How to Choose Binoculars

The all-purpose Trailblazer ATB™ compact binoculars have multi-coated lenses and offer waterproof and fogproof performance.
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Imported.
View the Nikon Trailblazer Product LineView all Nikon BinocularsBest Use | Hiking |
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Binocular Size | Compact |
Magnification | 8x |
Lens Coating | Multicoated |
Added Protection | Rubber Coating |
Weather Resistant | Yes |
Waterproof | Yes |
Fogproof | Yes |
Real Angle of View | 8.2 degrees |
Apparent Angle of View | 59.7 degrees |
Field of View | 429 feet |
Minimum Focus | 8.2 feet |
Relative Brightness | 9.6 |
Exit Pupil | 3.1 millimeters |
Eye Relief | 10 millimeters |
Dimensions | 4.5 x 4.1 x 1.7 inches |
Weight | 9.9 ounces |
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As a Nikon camera user, I purchased this compact binocular expecting the same quality. I was wrong. These have not had that much use and are always kept inside away from extreme conditions. However, the housing is falling apart. I contacted Nikon and they would not do anything. Sadly, REI would not either.
I just returned a pair of larger Nikon Binocs because they were so large, I never took them with me. While these are smaller and less light supposedly enters, I cant tell a difference. These are also small enough to fit into my handlebar bag while im riding my bicycle so now I can use them without worrying about weight. If you need them for long distance game hunting, then pass these by. But if you need something that can always be by your side and ready to go, without having to leave something behind, then these will work well. Plus fogproof and waterproof is almost a necessity. Mine have no play in the center, and since that review is over 6 years old, I would ignore it.
I bought these a few years ago and I love them, even more now that I've searched in vain for a better bigger pair. They're small enough I keep them on my hip on trips, hiking, or backpacking so I end up using them a lot because I have them on me. 8x is a good power for this size. Looking through them is a pleasure unlike many others I have tried, and they have a much better depth of field than other much more expensive models. The only thing I wish is for them to have better low light performance. For hunting this is important and requires larger objective lenses. I have now tried several other larger and triple the price models and I appreciate these more and more.
Bird watching is easy with wide field of view. I checked numerous binocs and did not find many with this wide field of view - especially for this price. Low light performance is GREAT, even compared to some 50mm Objective lenses in the full size binocs. I love the smooth focus control - not to fast not to slow, easy to get just perfectly focused. Close focus was a must for our bird feeder near the window - very satisfied. Have used it in the field also and weight is fine, sure are convenient to have in the car.
My mom and I always take our binoculars backpacking. I have this pair, she has something else. These ones can do something cool that hers can't: I can magnify things that are very nearby, like little critters in the water near the bank of a shallow lake, or a bird on a nearby tree. With hers, she can't get close-by things into focus. These binoculars have done well for a number of years now, and I use them at home too, and the ballet, and can easily bring them anywhere else I think I'll need them. The housing is not degrading at all like in that one review, it feels and looks very new still despite me setting them down on rough rocks all the time and stuff. I think that pair must have been exposed to high heat or something.
I did have the Zeiss 8x25 binoculars, that cost $379; hard to use and to see/focus. I got these Nikon 8x25 binoculars instead, that cost $89 at REI ($79 in other places). They are bright, easy to focus and have a great image quality; we got them to use on two safaris in Africa. Both my wife and I are very impressed. Extra light and small. Bought at REI because they had both the 8x25 and 10x25 to compare side by side. The 10x25 has bit more magnification but are harder to hold still. Hope this helps
I bought this pair to keep in my day bag to be able to ID plants in the distance while I’m in the field. They’re great! They’re compact, lightweight, and have a pretty clear image. They’re really reliable and I keep them in my backpack every time I go out. They’re with me more often than my birding binoculars because they’re so portable. I probably wouldn’t recommend them if you’re trying to get seriously invested in birding because the view is very narrow - I would recommend at least an 8x42 or even 10x42 if you have steady hands. That said, they’re worth every penny for me.
I wanted binoculars to carry backpacking, hiking to view wildlife and terrain.The REI on line information for selecting binoculars was extremely helpful. I am learning how to adjust them wearing glasses. They work well for a bit closer viewing of birds and fit my small hands. My only concern is that I will loose the unattached lens covers and may just forego carrying them. The binoculars come with a light neck strap and a padded carry case with a loop on the back for a belt or external strap. I purchased them on sale at REI last month, making it a very good purchase for me.
I was looking for a monocular or binocular that I could easily carry with me on a hike to view birds or on a boat to view whales. I've had these for 4 months now and I am impressed! They are super light weight and fold in a bit to be nice and compact. They do not add significant weight to my backpack and I don't mind having them around my neck for a while. I've used them in single digit temperatures with no fogging. They've been in rain and splashed with salt water and seem to be waterproof. The Nikon lenses are a great quality. Overall, a good bang for the buck. The only negative is the flimsy lens caps that don't fit well and are not tethered to the binoculars. I'm expecting to lose them some point.
I love these binos. I use them for a spotting bolts on sport routes. The power and focus of them work perfectly. Would highly recommend them to everyone for a compact binocular