5.0 out of 5 stars
Reality seen like this is far better than 4K TV (and doesn't require electricity or a plug).
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on 11 August 2018
Superb.
Immense clarity, 3D rendering, brighter than the eye can see, so great for evening use. Feels lightweight, sculpted rubber coating feels good in the cold and focuses well with gloves, main focus-wheel has a nice action, right-eye piece adjustment is firm - so not accidentally changed from preferred setting. Close focus is impressive. Waterproof.
If you need a more compact size, go for the 8x30's (again the 7s version NOT 3s) they are shorter and have about the same brightness as what your eye sees, the x42 (7" long with eye-cups extended) gather more light so useful for evening viewing or looking into more shady areas. I recommend the x42, and actually the extra length can hep keep them steadier than more compact offerings (though they are not overly long).
I would never choose more than 8x for hand-holding (and I'm steady), once you get to 10x, shake reduces definition, makes for harder observation and too much stress on the brain.
You do need to keep your eyes positioned directly in the centre of the eye-pieces, otherwise blackout can occur on the sides. It's important to extend the eyecups to gain the correct eye-relief / distance, but edge blackout can still occur, it takes some practice to keep total constant clear vision - but it's worth it - for that clarity, edge to edge sharpness and brightness. Note, most roof-prism binoculars exhibit this necessity - to look absolutely centrally through to avoid blackout, and actually the Prostaff's are more forgiving than most, actually they are very good.
The individual front objective lens-caps on mine clip in nice and tight (I don't know why people are loosing them? - maybe Nikon have improved their fit now), and the eyepiece caps thread into the strap - which actually are the only ones you need to use, so all good.
Ok now to be super critical... I'm somewhat of an optics expert, for photography I use medium format, this is going to be on those terms, you probably wont notice what I do, but I'll mention it for those that might. Some sharpness is lost at the *extreme* edges - but you're not looking directly at the edges often, sharpness is otherwise very very impressive. Around contrasty subjects such as a bird against a bright sky CA (magenta and green fringes) is noticeable off-centre. Dead centre no CA, also no CA visible looking at fields, trees, cliff, buildings etc, only objects against a v.bright sky. Neither of these are enough to knock a star off, and in fact in terms of any weaknesses they probably have less than most here even at £100 more; the only way to improve on these would be to pay twice+ as much for the ED glass in the Monarch's. The Prostaff's in my option are a well judged and very enjoyable sweet spot.
If this is going to be your first (or second) pair of bin's you've bought, go for these - the 7s 8x42, do not be tempted to save money and get the 3s version. If you fancy spending double, then get the Monarch 7's by all means.
For sure these are the best bin's in the sub £300 price range, for £800 the Leica Trinovid's are nice though. There's the Nikon Monarch's, but I'm not sure they are better in all respects. The Prostaff's have amazing performance, you really don't need more!
[I've been critically comparing them to the 'Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42', the Nikon's are brighter and sharper, the Hawke's have a slightly wider-field of view and physically are slightly shorter. The Hawke Nature-Trek's are very good though (actually a pro birdwatcher recommended them), but the Nikon's are clearly slightly better and for me worth the extra. If you are on a tight budget the Hawke's are a good choice, but I'd pick the Nikon's every time.]
If you take a camera on a walk to look in a different way - to stop and ponder, then maybe take the Prostaff's on your next. Refreshingly no battery to charge, on/off or menus, just exhilarating real-time close-ups, and no time wasted editing photos when you get home, just pleasurable recapitulation, vivid memories and planning the next outing.
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