Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 Review
Our Verdict
Compare to Similar Products
This Product
Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 | |||||
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Awards | Best Bang for the Buck | Best on a Tight Budget | Best Travel Binoculars on a Budget | ||
Price | $126.95 at Amazon Compare at 3 sellers | $320 List $177.49 at Amazon | $170 List $149.95 at Amazon | $76.95 at Amazon Compare at 2 sellers | $110 List $79.95 at Amazon |
Overall Score | |||||
Star Rating | |||||
Bottom Line | Despite being a crucial factor, this model has horrible clarity, we would recommend looking elsewhere | One of the best overall values on the market, particularly for mid-range price shoppers | A great choice for birders on a tight budget | Decent clarity and compactness make these a good budget option for traveling, backpacking and hiking | A good choice for someone on a budget and who could use a pair of binoculars that lets in a lot of light |
Rating Categories | Nikon Prostaff P3 1... | Vortex Diamondback... | Celestron Nature DX... | Nikon Trailblazer A... | Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 |
Clarity (35%) | |||||
Brightness (20%) | |||||
Comfort (15%) | |||||
Field of View (10%) | |||||
Ease of Adjustment (15%) | |||||
Close Focus Range (5%) | |||||
Specs | Nikon Prostaff P3 1... | Vortex Diamondback... | Celestron Nature DX... | Nikon Trailblazer A... | Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 |
Measured Weight | 20.6 oz | 23.1 oz | 22.8 oz | 10.5 oz | 27.2 oz |
Measured Interpupillary Distance Range | 56mm - 75mm | 56mm - 75mm | 57mm -74mm | 38mm -75mm | 56mm - 73mm |
Measured Size | 5.9" x 4.2" | 5.7" x 5.1" | 5.4" x 4.5" | 2.7" x 4.1" | 6.8" x 5.9" |
Measured Close Focus | 7.1 ft | 5.5 ft | 8.0 ft | 6.6 ft | 11.9 ft |
Measured Eye Relief | 15.5 mm | 18.0 mm | 18.0 mm | 10.5 mm | 12.0 mm |
Glass Type | Not mentioned | HD | BAK-4 | Eco-Glass | Eco-Glass |
Magnification | 10 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
Objective Lens Size | 42 | 42 | 42 | 25 | 42 |
Claimed Field of View | 367 ft | 393 ft | 388 ft | 342 ft | 420 ft |
Claimed Close Focus | 9.8 ft | 5.0 ft | 6.5 ft | 11.5 ft | 13.0 ft |
Claimed Eye Relief | 15.7 mm | 17 mm | 17.5 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm |
Waterproof/Fog Resistant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not mentioned |
Tripod Adapter | No | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
Measured Lux Reading from Brightness Testing | 748 lux | 1163 lux | 823 lux | 237 lux | 1236 lux |
Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Clarity
The Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 doesn't offer the greatest clarity and fell short of many other models tested. We noted yellow and magenta color fringing across the whole lens, as well as a slight distortion at the top and bottom of the lens. While we didn't expect too much from a pair of binoculars at this price point, comparable models proved they could offer great clarity.
Brightness
In our brightness testing, we observed and measured luminance and exit pupil size for a complete evaluation of the light transmission abilities of each model. For an entry-level tier of binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 did fairly well here, registering a light transmission of 748 Lux, over 300 more than similarly priced and comparably sized models. Of course, the Prostaff wasn't nearly as bright as the top models tested, which is a fair and expected result from a pair of binos at this price point.
Comfort
Weight and balance play a large factor in our comfort test metric. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 did pretty well in our evaluation, weighing in at 20.6 ounces and balancing well. The rubberized grip and smaller feel of the full-sized frame also add to comfort and ergonomics, setting it apart from other comparable 10x42 models.
Field of View
In our most recent update in testing procedures, we improved our field of view testing to include a more relatable and real-world test using a vertical board fence at a specified distance. We subjected all models to this test and recorded the number of clearly visible vertical fence boards. We were able to observe and count 54.5 vertical fence boards with the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42, which was about average for the lineup.
Ease of Adjustment
The lack of a locking diopter, a rather average focus knob, and a short 15.5 mm of eye relief make this one of the less impressive models we tested when considering ease of adjustment. We also cannot recommend glasses wearers consider the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42, as our test team members with glasses had difficulties achieving eye relief and focus with this model.
Close Focus Range
With a close focus range of 7.1 feet, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 makes for a good companion while visiting an aviary or butterfly house. You won't be able to focus on a butterfly on your foot as you can with more premium models, but you'll be able to clearly focus on a hummingbird a few meters from your window.
Should You Buy the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42?
For the price, we felt that the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 is a mostly lackluster pair of binoculars that were comfortable to use for their full size. However, with such poor clarity and terrible eye relief, we wouldn't recommend them.
What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?
While it comes with a higher price tag, we encourage our readers to consider the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 over the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42. This option provides enhanced clarity, increased brightness, a broader field of view, and improved close-range focus. However, if you are fixed on buying a pair of binoculars at a similar price point to the P3, then you'll want to take a look at the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. These offer better clarity and brightness than the P3.