Updated Nikon 10x25S and 12x25S Stabilized binoculars (4 Viewers)

[BryanP]

Seems Nikon has pair of new IS 10/12x25 binoculars. I can find no mention of an IP rating so am assuming they aren’t waterproof.
Either way looking forward to some in depth reviews when they’re available.

STABILIZED 10x25 S/12x25 S | StabilEyes | Nikon Consumer

 

[fazalmajid]

Just saw this:

Nikon Brings Its Advanced Optical Tech to New Stabilized Binoculars

Get a clear, stable view of distant wildlife.

petapixel.com

Looks like they will get wider distribution than the current Japan-only model.
Apart from the new 12x magnification option, these use standard AA batteries instead of expensive and crackpot CR2s, so that’s a welcome change. I hope they also improved the overly twitchy power switch that would trigger in a bag and deplete the batteries.

 

[fazalmajid]

I have the previous Japan-only model, and switching from crackpot CR2 batteries to standard AA is a major improvement. They are very compact and surprisingly usable. I hope they also fixed the overly sensitive power switch that could lead to accidental battery depletion.

 

[Ignatius]

According to the spex in their press release these are not even splash-proof.
And 12x25? Really?

I'll be looking at Kite's offerings when the time comes.

 

[kabsetz]

Stabilisation aside, how are the optics of your previous generation Nikon?

 

[Stanbo]

Stabilisation aside, how are the optics of your previous generation Nikon?

Kabsetz,
There is a similar thread in the Nikon section and if you scroll down to similar threads in that, ppthere is a review of the previous model by Denco.
Stan

 

[gr8fuldoug]

Optical image stabilization technology for shake-free viewing
Multilayer-coated lenses for brighter images
Adjustable turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
Compact and lightweight design is comfortable to hold and easy to adjust
High-refl ectivity silver-alloy mirror coating for a bright and clear view
12-hour battery life plus auto power shut-off after~60 minutes
Large central focus knob ensures quick, precise focus adjustments

Get a more clear, stable view of wildlife, concerts and sporting events with STABILIZED 10x25 S / 12x25 S binoculars. Nikon’s image stabilization system corrects handheld shakiness for an incredibly steady view that’s easy on the eyes. 10/12x magnification gets you close to the action, while multilayer lens coatings cut through glare and reflections. All in a compact, dual-hinge design that fits in your pocket.
SPECIFICATIONS
MAGNIFICATION ( x ) 10 & 12x
OBJECTIVE DIAMETER 25mm
ANGULAR FIELD OF VIEW (REAL/DEGREE) 5.4° 4.5°
ANGULAR FIELD OF VIEW (ANGULAR/DEGREE) 50.5 50.5FIELD OF VIEW AT 1,000 YDS (FT) 283 236
EXIT PUPIL (MM) 2.5 2.1
RELATIVE BRIGHTNESS 6.3 4.4
EYE RELIEF (MM) 14 12.3
CLOSE FOCUSING DISTANCE (FT) 9.8 9.8
LENGTH (IN.) 4.1 3.9 WIDTH (IN.) 3.5 3.5 DEPTH (IN.) 2.6
WEIGHT (OZ.) 14.3* 13.9*
INTERPUPILLARY DISTANCE ADJUSTMENT (MM.) 56-75 56-75
PRISM TYPE ROOF ROOF

 

[Stanbo]

NOTE TO STAFF.
Would it be possible to combine these threads with the similar recent threads on the main Nikon section. This would prevent what could be a very interesting discussion becoming disjointed.
Thanks
Stan

 

[Hermann]

According to the spex in their press release these are not even splash-proof.

Well, that remains to be seen. Press releases are, well, press releases.

And 12x25? Really?

Well, I had a look through a Canon 10x20 IS some years ago, and I found them surprisingly usable for such a small exit pupil. IS binoculars seem to work better with small exit pupils. The Canon 8x20 IS for instance works a heck of a lot better than a "normal" 8x20.

In other words: I'll definitely have a long and hard look at the 10x25 - if the optics are on a similar level to the good old Nikon 10x25 HG-L.

Hermann

 

[Jinac]

the fujinon 16x28 are also very usable and i feel it surprisly bright

 

[PatR]

Well, that remains to be seen. Press releases are, well, press releases.

Well, I had a look through a Canon 10x20 IS some years ago, and I found them surprisingly usable for such a small exit pupil. IS binoculars seem to work better with small exit pupils. The Canon 8x20 IS for instance works a heck of a lot better than a "normal" 8x20.

In other words: I'll definitely have a long and hard look at the 10x25 - if the optics are on a similar level to the good old Nikon 10x25 HG-L.

Hermann

My wife has the Canon 10x30 II IS and I must admit that it is a more than capable bit of kit.

She suffers from shaky hands and I suffer from acute Lagavulinitis and it gives us both a rock steady view. Shame its not waterproof so, if the Nikons are, then I could be interested. My battered but optically superb 10x25 HGL's are lovely so as you say, if they are similar ........I will have a hard look too.

I couldn't resist the Canon 12x36's on Amazon Prime and they arrive Saturday.

 

[Stanbo]

Well, that remains to be seen. Press releases are, well, press releases.

Well, I had a look through a Canon 10x20 IS some years ago, and I found them surprisingly usable for such a small exit pupil. IS binoculars seem to work better with small exit pupils. The Canon 8x20 IS for instance works a heck of a lot better than a "normal" 8x20.

In other words: I'll definitely have a long and hard look at the 10x25 - if the optics are on a similar level to the good old Nikon 10x25 HG-L.

Hermann

I have both the Canon 8x20 IS and 10x20 IS and despite being an oldy, l have no problem using the small exit pupils. So l look forward to using the new Nikons

Stan

 

[fazalmajid]

The previous-generation 10x25 Stabilized have a somewhat narrow FOV as all compacts, but are very usable. After all, the exit pupil is larger than on my Sig-Sauer Zulu6 HDX 20x42, which are phenomenal They are unusable without battery and stabilization on (literally, one of the barrel shuts down with a shutter and they become effectively monoculars).

 

[tx2ad]

These are up for preorder on B&H

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?q=Nikon%20x25%20s&sts=ma

 

[dipped]

First promo video up. They certainly pique my interest though I would love to see an 8x25 or better still some models to compete with Canon's range.

 

[Stanbo]

What exactly did they change on these besides the fact that they now use AA batteries instead of CR2 batteries. Any optical upgrades? Outside of the bigger battery compartment, they look the same as the older model.

I suggest you read your own complimentary review of the original Nikon10x25 on October 24th 2022 and comment again.

Stan

 

[yarrellii]

The small IS Nikon have always interested me, and now they use "regular" batteries even more so. One think I can't get my head around is the fact that these (despite the looks) are not waterproof. I mean, is is technically really that hard and more expensive? Especially if you think these are compact and that they might be thrown inside your backpack or pocket (full of dust), it kind of makes sense to make it waterproof, even more than regular full size binoculars that you are maybe more likely to keep inside their case when not in use.

(Well, at least now we see some movement from the "big brands" on the IS market, let's wait and hope some of the others take a chance as well).

 

[Hermann]

A few questions I find important:

1. How good are the optics, compared to a well-known compact such as the 10x25 HG-L?
2. Are they, unlike the previous version, usable without batteries (or without the stabilizer switched on)?
3. How waterproof/dustproof are they? I know Nikon doesn't mention waterproofing. But could you use them, say, in light (or even heavy) rain?

Hermann

 

[dipped]

Do the objectives focus externally on the original 10x25's like for eg the Canon 10x30 IS binoculars?

 

[dipped]

No.

Thanks. So it and the new models focus internally and could/should be reasonably weatherproof?