I now have the 10x25 and some brief subjective observations appear below.
I ordered the 12x25 last Friday, and found the box yesterdy evening when coming back home from a work trip.
... the image stabilization is superb... I played a bit with them this morning on my way to work, but with rain and sleet and it barely being light I didn't see much, but realized that they fog up pretty fast!
... but these do slide easily into the side pockets of my cargo pants...
...The stabilisation of the Nikon works SENSATIONALLY well. Really fantastic. Optically, however, the Nikon is unfortunately only good mid-range and clearly inferior to the Zeiss in terms of contrast, sharpness and CA. I knew beforehand that the field of view is much smaller. Nevertheless, the optical disadvantages of the Nikon should be more than compensated for by the stabilisation for most users.
But I find many housing elements really annoying: the surface of the centre bridge and the battery compartment cover are made of cheap, thin plastic. The joints of the double hinges are too smooth so the IPD can be changed too easily. The focuser turns too light, somewhat unevenly and "squirmed" on the test specimen. The armouring does not have a good grip and does not extend to the edges of the objectices, leaving the tube ends unprotected... That's why I can easily stick with my Zeiss, which I can also hold more steady than any other non-IS 10x binocular, so I don't miss the great stabilisation of the Nikon too much.
I think it‘s a shame that Nikon did not invest another 200 Dollars in higher build quality and slightly better optics. The concept of the binocular is so great and it‘s expensive anyway so why don‘t they do it right in every respect?
Agreed that the image stabilization is very accomplished, though there are often (as Dennis pointed out) a few audible clicks and IS adjustments made when going from hanging round the neck to a viewing position. Also, in these circumstances, the IS can take a second or two to fully settle down and - whilst doing so - results (for me) in a mild nausea.
Agreed with the fogging issue. The exterior of the eyepiece lenses do tend to mist up quite readily; but perhaps no worse than current NLs.
Disagree somewhat with pocketability. These are (completely understandably) bulky for a 10x25.
Agreed regarding the optical comparison to a Zeiss VP. I also have access to a CL-P 10x25 and an UV 10x25. All of these return a notably brighter image than the Nikon; which seems somewhat dull and altogether flat by comparison. It's not that the optical quality is poor, it's actually quite good: until compared back-to-back with the above three.
Don't fully agree with the sentiment that the stabilization more than compensates for poorer optical quality. It does in some conditions, but not in all. That said, I'm fortunate enough to be able to hold bins pretty steady anyway.
Agree somewhat that the hinges would profit from being a
little tighter to avoid accidentally upsetting IPD settings.
Disagree with sentiments re focuser. I find it delightful (on my sample).
Agree that because of the ergonomics and haptics that a VP and CL-P are actually intrinsically easier to hold steady and with good technique can be held
reasonably shake-free.
Agreed that with improved optics and some mechanical improvements the Stabilised S would be a different prospect indeed.
In other observations:
The placement of the strap lugs is incredibly irritating. They are (as is not that uncommon) placed well 'underneath' the barrels, meaning that when worn round the neck the bin doesn't lie flat against the chest, but instead dangles at an angle that results in the all-too-familiar scenario where mass is concentrated on chest-digging objective barrels.
The general handling and use - especially because of the volume, mass and eyecup sizing - is more akin to a roof-prism x30 than a x25.
The twist-up eyecups are sort of OK, but feel a bit imprecise and flimsy in their interim positions.
The rainguard is a bit too tight and not easy to quickly remove.
The
non-binocular-geek people around me who have tried them, love them.
Perceived shortcomings aside, I consider the Stabilized S 10x25 altogether pretty good, and I can see how when used for serious nature watching in high winds or from particularly unstable platforms (boats etc), they would come into their own. I can also see the appeal for much more relaxed casual / tourism use etc.
