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Nikon Aculon A211 10 x 50 binoculars suit a wide range of purposes, from birding to travel and sporting events, and are lightweight enough to bring along for the day.
The Nikon Aculon A211 10x50 binoculars sneak in just under the $100 price mark. If you're willing to max out your budget, you can't beat the blend of quality and affordability for the price.
These binoculars are lightweight and ergonomic, which means you can carry it around all day. A smooth-turning focus knob lets you quickly and accurately find a clear view of your subject. The rubberized coating provides a strong grip.
These binoculars are 10 x 50, which means 10x magnification with a 50mm objective diameter. They also have a 5mm exit pupil. In short, these binoculars work just as well for birding and other outdoor activities, as they do for viewing the night sky. That's because 10 x 50 binoculars have a wider aperture, which is better for seeing distant objects, even at night.
In terms of the exit pupil, binoculars with at least 4mm are suitable for most conditions, even low light. One owner appreciates notes the overall clarity in an Amazon customer review: "I am a hunter, so even in a low-light situation or at night in a full moon it's almost like you're looking out in daylight with these."
Weight is another big factor. These binoculars weigh 31.7 ounces, or approximately 2 pounds. While they're not the most lightweight binoculars out there, many users find them easy to carry around. "Just lightweight enough to hold, but also sturdy," wrote one Amazon customer who used it for whale watching. Another adds, " I don't find them too heavy for use in bird watching and star gazing."
However, some customers note that the binoculars can feel a bit heavy as the day goes on, especially if you're carrying other equipment.
The lenses deliver clarity and brightness, helped by a special coating that is applied. Like Nikon's cameras lenses, which Insider Picks Guides Editor Les Shu has experience with, these are high-quality optics (Nikon is renowned for its glass and build quality). The rubber eyecups keep peepers positioned at the correct point and makes the binoculars more comfortable to use over an extended period.
Unfortunately, the binoculars are not weatherproof, so you'd need to take care when using them in certain environments. But it's a tradeoff we are willing to make for a quality product that's less than $100.
Pros: Ideal for general use, ergonomic, many user-friendly features
Cons: Long-distance images may appear wavy, not weatherproof, protective lens caps fall off easily
Buy the Nikon 8248 Aculon A211 10x50 Binocular on Amazon for $96.95