Nikon Premier SE (8x32) Binocular
- Binoculars Type: Binocular
- Max Magnification: 8x
- Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
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First rate mid-sized binocular.
Pros
Superb optics and build quality. Competitive price.
Cons
Not water/fog proof. An odd shape to hold.
Recommended it?
Yes
The Bottom Line:
I recommend this binocular on the basis of quality optics and superb build. Some people - me included - will prefer the handling of a roof prim binocular.
The Nikon 8x32 SE binocular is ideal for the bird watcher who wants quality optics in a light weight and compact package.
Mechanics
The Nikon 8x32 SE is very well made. It is a traditional porro prism binocular and fairly comfortable to hold. The frame is a lightweight metal alloy with a rubber armouring over much of the surface and is pleasant to the touch. The focus wheel is also rubber armoured and is mounted between the eyepieces. It is well positioned and rotates smoothly if a little stiff. There is a diopter adjustment built in to the right hand eyepiece that is set by rotating the eyepiece. Although there is no lock it won't move accidentally. The two halves of the binocular are hinged with a pleasingly stiff feel. The binocular is not waterproof and is not fog proof. The weight is about 600g making it a light weight.
It seems well made but not as durable as competing roof prisms such as the Leica 8x32.
Optics
Optically this binocular is first rate. It has a wide field of view - ~130m at 1000m - excellent depth of field, and excellent sharpness. Remarkably even the edges of the image show good sharpness. There is a trace of chromatic aberration though most people probably won't notice it. The most remarkable aspect of the view is the brightness. The Nikon provides a noticeably brighter image than competing binoculars from Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss. This means that in overcast weather and after sunset, the Nikon will show you more than the competition.
Conclusion
The Nikon 8x32 SE is a first rate binocular. Optically it beats the competition as it has a similar field of view and depth of field, is noticeably brighter than most (the exception is the Nikon 8x32 HG) is as sharp if not sharper than any, and has no distortion at the image edges. Mechanically they are as well made as the competition, but they are not as sturdy, and are not waterproof.
What lets this binocular down is the shape: most people - myself included - will probably find the Nikon 8x32 SE less comfortable to hold than a roof prism binocular. I recommend you make sure you feel comfortable holding these for extended periods before you consider buying them.
Although I have given this binocular 5 stars it really deserves 4.5 due to the less than perfect handling.
Update - 2 September 2003
I came across a used pair in mint condition for a very good price and bought them. To be honest I am astonished at how good the optics on these things are: they are superb. The view is best described as "with your own eyes". It is as if the scene is brought 8x closer. Chromatic aberration is almost completely absent too, even in the most taxing situations. I have compared them side by side with a Swarovski 8.5x42 EL. In low light I cannot decide which gives the brighter image it is that close. The Swarovski is a bit sharper, especially at close distances, but the difference is small. Incidentally the subjective image quality of the Nikon is noticeably superior to the Swarovski, due mainly to the absence of lateral chromatic aberration. I have also noticed that the focus is a bit coarse for my taste (you might disagree) but it is very smooth and positive.
Handling: 4.5 out of 5.
Build quality: 5 out of 5.
Optical performance: 6 out of 5. (I gave the Leica 8x32 BN 5 out of 5, but these are much much better.)
Mechanics
The Nikon 8x32 SE is very well made. It is a traditional porro prism binocular and fairly comfortable to hold. The frame is a lightweight metal alloy with a rubber armouring over much of the surface and is pleasant to the touch. The focus wheel is also rubber armoured and is mounted between the eyepieces. It is well positioned and rotates smoothly if a little stiff. There is a diopter adjustment built in to the right hand eyepiece that is set by rotating the eyepiece. Although there is no lock it won't move accidentally. The two halves of the binocular are hinged with a pleasingly stiff feel. The binocular is not waterproof and is not fog proof. The weight is about 600g making it a light weight.
It seems well made but not as durable as competing roof prisms such as the Leica 8x32.
Optics
Optically this binocular is first rate. It has a wide field of view - ~130m at 1000m - excellent depth of field, and excellent sharpness. Remarkably even the edges of the image show good sharpness. There is a trace of chromatic aberration though most people probably won't notice it. The most remarkable aspect of the view is the brightness. The Nikon provides a noticeably brighter image than competing binoculars from Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss. This means that in overcast weather and after sunset, the Nikon will show you more than the competition.
Conclusion
The Nikon 8x32 SE is a first rate binocular. Optically it beats the competition as it has a similar field of view and depth of field, is noticeably brighter than most (the exception is the Nikon 8x32 HG) is as sharp if not sharper than any, and has no distortion at the image edges. Mechanically they are as well made as the competition, but they are not as sturdy, and are not waterproof.
What lets this binocular down is the shape: most people - myself included - will probably find the Nikon 8x32 SE less comfortable to hold than a roof prism binocular. I recommend you make sure you feel comfortable holding these for extended periods before you consider buying them.
Although I have given this binocular 5 stars it really deserves 4.5 due to the less than perfect handling.
Update - 2 September 2003
I came across a used pair in mint condition for a very good price and bought them. To be honest I am astonished at how good the optics on these things are: they are superb. The view is best described as "with your own eyes". It is as if the scene is brought 8x closer. Chromatic aberration is almost completely absent too, even in the most taxing situations. I have compared them side by side with a Swarovski 8.5x42 EL. In low light I cannot decide which gives the brighter image it is that close. The Swarovski is a bit sharper, especially at close distances, but the difference is small. Incidentally the subjective image quality of the Nikon is noticeably superior to the Swarovski, due mainly to the absence of lateral chromatic aberration. I have also noticed that the focus is a bit coarse for my taste (you might disagree) but it is very smooth and positive.
Handling: 4.5 out of 5.
Build quality: 5 out of 5.
Optical performance: 6 out of 5. (I gave the Leica 8x32 BN 5 out of 5, but these are much much better.)
