good entry level (Nikon Action VII 8x40 CF)

Member Name: evetortoise

Product:	Nikon Action VII 8x40 CF
Date:	02/05/09 (356 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: low entry level price

Disadvantages: Slight warping around the edge of the vision

I bought this binoculars to use in a safari in Kenya. After much research on the internet, the best specs for a binoculars for safari use is apparently a magnification of 10 x 42, a weight of not more than 900 grams, and multicoated lens for the best possible colours. It should also be waterproof and preferably dust proof as there is really a lot of dust during the game drive which can damage the binoculars.

For a one time safari, I did not want to spend that much and this binoculars is a good entry level price. The colours were spectacular in comparison to this binoculars that my friend was using where there was no multicoated lens. The magnification allowed me to see every detail of the animal's fur clearly and the sight of a cheetah chasing down its prey through a binoculars is something that will stay with me forever. I could see quite clear images at dusk. I believe that there is no need for a magnification of 10, as 8 was enough for me to be as upclose as possible. Most safari vans go as close to the animal as possible.

This binoculars is only water resistent and not dust proof. The nikon extreme is the waterproof one but will cost a lot more. As I went to Kenya in the dry season, there was no need for me to get a waterproof binoculars. I have included the specifications below to help consumers make a more informed choice about the binoculars.

Generally, the bigger the magnification, the more upclose your animals will seem, but the weight of the binoculars can increase. There is slight warping around my field of vision when I tried to focus too much (which is a defect of this binoculars) The wide field of vision does help in spotting animals though as the wider it is, the more you can see (try to think of a paranomic view and that is what the wide field tries to do)

There are soft cups on the eyepieces which cushioned my glasses thus making it easy for me to look through. I could hold it for about an hour and look through the binoculars for about half an hour at the longest. The lens cover is liable to go missing though as there are no attachments to keep them together.

The binoculars seem quite sturdy as I dropped it twice but the lens does not seemed to be affected.

general specifications
magnification factor 8
objective size 40 mm
exit pupil 5.0mm
eye relief 11.9mm
close focus 5.0m
angular field of view 8.2°
linear field of view 143m at 1000m
relative brightness index (RBI) 25
coating multi layered
prism type porro
tripod adapted no, optional tripod adapter
twilight factor not specified
weather protection none
classification bird/nature, hiking/camping, sports

physical specifications
weight 760 g
dimensions 182 x 143mm
color black

Summary: I bought this for use in a safari good!