Nikon Travelite V or Travelite Ex (1 Viewer)

[TMG555]

Hi, Could anyone tell me if the optics are the same on the Nikon Travelite 9x25 CF compared to the Travelite 9x25 Ex. Looking at images of these the body of the bins are slightly different though the size is the same. I intend the leave them in a car most of the time as I do a lot of driving around in my job. I also thought they could do for my wife who is not a birder but comes on walks with me now and again. I can not test them together as I have not found anyone near me who stocks them both. Any thoughts on which is best? Thanks in advance.

 

[John S.]

Hi, Could anyone tell me if the optics are the same on the Nikon Travelite 9x25 CF compared to the Travelite 9x25 Ex. Looking at images of these the body of the bins are slightly different though the size is the same. I intend the leave them in a car most of the time as I do a lot of driving around in my job. I also thought they could do for my wife who is not a birder but comes on walks with me now and again. I can not test them together as I have not found anyone near me who stocks them both. Any thoughts on which is best? Thanks in advance.

Hi. I would suggest that you step down to an 8x for an infrequent user. The lower magnifiaction in compact binoculars will reduce their apparent shakiness and should provide a wider fov. If they are to be left in the car be sure to store them in a place where the heat of an enclosed car won't build up.

 

[ceasar]

The 8 x 25 Travelite and the 9 x 25 Travelite, for some reason or other, are listed as having the same Field of View so except for the hand shake factor and exit pupil there doesn't seem to be much other reason to use the 8x in that model. I used the 9 x 25 as a car binocular for years.

The 8 x 25 EX has a wider FOV than the 9 x 25 EX and is water proof but otherwise AFAIK the optics are the same in both series. It will probably be easier for your wife to use and somewhat brighter. You will note in comparing their specs (below) that the EX has longer eye relief than the Travelites do and will be easier to use if your wife wears glasses.

http://www.nikon.com/products/sportoptics/lineup/binoculars/compact/travel-ex_25/index.htm

Bob

 

[Howard220]

Bob and I both have the Travelite 9x25 and I agree with him: the Travelite EX 8x25, which appears to be the Prostaff in the U.S., would have been my choice if it had been available back then.

 

[TMG555]

Thanks a lot everyone for taking the time to reply. I am now thinking the 8x25EX would be the best choice and have found somewhere not far where I can try them. Regards.