New to this from Vancouver, WA (1 Viewer)

[NeilReader]

I’m new to birding but am a big fan and a novice in the subject. I just bought a pair of Nikon 7x35 Naturalist II’s off eBay for 35 bucks and was wondering if anyone had information on them? I’m hoping they are a model that were made in Japan. Are they are good starter pair? Cheers!

Neil

 

[Mike Crawley]

Welcome to the forum

Some questions:-

do they suit your wallet (I would hazard a Yes from your description) ?
do they fit your hands ?
do they fit your face ?
do you see things through them clearly ?

If you keep saying "Yes" I’m prepared to go out on a limb and say that they are a good starter pair of binoculars.
Please don’t obsess over the country where they were built or the other jibber jabber you can read in many binocular forums, just enjoy them, enjoy your new hobby and look at some birds.

Good Birding and Good Luck

 

[Fritz73]

Hola Neil! A warm welcome to Birdforum from all the staff and moderators

 

[Kits]

Welcome to Birdforum. I hope you enjoy your visits.

 

[delia todd]

Hi Niel and a warm welcome from me too.

I've moved your post to the more appropriate Nikon Binocular forum, where more people with the expertise will see it and be able to help you.

I'm sure you will enjoy it here and I hope to hear about all the birds you see when out and about.

 

[Binastro]

Hi and welcome.

I think I have a similar binocular, but mine is slightly out of alignment.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

Marked Nikon Japan on front hinge.

Serial number 0418xx.

Nikon Action on right tube top.

Japanese sticker 112 passed. On top hinge front.

Nikon 7x35 8.6 degrees Naturalist II.

Part multicoated, part single coated, maybe some uncoated surfaces.

Exit pupils circular.

I liked this a lot, but now slightly out of alignment.

B.

 

[yarrellii]

Welcome to the Forum, Neil.
I second Mike C words, it's about the birds, not the binoculars However, since you specifically ask about them, I have the previous version (there's a thread in this Nikon subforum at the moment dealing with different "old" Nikon 7x35), and I'd say they are terrific binoculars, not only for a novice, but generally speaking. As Mike C says, regardless of what you are using, if you obsess about a certain feature, there will always be something missing, even if you spend 3000 $. I've been birding with my 7x35 Nikon (very similar to yours) over the last week and I'm really amazed by their quality (I have top-level binos, and I think these offer some amazing features that others costing 1500 $ don't):

• they have a wide field of view, and this makes it easier to locate the subject (simply watch for the field of view figure in other binoculars, I bet you'll find it hard to match those 8,6 º),
• because they're Porro prism binoculars (with the objectives spaced wide apart, more so than roofs -the ones with straight tubes) they offer a really immersive and "3D-esque" view that is addictive, something to be experience, especially when you watch passerines, tits, warblers at nearby to middle distance,
• they're really very sharp and have a sweet view, with plenty of contrast,
• the 5 mm exit pupil (the "hole" that light goes through before reaching your eyes) is a generous 5 mm (35 divided by 7), which not only allows for a lot of light to go through them in low light conditions, but also makes them really easy to use (many people make the mistake of starting with something like a 10x25, where the exit pupil is 2,5 mm, a tiny hole you have to align your own pupils to, and those binocularas are more difficult to use and quite picky when it comes to eye placement),
• being 7x, the view is more stable than say with a 10x (or even 8x, for that matter), because your tremors/shaking only get multiplied 7 times, so you can enjoy a relaxed birdwatching experience, and the difference in magnification between 7x and 8x is not massive, I doubt you will miss an ID because that difference,
• also, because they're 7x, the depth of field is greater than if they were 8x, let alone 10x, so there's more "in focus" at one time, which makes scanning landscapes a pleasures, since it requires way less re-focusing,
• they're relatively light and the shape of the body fits the human hands in a special way that some find really great, the "grabbability" is just mind-blowing

You'd have to spend quite a lot more to improve in some of those categories, so really, just go out and bird with them and see how you like them. They're a great pair from a reputable company with more than 100 years of experience making optics. You just can't go wrong..

 

[henry link]

As yarellii said this is the Mk II version of the Action series. Unfortunately a step down optically and mechanically from the the first version and especially the Gold Sentinel upgrade of the Mk I that yarrellii has. Still a decent entry level binocular provided it's in good collimation and the intervals are clean.

 

[Mike Crawley]

As yarellii said this is the Mk II version of the Action series. Unfortunately a step down optically and mechanically from the the first version and especially the Gold Sentinel upgrade of the Mk I that yarrellii has. Still a decent entry level binocular provided it's in good collimation and the intervals are clean.

.
I wonder whether you might add an explanation of the technical/scientific terms you use here - for the OP's information

 

[dries1]

Neil welcome to BF.

Just to add to the first post from Mike C, do you wear glasses?

 

[b-lilja]

Yeah, can't think of a better pair of cheap binoculars actually...esp if they are made in Japan...

 

[NeilReader]

Thank you for all the kind relies and wonderful information. What a wonderful forum to be a part of. Can’t wait for the weather to dry up and get to some quality birding! I won’t stress too much on an entry level pair of binoculars. It was more a general curiosity. Thanks for making a man feel welcome!

Neil

 

[NeilReader]

Welcome to the forum

Some questions:-

do they suit your wallet (I would hazard a Yes from your description) ?
do they fit your hands ?
do they fit your face ?
do you see things through them clearly ?

If you keep saying "Yes" I’m prepared to go out on a limb and say that they are a good starter pair of binoculars.
Please don’t obsess over the country where they were built or the other jibber jabber you can read in many binocular forums, just enjoy them, enjoy your new hobby and look at some birds.

Good Birding and Good Luck

The first post I saw as a guest before creating this account was a huge debate with members over binoculars with some name calling. It was entertaining and led to me create an account. I’m here for the birds in the end. Thanks Mike C!

Neil

 

[NeilReader]

Neil welcome to BF.

Just to add to the first post from Mike C, do you wear glasses?

I am near sided but when using binoculars will remove them for viewing.

 

[KC Foggin]

Welcome aboard Neil and enjoy!

 

[dries1]

I am near sided but when using binoculars will remove them for viewing.

That is good since the Nikon 7X35 a better binocular for those who do not wear glasses when using them. Let us know when you receive them what your impressions are, and feel free to ask any questions.

 

[NeilReader]

That is good since the Nikon 7X35 a better binocular for those who do not wear glasses when using them. Let us know when you receive them what your impressions are, and feel free to ask any questions.

Thank you!

 

[ZDHart]

Neil... welcome, man, from a former border Vancouver/Camas resident.

You did just fine getting going with good quality binoculars, and at an incredibly sweet price... as well! Congrats.

You can enjoy those bins, and the views they will provide, for many years to come.

And, should you ever decide that you really want to spend even more money on fine binoculars, rest assured... there will always be some opportunities at hand!

 

[WJC]

I’m new to birding but am a big fan and a novice in the subject. I just bought a pair of Nikon 7x35 Naturalist II’s off eBay for 35 bucks and was wondering if anyone had information on them? I’m hoping they are a model that were made in Japan. Are they are good starter pair? Cheers!

Neil

Many people would tell you that ALL Chinese binos are junk. That is SO at the low end. However, if YOU have the money ... THEY have the product.