Which Compact Binocular: Nikon Travelite? (1 Viewer)

[Jeremy]

Hi,
I am looking for a compact, carry-anywhere, pair of binoculars to squeeze into the corner of my camera bag (I am more geared up for photography than birding, per se).
I was thinking about a pair of Nikon Travelites. How good are they? Which model would you recommend? 10x25, 9x25, or 8x25?
Any other model, of any brand, I should consider.
I don`t want to spend more than £100.
Cheers,

 

[pinsonp2]

I think the Nikon Prostaff 8x25 which is waterproof and more shock resistant, might be a better choice in that price range.

 

[Tero]

Stick to the 8x25 in any case. I have the 9x and it really does not give the kind or resolution where I see better detail than 8x.

Opticron has similar 8x25, so does Vortex, I think 8x26.

The Travelites seem to have different eye cups in water proof and nonwaterproof models, try both.

 

[John S.]

Hi,
I am looking for a compact, carry-anywhere, pair of binoculars to squeeze into the corner of my camera bag (I am more geared up for photography than birding, per se).
I was thinking about a pair of Nikon Travelites. How good are they? Which model would you recommend? 10x25, 9x25, or 8x25?
Any other model, of any brand, I should consider.
I don`t want to spend more than £100.
Cheers,

Of those three I would choose either the 8x or 9x becaause they have the same 5.6 field of view. The 8x25 Prostaffs give a somewhat broader 6.3 fov and are priced about $130.00 here in the USA.

The Bushnell 7x26 Elite has a 6.9 fov and enjoys an excellent reputation. At $250.00 here in the US it may be a bit above your maximum price.

 

[Howard220]

Of those three I would choose either the 8x or 9x becaause they have the same 5.6 field of view. The 8x25 Prostaffs give a somewhat broader 6.3 fov and are priced about $130.00 here in the USA.

IF (and only if) the 8x Prostaffs are as good optically as the 8x Travelite V's (both have aspheric eyepiece lenses), I would choose the Prostaffs for their larger field. Between the 8x and 9x Travelites, I chose the 9's because the field is the same size as the 8. That is, the 9's effective [apparent] field of view is much wider than that of the 8's. I love my 9's, as they have the best overall optics of all the binoculars I own. As I've said a million times, though, I wish the field was wider still.

Between the Travelite 9x25 and the Prostaff 9x25 I would choose the Travelite unless I needed waterproofing. The Travelites are lighter, cheaper, and the field of view is the same as the Prostaff.

 

[Tero]

The ProStaff is the US name, they are both Travelites in UK.

 

[PYRTLE]

For £100, you won't find a better new compact than the 8 x 25 Travelite EX... these are a nitrogen purged reverse porro with twist up/down eyecups and generous exit pupil relief for spectacle wearers. Try to get one with a NIKON UK 10 year warranty, rather than a grey import, which usually only offers a one year guarantee from the retailer.

 

[MacGee]

If you can get on with the 8x25 Travelite EX, it should do you fine. I've never been able to get on with it, glasses on or off, eyecups up or down. But the Olympus PC I 8x25 I find very easy and pleasant to look through. Optically it's at least as good as the Nikon.

Ideally you should try them out and see what suits you. If you can't and have to order one unseen, I think you'd be safer with the Olympus. But the Nikon fans will no doubt say the same about the Travelite.

Michael