
Review Summary
2009-09-08T21:00:00
I've yet to see a 12x glass, at any price, in any configuration, that will outperform the big SE...in brightness, resolution, ease of view, and general feel in the hands. It may not be waterproof, but I don't drop it in the lake, nor do I fall out of the canoe when going down the river, and my mama taught me to come in out of the rain, so....You could spend more than double the price, and not get a better view. I'm not saying it's "the best"...I'm just saying it's every bit as good as anything else out there, and I have had the good fortune to try them all. I have all 3 SE models, and consider them nonpariel.
spyglass
2007-03-20T21:00:00
A wonderfully crisp full field of view during daylight and at night Sirius showed as a pin point right to the edge of the FOV with just a little extra chromatic aberration (purple fringing) right at the edge. Overall chromatic aberration is quite low. The eye cups sit perfectly on my face and (when folded down) on my glasses. Relatively easy to hold for extended periods, though the 12x magnification does call for steady hands. Reclining in a deck chair proved the ideal method for astronomical use. Focusing and diopter adjustment are firm and smooth with undetectable backlash. I would have given these binoculars 5/5 if they were fully sealed. Also the requirement for a non standard tripod adapter is a bit annoying. Yes they are expensive, but worth every cent in my opinion.
Tom
Accidents happen. Protect your favorite Adorama products and purchase a protection plan to stay covered from accidental damage, mechanical or electrical failures, and more.
If we can’t fix it, we’ll replace it at no additional cost.
Protect your product from drops, spills, and more.
Enjoy your gear without fear. We have you covered!
When regular use of your product over time results in mechanical or electrical failure.
We will never charge you a deductible after the purchase of a plan.
Our claims process is simple & easy and our customer service team is happy to help.
Adorama Protect powered by Extend is available for purchase to customers in the United States. Not available for international or U.S. territories purchases. Plans on open box items do not cover pre-existing damage.
Adorama Protect plans are available for ABS clients. If you have any questions or require assistanse, please call 800-223-2500
Browse our FAQ
Porro, BaK-4 prism
Fully Multi-Coated Lens
5°
262'
4.2 mm
17.4 mm
17.6
24.5
23 ft
Yes
No
Yes, w/#7806
L x W 7.2x8 in.
31.7 oz.
018208073825
They're not called Superior for nothing.
By spyglass
I've yet to see a 12x glass, at any price, in any configuration, that will outperform the big SE...in brightness, resolution, ease of view, and general feel in the hands. It may not be waterproof, but I don't drop it in the lake, nor do I fall out of the canoe when going down the river, and my mama taught me to come in out of the rain, so....You could spend more than double the price, and not get a better view. I'm not saying it's "the best"...I'm just saying it's every bit as good as anythin...
View full Review
According to Nikon, the 12x50 SE utilizes the same mechanical and optical performance features of the eight and ten power models in larger objective version particularly adaptable and suited to tripod use.
Nikon's 12x50 SE Porro prism binocular incorporates the same advanced optical design and engineering technology that has made the 10x42 and 8x32 SEs so popular with serious birders.
Prominent on the list of features found on the central focus 12x50 SE is a unique eyepiece design that provides the viewer with a flat, clear image, especially at the edges of the viewing field. In addition, this binocular has very long (17.4mm) eye relief in relation to its power, making it possible for eyeglass wearers to enjoy the five degree angle of view and generous field of view (261 ft.@ 1,000 yds.)
Nikon's click-movement diopter control is utilized in the 12x50 SE, locking the diopter setting in until the viewer wishes to change it and providing total viewing consistency. This control is located on the SE's right eyepiece and is also essential to compensate for common left eye/right eye vision imbalance.
Twelve power magnification coupled with 50mm objective lenses provides a substantial 4.2mm exit pupil. Nikon's exclusive method of coating all lens and prism surfaces with multiple layers of proprietary anti-reflective coatings delivers maximum brightness, high contrast, true color rendition and flare free viewing from dawn to dusk. The Superior E utilizes precision formed BaK4 high index prisms for clear, round images free of vignetting as well.
To reduce weight, Nikon builds the 12x50 chassis from a lightweight, but extremely strong magnesium alloy. Total weight of the 7.2"x 8.0" binocular is only 31.7 ounces. The 12x50 Superior E is ergonomically shaped for proper balance, but is also readily tripod adaptable. Additionally, for an added measure of protection and sure grip, the 12x50 SE features a unique protein rubber external coating.