11 Best Nikon Binoculars in 2023

Nikon Binoculars: The Buying Guide

Nikon is one of the leading manufacturers of binoculars, particularly of all-terrain binoculars (ATB). Whether you are an occasional outdoor enthusiast or a dedicated hobbyist, it is vital to have the best possible Nikon binoculars for your specific activity.

In this article, we review the 10 best Nikon binoculars, each equipped with signature designs as well as some unique features. What is the most budget-friendly pair? What is most suitable for birdwatching or hunting? What is the most rugged pair of Nikon binoculars? We’ll answer all those questions as we move along. Check out our guide below for more details.

Let’s dive in and find out which Nikon binoculars are perfect for you!

The Top 5 Nikon Binoculars in 2023

All the Nikon Binoculars We've tested

Taking pride of place as the greatest MONARCH ever, the Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 ATB is best known for its optical system. This optical system uses Nikon’s Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass, Dielectric Multilayer Prism Coatings, and proprietary lens. It offers an optimized viewing experience with a wide field of view, and optimal resolution and brightness. Great for birding, hunting, safari and cruising on larger yachts.

This pair was designed to meet the needs of serious outdoor enthusiasts. The advanced multilayer coatings deliver high light transmittance, ensuring that the brightness you perceive is as close to that perceived by the naked eye. MONARCH 7 10×42 ATB also provides enhanced contrast, resolution, and true color rendition, thanks to its roof prisms coated with phase-correction coatings. With this feature, you can enjoy an excellent viewing experience at any distance.

Another reason why it is considered one of the best Nikon binoculars is that it is durable. It comes with a rubber-armored coating, so you can count on it to last for years. It is waterproof and fogproof, so it can withstand even the harshest environments.

For your convenience, it has a smooth central focus knob that allows you to adjust the focus without hassle. The close-focus capability allows you to have a sharp view of an object that is 8.2’ away. Your comfort is also a priority. With the multi-setting click-stop eyecups of this pair, you can take advantage of a custom eye relief fit for maximum comfort.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions: 5.6” x 5.1”
  • Product Weight: 23.3 oz.
  • 351’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 60.7 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 6.7 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.9

Things we like:

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    Wide field of view
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    60.7-degree apparent angular field of view

Things we don't like:

  • check-markThe fit can get uncomfortable
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42 ATB

Great for Birdwatching

If you are looking for a lightweight yet high-performing pair of Nikon binoculars, PROSTAFF 7S 8×42 is a perfect choice. Suitable for birdwatching, hiking, and other extreme outdoor activities, it is a compact, all-terrain pair of binoculars featuring Nikon’s advanced optical system.

The multilayer coatings applied to the entire lens and prism surfaces, which transmit light, enhance light transmittance. Effectively, these coatings deliver a more natural view because there is a reduced loss of light.

Despite being lightweight, the PROSTAFF 7S 8×42 is as durable as any Nikon binoculars with a body made of fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin. The shock-resistant, rubber-armored coating offers a non-slip grip, so you can expect it to withstand even the wettest conditions. Also, it is filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-Ring to ensure that it is completely waterproof and fogproof. With these characteristics, it is definitely built to last.

Using this pair of binoculars for hours won’t cause discomfort, thanks to the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups that let you easily adjust the eye-relief for a custom fit. Your field of view won’t be compromised even during extended periods of use. Moreover, convenience is also a key feature of this pair. A strap is included so that you can wear it around your neck. You may also mount it on a tripod using the optional tripod adaptor.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions (Length x Width): 6.9” x 5.1”
  • Product Weight: 23.5 oz.
  • 330’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 47.5 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 6.3 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.8

Things we like:

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    Compact ATB
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    Fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin body
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    Multi-click, turn-and-slide rubber eyecups

Things we don't like:

  • check-markLess ideal for extended surveillance sessions
  • check-markRelatively poor apparent angular field of view
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon PROSTAFF 7S 8×42

Great Budget Option

Nikon is one of today’s leading manufacturers of sports optics. If you’re birding or hunting in strong daylight, they might have the right pair of binoculars for you— the Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10×42. This is a budget friendly pair of glassers that excel in ergonomics, fitting comfortably with good controls, but showing some limitations in terms of image capturing in low-light.

Outdoor activities like birdwatching and hunting can be daunting, specifically for beginners. These activities can be expensive to get into, not to mention there is quite a steep learning curve involved. That’s where these Prostaff 3S come in handy. PROSTAFFs are not as expensive as the Monarch 5 or Monarch 7, but neither do they have the same sharpness.

Nonetheless, you have nothing to worry about with the Prostaff 3S. Learning about basic outdoor gear like binoculars is a crucial step, and you can start that process with beginner-friendly binoculars.

In this comprehensive guide, we will look at the features of the Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 in-depth to give you an idea about this high-performing and budget-friendly pair. Let’s dive in!

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.1”
  • Product Weight: 20.3 oz.
  • Angular Field of View (Real) 7 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 62.9 degrees
  • Linear Field of View at 1,000 yds.: 367’

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.7

Things we like:

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    One of the nicest bodies to hold
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    High-performing, environment-friendly optical system
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    Roof prism surfaces coated with high-reflectivity silver alloy
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    Heavy-duty polycarbonate resin body reinforced with fiberglass
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    Shockproof rubber armor coating with a soft yet non-slip grip

Things we don't like:

  • check-markNot suitable for use in low-light settings
  • check-markLens caps are not very impressive
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10×42

Great for People with Glasses

MONARCH 5 12×42 is all about agility and performance, even under the most impractical conditions. Equipped with powerful ED glass lenses, it is more agile and more athletic than its predecessors. This technology corrects chromatic aberrations, effectively maintaining the contrast and resolution of images. As such, the images look more natural even from afar.

If you have poor eyesight and wear corrective lenses, you won’t have difficulties using MONARCH 5 12×42. As one of the best Nikon binoculars, it boasts a high-eyepoint design, which offers a clear field of view even when you are wearing eyeglasses. There is a smooth central focus knob, too, which makes it easier for you to focus on your subjects. Additionally, it has turn-and-slide rubber eyecups, ensuring your convenience through and through.

The Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coating applied to the lenses and prism surfaces ensure that the brightness of the images is as accurate as it is when perceived by the naked eye. With this capability, you can trust that the views are as precise as possible.

With a sleek, easy-to-grip body design, it is easy to carry. It also has a rubber-armored coating, allowing it to withstand extreme conditions. The nitrogen filling and O-Ring sealing make it waterproof and fogproof. Surely, it is the perfect binocular for everyday use.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions (Length x Width): 5.7” x 5.1”
  • Product Weight: 21.9 oz.
  • 262’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 55.3 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 5 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.6

Things we like:

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    High-eyepoint design suitable for those wearing corrective lenses
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    Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups

Things we don't like:

  • check-markAdjusting the focus produces a squeaking sound that may be annoying or irritating
  • check-markRelatively poor field of view at 1,000 yds
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon MONARCH 5 12×42

Best Budget Binoculars Under $100

The Nikon ACULON A211 10×42 are equipped with Nikon’s powerful trio of optical technology. Firstly, they have aspherical eyepiece lenses that provide a flat viewing field. Secondly, they have environmentally friendly Nikon-developed Eco-Glass™, which is not only lead- and arsenic-free but also lighter than typical glass construction. Lastly, the multi-coated lenses help render bright images.

Designed for any environment, these binoculars have a non-slip grip. You can handle them properly no matter the conditions. They are also comfortable to use, thanks to the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups that let you obtain the best positioning.

What these Nikon binoculars lack is nitrogen purging. They are not fog proof, so avoid using them when it’s raining or snowing.

Specs & Features

  • Magnification: 10x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
  • Weight: 26.8 oz
  • Dimensions: 5.7" L x 7.3" W
  • Field of View (Linear at 1,000 yds): 314'

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    Lenses offer a flat field of view
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    Environmentally-friendly and lightweight glass
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    Bright images
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    Non-slip grip for reliable handling
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    Comfortable enough for prolonged glassing sessions

Things we don't like:

  • check-markNot fog proof
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon ACULON A211 10×42

MONARCH 7 8×30 features an improved optical system with 30-mm objectives and ED glass lenses, offering sharp, crisp images unlike any other. It’s a little crisper than the Monarch 5 with better color trueness that expert ornithologists will notice. Sailors will appreciate it on the water where there’s glare and details of buoys and landmarks are important.

With the dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coatings, it provides high-resolution images with colors that are as accurate as possible. You won’t have a hard time locating your subject, with its wide apparent angular field of view.

Moreover, it has an enhanced body design that makes it lightweight and easy to carry. Now, you would think that most compact pairs of binoculars are not long-lasting. Take this pair as an exception because it has a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin that makes it durable.

For your convenience, MONARCH 7 8×30 comes with a smooth central focus knob. With this feature, you can easily focus on the subjects. Meanwhile, the turn-and-slide rubber eyecups let you adjust the fit as snuggly and as comfortably as possible.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions (Length x Width): 4.7” x 4.8”
  • Product Weight: 15.3 oz.
  • 435’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 60.3 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 8.3 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    30-mm objectives
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    Fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin body
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    Field of view of 435’ at 1,000 yds
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    8.3-degree real angular field of view
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    Great focus depth

Things we don't like:

  • check-markFocus wheel is a little too big
  • check-markRelatively low close focus distance
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon MONARCH 7 8×30

PROSTAFF 10×25 ATB is the pair of binoculars for the adventurous souls. It delivers optimal brightness and resolution, with the BaK4 Porro prism system. These are an entry-level model that will be good for hiking and sight-seeing

The multilayer-coated, aspherical, Eco-Glass lenses, which are free from arsenic and lead, improve the overall viewing experience, too. Detailed viewing in low-light conditions and from a distance won’t be a problem!

Purged with nitrogen and sealed with O-ring, PROSTAFF 10×25 ATB is completely fogproof and waterproof. Add that to its rubber-armored coated body for a non-slip grip, and you can expect it to withstand even the harshest thermal shocks.

This pair of Nikon binoculars offers 16 mm of eye relief, good for people with glasses. Using it for hours won’t easily cause discomfort. Moreover, the smooth central focus knob provides additional convenience.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions (Length x Width): 4 x 4.6”
  • Product Weight: 12.9 oz.
  • 262’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 5 degrees
  • BaK4 Porro Prism System

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.4

Things we like:

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    Multilayer-coated, aspherical, Eco-Glass lenses.
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    Nice compact size
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    Good ergonomic feel in hands
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    Eye relief makes them good for glasses-wearing voyeurs

Things we don't like:

  • check-markNot durable enough for prolonged, extreme use
  • check-markRelatively low field of view at 1,000 yds
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon PROSTAFF 10×25 ATB

Trailblazer 8×25 ATB is all about reliable, all-terrain performance and convenience at an affordable price. It’s compact design caters to sports fans, hikers, sight-seers and even sailors. With an ergonomic, high-index, BaK4 roof prism design that is lightweight and durable, it can easily fit in your pocket.

What makes it one of the best Nikon binoculars is its dual-hinge bridge configuration so you can fold it and bring it anywhere. It is definitely the perfect portable pair of binoculars for every adventure, no matter how rugged.

The rubber coating gives it a non-slip grip, while the O-ring sealing and nitrogen filling make it fogproof and waterproof. In this regard, it’s like the Aculon Travelite with a better build and weather-proofing. Whatever the conditions are, this pair of binoculars is guaranteed to perform.

Made for close- to mid-range viewing, Trailblazer 8×25 ATB offers unparalleled brightness and resolution with its multilayer-coated, Eco-Glass lenses. These lenses are environment-friendly, being free from arsenic and lead. For a fast range of focus that ensures convenient and hassle-free viewing, it is also equipped with a smooth central focus knob.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions (Length x Width): 4.1” x 4.5”
  • Product Weight: 9.9 oz.
  • 429’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 59.7 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 8.2 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    High-index, BaK4 roof prism design
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    Dual-hinge bridge configuration
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    Eco-Glass
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    Lightweight
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    Budget-friendly

Things we don't like:

  • check-markShallow eye relief makes it not ideal for people with glasses
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB

Coastal Cruising

Nikon is one of the most trusted brands in all things optics. Sturdy and reliable, Nikon binoculars are neither ridiculously expensive nor do they promise the moon. The Ocean Pro is a marine unit that might not be the best in terms of bells and whistles, but the feel of these binoculars and ease of use promise a product that delivers what you need while sailing or boating. There is a cheaper Ocean Pro model, a cheaper alternative that doesn’t include a compass, which may be irrelevant for those using chartplotters.

Clean optics and passable night vision utility (although you’ll probably have to invest in a pair of night vision binoculars if you want something specifically for nighttime use) make this something you won’t regret buying. High contrast imaging is great on the water. Just remember the floating strap to keep these Nikon binoculars afloat should they bail into the water.

Specs & Features

  • Bak4 porro prism, multi-coated anti-reflection lens, 2.49 pounds

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.5

Things we like:

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    Fogproof and clear in all temperatures
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    Crystal clear with anti-reflective optics
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    Robust build for lifetime potential
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    Good “no-fault” repair and replacement policy from Nikon
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    Integrated global compass

Things we don't like:

  • check-markWhile view is sharp, compass blurs a little
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon Ocean Pro CF WP

Boasting as the premium MONARCH binoculars, MONARCH HG 8×42 is the ultimate all-terrain binoculars. It comes with Nikon’s Field Flattener Lens System, which when paired with its wide field of view, offers an outstandingly sharp, clear view of the lens periphery. Also, it has the best of Nikon’s optical system. The ED glass and multilayer coating deliver reliable brightness and quality resolution.

MONARCH HG 8×42 is engineered to perfection. Its body is made of magnesium alloy, which means that it is agile, impact-resilient, and lightweight. The rubberized panels further optimize the slim body profile, ensuring an unrivaled grip through and through.

Being a top-of-the-line pair of binoculars, MONARCH HG 8×42 guarantees that it pays for itself in the long run. The objective and eyepiece lenses are equipped with scratch-resistant coatings. This means that long-term optical acuity is a guarantee. Meanwhile, the interior lenses have an extreme waterproof rating, so fogging won’t be an issue even at a very high altitude of up to 16,000’.

Another significant feature of this pair of binoculars is its locking diopter control. This feature lets you maintain your custom setting until you need or want to modify it. This is truly one of the best Nikon binoculars, being a powerhouse combination of 20 years of ATB manufacturing and innovation.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions: 5.7” x 5.2”
  • Product Weight: 23.5 oz.
  • 435’ at 1,000 yds Field of View
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 60.3 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 8.3 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.4

Things we like:

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    Field Flattener Lens System gives edge to edge sharpness
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    Magnesium alloy body
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    Fogproof integrity at a 16,000’ altitude
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    Locking diopter control
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    Field of view of 435’ at 1,000 yds

Things we don't like:

  • check-markLess impressive in low light
  • check-markFocus depth could be better
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon MONARCH HG 8×42

Action Extreme 16×50 ATB is known for its bright, multi-coated lenses and BaK4 high index prisms that deliver high-resolution images no matter the conditions. With increased magnification and field of view these Nikons are for bird watchers and hunters especially.

If you are wearing eyeglasses, you won’t have a problem using this pair, thanks to the relatively long eye relief it offers, while the eyecups cater to those without.

Ease of use is everything when it comes to outdoor gear like binoculars. Thanks to the smooth central focus knob that boasts a fast range, you can easily adjust the focus and view images properly. Action Extreme 16×50 ATB was designed with comfort and convenience in mind. With the unique click-stop, twist-out eyecup design, it offers long-lasting, variable eye relief. You can use it hassle-free even with glasses on!

This pair of Nikon binoculars are purged with nitrogen and sealed with O-ring, which means that it is totally fogproof and waterproof. The signature Nikon rubber-armored coating delivers a non-slip grip. So whether it is wet or dry, you can count on it to perform.

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions: 7” x 7.7”
  • Product Weight: 36.7 oz.
  • BaK4 Prism Design
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 56 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 3.5 degrees

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.8

Things we like:

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    High-index, BaK4 prism design
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    Click-stop, twist-out eyecup design
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    Amazing for wildlife spotting
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    Easy focus with good depth
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    Sharp edge to edge image

Things we don't like:

  • check-markRelatively narrow eyepieces
  • check-markRelatively low actual angular field of view
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon Action Extreme 16×50 ATB

Outdoor activities like bird watching and hunting are highly intricate. These activities require a certain level of precision and an eye for detail if you are to enjoy them genuinely. As such, it is vital to have the right tools at your disposal every time you go out.

One of those tools could be the mid-level Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB. Said to be one of the best bird-watching binoculars in the market today, these optics come with some of Nikon’s finest, most cutting-edge sports optics technologies to ensure they meet all precision requirements out in the wild.

If you are curious about what makes these binoculars talked about and lauded everywhere, you came to the right place. This article will take a more in-depth look at these Nikon binoculars and the very features that make them famous among bird watchers and hunters. Let’s dive in to determine if these binoculars are exactly what they are made out to be!

Specs & Features

  • Product Dimensions: 5.6” x 5.1”
  • Product Weight: 22.9 oz.
  • Angular Field of View (Real): 8 degrees
  • Angular Field of View (Apparent): 58.4 degrees
  • Linear Field of View at 1,000 yds: 420’

Our Overall Review

We have thoroughly tested - and read reviews from other experts and users. In summary, this is what we think:

4.4

Things we like:

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    Advanced coating technologies
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    Wide field of view
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    Impeccable low-light performance
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    Smooth central focus wheel
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    Generous eye relief provides good comfort for eyeglass wearers

Things we don't like:

  • check-markNeck strap needs upgrading
  • check-markWarranty doesn’t extend to secondary owner
  • check-markAnti-glare can lead to muted brightness
  • check-markEye cup caps fall off too easily
  • check-markDiopter doesn’t lock
Read full review

Where to buy:

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Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB

Related Reviews

About Choosing Nikon Binoculars

After 70 years, Nikon will have moved all its production out of Japan to their facilities in Thailand. The reason for the move is the need to stay competitive by lowering costs without sacrificing quality.

The Nikon Corporation stretches back to 1917 when Japan was starting to catch up with Europe and the United States’ level of modern industry. They began manufacturing optical glass more than a hundred years ago, but it was after World War II that Nikon products began to disseminate to the wider world. From cameras to binoculars, the view of the world is better for it.

When looking for the best Nikon binoculars, you must keep in mind the kind of activity for which you need them. For bird watching or hunting, marine use or sight-seeing, there is a pair of binoculars for you.

If you wear glasses, remember to look for binoculars with eye relief of at least 15mm.

Durability and performance are two of the things that Nikon takes pride in when it comes to its binoculars, so it is always just a matter of application. Many of these binoculars share various common features, including the following:

Eye Relief

Eye relief refers to the distance between the ocular lens and the eye. Some models like the Prostaff have 16mm eye relief, which is interesting to know for people wearing glasses. Other models have retractable eye cups to cater to both people with and without spectacles.

ED glass

Before, calcium fluorite crystals were used to correct optical color defects. However, the crystals easily cracked and were sensitive to sudden temperature changes. To address the problem, Nikon developed ED glass, which offers the same corrections without the same downsides.

Dielectric multilayer prism coatings

Light, when transmitted through a lens, reflects off the surface. Dielectric roof prism coatings are incorporated in binoculars to optimize light reflectivity and minimize the loss of light.

Nitrogen filling

Binoculars are purged with dry nitrogen gas to protect them from moisture and other impurities like debris, dust, and fungus. Nitrogen molecules replace the air present inside the binoculars under high pressure, effectively preventing moisture and contamination.

O-ring sealing

An O-ring sealing is a seal applicable to a wide range of tolerance, temperature, and pressure. It does not require critical tightening, so it is less likely to cause structural damage. It is incorporated in binoculars to ensure fogproof and waterproof capabilities.

High-eyepoint design

Eyepoint is also known as eye relief. It refers to the distance between you and the eyepiece, from which you can still see the entire image. As such, a high-eyepoint design allows you to see the image clearly and entirely even if you are quite far away from the binoculars. It was Nikon that actually popularized the term “high eyepoint”.

Eco-Glass

Eco-Glass is a sustainable material that has no arsenic or lead. Standard glass materials have these elements, so they have a bigger environmental impact.

BaK4 Porro prism

A Porro prism system, named after inventor Ignazio Porro, is a traditional binocular design. There are two types of this design— standard and reverse. Standard Porro prism system features eyepieces that are closer together and objective lenses that are further apart. Meanwhile, a reverse Porro prism system, as the name suggests, is just a reverse version of the standard system. The eyepieces are further apart and the objective lenses are closer together.

On the other hand, BaK4 refers to the glass material. Many binoculars are made of this glass because of the high refractive index rate and the circular shape of the exit pupil. These characteristics allow optimized light transmission, delivering brighter images.

Flat field of view

With a flat field of view, you have a constant focus across the field of view. This design addresses the problem encountered in most binoculars, which offer a perfect focus in the center but compromise the focus on the edges.

Field Flattener Lens System

Field Flattener Lens System has the same concept of a flat field of view. It enhances the sharpness of the edges and addresses distortion problems. In other words, this system counters field-angle dependence.

Locking diopter control

A locking diopter mechanism prevents the diopter setting from being turned accidentally. You just need to activate the lock once you have achieved your preferred setting and deactivate it once you need to adjust the setting again.

These features are what make the products on this list some of the best Nikon binoculars. Understanding these features, what they do, and how they can help you is vital in selecting the right pair for you.

For beginners, the most budget-friendly Nikon binoculars are highly recommended, such as Trailblazer 8×25 ATB. It is also compact and easy to use. Another portable and lightweight option is PROSTAFF 10X25 ATB. On the other hand, if you are an experienced hobbyist, you will likely find the more rugged and higher-performing binoculars more beneficial.

Perfect for extreme outdoor activities and conditions is MONARCH HG 8×42, but it is quite expensive. A more affordable option is MONARCH 7 8×30. Another cheaper option is 7×50 OceanPro CF WP Global Compass, which is also perfect for you if you are into marine activities.

The best Nikon binoculars for you depend on the kind of activities you are into, so make sure that you know your needs when buying one!

Comparison of reviewed Nikon Binoculars
Comparison of reviewed Nikon Binoculars
FAQ

Frequently asked questions

What are the best Nikon Binoculars?

Nikon has developed a proprietary basket of technologies that make it one of the most respected names in binoculars. The quality of the lens and the durability of their chassis makes them among the best. These Nikon binoculars are some of the best:

  • The Nikon Monarch 7 8×30
  • The Nikon Monarch HG 8×42
  • The Nikon 7×50 OceanPro
  • The Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB
  • The Nikon Action Extreme 16×50 ATB
What is a field flattener lens system?

The Nikon Monarch HG 8×42 uses this technology to achieve amazing edge to edge crispness.Field Flattener Lens System is a Nikon proprietary technology that has the same concept of a flat field of view. It enhances the sharpness of the edges and addresses distortion problems. In other words, this system counters field-angle dependence.

Read more about Nikon binoculars in our guide

What is a BaK4 Porro prism?

Bak4 refers to the optical glass quality and stands for barium crown (barietleichkron in German). It is superior to BaK7, providing a clearer and more crisp picture.

A Porro prism system, named after inventor Ignazio Porro, is a traditional binocular design. There are two types of this design— standard and reverse.

The following Nikon Binoculars have BaK4 porro prisms:

  • The Nikon Prostaff 10-25,
  • The Nikon Action Extreme 16×50 ATB,
  • The Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB,
  • Nikon ACULON A211 10×42.

Standard Porro prism system features eyepieces that are closer together and objective lenses that are further apart.

Meanwhile, a reverse Porro prism system, as the name suggests, is just a reverse version of the standard system. The eyepieces are further apart and the objective lenses are closer together.

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Torben Lonne
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Torben Lonne

Hi Shelly,

No, the Nikon Aculon will not let you see in pitch darkness. In the evening time, watching at a light(lighted) object it will do fine, and let you watch the objects really well. They do not have any night vision technology nor do any other Nikon binoculars.

Shelley Hunter
Shelley Hunter

Does the Nikon Aculon allow you to see in the dark?