Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular Review

Let’s Dive into Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular

The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular is a mid-range offering from Nikon, designed for outdoor enthusiasts who want a bit more magnification than the standard 8x or 10x models. These binoculars promise a bright, clear image with a durable, lightweight build, making them a contender for hunters, bird watchers, and anyone who appreciates a closer look at the world. But does the increased magnification come at the cost of image stability or brightness?

I was looking for a binocular with enough power to spot game at longer distances during hunting trips in the western mountains. While my 8x42s are excellent for general use, I often find myself wishing for more reach. I needed something that could help me identify a buck through brush at 300 yards without dragging along a spotting scope.

My first impression was positive; the binoculars felt solid but surprisingly light. The textured rubber armor provided a secure grip, and the focus wheel turned smoothly. Compared to my older Bushnell binoculars, the Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular felt significantly more refined. I chose them over the Vortex Diamondback 12×50 due to Nikon’s reputation for excellent glass and the slightly lower price point and over the Leupold BX-2 Acadia due to the wider field of view.

Initially, I was excited about the potential of the Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular. I hoped they would bridge the gap between my general-purpose binoculars and a full-sized spotting scope.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular on a scouting trip in the foothills of the Rockies. I used them to glass open meadows and wooded hillsides, searching for elk sign. The conditions were dry and sunny, with a slight breeze.

The image was bright and sharp in the center of the field of view, but there was noticeable distortion around the edges, especially at longer distances. Focusing was easy and precise, but the 12x magnification made it difficult to hold the image steady without support. After a few hours of use, I noticed some eye strain, likely due to the high magnification and the need to constantly adjust the focus.

There weren’t any major issues, but I was surprised by how much the image shook at 12x. It was definitely something I would need to get used to.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use on various hunting and hiking trips, the Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular held up well. The rubber armor showed no signs of wear, and the lenses remained clear. I even dropped them once (accidentally!) on a soft dirt trail, and they survived without any damage.

The binoculars are easy to clean with a lens cloth, and the included lens caps provide good protection. Compared to my older binoculars, the Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular provides a noticeably brighter and sharper image, particularly in low-light conditions. The high magnification is great for spotting distant objects, but the image stability remains a challenge without support.

Breaking Down the Features of Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular

Specifications

• The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular features 12x magnification, providing a closer view of distant objects. This makes it suitable for activities like birdwatching, hunting, and wildlife observation.
• The 50mm objective lens diameter gathers a significant amount of light, resulting in a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens is beneficial for maximizing visibility in dawn, dusk, or heavily shaded environments.
• The binoculars utilize a roof prism system, which contributes to their compact and streamlined design. Roof prisms are more complex to manufacture but allow for a more ergonomic and portable form factor.
• The prism material is BAK4 glass, known for its high refractive index and ability to produce sharp, clear images with minimal distortion. BAK4 prisms offer superior light transmission compared to cheaper prism materials, resulting in enhanced image quality.
• The 15.5 mm eye relief provides comfortable viewing, even for users who wear eyeglasses. Adequate eye relief allows for a full field of view without having to remove glasses.
• The 4.2 mm exit pupil delivers sufficient light to the eye, even in low-light conditions. A larger exit pupil helps to maintain a bright and clear image as ambient light decreases.
• The linear field of view is 246 ft at 1000 yds, allowing for a wide viewing area. A wider field of view makes it easier to locate and track moving objects.
• The lenses are multi-layer coated, maximizing light transmission and minimizing glare for a brighter, clearer image. Multi-layer coatings enhance contrast and color fidelity.
• The binoculars feature a center focus system, allowing for quick and easy focusing with a single knob. The center focus system is intuitive and user-friendly.
• The close focus distance is 16.4 ft, which is not ideal for close-up observation of insects or other small objects. A shorter close focus distance is preferable for detailed examination of nearby subjects.
• The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular are waterproof, protecting them from rain, splashes, and accidental submersion. Waterproofing is essential for use in wet or humid environments.
• The binoculars are fogproof, preventing internal condensation that can obstruct the view. Fogproofing ensures clear viewing in changing temperature conditions.
• The weight is 27.9 oz, which is relatively lightweight for a 12×50 binocular. A lighter weight makes them easier to carry for extended periods.
• The objective lens material is Lead and Arsenic Free Eco-Glass, making them environmentally friendly. Eco-Glass provides excellent optical performance while minimizing the environmental impact.
• The eyecups are the Turn-and-Slide type, allowing for easy adjustment to accommodate users with or without eyeglasses. The Turn-and-Slide eyecups offer a comfortable and customizable viewing experience.

Performance & Functionality

The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular performs its intended job of magnifying distant objects reasonably well. The image is sharp and bright in the center, but the edge distortion is noticeable. The high magnification is useful for spotting game, but the lack of image stabilization makes it difficult to use effectively without support.

The binoculars meet expectations for a mid-range 12×50 binocular, but they don’t exceed them. The image quality is good, but the lack of included tripod adapter is a significant drawback.

Design & Ergonomics

The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular has a solid build quality. The rubber armor provides a comfortable and secure grip. The weight is manageable, but the binoculars can become tiring to hold for extended periods, especially at 12x magnification.

The center focus wheel is smooth and easy to use. The Turn-and-Slide eyecups are a nice feature, but the lack of a tripod adapter is a glaring omission.

Durability & Maintenance

The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular appears to be durable and well-built. The waterproof and fogproof construction provides added protection in harsh conditions. The binoculars are easy to clean with a lens cloth, and the included lens caps provide good protection.

With proper care, these binoculars should last for many years.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular comes with a neck strap, lens caps, and a carrying case. There are no readily apparent customization options, and the biggest oversight is the lack of a built-in tripod adapter. You need to purchase a separate universal tripod adapter to mount these on a tripod.

The binoculars are compatible with most standard tripod adapters.

Pros and Cons of Nikon ProStaff 5 12x50mm Roof Prism Binocular