Waterproof Magnification : 8x Dia : 42mm Weight : 980g Dimensions : 157mm x 139mm Type : Roof prism Field of view : 122m @ 1000m Closest focus : 3.0m Content and images originally posted by Andy Bright
Reviews
Leif's review
An excellent pair of binoculars. Beautifully made, with a very heavy and pleasant rubber armour. The shape is very comfortable (but do try for yourself - we are not all alike). They are a bit on the heavy side, though the shape and excellent balance help compensate. The focus wheel is very smooth and responsive and it is well placed. The central hinge is pleasingly stiff. These binoculars are very rugged and Nikon state that they are waterproof.
The optics are excellent, and very sharp. The image is very even, with excellent sharpness over most of the field, and only slight softness at the edges. Contrast, brightness and depth of field are all excellent. The image has a very lifelike feel. The only drawbacks are a slightly narrower field than competing products (~120m at 1km whereas most competitors provided about 130m at 1km) and noticeable chromatic aberrration (more so than many competing products) although many people do not seem to notice it!
Eye relif is excellent and more than enough for almost everyone.
The close focus is excellent.
I have not given these 10 points due to the weight and the - in my opinion - excessive chromatic aberration.
Pros
- Excellent optics and build. Comfortable shape. Smooth responsive focus wheel.
Cons
- A bit on the heavy side. Noticeable chromatic aberration when viewing birds in flight etc.
Sailcat's review
I own the Venturer 8x42LX, and I use it for daytime birding and nature walks. I was interested in a premium binocular that provided excellent views and top notch mechanical quality and, after reading many reviews of high end binos, I took the plunge and purchased a pair of these fine glasses.
Mechanically, it is an outstanding instrument. Covered by a thick rubber-like sheath, it is substantial and solid. It fits well in my hands and the focuser wheel is convenient and moves with a firm, fluid smoothness. It focuses quickly, and remains in focus even after being handled or stored. The center hinge also moves smoothly and firmly, and remains where it is set. The interocular distance can be adjusted relatively close and, although I wouldn't go so far as to say it can be adjusted to accomodate small children, it is more than adequate for adults. The Nikon 8x42LX has a locking diopter ring, and twist up eyecups that snap into place at their furthest extentions up or down. The eyecups remain in place even after pressing them hard against my eyeglasses, but move easily when adjustment is needed. The Venturer's excellent mechanical qualities come at a price, unfortunately, in the form of its mass; it is a heavy instrument. I do not find its heaviness to be a drawback, personally, but I can imagine others may find them burdensome to hold and carry for any length of time.
Optically, I have found the Nikon LX to be a very good binocular. The coatings on the glass are a deep, liquid green, evenly applied and casting very few reflections. The barrels are well baffeled and possess dark internal coatings, and as a result, I have seen no evidence of ghosting or stray light. At the eyepiece, on axis sharpness, color fidelity, contrast, and brightness are all excellent. The image begins to soften somewhat at a distance more than halfway from the center until it reaches the edge, at which point it drops off. Overall, the image is very good on axis, with only slight off axis degradation until the edge of its 7� field. Eye relief is ample for eyeglass wearers such as me, and objects snap into focus quickly and easily with little or no fussing necessary at the focus wheel. The only thing that prevents me from giving these otherwise excellent glasses an 10 is the matter of CA: bright, high contrast objects are rimmed with a tiny fringe of color. The 8x version of the Nikon LX is less affected by false color than the 10x model, but it is clearly there, nontheless. I do not feel the color is objectionable under most circumstances, but the opinions of others may differ from mine in this regard.
One matter about which one should be mindful when laying down a considerable sum of money for a high end binocular is the warrantee: does the manufacturer stand behind the product? Nikon's twenty-five year no-fault warrantee, and their fine service give the buyer a sense of confidence in the binocular and in the company...an important issue in my estimation and one that deserves more attention in product reviews.
One minor quibble is the matter of the neck strap. Inexplicably, Nikon has supplied their top of the line, world class binoculars with a narrow, unpadded strap. It would have been nicer for a comfortable version to have been included to complete an otherwise excellent package, but I am replacing the original with a more suitable aftermarket strap, instead.
In conclusion, the Nikon Venturer 8x42LX binocular is a wonderful instrument, possessing solid mechanics and satisfying optics. The issues of the LX's weight and CA are its only significant downsides. If it were possible to give this binocular a rating of 9�, I would do so, and I would recommend them without hesitation to anyone desiring a well built binocular with fine optics.
Pros
- Excellent mechanical quality
- outstanding optics
- and comprehensive warrantee.
Cons
- Mild CA
- weight
- and cheap neck strap.
SzimiStyle's review
Not absolutely but almost satisfied with this optics. I can recommend everyone. Hoping that loosing of this plastic logo is only an individual failure.
Pros
- fine focusing
- handy
- low depth of field (less focusing needed)
- superb image quality
Cons
- both NIKON and modell logo exfoliated from the top resulting screws visible. That is all
