New Nikon PROSTAFF P7 and P3 Binoculars

Nikon created quite a buzz this month since unleashing their next generation of PROSTAFF binoculars in early June.  This is very good news if you’re an outdoor aficionado, nature fanatic, hunter, or sports fan as Nikon’s collection of PROSTAFF series binoculars are highly regarded and considered a huge favorite over other binoculars.  The PROSTAFF P7 and PROSTAFF P3 series saw enhancements in just about every facet including construction, design, features, and technology.   Nikon also expanded the PROSTAFF series to offer more zoom and objective lens options. 
The P7 and P3 new updated binoculars offer a wider and brighter field of view.  They feature a comfortable long eye relief, so no need to worry if you wear eyeglasses.  The construction is made of tough fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate with a rubberized armored body making them considerably lighter in weight while being virtually indestructible.  Plus, these are fog-proof and waterproof.  Using Nikon’s proprietary technology in multi-layered optical coatings, these new binoculars give powerful sharpness and perfect color reproduction.  Nikon has been in this industry for over a century, their experience and innovative technology are legendary and these new PROSTAFF binocular editions are nothing short of spectacular.

PROSTAFF P7

Starting at the top of the PROSTAFF collection is the P7.  Nikon is presenting us with a redesigned lineup of P7’s that showcases a new build with new functions.  The new P7 offer a more vibrant natural color reliability over its predecessor, the P7S, while maintaining a wide field of view.  Additionally, these updated models feature Nikon’s exclusive Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating and a phase correction coating, which are applied to the roof prisms to reflect more light. 

The PROSTAFF P7 features a locking diopter adjustment ring which will hold your setting and avoid any unwanted or accidental adjustments to your view.  Additionally, along with its tough waterproof exterior, the objective and eyepiece lenses are fog proof as well as repellent against oil and water.  Additionally, the P7 lenses are also lead-free and arsenic-free.  Producing them eco-friendly is great and naturally better for you too.

The P7 Lineup is available in 8x30, 10x30, 8x42, and 10x42 magnification options.  With improved brightness, high definition, and wider views, the variety of P7 models are perfect for a whole arrangement of activities and events.  Nikon is incredible for adding to the P7 features and gadgets that you generally find with higher-end binoculars.  The P7 10x42 is perfect for activities like birding, hunting, and travel.  You will get more general purpose from the P7 8x42 with the reduction of zoom while still yielding incredible sharpness and color from the larger objective lens.  With the 8x30 and 10x30 you will have incredible field of view of more than 62 degrees and the benefits from the high definition and enhanced lighting will make this ideal for events like hiking, camping, sporting events and concerts.

P7 10x42 Review

The colors and sharpness of the PROSTAFF P7 10x42 is remarkably better than its predecessor the P7S.  I really like that I can lock the setting in place, pop on the lens covers and shove them in my bag.  I enjoyed the view with these, even as the sun went down, the imagery was bright and beautiful with a hint of creaminess and sparkle you only get in top-of-the-line binoculars.  I also did not experience any stigmatism.  I wear eyeglasses and so I really appreciated the turn and slide eyecups and long eye relief.  The P7 were extremely comfortable to wear with no vignetting.  I always try and look out for this because of my eyeglasses, fit is very important.  It felt very solid and durable in my hands, and the focus and eyecup settings are stiff like they’re supposed to be.  This is a terrific set of binoculars that’s giving more value at a great price range while providing views and features of a high-end binocular.  The P7 is quite impressive.

PROSTAFF P3

We continue now with Nikon’s follow up model to the popular PROSTAFF P3S series, the PROSTAFF P3.  Nikon expanded the P3 line to now offer more compact choices with 8x30 and 10x30 magnifications, in addition to the 8x42 and 10x42 which were the only P3S options.  The lightweight and compact size are well suited for any excursion or escapade you may find yourself on.  Combine that with the price, and you have yourself an everyday binocular presenting you great sights that you can rely on without worrying about them too much. 

The PROSTAFF P3 models shares the same field of views as the P7, respectively to their magnification class.  These are also waterproof down to 3.3 feet for up to ten minutes and can safely be used in rain, snow, and fishing.  You still have the ecofriendly glass that is free of lead and arsenic, and lenses that will not fog, even in rapidly changing temperatures.  The build is the same with fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate resin, making these super lightweight and tough as nails.  The P3’s also has long eye relief and adjustable eye cups to provide comfortability and clear field of views.  Where the P3 differ from the P7 is that the P3 does not have a locking diopter ring, so you cannot lock the settings in place, and there is a bit of difference in the prism coatings.  The P3 uses a multilayer coating applied to the lens elements with a highly reflective silver alloy coating applied to the roof prisms, this allows more light in and increases the brightness of your field of view.

P7 vs P3

You can see where the P3 differ from the P7.  No diopter ring, no phase coating and a different prism coatings.  However, the technology works extremely well and the P3 offers stunningly sharp clarity, with bright vibrant colors.  You can easily tell this is a Nikon product by the quality of the image.  It feels just as comfortable as the P7’s, as it should.  Looking through this and holding it, it feels like it should cost a lot, but this binocular is not expensive.  After sampling the P7 and P3 one after the other, there is a noticeable difference in image quality.  The P3 is an entry level binocular, but a really fantastic one with exceptional views that I would be happy to own.  If I was looking for an entry level binocular or wanted an extra one for travel that I can rely on to give me stunning views, the P3 is an excellent choice, and you will find no other comparable binocular at this price.  The P7 on the other hand is just a bit more fantastic and the benefits of the P7’s extra features and gorgeous views may just outweigh the extra premium to level up.  They’re both excellent binoculars, you can’t go wrong with any of these. 

Summary of PROSTAFF P7 and P3 for Review

• Wider Views greater than 62.6 degrees
• Long Eye Relief with Turn to Slide eyecups with multi-click to facilitate easy positioning
• Multi-layer coated lenses for maximum brightness and clarity
• Waterproof up to 3.3 feet for up to ten minutes
• Fog free lenses with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas
• Rubber Armored for comfortable grip and shock resistance
• Super lightweight, made from fiberglass reinforced polycarbonate resin
• Available in 8x30, 10x30, 8x42, and 10x42 magnifications
• Eco-friendly lead and arsenic free glass used for all lenses and prisms
• Nikon Lifetime Warranty