Nikon has launched two new pairs of extra-tough binoculars specifically designed for watching wildlife and enjoying nature in the backcountry – and they're not as expensive as many others.
A pair of the best binoculars can be a game-changer, allowing you enjoy observing wildlife at a distance so you can stay safe and avoiding disturbing birds and animals. Choosing the right pair is an important decision though; with care, they give you a whole lifetime of enjoyment, so you want to be sure you've made a wise choice. These new models from Nikon are designed to be easy to use, even for novices, and should shrug off whatever nature can throw at them.
The Nikon Prostaff P7 and Prostaff P3 both have rugged, rubberized outer bodies that are fogproof and water-resistant (so no worries about using them in the rain), and are made from fiber-reinforced polycarbonate that makes them noticeably lighter than earlier models.
Multilayer coated lenses provide a bright image, and both the lenses and prisms are free from lead and arsenic (both of which are commonly used in optical glass). Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click make it easy to position your eyes at the correct eyepoint, and the long eye relief design ensures a clear field of view, even if you wear glasses.
The Prostaff P7 series offers natural colors and a wide field of view, making it a particularly good choice for following the path of a bird in flight. A locking diopter adjustment ring prevents you accidentally changing the focus while viewing. (For tips on successful twitching, see how to bird watch: a first timer's guide.)
The Prostaff P3 lineup is particularly light, which makes it a solid choice for backpacking when you want to minimize weight. Again, they have a wild field of view, and a bright and clear image that's well suited to watching wildlife from a respectful distance.
Neither pair will break the bank, either. The Prostaff P7 series start at $179.95 / £199, while the P3 series start at $129.95 / £149. Both are available to buy now direct from Nikon.
