Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars (2 Viewers)

[Jinac]

I've just ask to Fujinon if i can use Lithium rechargeable battery like that Amazon.com in my TS 16x28.

The answer is : "Si ces piles accus rechargeable respectent la tension de sortie de 3V, nous ne voyons pas de contre utilisation. Nous n'avons jamais reçu de signalement de mauvais fonctionnement avec ce type de pile rechargeable."=> "If these rechargeable batteries respect the output voltage of 3V, we do not see any counter-use. We have never received any reports of malfunction with this type of rechargeable battery."

The output voltage of a classical lithium battery is almost 3.3V... so is theses 0,4V a risk, that's the question...

 

[Bigbuckdj]

Sig Sauer says 1 AA battery lasts 30 hours in the Sig Sauer 16x42 IS binocular. A CR2 battery lasts much longer than an AA battery because they have a higher energy density. Nikon went to AA batteries because they are more commonly found. I didn't find the optics quite as good in the Sig Sauer 16x42 as the Nikon's and I didn't care for the two types of stabilization because it is bothersome to switch back and forth between the two, and I thought the target mode was almost too much stabilization. The new 50mm Sig Sauer automatically switches between the two modes, which would be an improvement. I also saw a lot of veiling glare with the Sig Sauer 16x42.

Binoculars - the best binoculars for hunting | SIG SAUER

SIG Binoculars feature excellent options for wide view and maximum clarity, rugged, durable and lightweight design with proprietary lens protection and focus.

www.sigsauer.com

SKU	SOZ6WP16
Model	ZULU6
Magnification	16x
Color	Flat Dark Earth (FDE)
Objective Lens Diameter	42 mm
Weight	21.9 oz
Overall Length	7.08 in
Overall Height	2.75 in
Overall Width	4.72 in
Prism Type	Schmidt-Pechan
Frame Material	Thermoplastic Body
Eye Relief	14 mm
Battery	(1) AA
Battery Included	Yes
Run Time	30 hrs
Field of View	3.8º
Diopter Ring	Non-Locking
Housing Protection	Rubber Armor
Tripod Mount Capable	Yes
Tripod Mount Included	No
Fits Zulu Tripod Adapter	No
Carry Case Included	Foam Carrying Case
Carrying Strap Included	Neck Strap
Eye Cups	Twist Up
Diopter Adjustment Range	+/- 3
Near Focus (M)	4.0m / 13.1ft
Coating Type	SPECTRACOAT, LENS ARMOR, LENS SHIELD, HDX GLASS
Interpupilary Distance (mm)	56mm - 70mm

I have been lurking on this site for a long time and I am a huge fan of image stabilized binos. I have 10x30, 12x42, and 16x42 Sigs and generally agree with your reviews. I have recently ordered some of the new 14x50 HDX pros and I am excited to try these Nikon 10x25S over the 10x30 Sigs, even though I liked those quite a bit. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

 

[Bigbuckdj]

Welcome to Bird Forum. I am glad I got you to stop lurking and start posting. Let us know how you like 14x50 HDX pros. I have not tried those yet. I find everybody's opinion is very helpful, especially when they have tried a lot of different IS binoculars.

Will do, I dont have the experience that most the posters have with optics but I can probably offer some comment on if they fixed the glare issue or the poor light transmission most seemed to experience. I still have some sig 16x42s I can compare to. I see Nikon USA has these 10x25 for sale now as well.

 

[Bigbuckdj]

I saw Nikon USA has them for sale also. They are the first USA seller to have them. Did you experience any veiling glare in the Sig 16x42? Not everybody does. Thanks!

Yes, but it isnt that repeatable for me. some days it is terrible under certain viewing conditions and seemingly under the same conditions on other days, it doesnt appear. I am really hoping for better low light performance, less finicky eye placement, and the glare to be gone. I still like the 16s despite those things, but the increased weight doesnt deter me if those things are gone.

 

[Stanbo]

Let us know if the bigger aperture corrects those problems. I have been wanting to try the bigger 50mm Sig IS binoculars, but they seem almost too large.

This thread is about the Nikon 10x25s and 12x25s, but like many threads where you become involved, it has wandered way off subject. In this case Sigs.

These new Nikon IS binoculars have the potential to set the future direction for other manufacturers who will need to compete in what I see as the next major upgrade in binoculars.

So please can we get back on subject.

Out of interest, the only binoculars l have been using for the last 12 years are lS.

Stan

 

[tenex]

There are some unusual 14500 LiIon batteries with only 1.5V (made by Fenix for example) but it might be wise to ask Nikon about their use in bins like these. They also tend to be 1-2mm longer than AAs. I have a flashlight that runs on 14500 (3.6v) which lasts quite long for its modest size.

Out of interest, the only binoculars l have been using for the last 12 years are lS.

Briefly, what has made that trade-off so compelling to you, and at what magnification(s)? And how are these Nikons advancing beyond what you already have? Nikon is a much smaller company, I'm surprised they want to compete with others here including Canon.

 

[jafritten]

These Nikons are now available in Germany.

New Binocular Bargains Thread

That’s a great deal on the kowa 8x22. These have a nice FOV and view like a bigger binocular for their little size.

www.birdforum.net

 

[Stanbo]

Tenex

Briefly, what has made that trade-off so compelling to you, and at what magnification(s)? And how are these Nikons advancing beyond what you already have? Nikon is a much smaller company, I'm surprised they want to compete with others here including Canon.]

My trade-off is quite simple - shake removal from the image.
These new Nikons may not result in me throwing away any of my Canons as the Nikons have a couple of potential problems for me, although not optical or stabilization l would add. But it will be nice to see the Nikons getting a fair assessment. Just remember that they are only the third manufacture to currenty sell lS binoculars: the other two being Canon and Kamakura and possibly Fujinon. The more the better.
The Canons have served me well and have given me a better view than any non-stabilized binocular for over 12 years and l smile every time l press the stabilization button.

Stan

PS l think you changed you message since you originally sent it, so l can't give a full reply.

 

[tlb]

For valuable electronics the batteries that are the least likely to leak and damage the device are the lithium batteries. With the Nikon's poor electronics that deplete 2 AA in only 12 hours this would be an additional cost as well as the issue of having to carry two space batteries as well. My 16x Sig Sauer run for a year on a single A battery by way of comparison. The Sig Sauer IS binos also have two levels of image stabilization with one forf scanning and another that is referred to as Target Mode that double the image stabilization. It is difficult to understand how Nikon's IS binocular electronics that originally used CR2 batteries would draw so much power from AA batteries as to only last for 12 hours. As more manufacturers produce IS models there will be more from which to choose.

 

[tlb]

Apologies if I missed it but what is the warranty (particularly for the U.S.)?

 

[Dennis Mau]

Apologies if I missed it but what is the warranty (particularly for the U.S.)?

https://www.nikonproductsupport.com/s/article/NIKON-BINOCULAR-RANGEFINDING-BINOCULAR-AND-FIELDSCOPE-LIFETIME-LIMITED-WARRANTY?language=en_CA

 

[tlb]

https://www.nikonproductsupport.com/s/article/NIKON-BINOCULAR-RANGEFINDING-BINOCULAR-AND-FIELDSCOPE-LIFETIME-LIMITED-WARRANTY?language=en_CA

Thanks!

 

[crinklystarfish]

These new Nikons may not result in me throwing away any of my Canons as the Nikons have a couple of potential problems for me...

Hi Stan, I think I'm going to try a 10x25 but am curious to know what isn't working out so well for you.

 

[Stanbo]

Hi Stan, I think I'm going to try a 10x25 but am curious to know what isn't working out so well for you.

It really goes back to my non-stabilized binocular days when l had a Nikon 8x20 hgl.
It was a very nice binocular both optically and build quality. However, l never liked the double hinge or the small size so l never used it very often and consequently sold it.
I have the feeling that l might feel the same with the new Nikons.
I have both the 8 and 10x20 Canons which l enjoy using so I've no real need to change to the Nikons. I will however, try them out some time.
I don't know if these will be your first stabilized binoculars, but they would be a good starting point to see the benefits, which in my case was life changing.
Stan

 

[Dennis Mau]

It really goes back to my non-stabilized binocular days when l had a Nikon 8x20 hgl.
It was a very nice binocular both optically and build quality. However, l never liked the double hinge or the small size so l never used it very often and consequently sold it.
I have the feeling that l might feel the same with the new Nikons.
I have both the 8 and 10x20 Canons which l enjoy using so I've no real need to change to the Nikons. I will however, try them out some time.
I don't know if these will be your first stabilized binoculars, but they would be a good starting point to see the benefits, which in my case was life changing.
Stan

The Nikon 10x25 S do have the double hinge so they fold up smaller to fit in your pocket, but actually when unfolded they are pretty good size and are easily as big as any of the 8x25's and almost as big as something like a Nikon HG 8x30. With the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 case you can leave them unfolded enough to fit your IPD so you don't have to adjust them every time you use them. You can also leave them in your pocket unfolded if your jacket pocket is a pretty good size. The trouble with the Canon 8x20 IS and 10x20 IS is they are tough to fit in your pocket, and they don't have as good of optics as the Nikon 10x25 S either.

The Nikon has better contrast, seems just as bright if not brighter even with a smaller aperture and has sharper edges. The Canon's do not have high transmission. I had the Canon 10x30 IS II when I received the Nikon 10x25 S and I compared the two, thinking I would keep the best one. I returned the Canon 10x30 IS II because it didn't have near the contrast of the Nikon and seemed flat and dull in comparison. It surprised me because I always remember the Canon 10x30 IS II as being quite good optically. It took me 10 minutes to decide which one to return. The FOV of the Nikon seemed almost as large as the Canon, even though it is only 5.4 degrees compared to the 6.0 degrees of the Canon.

 

[Oldnintheway]

I've been following this thread, and appreciate the detailed review. I got excited when these were first announced and pre-ordered at B&H. But after some reading, the lack of weather proofing scared me off and I cancelled my order. I spend most of my time with binoculars looking for whales over vast expanses of water in the PNW where rain is not uncommon. I'm currently using Tract 10 x 40 and have been quite happy with them, but I'm sure IS would be a huge advantage. What is your opinion on the lack of waterproofing? Am mistaken to be so concerned?
Thanks, Jim

 

[Dennis Mau]

I've been following this thread, and appreciate the detailed review. I got excited when these were first announced and pre-ordered at B&H. But after some reading, the lack of weather proofing scared me off and I cancelled my order. I spend most of my time with binoculars looking for whales over vast expanses of water in the PNW where rain is not uncommon. I'm currently using Tract 10 x 40 and have been quite happy with them, but I'm sure IS would be a huge advantage. What is your opinion on the lack of waterproofing? Am mistaken to be so concerned?
Thanks, Jim

I very seldom bird in the rain unless I am in Monteverde, Costa Rica, and then I take my NL 8x32. The lack of waterproofing would be an issue if you commonly use your binoculars in the rain. For fairer weather birding, concerts, traveling and hiking, the Nikon 10x25 S is great. There is nothing wrong with having a few different pairs of binoculars for different uses and conditions. The Nikon 10x25 S and Tract 10x42 would be a good pair to have, with the Tract reserved for rainier and lower light conditions.

 

[Jinac]

For binos at this price and more "sensitive" than traditionnal, i feel it really bad this "non-WP features"...

 

[Hermann]

It really goes back to my non-stabilized binocular days when l had a Nikon 8x20 hgl.
It was a very nice binocular both optically and build quality. However, l never liked the double hinge or the small size so l never used it very often and consequently sold it.

Same here. I've had a Nikon 10x25 HG-L for a long, long time, and I still feel it's so good optically and mechanically it gives all those Leicas, Swarovskis and Zeiss' a run for their money. However, I don't like double hinges as well, and of course a 10x25 is almost impossible to hold steady. It's too short and too light.

I have both the 8 and 10x20 Canons which l enjoy using so I've no real need to change to the Nikons. I will however, try them out some time.

I've got the 8x20 as well, and I quite like it. No, it's not a Canon 10x42 IS L by any means - but it's good, and surprisingly durable. It even survived living in my backpack when shopping and so on for several years ... I also want to try the Nikon some time. In fact, if it had been waterproof, I would have ordered one straight away.

Hermann

 

[Dennis Mau]

Same here. I've had a Nikon 10x25 HG-L for a long, long time, and I still feel it's so good optically and mechanically it gives all those Leicas, Swarovskis and Zeiss' a run for their money. However, I don't like double hinges as well, and of course a 10x25 is almost impossible to hold steady. It's too short and too light.

I've got the 8x20 as well, and I quite like it. No, it's not a Canon 10x42 IS L by any means - but it's good, and surprisingly durable. It even survived living in my backpack when shopping and so on for several years ... I also want to try the Nikon some time. In fact, if it had been waterproof, I would have ordered one straight away.

Hermann

The Nikon 10x25 S does have double hinges, but once you set them for your IPD, you can leave them there without changing them and still fit it in your pocket or the Lowepro Dashpoint 30 case. Is waterproofing really that important? How often do you bird when it is pouring rain?