Nikon Binoculars - What's all the fuss about?

The Nikon range of sports optics has something for everyone, regardless of your price range or activity. Whether you’re after binoculars, rifle scopes, spotting scopes or range finders, Nikon’s offerings will have you covered.

Established in the early 1900’s Nikon have used their many decades in business to perfect a sports optic for every condition that’s built with high quality materials regardless of its price tag.

Nikon Binoculars - what's all the fuss about?!

Binoculars are one of the main Nikon product lines offered by ScopeUout here in NZ.

But with seven different lines of binoculars on offer, the question that customers ask us most often is ‘Which type of Nikon binoculars is the most appropriate for me, and what are the differences between each range?”

The article below should give you a clearer understanding of Nikon’s range, and remember, if your question isn’t answered below, just get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help you figure out which binoculars are for you.

The Nikon binocular range

Nikon binoculars available in New Zealand from ScopeUout can be broken down into seven main ranges that differ in quality, features and price, from the highest quality Nikon Monarch 7’s, down to the more affordable Nikon Sportstar range. Below, we will examine the main features of each range and what they’re best used for.

• Nikon Monarch 7
• Nikon Monarch 5
• Nikon Prostaff 5
• Nikon Aculon
• Nikon Action
• Nikon Travelite
• Nikon Sportstar

Nikon Monarch 7

The Nikon Monarch 7 range is right at the top of Nikon’s binocular offerings. These binoculars are the highest quality Nikon binoculars available to purchase in NZ from ScopeUout, and are packed with high end features and components. Alongside this, they are built of the highest quality materials and are extremely durable. Nikon Monarch binoculars are available in two of the most popular binocular configurations; 8x42 and 10x42.

Binoculars from this top of the range line encompass a wide range of features. Most notably, they are built with high quality glass that is covered in a a variety of coatings, allowing them to produce the highest quality, brightest, most true to life images. In particular, Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars have multiple dielectric and phase correction coatings added to their glass, and are also fully multi-coated to reduce light reflection. In addition, one of the elements of their objective lenses is also made from ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, which minimises colour fringing.

Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars have a scratch resistant coating on the outside surfaces of their objective and eyepiece lenses to protect them from general wear and tear. In addition, these awesome binoculars remain waterproof in up to 1m of water for up to ten minutes…just in case you drop them over board! And, whats more, they won’t fog up and ruin your view when you use them in changing temperatures.

Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars feature a wide field of view which makes them a fantastic option for birders and hunters. Basically, these binoculars offer you a really wide view of your surrounding landscape meaning you can see as much of it as possible from one position.

To conclude, if you’re after top of the line optics that produce awesome, true to life images and are ideal for bird watching and hunting, and you don’t mind spending that little bit extra, then the Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars are for you.

Nikon Monarch M5 ED Binoculars

Redesigned from the ground up in 2021 the new M5 binoculars from Nikon feature extra low dispersion (ED) glass and multicoated, phase coated and dielectric coated lenses meaning they produce bright, clear, colour true images, with excellent resolution, even in low light conditions. This makes them the ultimate companion for birding, hunting and more at dawn and dusk.

Compact and lightweight, your new M5 ED binoculars from Nikons Monarch range are waterproof and fogproof so you can rely on them in the field. 

Available in a 8x42, 10x42 and 12x42 configuration, with a brand new design, there's a model available for every avid hunter, birder or nature watcher in New Zealand. 

Nikon Prostaff 5 Binoculars

Nikon’s Prostaff 5 range of binoculars come in either 8x or 10x42 configurations and 10x and 12x50 configurations for those looking for larger objective lenses. This affordable range of binoculars is specifically designed for customers who are wanting great performing binoculars in the low to mid range price bracket.

Binoculars in the Prostaff range are lightweight, have multicoated lenses, are waterproof and have a long eye relief making them comfortable for eye glass wearers to use. Binoculars from the Prostaff 5 range are durable and ideal for the whole family to use whilst nature watching, hiking, or spectating at sports games. They are fantastic all round binoculars available at an awesome price.

Nikon Prostaff 7S Binoculars

Nikon’s Prostaff 7S range of binoculars are a newer, slightly improved version of the Prostaff 5 range. They offer a wider field of view, a shorter close focus distance and are ever so slightly lighter. 

Available in a 10x42 configuration. 

Nikon Aculon A211 Binoculars

The Nikon Aculon A211 range is the largest on offer from Nikon at ScopeUout NZ, with models available in all of the below specifications:

• Nikon Aculon A211 7x35 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 10x42 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 7x50 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 10x50 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 16x50 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 8-18x42 Binoculars
• Nikon Aculon A211 10-22x50 Binoculars

With such a wide range of combinations of magnifications and lens sizes available, the Nikon Aculon line has a model for all day to day activities. Binoculars from this range are especially popular with users who do not require top of the range quality and features, but simply want a set of well made binoculars to get a closer look at an animal or bird of interest on a morning walk, enjoy clearer views of the landscape around them whilst tramping, or want to get a closer view of the pitch during their child's Sunday sports match.

Nikon Aculon binoculars have a porro prism design and are built to last thanks to a rubber armour that offers shock-resistance. They have multicoated lenses, and most models have aspherical eyepiece lenses which reduce image distortion even at the lens periphery.

Nikon Action EX Binoculars

Nikon’s range of Action EX Binoculars are part of their Standard lineup of sleekly designed porro prism binoculars. This awesome range of affordable, mid priced binoculars features advanced optical technology and intelligent designs. Available in 7x, 8x, 10x, and 12x  magnification and corresponding 35mm, 40mm, 50mm lens diameters, all models offer a bright field of view that is sharp and undistorted right up to the periphery. These versatile binoculars are great for tracking athletes heading for the finish line and are just the thing for budding nature enthusiasts.

Nikon Travelite VI Binoculars

Travelite VI binoculars from Nikon do what the say on the tin. Part of Nikon’s Compact range of binoculars, these binoculars are light weight and small enough to take anywhere with you whether you're traveling down the road or around the world. Available in 10x25 and 12x25 configurations, Travelite binoculars are ideal for travel, spectating at the theatre and catching a sports match. All models in the range have multicoated lenses, and aspherical eyepiece lenses which reduce image distortion even at the lens periphery. These awesome binoculars have all of the features you need without costing the earth.

Nikon Sportstar Binoculars

Also part of Nikon’s Compact range, binoculars in the Sportstar line are also ideal for travel, sightseeing and, unlike the Travelite range, these binoculars can be used in all weather conditions thanks to their waterproof finish. Models in this range have a sleek, folding design allowing you to slip them in to your pocket at a moments notice. They're available in 8x and 10x magnification with a compact 25mm lens.

Something for everyone

That’s a wrap for dissecting the in’s and out’s of Nikons wide range of binoculars. We’re hoping that this article will has answered all of your burning questions about our Nikon products, but if we’ve missed anything out, then feel free to give us a call or drop us an email. If, like many of our customers you’re now ready to become a proud owner of your very own Nikon binoculars, then jump right over and browse our entire range of Nikon binoculars now!

Images sourced on the internet from Nikon, Atwoods and Carbelas.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you fix binoculars that won't focus

If you’re having issues with the focusing of your binoculars then there could be something loose inside. If they’re quite new and are still under warranty then the best course of action is to contact the retailer that you bought them from to find out the next steps in getting them assessed and potentially repaired or replaced. If you purchased them from us then you can contact us here. If they’re out of warranty then you’ll need to find an optical professional who’ll be able to assess what’s wrong with them and hopefully be able to fix them.

How much does a good pair of binoculars cost

Binoculars come in all shapes and sizes and at different price ranges based on their quality and also their size. Good quality compact binoculars will cost less than good quality full sized or giant binoculars as less materials are needed to construct them. We always advise spending as much as possible on optics but appreciate that not everyone has a huge budget. The most affordable good pair of binoculars that produce bright, clear images and can withstand the rigours of the outdoors will cost anything from $150 for compact binoculars, through to $400 for full sized binoculars. Browse all of our binoculars here. 

What binoculars do hunters use

Ask most hunters and they’ll tell you that they use either 8x42 or 10x42 binoculars. Some may use a 10x50 if they use them in lower light conditions. Hunters choose these binoculars as they offer a great balance between magnification, field of view, image brightness and weight. Check out all of our hunting binoculars here. 

What kind of binoculars are best for hunting

An 8x magnification and 42mm lenses are a great option for hunting as they offer just the right amount of magnification, field of view and image brightness. It’s important to opt for waterproof binoculars that have a strong build and rubber coating to protect them from the conditions of the great outdoors.

What strength binoculars for hunting

Hunting can be a very physically demanding activity that takes place in harsh, exposed and often wet environments. Due to this, equipment such as rifles, scopes and binoculars may get bashed around a bit and often wet. With this in mind, it’s vital that you choose binoculars that are as durable as possible for hunting. Rubber armouring, a strong magnesium chassis and a waterproof seal are essential.

Why are monoculars better than binoculars

A monocular is essentially a more compact version of a binocular, with only one barrel and one eyepiece. Due to this, monoculars will pretty much always be a lightweight, more compact option than a binocular, meaning that some users prefer them over binoculars for some activities. They’re a great option for keeping in your pocket whilst hiking, playing golf, sightseeing and more. The main thing to keep in mind is to choose a good quality monocular what has crisp, clear glass and is durable.

Are monoculars or binoculars better for hunting

One of the most time consuming parts of a hunting trip is locating an animal to target. Finding well camouflaged deer from a long distance on a hill side can be tricky, and due to this it’s important to have the right equipment to get a clearer and more up close view of things in the distance. This is why hunters use sports optics to scan the landscape for animals of interest before getting a better view with a spotting scope and then finally taking aim with a riflescope. In general, hunters use binoculars for the initial scan of the landscape, however a monocular can also be used. Most people find binoculars a more comfortable option for this activity as they allow the use of both eyes, however if you’re short on space in your pack, or don’t want binoculars around your neck, then a monocular can be a great, lightweight pocket option instead.