Okay, I know these have now been superceded by the lighter HGLs, but in essence they are very similar.
I've been using them for 18 months now and still wonder at the image they are able to convey to they eye. It is bright, contrasty and super sharp. I've had a pair of Zeiss Dialyt 10x40 for 18 years and truly think that the image produced by these little Nikons is better.
I also had the opportunity to compare these nect to the Zeiss Victory 8x20 compacts. Both binoculars procuced a fine image in poor light conditions, but the Nikon, to my eyes, give a 'punchier' more contrasty image.
Eyecups are now the modern twist up design and are very comfortable. The body build quality is first rate, with a nice weighty (not heavy feel).
One issue for some may be the position of the focus knob which is at the objective lens end. At first this seems odd, and focussing is left to the little or ring finger. After a few minutes however, this is overcome, and though it has not become as natural a feeling as that of the fore finger control on full-sized bins with the focus knob nearer the eyes, it is not a problem.
The binoculars come with a nice leather pouch and nylon straps with a comfortable leather strap around the neck.
All in all a first rate binocular, which are invalubale for those moments when you don't want to carry a full-size binocular around.
If you are considering Swarovski, Leica or Zeiss compact binoculars, do yourself a favour and try the Nikons too! Content and images originally posted by trealawboy


