Nikon Kikare 7 x 35 mm Porro Svart BAA660AA

I really didn’t enjoy using this action ex 7x35, it’s cumbersome, unwieldy and with a stiff focus wheel, plus optically very average. I much preferred the aculon 7x35 which has a lighter, smoother focus wheel and just as good if not better optically but it isn’t waterproof and has very short eye relief which in cold, damp conditions spoils the views as the lenses are prone to fogging up which this action ex won’t suffer from as much…If you really want to know what incredible contrast and resolution looks like though you have to invest in a Nikon 8x30 eii…another porro prism binocular but made in Japan with vastly superior optics to the action ex BUT again it isn’t waterproof and has short eye relief…unfortunately the perfect binocular does not exist… and this 7x35 is definitely not perfect and rather ponderous and mediocre.. sorry!

My wife and are casual birdwatchers, and these binoculars come well reviewed for that purpose. A seasoned birder told us we should buy a good brand (Nikon - check!) and some £2-300 minimum. At under £150 these seem good value given the qulaity.

The centre of the wide field image is tack sharp - as good as top roof prisms costing many times more. Compared with more expensive binoculars with field flattening eyepieces it degrades more quickly towards the edge, but that's pretty much how the eye works and is of no concern to anyone except optics nerds and astronomers. For bird watchers and others who are looking to focus on a central object they're fine. At 800g+ they're heavy by modern standards, but very comfortable to hold and sit securely on the chest while you're walking, whereas narrower roof prism binoculars tend to roll around. Adjustable eyecups work well: they're equally good with and without glasses. Highly recommended - all the binocular you need.

Outstansing performance from these 7x35 porro prims. Excellent field of view and very bright. Build quality is excellent. They have thick rubber coating and seem really robust. The case isnt that good and doesnt have a strap is a minor niggle. I use these for general day time use when out walking and also for star gazing. The 7x magnification is easy to hold steady - worth remembering if you are tempted by higher magnifications - a 10x could end up giving a way inferior vie due to amplifying hand shaking etc.

Bought them for the races really, however obviously not used them for that purpose. Great for looking at the stars though. My previous binoculars were bigger (10x42), which does let you get closer to the action but in my hands suffered from too much shake. These give me a much more stable, clear image.