nikon is specialized not only in the production of binoculars but also cameras, enlargers, digital SLR cameras, lenses, rifle scopes. Nikon is different from brands, such as Leica or Maven, Swarovski, Meopta, Zeiss.

Those brands are expensive and most of their optical devices are not affordable for most users. Nikon is different and has different types of binoculars, cheap, medium and high class and everyone can choose what fits their budget.

In this guide I will show only best Nikon binoculars and I will explain why I think they are the best optical devices in my opinion.

Because Nikon offers more than 10 types of binoculars and each group includes more than 6 types of binoculars which means there are totally around 60 types of Nikon binoculars available for your choice.

That’s why I decided to focus on the most popular models and make my top list of Nikon binoculars with description and explanation why I think my list will make your choice much easier.

Let’s first start with the cheap class binoculars that will be suitable for most people. My list will include both porro and roof prism binoculars because each type has its own advantages and disadvantages depending on the purpose of your choice.

Nikon Aculon is the first in my group of cheap class binoculars. There are totally 9 types of binoculars in this group but I will choose only 3 types of binoculars:

 

 

Nikon Aculon Binoculars

• Nikon Aculon 10×25
• Nikon Aculon 10×42
• Nikon Aculon 16×50

 

1.

Nikon ACULON A30 10X25

– Wide field of view 5°
– Magnification power 10x
– Eye relief 10.6mm
– Weight 274g
– Prism type: BAK-4 prism/Eco-glass

– Relative brightness 6.3
– Customer satisfaction: 87%
– Price: $64.95

 

 

 

Nikon Aculon 10×25 is super compact optical device suitable for quick short-time observations. It has BAK-4 glass and multi-coated optics.

Magnification 10 is the most popular and usable among users. Very lightweight and can be used almost everywhere.

The price is very affordable and quality of the device is good.

The only disadvantage is that the size of objective lens is 25mm which means image is not as bright as in binoculars with objective lens 42 or 50mm.

Plus, exit pupil size is only 2.4mm which doesn’t fit well adult human’s eye. This type of optical device is for short viewing sessions.

You can’t use for long time observations. The advantage of this optical device is being super compact and lightweight. You can use it even with one hand.

 

Nikon Aculon 10×25 Pros

• Lightweight
• Compact
• Affordable price
• Can be used with one hand

 

Nikon Aculon 10×25 Cons

• Not waterproof
• Lens cups not included
• Image is not as bright as in full-size binoculars
• Not suitable for long viewing sessions

 

 

2.

Nikon Aculon A211 10×42 Binoculars

– Wide field of view 6°
– Magnification power 10x
– Eye relief 11.6mm
– Weight 759g
– Prism type: Porro with Eco-Glass Lenses

– Bak-4 glass
– 92% Customer satisfaction

– Relative brightness 17.6
– Price: $89.97

 

Nikon Aculon 10×42 is moderately compact binoculars suitable for multiple types of activities.

Bak-4 glass with multi-coated lenses gives excellent image quality and this type of optical device can be used for various types of activities and observations.

It’s moderately lightweight and can be used without a tripod. Magnification 10 gives you enough power to observe both close and distant objects.

It’s considered full-size device with objective lens 42mm and delivers bright and crystal-clear image.

The advantage of this device is that it has porro prism which gives you good depth of view when looking through binoculars.

The price is affordable which makes this binocular well-balanced in terms of price and quality.

 

Nikon Aculon 10×42 Pros

• Affordable price
• Good depth of view
• Multi-purpose device

 

Nikon Aculon 10×42 Cons

• Not waterproof

 

 

3.

Nikon Aculon 16×50 binoculars

– Magnification: 16x
– Objective diameter 50mm
– Eye relief 12.6mm
– Exit pupil 3.1
– BAK-4 porro prism (Eco-Glass Lenses)
– Aspherical multi-coated-Eco-Glass lenses
– Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
– Field of view: 4.2° (220 feet / 1000 yds)
– Relative brightness 9.6
– Customer satisfaction 92%
– Weight 925 gr.
– Tripod adaptable
– Price: $111

 

Nikon Aculon 16×50 is an excellent optical performance at an attractive price.

Multi-coated lenses and large diameter objective lenses provide very bright images and wide field of view.

Aspherical lenses used in eyepieces also make an important contribution to image quality.

The advantage of this optical device is the magnification power which allows you to observe even distant objects.

It can used for travel purposes, terrestrial and even astronomical observations. Can be used without a tripod.

Aspherical lenses in the eyepiece eliminate distortion across the entire field of view.

Rubber coating makes the device shock resistant and provides secure, comfortable grip.

 

Nikon Aculon 16×50 Pros

• Affordable price
• Good depth of view
• Wide field of view
• Multi-purpose device
• High-power device
• Can be used without a tripod

 

Nikon Aculon 16×50 Cons

• Not waterproof

 

 

 

 

Nikon Action EX Binoculars

• Nikon Action EX 10×50
• Nikon Action EX 16×50

 

 

4.

Nikon Action Extreme 10×50

– Magnification power 10x
– Field of view: 6.5°
– BaK-4 prism
– Multi-Coated Lenses

– Relative brightness 25
– Weight 1020g
– Eye relief 17.2mm
– Waterproof/Fog-proof
– 93% customer satisfaction
– Price: $190

 

 

Nikon Action EX is an advanced version of Nikon Aculon binoculars. It’s almost the same quality but has some advanced features.

It’s suitable for eyeglass wearers and protected from water and fog penetration.

Plus, image is brighter than in some Nikon Aculon binoculars because of the larger dimeter of objective lenses.

The only downside of this optical device is that weight of Nikon Action Extreme 10×50 is 1020g vs Nikon Aculon 10×42 which is 759g.

 

Nikon Action EX 10×50 Pros

• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Bright Image
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers

 

Nikon Action EX 10×50 Cons

• Somewhat heavy

 

 

5.

Nikon Action Extreme 16×50 All-Terrain Binocular

– Prism type: BAK-4 porro
– Eco-Glass Lenses
– Magnification power 16
– Eye relief 17.8mm
– Weight 1040g
– Waterproof/Fog-proof
– Field of view 3.5°
– Customer satisfaction: 86%
– Price: $219

 

Nikon Action EX 16×50 is an excellent optical device with a powerful magnification.

The device is suitable for various types of activities including astronomical observations.

The binocular delivers bright, high-resolution image and is comfortable for extended viewing. It’s well protected from bumps, water and fog penetration.

Tripod adapter included. The downside of this device is that it has narrow field of view 3.5° vs Nikon Aculon 16×50 which has 4.2°.

But Nikon Aculon is not water and fog proof.

 

Nikon Action EX 16×50 Pros

• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Bright Image
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers

 

Nikon Action EX 16×50 Cons

• Somewhat heavy
• Narrow field of view

 

 

 

 

Nikon Trailblazer Binoculars

• Nikon Trailblazer 10×25

Nikon Trailblazer is an excellent choice for those looking for powerful and compact binoculars.

The binocular delivers comparatively bright image thanks to multicoated optics and high quality BAK-4 glass.

It’s water and fog-proof device and can be used in all weather conditions.

The advantage of this optical device is that it’s super compact and can be used with one hand.

The downside of the device is that it’s not suitable for eyeglass wearers and it’s not suitable for extended viewing because of small size exit pupils.

 

6.

Nikon Trailblazer 10×25

– Magnification power 10x
– Field of view: 6.5°
– Weight 280g
– BAK-4 roof prism
– Eye relief 10mm
– Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses

– Relative brightness 6.3
– Waterproof/Fog-proof
– Customer satisfaction 79%
– Price: $80

 

Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 Pros

• Compact
• Waterproof/Fog proof

 

Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 Cons

• Not suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Not suitable for extended viewing

 

 

 

 

 

Nikon PROSTAFF 3S Binoculars

• Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10×42

Nikon PROSTAFF 3S optical device is a multi-purpose optical device designed for various activities, such as hunting, bird watching, general use.

A someone who owns expensive binoculars, I can say this optical device is an ideal choice for those looking for high-quality optics with advanced features, such as protection from water and fog.

It can be used in all weather conditions. PROSTAFF 3S has a rugged rubber-armored coating makes this optical device well protected from bumps.

 

7.

Nikon 10×42 ProStaff 3S Binocular

– Magnification 10x
– Rubber Armored
– Image Clarity
– Anti-reflection multi-coated optics
– Waterproof/Fog proof
– Field of view 7°
– Weight 575g
– Eye relief 15.7mm
– Customer satisfaction: 91%
– Price: $129

 

Nikon 10×42 ProStaff 3S Pros

• Moderately Compact
• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Affordable price
• Excellent image quality

 

Nikon 10×42 ProStaff 3S Cons

• No cons

 

 

 

 

Nikon MONARCH 5 Binoculars

• Nikon MONARCH 5 10×42
• Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42
• Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56

 

Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars are high-class optical devices. They are the lightest binoculars in its class.

Fully multi-coated lenses deliver bright, clear and crisp images. All lenses and prisms are made from Nikon Eco Glass, which is lead and arsenic free.

Fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate makes binoculars durable, water and fog resistant.

The rubber coating makes binoculars shock resistant and provides a secure, comfortable grip.

Binoculars have swing-out rubber eyecups with multiple locking positions.

The most remarkable advantage of Nikon MONARCH 5 is that thanks to ED glass, it has very sharp, high-contrast and bright image.

Thanks to dielectric and phase coating, binocular delivers very accurate colors.

BTW, if you want to know my opinion about ED glass binoculars and if they are worth the money, you can read here.

 

8.

Nikon MONARCH 5, 10×42 Binocular

– Wide field of view 5.5°
– Magnification power 10x
– Prism Type: Roof Eco-Glass Lenses
– ED Glass
– Eye relief 18.4mm
– Weight 612g
– Waterproof/Fog-proof

– Dielectric and phase coating
– 95% customer satisfaction
– Price: $279

 

Nikon MONARCH 5 10×42 Pros

• Moderately Compact
• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Excellent image quality

 

Nikon MONARCH 5 10×42 Cons

• A little narrow field of view

 

 

9.

Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42

Nikon MONARCH 7 binoculars deliver almost the same quality as Nikon MONARCH 5 binoculars.

This optical device has all advantages, such as ED glass, protection from water and fog penetration.

The device gives you the best resolution and brightness. Durable rubber-armored coating gives you the best protection from accident bumps.

Finally, it’s suitable for eyeglass wearers.

The only serious difference and advantage of Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 from Nikon MONARCH 5 10×42 is the field of view.

The field of view in Nikon 7 is 6.7° vs

5.5° in Nikon MONARCH 5. I think the difference is significant.

This device will give you much better experience because the wider field of view the more comfortable to view objects.

 

Nikon MONARCH 7, 10×42 ATB

– Wide field of view 6.7°
– Magnification power 10x
– Prism Type: Roof Eco-Glass Lenses
– ED Glass
– Eye relief 16.4mm
– Weight 669g
– Waterproof/Fog-proof
– 95% customer satisfaction
– Price: $469

 

Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 Pros

• Moderately Compact
• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Excellent image quality
• Wide field of view

 

Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 Cons

• High price

 

 

10.

Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56

Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56 is another great optical device designed for those looking for high-power binoculars.

MONARCH 5 binoculars with 56mm objectives and 20x magnification are designed for intensive use at long distances in the most difficult lighting conditions.

Avid hunters and nature lovers alike will appreciate the bright, crisp images, durable construction and the convenience of these binoculars.

The extremely high 20x magnification allows you to see the smallest details.

Nikon ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, high reflectance dielectric coating and phase-correcting coating provide the most realistic image.

MONARCH 5 binoculars are waterproof and fog resistant and have a rubber coating for a secure, comfortable grip.

They have convenient, lens caps to ensure you never lose them in nature.

I included this excellent optical device in my list for 3 reasons. First of all, it has ED glass and all types of lens coating to ensure the best image quality you can get with such a powerful magnification.

Secondly, it’s the only optical device known to me that has such a powerful magnification like 20x and moderately lightweight thanks to objectives lens of 56mm.

Most binoculars of this class have lens diameter at least 60mm. Such binoculars are heavy and are recommended to use with a tripod only.

Nikon 20×56 can be used without a tripod. Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56 is 1235g vs my Pentax SP 20×60 which is 1400g.

Third, Nikon has a wide field of view, 3.3° vs my Pentax 20×60 with 2.2°.

 

Nikon Monarch 5, 20×56 Binoculars

– Field of View: 3.3°
– Magnification power 20x
– Eye relief 16.4mm
– Prism type: ED Glass roof prism
– Dielectric Coating
– Waterproof/Fog-proof
– Weight 1235 g
– Customer satisfaction: 94%
– Price: $899.99

 

Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56 Pros

• Moderately lightweight
• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Excellent image quality
• Wide field of view

 

Nikon MONARCH 5 20×56 Cons

• High price

 

 

 

 

 

Nikon MONARCH HG Binoculars

Nikon MONARCH HG 10×42 – Whether you observe birds or tracking wildlife migrations, you are guaranteed a wide field of view and excellent optical performance, including sharpness across the entire field of view, thanks to the advanced correction lens system and ultra-low dispersion glass.

Enjoy crisp, vivid images and natural colors thanks to dielectric prism multilayer coating and high-quality multilayer coating.

Modern design, compact size and light weight do not prevent the magnesium body from being strong and reliable.

Waterproof, fog-free binoculars are great for outdoor use. MONARCH HG binoculars are an exquisite choice for those looking for high-quality optics.

I included this Nikon HG binoculars for a number two reasons. First, this optical device gives excellent image quality thanks to various types of lens coating and secondly, it has a wide field of view.

Normally, standard 10×42 or 10×50 binoculars have field of view up to 6 º or 6.5º. This Nikon HG gives 6.9º which makes this optical device different from others.

 

11.

Nikon Monarch HG 10×42

· Prism type: BAK-4 ED Glass
· Field of view: 6.9º
· Magnification power 10x
· Waterproof/fogproof
· Fully multi-coated optics
· Eye relief 17mm
· Weight 680g
· Dielectric lens coating
· Customer satisfaction: 90%
· Price: $899

 

 

Nikon MONARCH HG 10×42 Pros

• Lightweight
• Waterproof/Fog proof
• Suitable for eyeglass wearers
• Excellent image quality
• Wide field of view

 

Nikon MONARCH HG 10×42 Cons

• High price