Nikon Premier LX-L 8x42 Binoculars

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 8 x 6 x 4 inches ; 1.7 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B0002VAFYS
• Item model number: 7502
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #28,392 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: January 14, 2005

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Beautifully designed, the Nikon Premier LX-L 10x42 and 8x42 are simply some of the best roof prism optics in the world. Constructed on an O-ring-sealed, nitrogen-purged, and lightweight alloy chassis for a lifetime of waterproof and fogproof performance, these models feature substantial exit puils for maximum light gathering. In addition, they're now 19 percent lighter than the original Nikon Premier LX.

Designed to provide the highest level of optical and mechanical precision for birders, wildlife enthusiasts, sports aficionados, and other optics connoisseurs, the new 8x42 and 10x42 LX-L high grade roof prism binoculars combine the latest optical design features with modern engineering technology.

The Nikon 8x42 and 10x42 LX-L models feature a state-of-the-art optical system, incorporating an all-new eyepiece lens design for superior sharpness, clarity, and complete flatness of viewing field. Large, specially multicoated 42mm objective lenses allow maximum brightness in any light condition. Nikon phase corrected BaK4 high-index prisms with high reflection coatings provide ultimate color contrast and clear, round images without vignetting.

Nikon LX-L binoculars offer extra-long eye relief, (20mm in the 8x model, 19mm in the 10x) to accommodate most eyewear, while user-friendly slide-and-lock rubber eye cups allow users with and without glasses to easily share the same binocular.

The LX-L series features a precise, conveniently located central focusing control positioned for fast, easy focusing. A newly designed locking diopter maintains left/right vision balance.

The 8-power LX-L has a 7-degree angle of view and a 366-foot field of view, while the 10-power version has an angle of view of 6 degrees and a field of view of 315 feet. Both models weigh 34.6 ounces and have close focus distances of just 10 feet, allowing exceptional close-range viewing resolution.

For waterproof and fogproof performance under the most adverse weather conditions, the LX-L is O-ring sealed and filled with dry nitrogen. A tough protein rubber exterior coating enhances durability and provides a sure grip--wet or dry.

Product Description

Field & Stream Best of the Best award Designed to be the world's finest roof prism binocular All metal construction, fully rubber armored Large 42mm objective lenses allow maximum brightness Phase corrected BaK4 high index prisms High resolution, fully multicoated optics Slide-and-lock eyecups and long eye relief for easy viewing with or without eyeglasses Silver mirror prism coatings 100% Waterproof/fogproof

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

27 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, if not the best, October 12, 2005

By 

P. Reese "muncie-birder" (MUNCIE, IN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Premier LX-L 8x42 Binoculars (Electronics)

I researched binoculars for 2 years before I purchased these. I have a good pair of 10x42 that I have used for 6 years, but there were three problems with them. 1) field of view (and they have a very wide field of view) 2) no locking diopter adjustment (more of a pain than you can imagine 3) not waterproof (this has never been a problem but better safe than sorry).

I wear glasses and the eye relief is very important to me. These have fantastic eye relief. These have locking diopter adjustment. Now for the field of view. Wow!!! My 10x42 has a field of view only about 5% less on paper but the eye relief of the Nikons makes them appear to have a field of view of about 30% more. I can't emphasize enough how important this is when you are trying to find a bird among the branches of a tree.

The Nikons focus smooth as silk and the focus is relatively quick. Better than my 10x42.

My only complaint. I sure wish they could focus to 6 feet instead of only 10. Looking at butterflies and dragonflies is a problem. You have to keep stepping back and back to focus.

These are a lot of money, but if you have the dinero (and I might add a two week birding trip will cost you a lot more than these), the investment will be worth it.

PS. If you are not a birder, I can not imagine needing a pair of binoculars like these.

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfect for Birding, March 6, 2008

By 

Douglas Tustin - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon Premier LX-L 8x42 Binoculars (Electronics)

The Nikon Premier LX-S 8X42 Binoculars arrived on an overcast, rainy day. In spite of the weather I was eager to try them. First I appreciated being able to lock the diopter adjustment, and I was delighted with the eye comfort adjustment, as I wear glasses. Stepping out into the rain was not a problem because the binoculars are waterproof. I was beneath a large oak tree and spotted a small bird in amongst the branches and made it my first viewing. Even with my glasses, I had no problem seeing the entire field. The instrument is comfortable to hold, and the focus wheel is in a natural position. The depth-of-field sensitivity is excellent. One can move through the whole range of focus with three strokes of the finger. With subtle movements I was able to glide through the branches, bringing the bird into perfect focus. The quality of resolution was outstanding. In spite of the diminished light the colors were vibrant, and I was easily able to identify the Yellow-Rumped Warbler. These binoculars are exciting to use and about as good as it gets for birding. I feel they are well worth the price.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars definitely one of the best, January 9, 2009

By 

Jon F (Glendale, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon Premier LX-L 8x42 Binoculars (Electronics)

I've been extremely happy with this binocular for over nine years now. I first bought the Venturer LX as they were called at the time and they were superb. The only negative was their weight, but this newer Premier LX-L version has solved that problem. I now own both models.

It's amazing how trimming a mere 6 ounces can make such a difference- but they feel remarkably lighter and easier to handle than the previous version. And they feel like a featherweight around your neck.

A number of other refinements and improvements are found in the LX-L, but the optics and ergonomics thankfully remained unchanged- they were already excellent. The focusing on this binocular is the best I've ever tried- it's quick yet precise and very smooth with just one full turn taking you from close focus to infinity. Of all the binoculars I've used over the years, these are the only ones I've been completely satisfied with.