Nikon Travelite/Prostaff 8x25/9x25 (3 Viewers)

[ifatfat]

I've already narrowed down my purchase of bins to one of the above.

I couldn't help but notice that 9x25 are usually priced lower than 8x25... is there any particular reason why?

Call me a skeptic, but just kinda wondering if the 9x25s are somehow lower in picture/construction quality and thus the lower pricing?

 

[NDhunter]

I have a Travellite V 8x25, and they are a good optic, for its purpose, as a compact, for most only as a something to look through when I don't have a better one along. I don't know much about the Prostaff, but sometimes the lower power will give a better view than the higher power on these lower end models.

 

[Bosque]

I have the 8x25 Prostaff, I like them. The Travelite are much lighter, no getting around that, but I spend to much time on boats to dream of getting a non-waterproof binocular. I looked at both in a store and maybe I imagined things, but I felt the Prostaff was a nicer image (this was before I noticed which was waterproof).

The FOV is already pretty narrow on the 8x (330ft @ 1000 yds), the 9x drops down to 293ft, plus it'll get harder to hold still.

 

[Howard220]

I have had the 9x25 Travelite V for quite a few years and I can't say enough good things about its optical quality. While its 293' field (a shade over 50 degrees apparent field) is narrower than I would like, the sweet spot is awfully large, contrasty, and damned sharp. Its only optical downfall, as I see it, is that it does seem to have internal reflections when looking in the direction of bright sky. A little hand shading sometimes helps. But for what it is, and especially its price, I can't complain too much. Especially because of its light weight, it's the one I carry with me on long walks.

I chose it over the 8x25 because the 8x25 has the same 293' field, therefore reducing the apparent field even more compared to the 9x25.

 

[ceasar]

The 8 x 25 Pro Staff has a wider field than the 8 x 25 Travelite V--about 335'. I also have owned and used the 9 x 25 Travelite for many years and agree with Howard's assessment of it.
Bob

 

[Bosque]

Yeah, I forgot about the white ring that appears anytime you look into the light. Shading definitely helps, but it's the most annoying part of these binoculars.

 

[falcondude]

I have a Travellite V 8x25, and they are a good optic, for its purpose, as a compact, for most only as a something to look through when I don't have a better one along. I don't know much about the Prostaff, but sometimes the lower power will give a better view than the higher power on these lower end models.

I had it briefly and agree it is a very compact binoculars for hiking purpose.

 

[ksbird/foxranch]

I have the Nikon Prostaff 9x25s and they are great. Nice optics, fit my overcoat pocket, lenses don't fog much in the cold and damp, and waterproof, I love em.

 

[MarylandUSA]

(Better late than never!)
I've recently bought 18 reverse porros:

• one 5x21 (Sightron Safari / Hinode A5, 10.5-degree)
• one 6x21 (Hinode 6x21 S1)
• one 6x24 (Bushnell Custom Compact, Gen 3 with side lugs)
• one 7x25 (Bushnell Ensign 9.3-degree)
• two 7x26 Custom Compacts (Bushnell Gen 3 and Bausch and Lomb)
• one 8x23 (Bushnell aspherical)
• two 8x24 (Pentax classic and Pentax UCF G)
• four 8x25 (Minolta Activa FM, Nikon Mountaineer II, Olympus PC I, and Swift 805R)
• two 9x25 (Bausch and Lomb Legacy 7.3-degree, Nikon Prostaff ATB)
• one 10x24 (Pentax classic)
• one 10x25 (Swift 801R)
• one 8x30 (Bushnell Off Trail, 8-degree)

Only the Sightron and the Nikon Prostaff ATB are still made.

I'll report on my findings, I hope in April. Meanwhile, I'll briefly share my impressions of the Nikon Prostaff ATB 9x25.

Pros: Bitingly high resolution, ample contrast, wider FOV than claimed, solid build, great ergonomics (which helps me keep a steady hold), brilliantly set-it-and-forget-it diopter control.
Cons: Depth of field is shallower than most, possibly because of its higher power. Focusing is more critical because focus snaps in and out of place. Eye placement can be finicky, but I solved this by swapping in larger rubber eyecups.

 

[Binastro]

Fujifilm 5x
Leica 3x
Zeiss 3.5x
Zeiss 4x

Beechers Mirage 3.4x, 4.5x, 5.5x, 7x, 8x.

Steiner 6x25 11.5 degrees.
Nipole 7x23 9.5 degrees.

Many other micro binoculars, numerous magnifications.

So, a way to go still

Enjoy the ones you have.

Regards,
B.