Best Nikon Binoculars for bird watching (2022 list)

Building on Nikon’s eminence as the world leader in precision optics, Nikon provide binoculars for every kind of birding adventure, making it easy to capture those brilliant and rare views that every birder strive for. Nikon binoculars are now the benchmark for extraordinary performance and value by which all others are compared. Here is the list of the best Nikon Binoculars for bird watching:

  1. Nikon EDG II 10×42 Binocular
  2. Nikon HG 10×42 Binoculars
  3. Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10×42
  4. Nikon Action Extreme 7×35 ATB Binoculars
  5. Nikon monarch 5 ATB 8×42 Binoculars

Nikon EDG 10×42 Binoculars

Nikon EDG II 10x42 Binocular
Nikon EDG II 10×42 Binocular

The Nikon EDG II 10×42 binoculars happen to be Nikons top full size 10x binoculars. They feature premium ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass to remove almost all chromatic aberration, this leads to ultra-sharp images and reduced eye fatigue. It has phase-corrected BaK-4 roof prisms, a fast and smooth focusing wheel and rubbery armoring that feels almost as soft as suede all enhance the creating comforts, its waterproof and fog proof nature compliment the ergonomics with functions. Unlike some models where you can easily knock one barrel out of focus. This is very convenient for keeping the binocular focused on your particular eye. It is environmentally safe with Eco-glass designed without lead or arsenic.

Features

  • Clarity:                                  Extra-low Dispersion glass lenses combined with a premium multi-layer coatings on all glass surfaces offer reduced chromatic aberration to create clearer, color-accurate images
  • Relative Brightness:               17.6
  • Ease of adjustment:               Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click system make it easy to adjust the eye point for a full field of view
  • Construction quality:             Superior ergonomics, short bridge design for a firm grip, even during extended use and waterproof and fog proof
  • Comfort:                                Adjustable strap
  • Close focus range(m):             3.0                  
  • Field of view at 1000m(mm): 114mm
  • Price:                                     $2499.95 (Optics4birding)

Pros

  1. Easy to focus
  2. Great image quality(high resolution)
  3. Remarkably bright even in low light

Cons

  1. Very expensive
  2. No longer in production by Nikon

The Nikon EDG II 10×42 binoculars though could still be found on sales in some stores has been booked of production by Nikon, hence the very high price wherever its found. The binoculars happen to be one of the best Nikon has ever produced. The Nikon EDG II 10×42 binoculars have the high-reflective multilayer roof prism coating that ensures consistent high light transmission.

Recommended user

The Nikon EDG II 10×42 binocular is highly recommended for professional birdwatchers who spend more birdwatching time in the twilight and also in the forest where lighting is low, even in the low light the Nikon EDG II 10×42 binocular still delivers the best images.

Nikon MONARCH HG 10×42 Binoculars

Nikon MONARCH HG 10x42 Binoculars
Nikon MONARCH HG 10×42 Binoculars

The Nikon monarch HG was built from the ground up to achieve class ruling optical performance, unrivaled ruggedness and exceptional handling. From eyecup to objective lenses, the new patriarch of the flagship MONARCH family pushes binocular performances to a much higher level through design, technology and 20 years of MONARCH ATB building experience. The MONARCH HG is built with an Extra-low Dispersion glass and high-quality multilayer coating that is applied to all lenses and prisms for brighter, higher-resolution viewing. MONARCH HG 10×24 body is made from magnesium alloy. Providing optimum strength, impact resiliency and weight reduction, the slim body profile is further enhanced with rubberized panels to provide a sure grip in any condition.

 Features

  • Clarity:                                             Extra-low Dispersion glass lenses combined with a high-quality multi-layer coating on all glass surfaces offer reduced chromatic aberration to create clearer, color-accurate images
  • Relative Brightness:                        17.6
  • Ease of adjustment:                         Locking diopter control maintains your personal setting
  • Construction quality:                      Magnesium alloy body is lightweight and extremely durable, even during extended use and waterproof and fog proof
  • Comfort:                                           Long eye relief and turn-and-slide eyecups facilitate optimum eye position
  • Close focus range(ft.):                     6.6                  
  • Field of view at 1000 yards(ft.):     362
  • Price:                                                $869.95 (Amazon)

Pros

  1. Locking diopter for maintaining the setting
  2. Very clear (high resolution)
  3. Great field of view

Cons

  1. Quite expensive

The Nikon monarch HG was built to replace the old Nikon premiers, the weight and compact size is a great plus as this makes them very mobile. The locking diopters help the user maintain their settings as against having to change it every time you have to use. It is quite expensive in price.

Recommended user

The Nikon monarch HG is highly recommended for general birding in any condition, it works well as it recommended strongly for professionals also who can afford the price for the great image.

NIKON PROSTAFF 3S 10×42

NIKON PROSTAFF 3S 10×42

The Nikon ProStaff 3s 10×42 is a perfect mix of clarity and comfort in the best outdoor experience, these binoculars by Nikon uses an optical system containing glass from lead and arsenic also covered in multilayer coating to greatly improve light transmission for extra clear, bright views throughout the entire visible light spectrum. Unlike other models of binos, this Nikon ProStaff 3s 10x42mm birding binocular features high eye-point design that results in long eye relief without losing your full view. The rubber-armor design provides a cozy non-slip grip even in wet conditions that protect the internal components from damage. Watch birds comfortably at a faraway distance.

Features

  • Clarity:                                              Multilayer coatings provide high light transmittance across the visible light spectrum
  • Relative Brightness:                          17.6
  • Ease of adjustment:                           Turn and slide rubber eyecups with a slim body an comfortable grip that ensures easy handling
  • Construction quality:                        Rubber armor with waterproof and fog proof
  • Comfort:                                            High eye-point design for long eye relief and turn-and-slide eyecups for optimum eye position
  • Close focus range(ft.):                       9.8                  
  • Field of view at 1000 yards(ft.):       367
  • Price:                                                 $126.95 (Amazon)

Pros

  1. Lightweight
  2. Great price
  3. Clean clear view

Cons

  1. The close focus distance is quite far

The Nikon ProStaff 3s 10×42 is a very good binocular especially for its money price, it is so lightweight so you hardly know its hanging on your chest. The lens is very crisp and clear and so very easy to focus. I found that they do not fog up in colder weather.

Recommended user

Highly recommended for general birding, could be enjoyed by both professionals and beginners but especially beginners.

Nikon Action Extreme 7×35 ATB Binoculars

Nikon Action Extreme 7x35 ATB Binoculars
Nikon Action Extreme 7×35 ATB Binoculars

The Monarch ATB 42mm with Dielectric High Reflective Multilayer Prism coating binocular features brighter, sharper colors, crisp and drastically improved low-light performance. A new body style provides unparalleled strength and ruggedness in a package that is comfortable to carry all day with rubber armor for added durability and a firm grip even in the worst condition.

Features

  • Clarity:                                Bright, multicoated lenses and BaK4 high index prisms: Deliver bright, high-resolution images
  • Relative Brightness:                    28.1
  • Ease of adjustment:                   Smooth central focus knob for fast focus quick viewing
  • Construction quality:               Durable, rubber armor with waterproof and fog proof
  • Comfort:                                    Ergonomic body design, comfortable for extended viewing
  • Close focus range(ft.):                   16.4                
  • Field of view at 1000 yards(ft.):    487
  • Price:                                               $126.92 (Amazon)

Pros

  1. Nice body design
  2. Very ergonomic
  3. Tripod adaptable

Cons

  1.  The close focus distance is extremely far

The monarch Action Extreme 7×35 ATB Binoculars possesses a rugged waterproof and fog proof construction and even has long eye relief for glasses wearers. It has a beautiful yet ergonomic design and doesn’t cost much

Recommended users

 It has a twilight factor of 15.4, it is really recommended for low light usage. It is really great for birding in the twilight, you get to see all birds well at night. No bird escapes your viewing sight even where there is low light.

Nikon monarch 5 ATB 8×42 Binoculars

Best nikon binoculars for birdwatching
Nikon monarch 5 ATB 8×42 Binoculars

Even with an uncontested heritage of all-conditions optical performances, the all-new MONARCH 5 further improves the game with improved agility and advanced low light brilliance. By putting almost all ounce of weight from its rugged frame, with the Nikon ED glass lenses puts it in a class of its own for battling darkness with sharp, high contrast views. Extra-low Dispersion(ED) it corrects chromatic aberration across the extreme limit of the visible light range and effectively compensates for color fringing

 Features

  • Clarity:                                              Bright, multicoated lenses and BaK4 high index prisms: Deliver bright, high-resolution images
  • Brightness index:                               28.1
  • Ease of adjustment:                           smooth central focus knob for fast focus quick viewing
  • Construction quality:                       Durable, rubber armor with waterproof and fog proof
  • Comfort:                                            Has a high eyepoint design, provides a clear field of view for everyone.
  • Close focus range(ft.):                         16.4                
  • Field of view at 1000 yards(ft.):           330
  • Price:                                                 $276.75 (Amazon)

 Pros

  1. Low light performance is excellent
  2. Solid construction
  3. Lightweight

Cons

  1. Objective caps are a bit loose

Monarch 5 with its Nikon premium ED glass for a sharper, clearer, and more brilliant field of view. Fully multicoated Eco-glass lenses provide a high light transmittance. Built for extreme use it is rubber armored, fog proof, waterproof and has strong durability. The objective caps are a bit loose and is always seen falling off

Recommended user

Highly recommended for general, it is very excellent binoculars when it comes to picking up those birds flapping their wings around. Its high-resolution image allows quick spotting of birds and vivid identifications for bird watchers.

Sum up

Nikon is a brand that has built a name for itself over the years and has become a brand very well recognized and respected in optical technology creation. They thrive majorly in lens making especially for cameras, binoculars, camcorders and other optical technology.

Vilis-bino

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1 Comment


  1. I have visited this review that you have explained here in details, thanks a lot

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