Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binoculars Review [2024] |

As someone who’s always been fascinated by the great outdoors, I recently had the chance to test out the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars. I must say, I was pleasantly surprised as their performance far exceeded my expectations.

These binoculars are a perfect purchase for beginners eager to explore nature up close without breaking the bank. Despite their budget-friendly price, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars bring exceptional optical performance and ease of handling to the table.

Check out my in-depth review below and you will be convinced of buying them as a gift for someone who has yet to get their first pair of binoculars!

This site participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program designed to give sites like ours a way to earn advertising fees by linking to products on Amazon.com at no additional cost to you. I appreciate your support. Thank you!

Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10×42 Binocular

Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Full-Size Binocular, Wide Field of View & Long Eye Relief, Limited Official Nikon USA Model

~~$149.95~~
$126.95 in stock

11 new from $126.95
2 used from $126.50

Free shipping

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

as of June 28, 2024 9:22 PM

Great Optics with Low Prices

8.8

Buying the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars, when you are young and just starting out on your journey of seeing nature up close through a pair of binoculars, makes a lot of sense!

What I Like	What I Don’t
High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating Bright and clear views, even in low light conditions Lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin construction Rubber-armored exterior for shock resistance and a firm non-slip grip Waterproof and nitrogen-purged for fog-free performance	Wish the Field of View was higher

Technical Specs

Dimensions	5.9 x 5.1 x 2.2 inches
Weight	21.2 oz
Magnification	10x
Objective Lens Diameter	42mm
Field of View	367′ at 1000 yds
Apparent Angle of View	7.0 deg
Eye Relief	15.7mm
Exit Pupil Diameter	4.2mm
Close Focus	9.8′
Prism Type	Roof Prism

Outstanding Features
Multilayer-coated lenses High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating Exceptional optical performance Retractable eyecups & long eye relief Lightweight yet sturdy construction Waterproof and fog-proof

The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 Binoculars offer a range of features that make them a fantastic option for budget constrained beginners wishing to pursue their passion.

With a rubber-armored exterior, these binoculars provide shock resistance and a firm non-slip grip, ensuring durability and stability even in challenging conditions. Moreover, they are waterproof and nitrogen-purged for fog-free performance

Optically, these binoculars shine with their high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating and multilayer-coated lenses. You are sure to get bright and clear views even at dawn or dusk, when light is not optimum. The field of view is average, allowing for easy tracking of birds or wildlife.

The lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin construction of the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 Binoculars ensures both sturdiness and portability.

Image Clarity & Brightness

Mary had moved with her family in our neighborhood last year. She convinced her parents to buy her a pair of binoculars for her 13th birthday. Knowing that I am a binocular nerd she asked me to review her Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars.

So on a foggy Saturday afternoon we set off on our excursion to the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge in New Jersey to test out Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars.

Surprisingly, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have pretty good optics considering they are, what I would call, beginner budget binoculars.

Image Clarity: The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have multilayer-coated lenses and a high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating. As a result I got bright and clear views, looking through them even in low light conditions.

Brightness: For binoculars that are priced pretty low, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars perform pretty well when it comes to image brightness. I had no difficulty in picking out the details of the Pine Warbler among the pine trees in spite of a foggy late afternoon.

Field of View: The field of view is about average, so I could even track the pine warbler flitting from tree to tree.

Close Focus: The binoculars offer a decent close focus range of 9.8 feet. We were able to see some interesting frogs up close.

Overall, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars seem like a good option for beginner birders who are looking for an affordable pair of binoculars with decent optical performance.

Look & Feel

I was quite happy with the rugged rubber-armored exterior of the Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10×42 Binocular. It had a good, comfortable feel.

The grip was firm and non-slip, so I could be sure that I would not drop them even if it rained and my hands got wet.

Not only does the Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10×42 Binocular look and feel durable, the green rubber-armored body adds a certain class to this budget binocular.

The retractable eyecups are a thoughtful touch, allowing one to use the binoculars with or without eyeglasses.

Size & Weight

The Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10×42 Binoculars at nearly 6’ long are full sized binos but have a modest weight of only 21.2 ounces.

Thanks to its lightweight fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin construction, it manages to be lightweight and sturdy at the same time.

This is very thoughtful of Nikon and sure to appeal to younger customers. For them it will be a breeze to carry around the binos without feeling weighed down.

Overall, its ease of handling is sure to add to the enjoyment of Mary’s new found passion for bird watching.

Bottom Line

After putting Mary’s Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars through their paces at the Great Swamp National Wildlife Refuge, I must say, I was pleasantly surprised.

To be honest I was not expecting much based on the budget price. However, with multilayer-coated lenses and a high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating, the image clarity and brightness were quite impressive, even in low light conditions.

The field of view was average, but still allowed me to track birds like the Pine Warbler effortlessly, while the decent close focus range of 7.1 feet let us observe some fascinating frogs up close.

Overall, for beginner birders seeking affordability without compromising on optical performance, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars are a solid choice.

Nikon PROSTAFF P3 10x42 Binocular | Waterproof, fogproof, Rubber-Armored Full-Size Binocular,...

$126.95

~~$149.95~~

in stock

11 new from $126.95

2 used from $126.50

as of June 28, 2024 9:22 PM

BUY NOW

Amazon.com

Choosing the Perfect Pair of Binoculars: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to selecting the perfect pair of binoculars, there are a few key factors to consider. Firstly, determine the purpose for which you will be using them.

Are you an avid birdwatcher, a wildlife enthusiast, or perhaps a keen traveler? This will help determine the appropriate magnification and objective lens size for your needs.

You must also look at the binoculars’ weight and size, as you’ll want something comfortable to carry if you are constantly on the move. Weight is also important if you need to hold the binoculars for extended periods such as in wildlife research.

Most importantly, you must assess the optical quality, such as lens coatings and prism type, for optimal clarity and brightness. Lastly, don’t forget to set a budget and compare different models within your price range.

Whenever possible, try to test the binoculars on your shortlist before making a purchase. Make sure they feel comfortable in your hands and provide a clear and sharp image. Read reliable reviews on sites like Binocular Buzz.

Here are a few things to check out before selecting the perfect binoculars to suit your needs and enhance your outdoor experience!

Magnification: Determine the level of magnification you require based on your specific needs. The Nikon Prostaff P3 has a large range of magnification and objective lens diameter combinations, so you can always get one that is best suited for your intended use
Objective Lens Diameter: Consider the size of the objective lens, which affects the amount of light reaching your eyes. A larger diameter results in brighter and more detailed images but adds to the bulk. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars manage to keep the weight down by using a polycarbonate body
Optical Coatings: Look for binoculars with fully multi-coated lenses, as they enhance light transmission and improve image clarity. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have fully multi-coated lenses
Field of View: Consider the field of view to determine how much area you can observe at a given distance. A wider field of view is beneficial, especially for activities like birdwatching or sports. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have a decent field of view
Close Focus: If you plan to observe objects at close range, pay attention to the close focus specification. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have a low close focus of 9.8′
Eye Relief: For those who wear glasses, a longer eye relief is crucial for comfortable viewing. The Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars have 15.7 mm of eye relief, which is adequate for eyeglass wearers
Price: Finally, determine your budget and find a pair of Nikon Prostaff P3 Binoculars that offer the features you need within your price range. Consider the value for money, as these binoculars are known for their excellent performance at their respective price points

Fuel your budding passion for bird watching, hiking or any other outdoor adventure with the Nikon Prostaff P3 10×42 binoculars. They are a great way to start your exciting journey into the joys of long distance viewing as they cost less than $150.