How good are my binoculars??

[Bill]

We need a second pair of bins and want to get something that matches the quality of our current pair as we're happy with them. They're 20+ years old with no useful markings apart from the brand, I think they cost £100+ at the time but really can't remember.

[GravelBen]

Hard to know at that age with no model markings, your best bet to find something of similar quality might be take them in to a store and do back to back comparisons with a few options to compare clarity etc. From the styling they could potentially be a Nikon Prostaff model or its predecessor, but that's not much more than a guess really.

Make a point of looking into deep shadows etc when you test binoculars, most look ok in good light but clarity and definition in low light really shows the difference in quality optics.

[hengti]

I can't help identify the model you have but can share a brief overview of Nikon's equivalent contemporary range:
Prostaff P3 £100
Prostaff P7
Monarch M5
Monarch M7
Monarch M7+
HG ('High Grade') £1000

Most of these are available in 8x30, 10x30, 8x42 and 10X42 (no 35mm option like yours) except the M5 (42mm only) and the M7+ (8x30 only). Differences are mostly in the quality of the optics although the HG have a magnesium frame where all others are polycarb. Best bet is as above, getting along to a stockist to compare.

[trashbat]

Image recognition says they're Nikon Sporter 10x36 and it does look like that's correct, at least the product line if not the precise spec.

Edited by trashbat on Monday 2nd June 07:43

[Bill]

trashbat said:

Image recognition says they're Nikon Sporter 10x36 and it does look like that's correct, at least the product line if not the precise spec.

Perfect, thank you. They seem well liked (in the early noughties at least! )

GravelBen said:

Hard to know at that age with no model markings, your best bet to find something of similar quality might be take them in to a store and do back to back comparisons with a few options to compare clarity etc. From the styling they could potentially be a Nikon Prostaff model or its predecessor, but that's not much more than a guess really.

Make a point of looking into deep shadows etc when you test binoculars, most look ok in good light but clarity and definition in low light really shows the difference in quality optics.

Seems like a plan, thanks.

[ben5575]

I found this video very helpful when choosing which pair to buy. I appreciate that it only looks at 8x32 but it provides a lot of information generally for a noob like me:

[isaldiri]

OP, it might be worth trying a 8x binocular if yours as suggested by the earlier post is indeed the 10x36 - it'll be easier for eye placement and to hold steady for most people (i'm assuming you're using for birdwatching and general stuff than astro viewing).

Modern new binocular quality is actually remarkably good I'd say and even the relatively lower priced ranges will have much better coatings relative to 20 years ago - the main differences between the pricey stuff is going to be on how well corrected the image is (which really is an issue only if you're particularly sensitive or particular about aberrations and looking at difficult targets therefore need really good quality) and how much field of view/eye relief you want.