Customer Reviews

Nikon Premier LX-L 8x42 Binoculars

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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.

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.

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.