Binoculars are something every serious birder owns and shopping for a pair can be confusing. What do all the features and numbers mean, how do you know which ones to buy, and how much do you have to spend to get a good pair? Over the years, I have used several binoculars both good and bad and have found an affordable pair whose performance far exceeds their price tag.
The Nikon Traveilite binoculars have impressed me in so many ways where do I begin. The fact they are waterproof is probably my favourite feature. Some of my best days birding during spring migration have been when rain grounds the birds and not having to worry about keeping my binoculars dry means I only have to focus on the birds. Not only are they waterproof the lenses are fog proof too.
Birds appear close with the 8x magnification and a field of view of 330 feet at 1000 yards. I don’t like using binoculars that offer too much magnification as I have a hard time holding them steady and higher magnification magnifies not only the subject but any shake as well. For me, this renders high-powered binoculars useless as trying to identify a bird that appears to be moving up and down is virtually impossible. For this reason, 8x magnification for me is right on the money. The multi-coated lenses deliver clear bright images and I’ve always found multi-coated lenses easier to clean with less streaking.
The adjustable eyecups are great especially if you wear glasses. With a simple twist of the eyecup, you can look through binoculars while leaving your glasses on. The rubber body is soft and comfortable on the hands and at only 12.5 ounces I barely notice them around my neck. These binoculars are incredibly compact and easily fit into a backpack, purse or even a coat pocket. Perhaps the best part is the price, these binoculars are incredibly affordable. The only bad thing I can say about these binoculars is the strap is a bit thin but with their lightweight, a more robust strap is not necessary.
PROS
- Waterproof
- Fog-proof
- 8x magnification brings the subject close while easy to hold steady
- Multi-coated lenses for brighter images
- Twist eyecups are great for eyeglass wearers
- Comfortable rubber body
- Compact design
- Lightweight
- Price
CONS
- Strap is a bit thin (not really an issue)
Whether you are an avid birder or a beginner, these Nikon Travelite binoculars pack in more features than their price would suggest. If you are looking for your first pair of binoculars, a new pair of binoculars, or a lighter more compact pair of binoculars I suggest looking at the Nikon Travelite.
Good birding,
Paul
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Nikon Travelite EX 8x25 CF Binoculars
Pros
- Waterproof
- Fog proof
- Lightweight
- Compact
- Quality optics
Cons
- Strap is a bit thin
Thank you Paul for sharing this information about some small easy to use binoculars. My friend, G. McNeil, recommended your information and as I frequently walk to and from downtown over the King St bridge having
a small pair of binoculars handy would be much appreciated.
Thank you again.
You are very welcome Susanne. I hope you found the information helpful and I’m glad Gail shared my post with you.