Nikon Prostaff 3S 8X42 Binoculars

Product Information

The exit pupil size is large enough to help you see clearly in low-light conditions. But as mentioned earlier, Prostaff 7s has a better performance in such conditions. Features series also seems to be an excellent choice for general-purpose binoculars. They are very comfortable, easy to focus and, pleasant to look through. We don’t know if it’s because we’ve been using this Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 binoculars for so long, but the eyecups started to feel a bit loose gradually. Low-Light Performance

Excitingly, Nikon Prostaff 3S features both high magnification and large view ranges: 122m out of 1,000m (10×42) and 126m out of 1,000m (8×42.). In comparison, the Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 offers wider angular field of view than that of Celestron ED Trailseeker 10×42 (7 vs 6.5). On the other hand, if we’re beginning hunters, we would be more into Nikon Monarch 3 or Nikon Aculon. The fine details are quite impressive. Constructed of a lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin, the binoculars do not contain any metal in the body as far as we can tell, like more expensive models do. However, this keeps them super light, at 465g, and we can see them lasting a good amount of time if they’re properly cared for. Views are clear and sharp through the Prostaff P3s with no major issues across the viewing circle. Thanks to the adjustable eyecups and accurate dioptre we can dial in focus without a problem and they are fun, sleek binoculars to take out for casual observing. There is a little chromatic aberration (color fringing) around contrasted edges in the form of purple and occasionally green outlines. Binoculars can be split into two categories: the more old-fashioned porro prism binoculars with angular lens tubes, and more modern roof prism binoculars with straight tubes and a streamlined light path.The clear winner between these two binoculars is Prostaff 7s. Though it comes at a higher price, it also offers more features that justify the investment. As both 10x42 and 8x42 binoculars have 42mm objective lenses and assuming they use the same quality glass and coatings, the light-gathering ability between the two will be the same.

The Prostaff 3s series is a bit lighter and compact than the 7s counterparts which make the Prostaff 3s easy to carry. In good to average light conditions, most people’s pupils will constrict to a size smaller or at least equal to 4mm and thus both an 8x42 and a 10x42 binocular will be supplying your eyes with more than enough light for you to work with and thus perceive a bright image. However, you should be careful when deciding which optics equipment to go for. Are you looking for best binoculars setthat’s easy to carry around? Or would you like the one that has the best field of view?A close up view of the binoculars demonstrating the layout of controls. (Image credit: Jason Parnell-Brookes) Both the models look solid and waterproof/fog-proof and have sturdy body,although 3s series are lightweight when compared to the 7s counterparts. Sometimes you might not get the best view while looking through the Prostaff 7s binoculars as compared to 3s binoculars when you are using your glasses due to shorter eye relief. Prism Type Both series have multi-coated optics but the coating layers on the Prostaff 3s series are less than the 7s series. Clearly optical quality suffers a bit in the Prostaff 3s series Build Quality and Finish This Nikon binoculars perform with much more than fine clarity, very high-resolution details received. Furthermore, we witnessed no distortion at all. Meanwhile, we were so surprised about the color fringing results. We used this Nikon Prostaff 3s so many times and only a few times we saw chromatic aberration.

Also worth pointing out is that the rubber eyecups have a turn and slide mechanism, which makes for easy adjustment and positioning . Overall, the Prostaff 7s and 3s are suitable for a wide range of applications. Whether you’re going sightseeing in the Grand Canyon, attending a live concert or watching a football match, these optics equipment will really come in handy. Similarities and differences SimilaritiesEven though, we still think Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 is decent in this criterion. But if you’re keen on finding a suitable alternative with similar price range: read our Vortex Crossfire binoculars review! Accessories But just keep in mind that any movement that you make gets multiplied by the magnification and thus you also get more image shake with a 10x42 vs 8x42 when hand holding them and thus even though the image may have more detail if it is shaking about too much you won’t be able to appreciate it. The 8×42 model of the 3s weight 19.9 ounces as compared to the 22.9 ounces weight of Prostaff 7s 8×42. Also, The 10×42 Prostaff 3s weights 20.3 ounces while the 10×42 Prostaff 7s weights 20.8 ounces Read our full Canon 10x42L IS WP binoculars review . How to choose the best birdwatching binoculars for you s will also look to have a brighter image in low light and thus will make a better choice if you often operate in woodlands, forests or when the sun is at or just below the horizon.

In the case of 3s binoculars, the 8×42 weighs 565 grams while the 10×42 weighs 575 grams. As for the 7s, its 8×42 weighs 650 grams while the 10×42 weighs 645 grams. So if you prefer a lighter model, the Prostaff 3s is a better option.That said, the Prostaff 7s has one extra feature that makes it superior to 3s model. The prisms on the 7s are reinforced with phase correction coatings that further enhance resolution.