Nikon Premier SE 8 x 32 Binocular with Ultra Wide View

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5 x 3 inches ; 1.9 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006JK6A
• Item model number: 7381
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,440 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 14, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

The Nikon Superior E 12x50 binoculars feature high resolution and fully multicoated optics that provide clear images.

Features

• High resolution, fully multicoated optics
• Nikon's superior technology
• Durable, lightweight magnesium construction
• BaK4 high index prisms
• Long eye relief for eyeglass wearers

Product Description

From inception, Nikon's Premier SE was designed to be the most optically advanced Porro prism binocular in the world. A specially designed eyepiece redefines optical clarity and sharpness. High definition BaK4 prisms, super high grade optical glass and Nikon's exclusive multi-layered lens and prism coatings, in concert with this eyepiece, deliver images that are truly realistic. At 8x32, this is a full-size binocular that's engineered and designed to deliver optimal performance when birding and is considered by most bird watchers as ideal. Tripod Adaptable - optional Long eye relief for eyeglass wearers Total weight of the 4 1/2-inch long binocular is just 20.8 ounces Includes leather case and strap

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Superb binocular, bad service., October 29, 2006

By 

Daniel Campeau (Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Premier SE 8 x 32 Binocular with Ultra Wide View (Electronics)

I've used this binocular for over 7 years and I can validate every thing that Vallis said in a previous review. You cannot go wrong with this unbelievable binocular.

But, in the same previous review, one thing is, by experience, not true:

"Still, one need not be extremely cautious with these optics and water, as a little water usually won't hurt them. And if they are damaged, Nikon's warranty will have them covered: for 25 years, Nikon will repair or replace them (at their discretion) if they are damaged, at a cost of $10 + shipping - even if the damage was your fault!"

It's right to say that you don't need to be extremely cautious. I've done some birding in rainy condition and I never had any problems with my binocular. But this summer I went true a rough sea in a boat and a big wave of salt water splashed over the deck and got me a little wet. At first, the binocular seemed fine but, after 10 minutes, the left part became completely black. Some salt water touched the prism and a chemical reaction turned its surface to black. Absolutely no light passed true it anymore. The right side of the binocular was ok.

I sent the binocular to Nikon with the proof of guaranty.

After 8 or 9 calls from me and SIXTEEN WEEKS, I got a message telling me that it was not possible to repair them but that they offered me a brand new one for... 500 $ can. (About 450 us)

So, that proves that they are not waterproof and that they don't repair them or exchanges them for free.

Nikon service was, for me, next to zero.

But this binocular is still incredible.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Astonishing image quality and brightness!, August 24, 2004

By 

Vallis (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Premier SE 8 x 32 Binocular with Ultra Wide View (Electronics)

It is rare to find a pair of binoculars with the brightness, sharpness and clarity of the Nikon Superior E! This piece of equipment is truly amazing! It provides such a crisp, true-to-life image without color distortions or image degradation on the edge of the view. For its price, the image these produce is unparalleled. Throw in the wide field of view (the size of the "window" you look through) and a large depth of field (the amount of distance that can be focused on at one time) and you have a binocular that offers one of the very best images optics can produce.

The Nikon Superior E's come in three versions: an 8x32, a 10x42 and a 12x50. The first number in each of these, the power, represents the number of times closer objects in the binocular appear. As power increases, so does the magnification of the image, but not without side effects: field of view goes down (the window gets smaller), stability is reduced (the binocular is harder to hold steady) and more light is needed to produce the same quality image. More light can be gathered if the binocular's aperture (the size of the front lenses) is also increased. That's where the second of the two numbers comes in. The number after the power number represents the aperture, (the diameter of the front lenses in millimeters). A larger aperture means a brighter image in low light conditions, but also means a bulkier, heavier and more expensive binocular. Most bird watchers prefer an 8x42 binocular, with hunters and those bird watchers that spend a great deal of time watching hawks, eagles, shorebirds and water fowl often preferring a 10x50 binocular. The Superior E, unfortunately, has a smaller than optimal aperture for its power.

Despite this small Aperture:Power ratio, the high quality glass and lens coatings used in the Superior E produce a brighter image than nearly all other binoculars! The only time most 8x42 binoculars will appear brighter than the 8x32 Superior E is in very low light, and even this is usually only noticeable by young people whose pupils can dilate more than the average person 40 or older. To these people, the brightness of the superior E will be reduced as the sun sets a little before many 8x42 binoculars, but the Superior E will still appear brighter and sharper at other times of the day.

The Superior E is water resistant, but not water proof. This limits the use of the binoculars somewhat, making it less than ideal for tropical conditions, use on a boat, or bird watching in the rain (which can yield some fantastic sights!) Still, one need not be extremely cautious with these optics and water, as a little water usually won't hurt them. And if they are damaged, Nikon's warranty will have them covered: for 25 years, Nikon will repair or replace them (at their discretion) if they are damaged, at a cost of $10 + shipping - even if the damage was your fault!

These are a great pair of optics, and as you can see, I highly recommend them. If, however, you feel that greater durability, water-proofing and low-light capabilities are more important to you, and you don't want to spend $900 to $1500 for Swarovski or Leica, I would go with the Eagle Optics 8x42 Platinum Rangers. These are durable, water-proof, have an image quality that, though not as amazing as the Superior E, is still nothing short of breathtaking, and have a similar no-fault warranty to keep them safe. The Platinum Rangers are also considerably cheaper (~$350 - $425 at the time of this review), making them an excellent buy. (The Platinum Rangers are not available through Amazon.com, but can be ordered through eagleoptics.com).

The Superior E's are not perfect in every respect (and no binocular is) but despite a few drawbacks, I give the Superior E's 5 stars! As I said, there are no perfect binoculars - you can't improve one quality of optical equipment without hurting another quality. I don't expect this binocular to be everything, but it is the best at being what it is: image perfection!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Exceptional, but not waterproof, April 26, 2004

By 

James Kielland (Montezuma, Costa Rica) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Premier SE 8 x 32 Binocular with Ultra Wide View (Electronics)

This is truly a marvelous binocular, and unquesitonably one of my favorites. The size is perfect, it's lightweight and very comfortable to hold. And the images are breathtaking in their clarity and detail. In terms of image quality I prefer this binocular over much more expensive models by Zeiss, Leica, and Swarovski. Yes, it's that good.

The 8x32 designation means that this binocular magnifies the image by 8 times and the objective lens (this is the lens pointed towards what you are looking at that lets the light in) is 32mm. While some are drawn to 10x42 models or even 10x50, it needs to be stressed that more is not always better. Additional magnification tends to only enhance the minor muscular trembles in your hands and arms, making the image seem less stable. Additionally, higher magnification leads to a constrained field of view. While the 42 and 50mm lenses do allow more light in and thus theoretically lead to brighter images and higher resolution, this is an advantage that is seen in only very unusual circumstances. And it brings a lot more weight and bulk as the penalty. For most terrestrial observation, this 8x32 combines exceptional image quality in a light-weight, ergonomic package.

The downside is that this binocular is not waterproof. While some careful preparation should allow a user to keep safe in the field, I've had more than a few experiences in tropical forests where unexpected rains have left me thoroughly saturated. For most users and in most applications, this issue shouldn't be too much of a problem. But if you are prone to stepping off the path and going into some inhospitable areas with severe tropical rain, I'd suggest a waterproof model. You may wish to look at the Nikon Venturer series.

If you're looking for a comfortable, light-weight binocular that is easy to carry, this is the one. If you're looking for binocular with images that are astonishing in their clarity and purity of color, this is one. And if in most instances you will be avoiding situations where waterproofing is essential, it's hard to go wrong with the Nikon Superior E.

If this model was waterproof I would give it 5 stars and unhestatingly recommend it for general use over any other binocular currently available. It's that good.