busterk2000's Full Review: Nikon Action (8x40) Binocular
If you can't afford better, these binculars are reasonable value for the price, but they can't be recommended overall. Yes, they are bright and very nicely sharp in the centre of view, but from about a half way out to the edge, they are soft, and things are just a blur at the edge of view. I don't know why Nikon advertise these as having aspherical eyepieces to correct aberrations. Perhaps they correct other aberrations, that would make the view even worse. As has been noted by a reviewer at CloudyNights, the eyepice holding levers are not solid, they flex with pressure. This doesn't look good, but in practice it doesn't seem to matter. On further thought, perhaps it's also safer, if the binoculars were to hit you in the eye, there's some cushioning effect. I know from past experience that it can be painful if binoculars slip from your hands onto your eyes! Another issue with these Nikons is that they are still rather heavy, and can't be held up for very long without discomfort. Worst of all are the rubber eyecups. They are abrasive to the skin. In fact, the manual warns, that if they are used for an extended period, they may cause a rash. And they are not comfortably shaped, it's better to roll them down. Those who have complained about the eyepiece caps not fitting snugly, probably have the rubber eyecups turned up at all times. The caps do fit very snugly if the rubber eyecups are rolled down. That does leave the issue of front lens covers, which are meant to be attached to the strap while using the binoculars, but the procedure is so fiddly, you probably won't do that more than once, it's easier to just drop them back in the case or in a pocket. Overall, these Nikons are a good value for those like me who simply cannot justify spending more on a pair of binoculars. For those who can afford better, these are not recommended. In particular, we should be able to expect better from Nikon, at any price. Nikon should not be selling items with off-centre blur, and optical components that are not solidly built.
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