Nikon Superior E 10x42

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Brand and Model:Nikon Superior E 10x42
Price ($USD):$799.99
Attributes:un-checked Waterproof checked Armored
Objective Lens Size:42 mm
Magnification:10 x
Prism Type:BAK4 Porro
Coatings:Fully Multi-Coated
Field of View:6.0 degrees
Eye Relief:0 mm
Near Focus:9 ft
Weight (lbs):32
Dimensions (w/h/d):157x192mm
Description:Features:
Precision engineering High Precision optics allow these binoculars to achieve optimal perspective, naturalism and brightness that are especially well-suited for bird-watching and more - even astronomical observation.
Lightweight and tough Die-cast magnesium alloy bodies offer an excellent combination of light weight and durable strength.
Excellent ergonomics Handling stability is outstanding, thanks to smart, sleek body designs that balance the weight beautifully.
Short focusing distance The 8 x 32 SE CF offers exquisitely detailed views from as close as 3m from the subject.
High resolution, fully multicoated optics
Nikon's superior technology
All metal construction
BaK4 high index prisms


Nikon Superior E Series Binoculars

Vote Highlights Vote
Nikon Superior E 10x42
This is a very good binocular, among the finest porro prism glasses on the market. It gives very sharp on axis images and the views remain sharp to about 80° of the way across the fov. Contrast is very good, and stray light and internal reflections are well controlled. Lens coatings are deep green and evenly applied on all surfaces. Overall, the optical quality of the 10x42SE is very good to excellent. Typical of the SE line of binoculars, however, there are significant tendencies to blackouts which can be annoying.

Mechanically, the Nikon 10x42SE is well made and smartly designed. It fits well in the hand and is fairly light and easy to use. The focuser is firm and moves smoothly. although not quite as nicely as the Nikon LX models. Rubber eyecups are provided with the SE, but twist up eyecups would be a better feature, particularly to mitigate the effects of blackout. The diopter wheel adjusts firmly and stays where it is set, although it does not lock, and the center hinge is firm and remains solidly in place through a good day's (or night's) work.

One quibble, though, is Nikon's policy of equipping its otherwise excellent binoculars with cheap accessories, including the neck strap, lens covers, and case. I have replaced these items with better products, but for the fairly stiff price of an SE, Nikon should be able to provide much nicer amenities for its premium binoculars.

Finally, Nikon's excellent 25 year, no-fault warrantee comes with this binocular. This is one of the very best warrantee policies in the business and it is comforting to know Nikon stands behind its products.

Altogether, these are outstanding binoculars and are definitely designed for the well-heeled and discriminating user. I am giving it a rating of 9 rather than a perfect 10 primarily because of its its tendency for blackouts and its cheap accessories but I would still recommend them enthusiastically to anyone searching for a top quality 10x porro prism binocular.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:9 Value:8
Weight: 40 (Reputable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=511152

Nikon Superior E 10x42
I already owned the 8x32 Superior E which is every bit as good as described in Better View Desired and so are these. I liked my 8x32SE so much that I was dying to try the 10x42 especially for stargazing.
I'll describe my experience of using these in just two words: "Total Eyegasm!"
I am -5 diopters in both eyes and these have just enough focus for stars at night or objects on the horizon.
They have exactly enough eye relief for pleasurable use over my glasses and reveal the entire 60 degree FOV.
The roll-down eyecups leave no annoying marks either!
Their light weight and comfortable grip gives me extra time for looking straight up without a tripod. I can easily use them with one hand for short glances and quick sweeping around the sky.
The color purity is wonderful. The moon is pure and silvery white with no tinting or color fringing along the bright limb.
Bird plumage in sunlight looks like pictures in National Geographic. All of the luminescence, vibrance and iridescence are right there.
There is only very minor lateral color near the edge of the field.
Speaking of the field, that 60 degree apparent field is wonderful with only very moderate focus softness toward the edge. It's better at the edge than the 50 degree field of the Fujinon 7x50FMT-SX.
I wear hyper-index aspherical polyurethane lenses and they make the edge several times sharper - almost perfect!
On axis they are as sharp and contrasty as can be. They snap right into focus with no mushiness whatsoever.

They aren't cheap but they are worth it. Best new price I found was Focus @$560 and Adorama @ $609. I was lucky and picked up a very nice used pair off Ebay.

They have no 1/4-20 threads and won't attach to a standard 'L' adapter. They require a special $40 Nikon tripod adapter, which can be hard to find.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 3 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41923

Nikon Superior E 10x42
read some stellar reviews of these and picked up a closeout at a great price.Yes, I believe they are now discontinued. The rave reviews are legit! They are the sharpest, flattest field, easiest to look through 10X binoculars I have ever seen. I compared them to very high end roof prism ones last week, and these have better optics. Sharper to the edge, and less false color are the two most outstanding features.

The way your hands wrap around the magnesium body, it makes it really easy to hand hold them. The night sky reveals pin point stars and surprisingly bright images. These are brighter than any 10X50 I have compared them to. Eye relief is good, with eye placement not that critical.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=563105

Nikon Superior E 10x42
These are the best binoculars I've ever used. I happen to prefer the feel of porro prism binoculars, so these are ideal for me.

Overall Rating: 10
Optics:10 Value:10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=354040

Nikon Superior E 10x42
The more I use it, the more I love it. It is simply the best 10x42 binocular optically. The view is the sharpest and brightest I have ever come across with. Although I am a strong advocate for German optics, I have to say it is a little bit brighter and sharper than Zeiss Victory 10x40 and without pin cushion distortion.
However, it is not water proof. I always wonder why Nikon doesn't make waterproof SEs and sell them like big Mac. With the impeccable optic quality, even IF will attract a lot of folks.

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=328162

Nikon Superior E 10x42
Now that I have used the SE and Leica 10x50 BN for more than 3 months, I would say both are excellent. To my eyes, SE may be slightly sharper than at least one BA version. I think it performs better in daytime. For astronomy, Leica should beat SE because:
1. Stars twinkle less (But why?)
2. Larger field
3. SE has some edge vignetting effect in nighttime. May be due to too much eye relief.

In conclusion, SE is best for birding and BN is best for scanning across the milky way.

Overall Rating: No Vote
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
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Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=233072

Nikon Superior E 10x42
Being a binocular nut, I now own a bunch of pairs in my asrenal, including Leica 10x50 BN, Fujinon 16x70 FMTSX old version, Leica 8x20 BC, Carl Zeiss Jena 8x30 Deltrentis, Olympus 8x42 EXWPI, Pentax 8x24 UCFV, Celestron 10x60. Now 10x42 SE becomes a new member to my bino family.

The view of SE is very similar to Leica 10x50 BN! The Leica has noticeably larger field of view, the picture window effect is extremey addictive. Alas, the barrels is perfectly aligned. On the other hand, SE is better in distortion correction and provides more stereoscopic view, also it is more user friendly.

They are both tack sharp and crystal clear. Details jump right out of you. The view is so similar that some even says that they can't distinguish any meaningful difference exept the field issue. Call it a draw.

I will use SE as my hiking binocular and Trinovid will spend most times under night sky.

Overall Rating: 9
Optics:10 Value:8
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=178185

Nikon Superior E 10x42
Hi,

I did a lot of research on the web, and I finally decided on the Nikon Superior
E 10 x 42 binocular.......and WOW...these are truely amazing. This is truely
a lifetime purchased, if you take proper care of them. Them feel so amazing
in your hands..also sexy. I wish I can permenantly attach them to my eyes
all the time!!

Mike

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41932

Nikon Superior E 10x42
These are fantastic binoculars. I had a pair of Leica 10x50s which I was very happy with because of the very fine optics. They were stolen so I shopped around and decided on the Nikon 10x42 SEs. The more I use them, the more impressed I am. Extremely sharp, lightweight, well balanced in my hands, and wonderful contrast. The seeing is better overall than the Leicas and the feel and balance in my hands is much better. Others who have used these binoculars have been equally impressed. If you're serious about making an investment in binoculars, these are well worth the money.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41931

Nikon Superior E 10x42
Amazing lack of distortion. Worth every penny.

Overall Rating: 10
Weight: 1 (Unreliable Vote)
Date:
By:
Link to this vote: http://www.excelsis.com/1.0/displayvote.php?voteid=41930

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