US
Nikon

Nikon Action 8x42 Binoculars

  • 8x magnification, 42mm objective lenses
  • 140 feet field of view, 58.4 degree apparent angle
  • 17.3mm eye relief, turn-and-slide eyecups
  • 5.3mm exit pupil, relative brightness 28.1
  • Porro prism, multilayer anti-reflective coating
  • Not water resistant
  • 1.7 pounds, aluminum and rubber body
  • Lifetime optics warranty, 7 years on non-optical parts

Updated 25 days ago · Based on the Amazon listing and published specifications, not hands-on testing.

Our verdict

A straightforward full-size binocular for daylight birding, hiking and concerts, with bright, wide views and a long warranty on the optics. It has no water resistance, so rain and spray are a real risk.

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ASIN: B0GMS68425Model: 16805Category: Binoculars

Overview

Birders, hikers and casual walkers get a full-size porro prism binocular from Nikon with multilayer coated optics and a center focus knob. Turn-and-slide eyecups set the eye distance, and the body is tripod ready for steadier viewing.

Large objective lenses and a wide apparent view make finding and following a bird quick, and the long eye relief helps people who keep their glasses on. The porro body is on the large side for a small bag, and the lack of any water resistance means it should stay dry.

Who it's for

Made for dawn and dusk walks, trail hikes and concert seats where a wide, bright view matters more than pocket size. Boaters and anyone often caught in wet weather should choose a sealed model instead.

Pros and cons

Pros
  • Wide field of view for tracking movement
  • Bright image from large objectives
  • Long eye relief suits glasses wearers
  • Multilayer coated optics
Cons
  • Not water resistant
  • Weight adds up on long hikes
  • Tripod adapter not listed in the box
  • Bulky porro body for small bags

Performance notes

Image brightness comes from the large objective lenses gathering light and the multilayer coatings cutting reflections inside the glass, which matters most at dawn and dusk. The porro prism layout folds the light path inside a wide body, and the center focus knob sharpens both sides at once. Steadiness depends on the user's hands, so a tripod helps for long watches.

Specifications

BrandNikon
Model16805
Dimensions & fit
Objective lens diameter42 mm
Item weight1.7 pounds
Exit pupil diameter0.2 inches
Item dimensions7.6 × 2.3 × 5.9 inches
Construction & materials
CoatingMultilayer, Anti-Reflective
Enclosure materialAluminum, Rubber
Compatibility & installation
Mount typeTripod Mountable
Warranty & support
Warranty descriptionLifetime
Other details
Magnification8x
Prism typePorro Prism
Water resistance levelNot water resistant
Focus typeCenter Focus Knob
Field of view140 feet
Eye relief17.3 mm
Apparent angle of view58 degrees
Relative brightness28.1

Frequently asked questions

How do I mount the Nikon Action 8x42 on a tripod?

The binocular is tripod mountable, but the box contents list no tripod adapter. You will need a separate binocular tripod adapter to attach it.

What comes in the box with the Nikon Action 8x42?

The binoculars, a carrying case, a neckstrap, an eyepiece lens cover and an objective lens cover.

Can I use the Nikon Action 8x42 with glasses?

Long eye relief is listed as a feature, and the turn-and-slide eyecups adjust. Turn the eyecups down when wearing glasses.

Is the Nikon Action 8x42 a compact binocular?

The specs carry a compact design tag, but it measures 7.6 x 2.3 x 5.9 inches with a porro prism body, so expect a full-size binocular.