I had a look at the current Nikon Action EX 7x50. First objective multi-coated second single coated. Tubes well blackened. Spec. includes aspherical
eyepiece element probably hybrid type. (A normal glass element with bonded plastic overlay thicker at the edges).
Single purple coated prisms. Because this model has a very narrow view of 6.4 degrees it actually looks very well corrected across most of the frame with little edge distortion and little flare. Classic 7x50 porros normally have 7.3 degrees. I'm guessing the need to use the same body size across the EX range has compromised this model. The EX 10x50 is a more normal 6.5 degrees.
Quality construction, waterproof with all alloy body and amazing value for money at £105 in the UK.
I also looked at the action EX 7x35. Vast 9.3 degree field of view with huge field curvature. Small sweet spot but sharp. Alarmingly the second objective is uncoated. Internal metalwork unfinished dull gray, short tubes blacked. No apherical element.
Again good quality construction and feel robust. For example, the visible inner prisms sit on a metal ledge with lips and are are glued down six times on the edges plus the screwed metal top band. Prism finished with a black Metal top hat. Smooth focus with no play when broken in. These can be had for £69 on Amazon uk returns !
Because these Nikons have some single coated elements they have a warmish yellow view but are still very neutral compared with early single coated porros which are lacking in blue transmission. Contrast unsurprisingly is well down on my 2015 10x42 Trinovids but the views are good.
The Action EX 12x50 I haven't seen but seems to be the top performer in the range as far as astronomy goes.
The Action Ex 8x40 also appears to have some uncoated internal elements which mean the transmission figure of 80% is not as high as it could be. http://www.allbinos.com/260-binoculars_review-Nikon_Action_EX_8x40_CF.html
Conclusion: I think Nikon should put the prices up and fully multi coat all elements !
eyepiece element probably hybrid type. (A normal glass element with bonded plastic overlay thicker at the edges).
Single purple coated prisms. Because this model has a very narrow view of 6.4 degrees it actually looks very well corrected across most of the frame with little edge distortion and little flare. Classic 7x50 porros normally have 7.3 degrees. I'm guessing the need to use the same body size across the EX range has compromised this model. The EX 10x50 is a more normal 6.5 degrees.
Quality construction, waterproof with all alloy body and amazing value for money at £105 in the UK.
I also looked at the action EX 7x35. Vast 9.3 degree field of view with huge field curvature. Small sweet spot but sharp. Alarmingly the second objective is uncoated. Internal metalwork unfinished dull gray, short tubes blacked. No apherical element.
Again good quality construction and feel robust. For example, the visible inner prisms sit on a metal ledge with lips and are are glued down six times on the edges plus the screwed metal top band. Prism finished with a black Metal top hat. Smooth focus with no play when broken in. These can be had for £69 on Amazon uk returns !
Because these Nikons have some single coated elements they have a warmish yellow view but are still very neutral compared with early single coated porros which are lacking in blue transmission. Contrast unsurprisingly is well down on my 2015 10x42 Trinovids but the views are good.
The Action EX 12x50 I haven't seen but seems to be the top performer in the range as far as astronomy goes.
The Action Ex 8x40 also appears to have some uncoated internal elements which mean the transmission figure of 80% is not as high as it could be. http://www.allbinos.com/260-binoculars_review-Nikon_Action_EX_8x40_CF.html
Conclusion: I think Nikon should put the prices up and fully multi coat all elements !
Last edited: