There’s a lot to love about the Nikon Prostaff P3 binoculars. Here, we’ve reviewed the 8×42 models as they give 8x magnification with larger 42mm objective lenses that are best suited to stargazing but three other models exist in the line-up: 8×30; 10×30 and 10×42 versions. Each slightly more expensive as you go up in magnification and objective lens size but they are incremental differences.
Specifications
Design: Roof prism
Exit pupil: 3mm
Eye relief: 15.4mm
Weight: 465g
Dimensions: 125 x 130 x 52mm
Magnification: 10x and 8x
Objective lenses: 42mm and 30mm
Durability: Fog-proof and waterproof
The Prostaff P3s are a roof prism design binocular and as a result, are slim in shape. They’re also light at just over 1 lb (465g) and can easily fit underneath a zipped-up overcoat should the rain start to fall. They feel pretty durable in the hand as well, a stiff hinge prevents them from slipping apart when hiking and a smooth focus wheel is simple to operate even with thick gloves on. The resin chassis is enveloped in a rubberized armor to prevent damage from knocks and scrapes.
The optics in the Prostaff P3 8×42’s are fantastic, especially considering how they’re priced. That’s why we feature them in our Best binoculars 2023 guide. They take a lot of cues from the Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 which we reviewed and have some premium-feeling aspects but there are some compromises and considerations to make if top quality is your proviso. Sitting under the P7 binocular line, Nikon have placed the P3 line directly in line with beginner-level observing, so with that in mind let’s take a look at how they perform.
Nikon Prostaff P3 8×42: Design
- Waterproof down to one meter
- Fogproof thanks to Nitrogen-purging
- Adjustable eyecups feel premium
When we use a pair of binoculars we always hope for one thing at the very least: good optical clarity. The key to a binocular is to give sharp, clear views of subjects and luckily for us, Nikon has decided that putting all that technology, expertise and experience (and money) into the optics was a good call for the Prostaff P3 binoculars.
Of course, we are reviewing the 8×42 versions but the construction and finish is largely identical for all four versions in the P3 series. A multilayer coating dons the lenses to reduce flare and ghosting and inside the…
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