Nikon 12x25 Stabilised (1 Viewer)

[PatR]

New kid on the block meets battle weary veteran.

One stab at a first impression and must admit not impressed at all. In no particular order:

The stabilisation is very effective but the optical quality, whilst not awful, is just not there. Compared to the veritable HGL (albeit 10x and not 12x), it is noticably duller, has a reddish tinge and is nowhere near as sharp. Even with the stabilisation on it is less sharp, and the Swaro CL Pocket 10x25 really shows it up as a mid-tier optic.

The focus wheel takes no prisoners. Absolutely no play whatsoever, its either in or out of focus and I have found it difficult to adjust the dioptre to match the left eye focus point. It is very stiff to move too.

Suprising amount of CA, a pronounced green line on top of the hills and the telegraph wires and no amount of eye position adjustment altered it.

Very strange sensation when panning vertically, there is an audible click and what can only be described as a 'jump', as if the stabilisation had re-adjusted itself mid-pan.

Going from the rest position to the eyes (stabilisation on) induces a delayed action until the stabiliser 'catches up' and locks on. I found that to be more than annoying and timed it as about 2 seconds until it became rock steady.

The main body is quite bulky for a compact bino and whilst the barrels appear to be metal with a thin semi-textured rubber like finish, the bridge and the battery/stabilisation compartment are smooth plastic and feel, look and sound (when you tap them) rather cheap. I wouldn't like to either knock or drop them.

The battery cover is like something off a cheap electronic toy or budget radio. Poor quality plastics and a flimsy catch that is made to break.....on the website spare covers are available as a spare part. I can see why.

The eyecups stay in place but do not have a reassuring feel to them, and continue an overall impression of flimsiness.

My veteran HGL 10x25's came with a lovely leather case, these come with a cloth draw-string bag which has all the protection qualities of a chocolate fireguard.



I know this is a pretty negative first impression report but these do not look, feel or perform like a £719 pair of binoculars. My wife's Canon IS 10x30 III's blow them out of the water from a construction, tactile feel and optical perspective. If I put optical sharpness to one side the Nikon stabilistion, once it has 'settled' down is very effective. But even so it cannot make up for the mediocre optics of the Nikon's. They are compact though.

I have no idea whether I have a bum pair of whether my expectations are too high but these, with more thought on the material quality, a more robust construction, a degree of water/weather/dust resistance and the optical quality of my 20+ year old HGL's, would be a cracking pair of bino's.

Operation Return to Vendor is about to be implemented.

 

[tehri]

Just even the bag alone says it all !!!

 

[PatR]

Just even the bag alone says it all !!!

I cannot remember being so disappointed at a purchase especially when I think of where those superb little HGL’s have been ….. and survived.

I love Nikon stuff, my EII 8x30’s are sublime. These are pants.

 

[PatR]

I am not sure who the Moderator was who removed the scurrilous assertion by @[email protected] that my impression of the Nikon's was fraudulant but may I offer my thanks.

 

[Ignatius]

I am not sure who the Moderator was who removed the scurrilous assertion by @[email protected] that my impression of the Nikon's was fraudulant but may I offer my thanks.

Probably the man himself. He is wont to do that intermittently. One never-ending sequence of brainfarts ... ∞

 

[PatR]

Probably the man himself. He is wont to do that intermittently. One never-ending sequence of brainfarts ... ∞

I initially thought that too but curiosity got the better of me and on the post it showed that it was ‘edited by a moderator’.

I would never have lowered myself to either respond to his inane rambling or report the post.

 

[Jos Stratford]

I am not sure who the Moderator was who removed the scurrilous assertion by @[email protected] that my impression of the Nikon's was fraudulant but may I offer my thanks.

No moderator removed his post, he deleted it himself. The edit by a moderator was removing his throw-away comment referring to Trump, CNN and fake news ...we do not need debate about US politics creeping into endless posts, that can stay on Ruffled Feathers.

 

[Isthatascratch?]

View attachment 1627139

New kid on the block meets battle weary veteran.

One stab at a first impression and must admit not impressed at all. In no particular order:

The stabilisation is very effective but the optical quality, whilst not awful, is just not there. Compared to the veritable HGL (albeit 10x and not 12x), it is noticably duller, has a reddish tinge and is nowhere near as sharp. Even with the stabilisation on it is less sharp, and the Swaro CL Pocket 10x25 really shows it up as a mid-tier optic.

The focus wheel takes no prisoners. Absolutely no play whatsoever, its either in or out of focus and I have found it difficult to adjust the dioptre to match the left eye focus point. It is very stiff to move too.

Suprising amount of CA, a pronounced green line on top of the hills and the telegraph wires and no amount of eye position adjustment altered it.

Very strange sensation when panning vertically, there is an audible click and what can only be described as a 'jump', as if the stabilisation had re-adjusted itself mid-pan.

Going from the rest position to the eyes (stabilisation on) induces a delayed action until the stabiliser 'catches up' and locks on. I found that to be more than annoying and timed it as about 2 seconds until it became rock steady.

The main body is quite bulky for a compact bino and whilst the barrels appear to be metal with a thin semi-textured rubber like finish, the bridge and the battery/stabilisation compartment are smooth plastic and feel, look and sound (when you tap them) rather cheap. I wouldn't like to either knock or drop them.

The battery cover is like something off a cheap electronic toy or budget radio. Poor quality plastics and a flimsy catch that is made to break.....on the website spare covers are available as a spare part. I can see why.

The eyecups stay in place but do not have a reassuring feel to them, and continue an overall impression of flimsiness.

My veteran HGL 10x25's came with a lovely leather case, these come with a cloth draw-string bag which has all the protection qualities of a chocolate fireguard.

View attachment 1627148

I know this is a pretty negative first impression report but these do not look, feel or perform like a £719 pair of binoculars. My wifes Canon IS 10x30 III's blow them out of the water from a construction, tactile feel and optical perspective. If I put optical sharpness to one side the Nikon stabilistion, once it has 'settled' down is very effective. But even so it cannot make up for the mediocre optics of the Nikon's.

I have no idea whether I have a bum pair of whether my expectations are too high but these, with more thought on the material quality, a more robust construction and the optical quality of my 20+ year old HGL's would be a cracking pair of bino's.

Operation Return to Vendor is about to be implemented.

I am not sure who the Moderator was who removed the scurrilous assertion by @[email protected] that my impression of the Nikon's was fraudulant but may I offer my thanks.

I thought I’d imagined it. I Went to sleep woke up and noticed it had gone.

Thanks for reminding me I’m only 95% crazy, I am now stabilised!

 

[PatR]

I thought I’d imagined it. I Went to sleep woke up and noticed it had gone.

Thanks for reminding me I’m only 95% crazy, I am now stabilised!

95%? I have been a 100 percenter for many years.

Luckily my youngest son is a GP and he prescribes Single Malt as the only cure for his old Dad.

God I love that boy.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I disagree with this review, and so does Binomania and I have owned practically all the IS binoculars made. Binomania also did objective resolution testing on them. I feel the Nikon S was overly criticized, and it actually is a pretty good compact IS binocular IMO. In many ways, an IS binocular can't compete with a traditional binocular. A review is just somebody else's subjective opinion of the binocular if there is no objective testing done and depends on the reviewer's experience with IS binoculars and your opinion could differ. So before you rule out this binocular, the best thing to do is try it yourself and then decide if it is for you.

I just received the new Nikon 10x25 S stabilized binoculars and I must say I am quite impressed. In my opinion these could well be some competition for the alpha compacts like the Swarovski CL-P and the Zeiss Victory 10x25 mainly because of the IS system. The optics on these are very comparable, plus it has the added advantage of the IS, which increases resolution at least 30% at 10x according to Kimmo's tests. I can without a doubt see more detail and read lettering that I could not with an alpha 10x25 pocket. The FOV on these is 5.4 degrees, which is slightly smaller than the Swarovski which has a 5.6 degree FOV and considerably smaller than the Zeiss which is 6 degrees. The edges are sharp, and it has a big sweet spot similar to the CL-P. The Zeiss of course has a bigger FOV, but not as big of a sweet spot nor is it as sharp on the edges. The Nikon's optics remind me of the LX 10x25, and as far as glare control they are excellent for such a small binocular. Nikon must have blackened the optical tubes very well. The IS system on a binocular of this size and weight is a real advantage because a smaller, lighter binocular can be harder to hold steady.

You can without a doubt see more detail with these than you can with ANY regular non-IS 10x25 compact binocular, including the alphas. The IS is a lens-shift system which is the newer system similar to that which is used in the newer Canon IS models, and it works as well as the Canons with no artifacts that I can see and seems to stabilize just as effectively as the Canons, meaning rock steady like a tripod. The stabilization stays on for 60 minutes unless you shut it off, and then it shuts off by itself, so that is a nice feature. Also, it uses two standard AA batteries, which improves run time and availability over the less common CR2 battery that the older model used. The new AA batteries lasts 12 hours, and they don't add much to the weight of the binocular, which is 14 oz, especially if you use lithium batteries. so it is a few ounces heavier than the Alpha compacts, which isn't bad for an IS binocular. This newer model will operate as a regular binocular if the batteries go dead, whereas, the original model wouldn't and that can be a big advantage if your batteries go dead in the middle of a birding trip, and you forgot to bring some spares. It is double hinge so it folds down small like the CL-P, although it is thicker because of the battery placement on the bottom of the binocular, and it is about the same size as the Zeiss Victory and the Swarovski Cl-P when folded open.

It is MIC, but it seems very high quality with a very smooth focuser with just about the right amount of tension. The diopter is on the right ocular, and it has enough tension that it doesn't move easily. The eye cups work well and offer three positions, and usually I have problems with the eye cups on pocket binoculars not being long enough for the eye relief which results in black-outs, but these worked perfectly for me with no blackouts on the third click stop. So if you have shallow eye sockets like I do, these will work for you! The strap is well sized for the binocular and the rain guard is one piece, and fits when the binocular is folded and open. The case is pretty unusable, being a velvet bag which doesn't offer much protection, and I haven't found a case yet to fit it yet, but I think the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 will fit it because the dimensions are 5x4x3 inches. I have a Lowepro Dashpoint 20 and it is too small. Overall, I think the Nikon 10x25 IS unique in the marketplace, being the only IS compact binocular I know of that looks like a normal pocket binocular and performs like the bigger Canon IS models.

There are the Fujinon Techno-Stabi models, but they are only offered in 12x and 16x and have a very small FOV which doesn't work well for birding. I have tried almost all the compact binoculars including the alphas in 8x20, 8x25 and 10x25 and I find these to be the easiest to use and most comfortable with easier eye placement and are the highest performing especially in regard to resolution because of the IS system. If you think about it, with a compact you are biking or hiking or running or doing something active and then when you stop to use your binoculars it is really nice to have the IS feature to stabilize the view and the stabilization also makes eye placement easier because the EP is not moving around and hits your retina squarely every time. Overall, a unique pocketable IS binocular, and I highly recommend it if you want something that is pocketable, has 10x magnification with IS and looks like a normal pocket binocular.

TEST WITH USAF CHART AT 35 METERS​

I tested the USAF Chart in three modes: freehand without stabilization, with the stabilizer activated, and with the stabilizer off on a tripod. With the stabilizer on, I was able to see line 2, while with freehand observation I was able to distinguish line 1 with some difficulty , which I can see well with a 10×42. I did not notice any particular differences between the performance on a tripod and with the stabilizer active, which confirms that the stabilizer works very well. The containment of chromatic aberration was satisfactory in the observation of the black lines in the center of the field and only a little green and violet halo is noticeable only on the edges of the external black lines.

"The Nikon Stabilized 10×25 is a compact, lightweight, classic-designed binocular that stands out in the stabilized binocular field. The stabilization is very effective, making it ideal for freehand observations and even during panning, as in the case of bird watching or landscape. The battery life is excellent, and the use of common AA batteries makes the binoculars practical to use. However, the reduced exit pupil limits use in low-light conditions, and it is important to check compatibility with glasses for wearers. Overall, it is an excellent binocular for those looking for a compact, stabilized product, perfect for landscape observation or for those who prefer lightweight, easy-to-carry binoculars. The price is competitive compared to the performance offered. From my practical tests in the field, a stabilized 10×25 still shows more details than a 10×42 when used freehand."

Novità! Binocolo Nikon Stabilized 10×25 – II PARTE: Test sul campo, video di esempio con Iphone

Leggi la recensione completa del Nikon Stabilized 10x25, ideale per panorami, birdwatching e trekking. Leggero e dalle ottime prestazioni.

www.binomania.it

 

[Argent]

View attachment 1627139

New kid on the block meets battle weary veteran.

One stab at a first impression and must admit not impressed at all. In no particular order:

The stabilisation is very effective but the optical quality, whilst not awful, is just not there. Compared to the veritable HGL (albeit 10x and not 12x), it is noticably duller, has a reddish tinge and is nowhere near as sharp. Even with the stabilisation on it is less sharp, and the Swaro CL Pocket 10x25 really shows it up as a mid-tier optic.

The focus wheel takes no prisoners. Absolutely no play whatsoever, its either in or out of focus and I have found it difficult to adjust the dioptre to match the left eye focus point. It is very stiff to move too.

Suprising amount of CA, a pronounced green line on top of the hills and the telegraph wires and no amount of eye position adjustment altered it.

Very strange sensation when panning vertically, there is an audible click and what can only be described as a 'jump', as if the stabilisation had re-adjusted itself mid-pan.

Going from the rest position to the eyes (stabilisation on) induces a delayed action until the stabiliser 'catches up' and locks on. I found that to be more than annoying and timed it as about 2 seconds until it became rock steady.

The main body is quite bulky for a compact bino and whilst the barrels appear to be metal with a thin semi-textured rubber like finish, the bridge and the battery/stabilisation compartment are smooth plastic and feel, look and sound (when you tap them) rather cheap. I wouldn't like to either knock or drop them.

The battery cover is like something off a cheap electronic toy or budget radio. Poor quality plastics and a flimsy catch that is made to break.....on the website spare covers are available as a spare part. I can see why.

The eyecups stay in place but do not have a reassuring feel to them, and continue an overall impression of flimsiness.

My veteran HGL 10x25's came with a lovely leather case, these come with a cloth draw-string bag which has all the protection qualities of a chocolate fireguard.

View attachment 1627148

I know this is a pretty negative first impression report but these do not look, feel or perform like a £719 pair of binoculars. My wife's Canon IS 10x30 III's blow them out of the water from a construction, tactile feel and optical perspective. If I put optical sharpness to one side the Nikon stabilistion, once it has 'settled' down is very effective. But even so it cannot make up for the mediocre optics of the Nikon's. They are compact though.

I have no idea whether I have a bum pair of whether my expectations are too high but these, with more thought on the material quality, a more robust construction, a degree of water/weather/dust resistance and the optical quality of my 20+ year old HGL's, would be a cracking pair of bino's.

Operation Return to Vendor is about to be implemented.

It's quite possible that you've got a particularly bad specimen. On the other hand, you have set the bar extremely high with the 10x25HG L. I`ve a 10x25HG L myself and even after 14 years it is still unbeatable. I've also used various Nikon Sport Lite, Aculon and Sportstar EX binoculars in the 10x25 configuration during this time and none of them came anywhere near the HG L. The binoculars are extremely good. I suggest you return your Stabilized 12x25 S and get another Stabilized 12x25 S and then use it for a few days without having your HG L with you for comparison. The 12x25 S has good reviews and can't really be very bad

 

[Isthatascratch?]

It's quite possible that you've got a particularly bad specimen. On the other hand, you have set the bar extremely high with the 10x25HG L. I`ve a 10x25HG L myself and even after 14 years it is still unbeatable. I've also used various Nikon Sport Lite, Aculon and Sportstar EX binoculars in the 10x25 configuration during this time and none of them came anywhere near the HG L. The binoculars are extremely good. I suggest you return your Stabilized 12x25 S and get another Stabilized 12x25 S and then use it for a few days without having your HG L with you for comparison. The 12x25 S has good reviews and can't really be very bad

I think a ‘bad specimen’ might put me off!

 

[seawatcher]

I disagree with this review, and so does Binomania and I have owned practically all the IS binoculars made. Binomania also did objective resolution testing on them. I feel the Nikon S was overly criticized, and it actually is a pretty good compact IS binocular IMO. In many ways, an IS binocular can't compete with a traditional binocular. A review is just somebody else's subjective opinion of the binocular if there is no objective testing done and depends on the reviewer's experience with IS binoculars and your opinion could differ. So before you rule out this binocular, the best thing to do is try it yourself and then decide if it is for you.

I just received the new Nikon 10x25 S stabilized binoculars and I must say I am quite impressed. In my opinion these could well be some competition for the alpha compacts like the Swarovski CL-P and the Zeiss Victory 10x25 mainly because of the IS system. The optics on these are very comparable, plus it has the added advantage of the IS, which increases resolution at least 30% at 10x according to Kimmo's tests. I can without a doubt see more detail and read lettering that I could not with an alpha 10x25 pocket. The FOV on these is 5.4 degrees, which is slightly smaller than the Swarovski which has a 5.6 degree FOV and considerably smaller than the Zeiss which is 6 degrees. The edges are sharp, and it has a big sweet spot similar to the CL-P. The Zeiss of course has a bigger FOV, but not as big of a sweet spot nor is it as sharp on the edges. The Nikon's optics remind me of the LX 10x25, and as far as glare control they are excellent for such a small binocular. Nikon must have blackened the optical tubes very well. The IS system on a binocular of this size and weight is a real advantage because a smaller, lighter binocular can be harder to hold steady.

You can without a doubt see more detail with these than you can with ANY regular non-IS 10x25 compact binocular, including the alphas. The IS is a lens-shift system which is the newer system similar to that which is used in the newer Canon IS models, and it works as well as the Canons with no artifacts that I can see and seems to stabilize just as effectively as the Canons, meaning rock steady like a tripod. The stabilization stays on for 60 minutes unless you shut it off, and then it shuts off by itself, so that is a nice feature. Also, it uses two standard AA batteries, which improves run time and availability over the less common CR2 battery that the older model used. The new AA batteries lasts 12 hours, and they don't add much to the weight of the binocular, which is 14 oz, especially if you use lithium batteries. so it is a few ounces heavier than the Alpha compacts, which isn't bad for an IS binocular. This newer model will operate as a regular binocular if the batteries go dead, whereas, the original model wouldn't and that can be a big advantage if your batteries go dead in the middle of a birding trip, and you forgot to bring some spares. It is double hinge so it folds down small like the CL-P, although it is thicker because of the battery placement on the bottom of the binocular, and it is about the same size as the Zeiss Victory and the Swarovski Cl-P when folded open.

It is MIC, but it seems very high quality with a very smooth focuser with just about the right amount of tension. The diopter is on the right ocular, and it has enough tension that it doesn't move easily. The eye cups work well and offer three positions, and usually I have problems with the eye cups on pocket binoculars not being long enough for the eye relief which results in black-outs, but these worked perfectly for me with no blackouts on the third click stop. So if you have shallow eye sockets like I do, these will work for you! The strap is well sized for the binocular and the rain guard is one piece, and fits when the binocular is folded and open. The case is pretty unusable, being a velvet bag which doesn't offer much protection, and I haven't found a case yet to fit it yet, but I think the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 will fit it because the dimensions are 5x4x3 inches. I have a Lowepro Dashpoint 20 and it is too small. Overall, I think the Nikon 10x25 IS unique in the marketplace, being the only IS compact binocular I know of that looks like a normal pocket binocular and performs like the bigger Canon IS models.

There are the Fujinon Techno-Stabi models, but they are only offered in 12x and 16x and have a very small FOV which doesn't work well for birding. I have tried almost all the compact binoculars including the alphas in 8x20, 8x25 and 10x25 and I find these to be the easiest to use and most comfortable with easier eye placement and are the highest performing especially in regard to resolution because of the IS system. If you think about it, with a compact you are biking or hiking or running or doing something active and then when you stop to use your binoculars it is really nice to have the IS feature to stabilize the view and the stabilization also makes eye placement easier because the EP is not moving around and hits your retina squarely every time. Overall, a unique pocketable IS binocular, and I highly recommend it if you want something that is pocketable, has 10x magnification with IS and looks like a normal pocket binocular.

TEST WITH USAF CHART AT 35 METERS​

I tested the USAF Chart in three modes: freehand without stabilization, with the stabilizer activated, and with the stabilizer off on a tripod. With the stabilizer on, I was able to see line 2, while with freehand observation I was able to distinguish line 1 with some difficulty , which I can see well with a 10×42.

I did not notice any particular differences between the performance on a tripod and with the stabilizer active, which confirms that the stabilizer works very well. The containment of chromatic aberration was satisfactory in the observation of the black lines in the center of the field and only a little green and violet halo is noticeable only on the edges of the external black lines.

"The Nikon Stabilized 10×25 is a compact, lightweight, classic-designed binocular that stands out in the stabilized binocular field. The stabilization is very effective, making it ideal for freehand observations and even during panning, as in the case of bird watching or landscape. The battery life is excellent, and the use of common AA batteries makes the binoculars practical to use. However, the reduced exit pupil limits use in low-light conditions, and it is important to check compatibility with glasses for wearers. Overall, it is an excellent binocular for those looking for a compact, stabilized product, perfect for landscape observation or for those who prefer lightweight, easy-to-carry binoculars. The price is competitive compared to the performance offered."

Novità! Binocolo Nikon Stabilized 10×25 – II PARTE: Test sul campo, video di esempio con Iphone

Leggi la recensione completa del Nikon Stabilized 10x25, ideale per panorami, birdwatching e trekking. Leggero e dalle ottime prestazioni.

www.binomania.it

But this review is about the 10x25 S, yet this thread is about the 12x25 S. Different binoculars. But isn't this but same old text that we have seen before? Didn't you just delete all this text, but with the words 12x25 S replacing 10x25 S in this thread a day or so ago? This is just nuts!

 

[PatR]

It's quite possible that you've got a particularly bad specimen. On the other hand, you have set the bar extremely high with the 10x25HG L. I`ve a 10x25HG L myself and even after 14 years it is still unbeatable. I've also used various Nikon Sport Lite, Aculon and Sportstar EX binoculars in the 10x25 configuration during this time and none of them came anywhere near the HG L. The binoculars are extremely good. I suggest you return your Stabilized 12x25 S and get another Stabilized 12x25 S and then use it for a few days without having your HG L with you for comparison. The 12x25 S has good reviews and can't really be very bad

Thank you, you are right in that the HG L is a particularly fine bino that punches well above its weight and is more than a match against the 'Top Three' manufacturers. Mine has acompanied me on many operations around the world and despite its weary appearance, is optically as good as the day I bought it over 20 years ago.

No, my foray into the Nikon IS world is over and as we speak, they are in transit for a refund. They are a shoddy bit of kit and after scouring the net, I have found several reviews which identify the problems I found. Even if the optics were as good as the HGL's (they are not) the actual construction and the quality of the materials used is not worthy of the Nikon name. I say this as a hitherto delighted Nikon user and owner. The IS system though, once steadied is very good. I did find though that when panning it 'moved' more than my wife's Canon 10x30 IS III's.

The main body is a horrible plastic and the battery catch is just waiting to snap. Incredibly on the Amazon site they show spare battery compartment covers as an accessory, thus reinforcing my view that many will fail and replacements will be needed. I know that quality of assembly is a mute point for many but I have serious doubts that they are robust enough for protracted use.

To illustrate my point:



The battery cover catch is a snap waiting to happen.

The centre body of the bino's, where the bridge and the battery housing meet is plastic and the join between them shows poor assembly tolerances. It is ABS plastic and feels, looks and sounds cheap and nasty. At £719 it is not cheap, it is certainly nasty. This is my opinion of course, others may have a completely different view.

Thank you for your concerns and advice. As I said earlier, one stab at a first impression. I had high hopes for them; the Nikon reputation and my total satisfaction with the HGL's and my EII 8x30's.

But in the end they were not what I expected and to be frank I cannot be bothered to try another pair. The quality of construction and robustness is less than optimum and the optics, stabilised or not, are shamed by a pair of bino's that are 20+ years older and have survived amongst other things, a nasty landing strapped to yours truly from 2000ft!

Utrinque Paratus!

Treue um treue!

 

[Argent]

Thank you, you are right in that the HG L is a particularly fine bino that punches well above its weight and is more than a match against the 'Top Three' manufacturers. Mine has acompanied me on many operations around the world and despite its weary appearance, is optically as good as the day I bought it over 20 years ago.

No, my foray into the Nikon IS world is over and as we speak, they are in transit for a refund. They are a shoddy bit of kit and after scouring the net, I have found several reviews which identify the problems I found. Even if the optics were as good as the HGL's (they are not) the actual construction and the quality of the materials used is not worthy of the Nikon name. I say this as a hitherto delighted Nikon user and owner. The IS system though, once steadied is very good. I did find though that when panning it 'moved' more than my wife's Canon 10x30 IS III's.

The main body is a horrible plastic and the battery catch is just waiting to snap. Incredibly on the Amazon site they show spare battery compartment covers as an accessory, thus reinforcing my view that many will fail and replacements will be needed. I know that quality of assembly is a mute point for many but I have serious doubts that they are robust enough for protracted use.

To illustrate my point:

View attachment 1627313View attachment 1627314View attachment 1627315

The battery cover catch is a snap waiting to happen.

The centre body of the bino's, where the bridge and the battery housing meet is plastic and the join between them shows poor assembly tolerances. It is ABS plastic and feels, looks and sounds cheap and nasty. At £719 it is not cheap, it is certainly nasty. This is my opinion of course, others may have a completely different view.

Thank you for your concerns and advice. As I said earlier, one stab at a first impression. I had high hopes for them; the Nikon reputation and my total satisfaction with the HGL's and my EII 8x30's.

But in the end they were not what I expected and to be frank I cannot be bothered to try another pair. The quality of construction and robustness is less than optimum and the optics, stabilised or not, are shamed by a pair of bino's that are 20+ years older and have survived amongst other things, a nasty landing strapped to yours truly from 2000ft!

Utrinque Paratus!

Treue um treue!

You can be completely satisfied with the HGL. It is mechanically as well made as it gets, as robust as a tank and visually beyond reproach. The 8x20HG L and 10x25HG L are built to last. I'm always surprised when I pick up any 10x25 and realise how poorly made it is in direct comparison. Despite everything, the 10x25 Stabilized still appeals to me... one day I will buy it and try it out.

 

[PeterPS]

a pair of bino's that are 20+ years older and have survived amongst other things, a nasty landing strapped to yours truly from 2000ft!

Intrigued by your sentence above, can you explain?

 

[PatR]

Intrigued by your sentence above, can you explain?

I used to jump out of perfectly serviceable aircraft whilst serving in the military. My little Nikons went everywhere with me from the Artic to the Antarctic and a few hot and sandy places in between. If they could talk I would have to kill them!

 

[PatR]

You can be completely satisfied with the HGL. It is mechanically as well made as it gets, as robust as a tank and visually beyond reproach. The 8x20HG L and 10x25HG L are built to last. I'm always surprised when I pick up any 10x25 and realise how poorly made it is in direct comparison. Despite everything, the 10x25 Stabilized still appeals to me... one day I will buy it and try it out.

I am more than satisfied with them. I wish you well if you do go ahead with the stabilised bino’s. As I said it is my view and my view alone. I am certain that there are many who will be completely satisfied with theirs, they just didn’t do anything for me.

 

[Hermann]

Pat:
Thank you for your thorough review. No need for me to look at this particular Nikon model now. Your description and your photos are totally convincing, especially your comparison of the optics with the exellent 10x25 HG-L. And that battery catch ... No way that will stand up to prolonged use. Surely Nikon can do a lot better.

A word on that "other" review, posted in full above (instead of just giving a link): I'd like to remind everybody that the reviewer put up his Nikon 10x25 S for sale a few weeks later on this forum. He never explained why he did that. In that thread (Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars) there were also two more critical, short reviews of the 10x25 S.

Hermann

 

[PatR]

Pat:
Thank you for your thorough review. No need for me to look at this particular Nikon model now. Your description and your photos are totally convincing, especially your comparison of the optics with the exellent 10x25 HG-L. And that battery catch ... No way that will stand up to prolonged use. Surely Nikon can do a lot better.

A word on that "other" review, posted in full above (instead of just giving a link): I'd like to remind everybody that the reviewer put up his Nikon 10x25 S for sale a few weeks later on this forum. He never explained why he did that. In that thread (Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars) there were also two more critical, short reviews of the 10x25 S.

Hermann

Thank you Hermann, very kind of you.

I must admit that I was very disappointed with the bino’s and not in the least bit surprised at the reaction of the embittered one.