Optics4Birding.com: Nikon Reviews

The following comments are the opinions of the writers. We're publishing them here with the permission of their authors, with minor edits for clarity or brevity. If you would like to submit a comment, send me an email.

I purchased a pair of 8x42mm Venturer LX's approximately a year ago. Before doing so I spent quite a long time comparing binocs before I made my decision. I wanted to make sure I made a decision I wouldn't regret later(I am the type of person to do just that). I am more than happy to report, after using them alot this past year, I have yet to be disappointed with them. They show incredible contrast, incredible brightness, and they are so sharp every time I look through them I can't believe my eyes! The focus knob is the smoothest I have seen on any binoc. They also actually focus down to 7 ft. 9 in. (factory specs. indicate 9.5 ft.). The only binocular giving them a run for the top spot is the new Swarovski 8.5x42 EL's. I had my hands on a pair for a few minutes and definitely think they're every bit as good as mine munis quite a few ounces. Back to the Nikons. A few weeks ago I was watching a Horned Lark with my Canon 15x45mm IS's. As I usually do I pulled out my Venturer LX's to compare. With the V. LX's I could easily distinguish the yellow throat on the little bird at quite a distance.

I couldn't get any color on it's throat with the Canon's at nearly twice the magnification! I am in no way attempting to berate the Canons. I am only giving one example of the incredible views seen through my V. LX's. When looking to buy the best binocs regardless of price DO NOT disregard them!

Patrick Smeaton, 16 March 2000

I purchased these binoculars [Nikon Superior E 8x32] in November 1998, and have used them primarily for nature viewing and sports events (mainly football and basketball). I have been amazed at their image clarity and intensity. At a recent basketball game seated behind one backboard, I was able to read the wording on the media passes worn by the sports photographers who were crouched under the backboard at the opposite end of the court! For nature viewing, the impression using these glasses is that you have walked much closer to the bird/animal, and are looking at it without binoculars. Images literally jump at you, except in very low light conditions. I also own several other binoculars, including the Nikon Marine 7x50 and Minolta 10x50, and my wife owns the Nikon Diplomat 8x23. The Superior E's truly are far superior. I purchased the Superior E's from a discount camera dealer in New York City for $475, and consider them a real bargain!

I also appreciate the ergonomic aspects of these binoculars. I wear eyeglasses with a substantial correction, and I find the eye relief excellent. Focus is easy and accurate. The binoculars are also very compact and light, making them easy to carry and use for extended periods of time. However, they are not waterproof, which limits their utility, particularly in a climate like we have here in Seattle.

Scott Campbell, 7 May 1999

I recently purchased a Nikon Attache DCF HP 10x42, and shortly thereafter, I made a disarming discovery. The focus mechanism is on the outside of the body, and is highly susceptible to accident, as well as having the appearance and feel of a very fragile assembly.

On one occasion, I went into the field, and discovered that I could not turn the individual right-eye focus adjustment. No matter how hard I tried, it wouldn't budge. Uppon close inspection, I could see that the surfaces of the eyepiece were no longer parallel with each other. Some unknown misadventure had caused the ring of the focus bracket to pry outward, so it held the telescoping eye-piece tube askew. Perhaps unwisely, I slid the end of a screwdriver between the bracket and the edge of the eyepiece, and twisted gingerly. Sure enough, with a sharp snap, the thing popped back into correct orientation.

Upon further examination, I found that by focusing to maximum barrell-length, I could, with very little effort, push with my fingertips and rock the whole bracket back and forth, maybe 3 or 4 millimeters---taking the eyepieces with it.

No doubt this feature is a factor in keeping a high quality optic at a minimum (and very much appreciated) price. I'll just have to remember to be mindful of this structural weakness.

Jim Turner, 16 January 1999

I purchased the Nikon 10x42HG DCF WP binoculars which Nikon recently put on the market and one word summarizes how fantastic they are - WOW!!!!!!!

After making a decision to purchase new binoculars I compared all of the top of the line 8x and 10x binoculars (Zeiss, Leica, B&L, Swarvoski) in varying light conditions and thought I was set on purchasing the Leica Ultra 10x42's, but after taking a look at the new Nikon's I changed my tune.

I have only owned them for a couple of weeks, but so far even in the most challenging of light conditions they continue to amaze me. I let a friend of mine take a look through them and his response was, "I'm almost embarrassed to look through my B&L Elites after looking through those!"

The one downfall of these binoculars is the price - they are very expensive - but you definitely get what you pay for!

Terry Brashear, 5 January 1998

Four years ago I purchased a pair of Nikon 8x30 E series binoculars. They looked great in the nature sanctuary bookstore where I purchased them, and a well-known birder and author (and binocular critic) approved of the glasses as well.

Optically they are wonderfull. Wide field of view, sharp, close focussing, etc etc... However, they have been knocked out of alignment twice, at the tune of $60 & $75 each to be corrected. The 2 times that they have been knocked out of alignment, was in my opinion, not a significant enough jolt to damage them as badly as it did. Are they terriffic to look though? Yes, but handle them as if they are made of eggshells.

Would I buy them again? No. I need something that can stand a day out in the field. If birders need to shed the "little old lady in tennis shoes" image, their binoculars need to do the same.

Keith Dowling, 4 September 1997

I have been using these binoculars [Nikon Superior E 10x42]for several months now, and I have concluded that they provide the brightest, sharpest, clearest image of any binoculars currently on the market. Comparisons with the new Bausch and Lomb 10 x 42 Elites showed the Nikons to have a slightly brighter image and a much more flat field, creating an overall impression of greater sharpness. The only drawback to these binoculars is that they are not waterproof. For some users, this will pose a real problem.

Doug Greenberg, 25 Nov 1996