First look: Nikon's 12×25 image stabilized binoculars

I like gear that solves a real problem. But I'm doubly fond of gear that solves two or more problems with elegant solutions.

The brand new one Nikon stabilized binoculars is a tiny optic, and the 12x25mm version fits easily in the palm of my hand. However, the addition of image stabilization makes these small binoculars an impressive optical instrument for medium to long distances.

See it

• Length: 3.9 inches
• Width: 3.5 inches
• Depth: 2.6 inches
• Uses AA batteries
• Available in 10x and 12x
• Stabilizes movement by 80 percent
• Field of view at 1,000 yards: 236 feet
• Weight: 17.14 grams (with batteries)

A look at the new image-stabilized binoculars

The problems that the Nikon Stabilized 12×24 solves have their origins in that small configuration. Most super-compact binoculars are in the 7 to 8 power range, and there are some 10×24 binoculars on the market. When you go up with that small objective lens, it creates a small exit pupil, which is the small bright circle you see when you hold a pair of binoculars (or riflescope or spotting scope) at arm's length and look at the eyepiece.

Without getting too optically nerdy, the exit pupil is calculated by dividing the objective lens by the magnification. A 10 x 42 binocular therefore has an exit pupil of 4.2 mm (objective lens of 42 mm divided by 10). A 12×56 binocular has an exit pupil of 4.67 mm. Therefore, images from those larger binoculars may appear brighter than those from a 10×42 or a 12×50.

But think about the poor, super-compact binoculars. Those 8×24 binoculars have a small exit pupil of 3 mm, and with the 10×24 binoculars it is even smaller (2.4 mm). Nikon's new 12×25 binoculars have a small exit pupil of 2.1mm, meaning they will really only provide an adequate image in broad daylight, when the user's pupil is small anyway. Remember that the human pupil, like a camera lens, opens in low light to allow as much light as possible into the retina.

Read next: Best compact binoculars

Back to that first problem: most brands use lower magnifications in their super-compact binoculars to create larger exit pupils, but that low power limits their use to glass at short to medium distances. The 12-power Nikon solves that problem by offering much more range.

But compact binoculars are notoriously difficult to hold. Those medium-sized binoculars of 10×42 and 12×50 have a certain weight that fits comfortably in the hand. The small 24 and even 30mm binoculars are clumsy and shoot around because they are so light and there is so little frame to hold. This is where image stabilization saves the day.

Turn on the stabilization module and Nikon's 12x image becomes sharp and clear. Turn it off and the image is still fine, but suffers from hand shake and over-magnification. If you switch the module back on using the switch on the bridge of the binoculars, the image becomes calmer and sharper. Nikon engineers report an 80 percent reduction in shake caused by hand shake (these engineers call these sinusoidal waves) when the image stabilizer is enabled. I didn't measure the reduction in vibration, but it is significant and noticeable, and the reduction becomes even more apparent in low light when any vibration is magnified.

The remarkable detail of the new Nikon – it only came on the market earlier this month – is its size, approximately 10 x 10 cm, weighs less than 45 grams and fits easily in a jacket pocket. Most image stabilized binoculars are super large. We evaluated the new one from Sig Sauer ZULU6 HDX 16×42 in this year Outdoor living optics test, and while it does a great job of calming the image, it's the size of a deli sandwich.

The new stabilized Nikon is available in a 10x25mm version and in the 12x25mm version that I tested. The 10-power will retail for $639, while the 12-power will retail for $649.

The stabilization is powered by two AA batteries that fit under the central hinge. The company claims 12 hours of battery life, and while I haven't tested that duration, I imagine regular users will get double that. The controls, from the center focus knob to the eyecup extensions, are underpowered but usable. The glass and coatings are good, but not particularly striking.

The new binoculars are backed by Nikon's Limited Lifetime Warranty, which applies only to the original purchaser. More limited warranty conditions apply to some electronic components.

Final thoughts

It is a bit strange that Nikon is only now introducing image stabilized binoculars. The company has led the camera industry in what it calls VR lenses (for vibration reduction).. Maybe you have one. You will hear a little hissing deep in the lens when you turn on the VR function. That's the electronic gyroscope that activates to neutralize all kinds of upward, downward and transverse vibrations, allowing users to get sharp images even in low light or when subjects are moving. Nikon later included the VR module in its premium EDG spotting scope in 2011. The company then introduced the first image-stabilized laser rangefinders. Readers may remember the COOLSHOT laser rangefinder with a very effective stabilization module.

My optics test archives show that 14×40 Nikon VR binoculars existed in the late 1990s or early 2000s, but they did not have the compact build, the small and unobtrusive stabilization module, or the quality glass and coatings of the new binoculars. . And it didn't last long.

For serious glass work you won't be using Nikon's new 10×25 or 12×25. You need large binoculars or spotting scope for that. But for highly capable travel binoculars, treestand optics, or as a binocular that can make quick and confident identifications from mid-range to far beyond, Nikon's new stabilized binoculars are a very useful and welcome addition to the new wave. of electro-optics.