Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries

by Nikon

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11.2 x 7.8 x 4.6 inches ; 6 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B00006GF1A
• Item model number: 7457
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,024 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 30, 2002

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

This is the world's first dual-mode professional-grade binocular that stabilizes for both shake and roll on land and water. Nikon's new StabilEyes provides the power, razor-sharp resolution, and rock-steady hold necessary for long-range viewing on land or at sea. Phase-correction coated prisms and fully multicoated lenses provide unparalleled optical capability, while durable, waterproof and fogproof construction make StabilEyes the ultimate optic for virtually any viewing situation, no matter how demanding. Nikon's exclusive Pan & Tilt feature provides unmatched flexibility for the binocular user. Even in wind, after a long climb, from horseback or at sea, StabilEyes gives you steadiness you can depend on. Nikon offers 5-degree vibration compensation and correction angle, virtually 7x the range of our competitors.

The heart of Nikon’s StabilEyes is a battery powered system of gimbaled servos that are actuated when the unit is powered up. Unlike many other stabilized products, StabilEyes is optimized as a binocular. It is a roof prism design that incorporates precisely cut and polished lenses and prisms. All optical glass elements are treated with multiple layers of anti-reflective compounds for true color rendition, superior detail resolution, and maximum light transmission. Additionally, prisms are phase correction coated for the utmost in sharpness and clarity. A special "VR Pause" mode keeps the image stabilized for long periods of time and is very useful for long term viewing. and shockproof.

What do the numbers mean?
15x50? 8x25? The two numbers used to describe any pair of binoculars are their magnification — 8x, 12x, 15x and so on — and the diameter of their objective lenses — 25mm, 36mm, 50mm, and so on. The larger the first number is, the larger the object will appear to be in the objective lens. For instance, if you use a 10x lens and look at an object that is 100 yards away, it appears to be the same size as an object located just 10 yards away. The second number, the size of the objective lens, is important because the larger the objective lens, the more light it can admit for brighter, more detailed images, and the better suited they will be for lowlight situations.

Product Description

Features Exclusive dual mode - ONBOARD/LAND Eliminates movement from waves and vibration from hand shake, etc. Exclusive Pan and Tilt Feature Waterproof/Fogproof

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

35 of 35 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Better than Canon IS, April 30, 2005

By 

Photo Nut (Los Angeles, CA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries (Electronics)

I had done some research but wanted to physically compare the Nikon to the Canon IS. I lucked into a Ritz Camera store that happened to have both. My wife and I independently judged the Nikon to have superior Image Stabilization.

We have had them for over a ear and are very happy. They fell out of an SUV (in the case) and the image stabilization was inoperative. I sent them back to Nikon and they repaired them no charge.

I run them on rechargeable AA batteries with no problems. It has two levels of stabilization (land and sea), it seems the only difference is the amount of compensation they apply. I have used them from moving cars, samll airplanes, and boats with excellent success. I also have a friend who has a genetic hand tremor and they work for him as well.

I am a big fan of these binoculars and it is not because I am a Nikon bigot. All my professional camera equipment is Canon. I just tested the IS side by side and Nikon won. Try them yourself before buying the Canon.

33 of 36 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Compare Nikon StabilEyes vsFujinon Techno-Stabi, May 2, 2006

By 

John R. Fairfield (Shenandoah Valley, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries (Electronics)

Comparison of image stabilized 14x40 binoculars: Nikon StabilEyes versus Fujinon Techno-Stabi.

The great thing about image stabilization is that you can use greater magnification. Without stabilization, every muscle movement, every step you take, every wave under your boat or bump under your vehicle makes you lose sight of what you're looking at. That's why the ordinary birder's binocs use 7x or 8x magnification, while these beauties use 14x magnification.

The Nikon and the Fujinon must be made under the same patent or license because they're nearly identical, down to insignificant details of the battery case. There are only two differences.

The first difference is that the Nikon has a switch that let's you put it into two modes: "land" and "on board", whereas the Fujinon is always in "on board" mode. The "on board" mode is more general, it compensates both for movement of your platform (walking, boat or vehicle movement) AND for movement of your hands, whereas the "land" mode only compensates for movement of your hands.

The second difference is that for me the Fujinon is better, in its one mode, than the Nikon is in either mode.

The problem with the Nikon is that there is just a bit of jitter. I only noticed it when trying to see the finest detail. It's like watching a movie, you see a tiny bit of a jump between the frames of the movie. The Fujinon is as smooth as silk. I could see detail with the Fujinon that I couldn't with the Nikon in either mode.

This comparison cost me $100 in restocking fees from BeachCamera.com. I got the Fujinon from LandfallNavigation.com.

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Nikon vs Canon, May 1, 2011

By 

Glenn A. Kotnik - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries (Electronics)

These Nikon binoculars are my second pair of IS binoculars. They perform as well, if not better than the Canon IS binoculars they are replacing. The quality is up to the usual high Nikon quality. The reason I choose Nikon over Canon is that my previous Canon binoculars went out of alignment and when I sent them to the official Canon Repair Center for repair, they immediately sent them back with a note that said only "we are returning these to you unrepaired". That was it, no explanation or advise, no apology, no help at all. After I finally located an independent, nationally known binocular repair person, he said he has attempted to realign these in the past and Canon does not build in any mechanism by which they can be repaired. Live with a split image or throw them away. Considering the rude treatment I received from Canon, and the unrepairability of the binoculars, I chose to replace them with Nikon.