Nikon is a massively popular brand for quality binoculars. They have designed many different models to accomplish the needs of binoculars lovers. When the same brands make various models, most customers wait for the comparison content. Companies always want to improve their quality and performance more than the previous model, though sometimes the new model can’t win the heart of bino lovers.
Getting new models, many of you jump over them and buy them. Later you can’t be satisfied with their performances. So, making an overall comparison is so helpful to make the right decision. Today I am here to do a complete comparison of Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars. Let’s explore their features together:
Nikon Prostaff: Long Story Short
Nikon launched their Prostaff 7s model binoculars in 2014. This series has various specifications such as 8×30, 8×42, 10×30, and 10×42. This series has gained huge popularity though the price range is quite high. After that, in 2016, they brought the Nikon Prostaff 3s model. Thinking about the viewing comfort, affordable price range, and large field of view they have released only 10×42 and 8×42 models for the 3s series. That is also able to bring a huge craze among nature enthusiasts. They both have excellent built quality but some differences also existed. And our goal is to differentiate these 2 series based on their key properties. Let’s jump into it:
Which One is the Best: Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars
10×42 Binoculars:
| Properties | Nikon Prostaff 3s 10x42 Binoculars | Nikon Prostaff 7s 10x42 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 10x |
| Objective lens | 42mm | 42mm |
| Exit Pupil | 4.2mm | 4.2mm |
| Eye Relief | 15.7 mm | 15.7 mm |
| Field of View | 367.5 ft/1000 yds | 325.30 ft/1000 yds |
| Prism | Roof | Roof |
| Prism Coating | Silver-alloy mirror coating prism | Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms |
| Lens Coating | Multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Focus | Center | Center |
| Close focus | 3m | 4m |
| Material | Plastic | Rubber |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Applicable | Applicable |
| Dimension | 15.0 x 12.9 x 5.1 cm | 16.4 x 12.9 x 5.5 cm |
| Weight | 20.3 oz | 22.8 oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
8×42 Binoculars:
| Properties | Nikon Prostaff 3s 8x42 Binoculars | Nikon Prostaff 7s 8x42 Binoculars |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 8x | 8x |
| Objective lens | 42mm | 42mm |
| Exit Pupil | 5.25mm | 5.25mm |
| Eye Relief | 20.2 mm | 19.5 mm |
| Field of View | 377 ft/1000 yds | 356 ft/1000 yds |
| Prism | Roof | Roof |
| Prism Coating | Silver-alloy mirror coating prism | Phase Correction Coated Roof Prisms |
| Lens Coating | Multi-coated | Fully multi-coated |
| Focus | Center | Center |
| Close focus | 3m | 3m |
| Material | Plastic | Rubber |
| Water resistance | Yes | Yes |
| Warranty | Applicable | Applicable |
| Dimension | 15.2 x 12.9 x 5.1 cm | 16.7 x 12.9 x 5.5 cm |
| Weight | 19.93 oz | 22.9 oz |
| Price | Check on Amazon | Check on Amazon |
Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars: Broad Discussion
As both series have 8×42 and 10×42 specifications, I would like to go through their features. With these properties of the 4 pairs, you can understand and can decide which pair is the best option for you.
1. Magnification & Objective Lens
The first consideration in choosing a binocular is the magnification and size of the objective lens. After that, we can move to the rest of the properties. As I already mentioned, the Nikon Prostaff 3s comes with 2 variations such as 8×42 and 10×42. On the other hand, 7s have 8×30 and 10×30 along with 8×42 and 10×42. If you want to try something standard, you can select any of them for 8×42 and 10×42.
As a result, you will get crisp, detailed magnified images in birding, wildlife viewing, hunting, and many more. These pairs can deliver the bright and clear output of the targeted objects for a 42mm diameter objective lens. Or, if you want to try something unique, you can go for Nikon Prostaff 7s 8×30 binoculars or 10×30 pairs. They will be great for enjoying concerts or hiking purposes.
2. Exit pupil
You may notice that I always value exit pupil distance. I believe you should ensure your viewing comfort along with entertaining or doing professional work. In that case, my opinion is for Nikon Prostaff 3s and 7s both for the 8×42 or 10×42 binoculars. You will get 5.25mm and 4.2mm exit pupil distance respectively. You can calculate this value by the magnification power and objective lens size.
Just divide the size of the objective lens by the magnification power, and you will get the eye pipul value easily. If you go for the 8×30 or 10×30, they will offer you 3.7mm/3mm only. That is not enough for observing comfortably. Where a value of more than 4mm can ensure you a comfortable viewing session.
3. Eye relief
Eye relief distance is also an important consideration for a smooth viewing experience. I would suggest picking more than 15mm eye relief distance binocular pairs. Nikon Prostaff 3s offers more eye relief distance for both 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars. So, my vote is for 3s bino pairs though the 7s also come with more than 15mm eye relief value. So they both will be suitable for glass wearers and non-wearers. As here we are comparing Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars, I would like to choose Nikon Prostaff 3s bino pairs.
4. Field of view
Field of view will enable you to scan your surroundings at once. I like to pick binoculars with a wide field of view except for precise target shooting or long-distance shooting. If you notice on the above table, you will see Nikon Prostaff 3s offers more field of view than 7s models. For the 8×42 bino pair of Nikon 3s series, you will get 377ft at 1000 yards. Where it will be 356ft/1000yards if you choose a Nikon 7s 8×42 pair.
Similarly, 10×42 of 3s has 367.5ft/1000yards whereas the 10×42 of 7s offers only 325.30ft/1000 yards. For covering broad activities with one binocular, you should go for the Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars where you can cover a large area at a time without changing your focus or position. Though the field of view of 7s pairs is also wider than many other modes and brands. If your requirements are fulfilled by the rest of the attributes. You can choose 7s pairs too.
5. Chromatic Aberration
Cutting chromatic aberration is a key property of Nikon binoculars. Prostaff 7s have lateral chromatic aberration at the edges of images. They are removed by combining several degrees of reflexive index and lens. Though lateral chromatic aberration can’t be eliminated 100%. On the other hand, 3s models have slightly more axial chromatic aberration at this point. The increased focal length helps to remove them.
6. Focusing system
The focusing system of Nikon optics is smooth and fast. The smooth wheel will adjust until you get the proper focus. Both 3s and 7s models are designed with a central focusing system. However, the close focusing distance is different and that may help to choose between them. Most binocular pairs have a minimum focus distance Nikon Prostaff 3s pairs have a small close focusing distance. As a result, you can focus on nearby objects easily. Nikon Prostaff 7s, on the other hand, offers a little closer focus distance.
For instance, you can focus on 3m close objects with 10×42 3s binoculars whereas 10×42 7s enable you to focus on a minimum of 4m distance objects. So, if you want binoculars for scanning something nearby like your yards, ducks in the lake, butterflies/ insects in the garden, etc, then you can pick Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars. If close focus doesn’t matter to you, you can go for Prostaff 7s binocular pairs.
7. Optics
When talking about the optics of binoculars, you should consider the lens, lens coating, and prism. In these circumstances, the Nikon Prostaff 7s is designed with fully multi-coated lenses. But 3s has been designed with a multi-coated finish where some coating may be absent. The 7s binoculars have a phase-corrected coating on the roof prism, whereas the 3s binoculars have a silver-alloy mirror finish on the roof prism. That will produce crisp and bright images of your targeted objects but they don’t have a phase detection coating. So, you may face low light transmission in the same daylight condition. So, I would prefer 7s model binoculars in terms of prism and lens coating.
8. Weight
In terms of weight, the Nikon Prostaff 3s is the winner again. If you look over the comparison table, you will see the 7s models are a little bit heavier than the same specification as the 3s models. Though they both are comparatively lightweight for roof prism attachment. To get an effortless feeling during hiking, hunting, birding, or sporting events, Nikon Prostaff 3s will be a wise choice.
9. Price range
The price range of the Nikon Prostaff 7s is higher than the 3s series binoculars. You will get 3s binoculars for under $200 whereas you have to spend some more bucks for 7s bino pairs.
Pros of Nikon Prostaff 3s Binoculars
- Offers more wide field of view
- Designed with long eye relief distance
- Features close focusing system
- Lightweight and affordable
Cons
- Deliver poor light transmission
Pros of Nikon Prostaff 7s Binoculars
- Cut chromatic aberration
- Enhanced light transmission
- Features fully multi-coated lens
- Designed with an anti-reflected phase detection finish
Cons
- The price range is a little bit higher
Final Opinion
Time to wrap up the debate on which one is the best: Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars. In my point of view, I would prefer the Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars for the image quality, eye comfort, and wide field of view as well as for the affordability. They are also lightweight and easy to carry in any outdoor activities like birding, sports, wildlife viewing, elk hunting, and many more. However, the light transmission rate is quite less than the 7s series. The lens and prism coating, as well as protection, is much more premium than the Nikon Prostaff 7s bino pairs. For astronomy, it will be a better option or if you need low light conditions, then 7s can be your choice. Don’t forget to share which one is your favorite pair either Nikon Prostaff 3s or 7s.
People Also Ask
Where are Nikon Prostaff series binoculars made?
Nikon Prostaff series binoculars are mainly manufactured in Japan. Some of them are also made in China.
Are Nikon ProStaff 7s binoculars waterproof?
Yes, they are fully waterproof and fog-proof. The Nikon Prostaff 7s are nitrogen purged that’s why it will remain weather sealed in wet conditions for birding, hunting, wildlife viewing, or even whale watching.
Are Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars good?
Of course. In terms of affordability, build quality, fewer shrinks, and lightweight and waterproof properties, Nikon Prostaff 3s binoculars are worth purchasing.
