Nikon Travelite Binoculars Review: Why Every Birder Should Own A Pair

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Binoculars make spotting small birds like the Common Redpoll much easier.

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.    

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The waterproof design of the Nikon Travelite is perfect for birding by water in my pack boat.

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.

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Subtle differences in field marks like those of the White-throated Sparrow are more readily seen with a good pair of binoculars.

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.

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Quality optics don’t have to cost a fortune, these Nikon’s are budget-friendly.

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) 
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Up your birding game with a pair of Nikon Travelite Binoculars.

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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