Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 Review

Performance Comparison

Clarity

In the realm of ultra-affordable binoculars, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 is marginally better than other models. However, better is a relative term, and should not be interpreted as great. While the clarity of this model stands up to ultra-budget compact models, it doesn't hold a candle to full-sized binos, especially more premium ones, which is to be expected. What you can expect though, is a usable pair of compact binoculars that allows hues to bleed at the bottom of the lens.

Brightness

In our second metric, brightness, the Trailblazer ATB didn't perform as well as we had hoped it would against the competition. It was easily outperformed by the bulk of very average full-sized models we tested, as well as by other low-priced compact models.

This is a compact model, so it's understandably not going to be as bright as full-sized models, but the observed and the measurable brightness are a distinct step back from almost any other model we tested. As aforementioned, the lackluster performance is likely due to a compact size and the 2.5mm exit pupil, but it is dark nonetheless, and it's fair to say you won't be trailblazing in low-light conditions.

Comfort

The Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 falls in the bottom half of products tested when it comes to our comfort tests and evaluations. It is actually a very light and ergonomic model that is easy to grip, with softer, fairly comfortable eye cups, but the included strap felt to our testers to be cheap, and was rather raw and uncomfortable. These two points negatively impacted what could have been a better score for the metric.

Field of View

With a field of view of 342 feet at 1000 yards, the Nikon Trailblazers are above average. This is actually an impressive achievement with the higher 10x magnification, and they performed similarly to well-regarded 8x magnification models that you would expect to have a larger field of view.

Ease of Adjustment

Compared to many easy-to-operate models our team tested, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 left our team wanting just a little more when it came down to ease of adjustment. Adjusting focus is fairly easy, and in reach of almost all hands, but this model lacks a lock on the diopter, and getting proper eye relief is difficult. The eye relief does not lock into place. In fact, the eyepieces move with light pressure, hindering your ability to get the proper eye relief. The lack of a locking diopter, and the insecure eye relief, have room for improvement, and it earned a commensurate score.

Close Focus Range

The Nikon Trailblazer ATB offers a slightly above average close range focus of 7 feet, measured by our test team, then re-measured and confirmed by our test team. The actual close focus range of 7 feet is 4.5 feet less than the manufacturer's specification of 11.5 feet, and places it in the middle of the pack for the metric.

Should You Buy the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25?

While there are better performers, and better values than the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25, you might consider them for the impressive field of view at 10x magnification, or the above-average close focus range of 7 feet. However, after testing many comparable models, we believe there are better options that are worth considering, at a comparable price point, over this one.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?