black crow
Well-known member
Now, for a completetly different tac, I have been using my Nikon 10x42 Aculons again for spotting out the bedroom picture window, and what I can say is that they deliver big time, compared to some others I have, and immediately-no fooling around with focus, etc., they still give me what I want quickly, and without fuss-a very sharp view in the central portion where most viewing is done. There's not a lot more you can ask, unless you want to spend bigger money to get there. Porros are definitely the poor man's Alpha binocular, and I don't say that lightly, nor without good reason. The Aculons are not waterproof, but hey, if you're not going out in bad weather, then these are the ticket to a great view! Nikon is doing something very right there, but the eye relief is limited for eyeglass wearers, that is the only caveat that I can advise against them. But some may work even with eyeglasses, so given liberal return policies now, just try and see if they work for you, without a lot of bother. Most companies will give you 30 days to decide, or at least 30 days to return in some cases, if they don't suit you. Not a bad deal, either way. Just buy US warrantied products (from the US) (or UK if you are there), and look for positive feedback for your seller-never hurts, and only helps when buying online!
I really don't know why it is, just that it is, and the Aculons perform way well above their price range. If anyone is looking for a budget binocular that just gives much more than you can imagine, it is the Aculon Porros by Nikon. At least the 10x42's, for sure from my experience. I have a 7x35 tucked away, but haven't used it much, and a 16x50 too, but the same-not used much yet, though each is great, and a cracking bargain at the price offered on B&Hphoto.com at least when I bought then a few years back, but I decided to keep them both for their performance/price ratio. Though I imagine the price increases would be minor by now, and they would still offer great views for the money.
Sure you can spend more, and get more performance, but you need to ask yourself, how much more do I need, after I see these in action? Try them, and see for yourself. If you want more performance-more brightness, more sharpness across the field of view-or whatever (CA control?), then you will have to pay for it. And not all the time will you get your money's worth back for the money you spend in excess of the Aculons, or a similarly priced Porro that is slightly more giving in response. Yes, they are bit bulky, but I can deal with that-they are not that heavy either.
Check them out, if you haven't already, even if they seem below you-you might be surprised, though I do not know how much variance in quality control there is-but something you each need to address yourselves by trial and use, first of all. Nikon seems to have hit something good here-and I'm not just saying it to say something! Believe me, there is so much more to say comparing others, but if you are searching for a binocular that doesn't cost much and delivers much more, then you need to try these first, I think.
Unless you wear glasses, or have a weight limit, or....what excuse you can to not try these-so either try them in the store, or order a pair-they are certainly bargain offerings among binoculars, that many of you really can use and enjoy.
I feel the same way about porros now also. They are just as valuable to me as the roof prism binocular and it's really true in my eye also, they are the poor mans alpha. I completely ignored them for years because they weren't modern roof prisms but once you turned me on to the EII I saw what I had been missing. I've been itching to get back to them ever since I used the 8x30 the other night for stargazing. My friend Ayla is coming again this week for another hike and some birdwatching. I'm going to take her to the pond in the morning and I'll take my new EL and I'll strap the Kowa Genesis on her. In the afternoon for a hike she can use the 8x30 EII and I'll take the 10x35 EII. I tested her out last time with the Sightrons and she handled them fine and got what I told her about using them and was careful so I'm ready to upgrade her. In fact I have a pair of Celestron Trailseeker 10x32 I'm going to gift her at the end of our day.
So I've heard very good things about the Aculons. How do they compare to the EIIs? I know they cost less and I'll bet they don't have the close focus of the EIIs. Likely not as sharp. It's strange to me that Nikon doesn't push the EIIs over here and that we got so engrossed by the roofs that the porros mostly dropped off the radar. Not for me anymore. One day I may find a Nikon SE. I'd love to compare it to the Leica and Swaro and see who rises to the top.
So I just got back from the pond and there was a big ol snake about three ft long on the trail and I almost stepped on him. It's the biggest snake I've seen since my days with the rattlers in eastern Oregon. Oh yeah and there was some birds there also lol.
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