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Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars vs Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

The Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 is the better all-around binocular: 42 mm lenses and a 5 mm exit pupil give a bright image at dawn and dusk, and 8x is steady in the hand. The Standard Issue 10x25 is the one to carry: 336 g, IPX7 waterproof, and small enough for a jacket pocket. The Nikon has the edge on optics and build; the Standard Issue wins on portability and has far more owner ratings behind it.

  • Choose the Standard Issue 10x25 if you want a pocketable, fully waterproof binocular for hiking and travel and you mostly view in good light.
  • Choose the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 if low-light viewing, a wide bright image and steadier 8x magnification matter more than size and weight.

Prices

  • Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars: $90.00 at Mt Waddington's Outdoors (last seen Nov 13)
  • Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: $130.00 at eBay (last seen Nov 9)
  • Difference: the Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars is $40.00 cheaper than the Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 at the latest prices (Nov 9 and Nov 13)
S
Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars

Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars

4.9(1,534 ratings)
$90.00at Mt Waddington's OutdoorsChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Mt Waddington's Outdoors
Pros
  • Small and light enough for a jacket pocket
  • IPX7 waterproof, so rain and splashes are fine
  • 10x reach for distant subjects
  • Large base of owner ratings
Cons
  • Dim image at dawn and dusk
  • Narrow 2.5 mm exit pupil
  • 10x shakes more in the hand
  • Short 10 mm eye relief
Nikon
Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

4.7(54 ratings)
$130.00at eBayChecked Nov 9
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Bright, clear view in low light
  • Wide 377 ft field of view
  • Steady 8x image
  • Rubber-armored, waterproof body
Cons
  • Heavy at 1.27 lb for long carries
  • Manual focus only
  • Eye relief spec is unclear for glasses wearers
  • Fewer owner ratings to judge by

What separates them

Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof BinocularsNikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Magnification10x, more reach but more hand shake8x, steadier handheld image
Objective lens25 mm, compact but dim in low light42 mm, gathers much more light
Exit pupil2.5 mm, cramped in dim conditions5 mm, easier on the eyes
Weight336 g, pocketable1.27 lb (about 576 g)
WaterproofingIPX7 rated, 1 m for 30 minWaterproof, rating not specified
Close focus13 ft9.8 ft
Eye relief10 mm, limited for glasses wearersListed as 1 mm, which is likely a spec error; check before buying for glasses
Owner feedback4.9 from 1,534 ratings4.7 from 54 ratings

Price history

$156.95$97.99
Oct 28Nov 13
  • Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars: lowest $97.99 on Nov 13 at Amazon.
  • Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: lowest $146.95 on Nov 11 at Kenmore Camera.

Prices at every store

Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars

  • Mt Waddington's OutdoorsNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $90.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Mt Waddington's Outdoors
  • Nocs ProvisionsNew

    In stock

    $99.95Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Nocs Provisions
  • UncrateNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $99.95Checked Nov 13
    Visit Uncrate
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $97.99Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon

Also available at

  • Nocs ProvisionsCheck price at Nocs Provisions

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 16 stores and price history →

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

  • WalmartNew

    In stockSold by Certified BrandsReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.

    $156.95Checked Nov 10
    Visit Walmart
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by bluecactustradingpost (100% positive, 7,200 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $130.00+ $7.99 shippingChecked Nov 9
    Visit eBay
  • Kenmore CameraNew

    Availability unknown

    $146.95Free shippingChecked Nov 10
    Visit Kenmore Camera
  • Lowe'sNew

    Availability unknown

    $148.86Checked Nov 10
    Visit Lowe's

Also available at

  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart

Store links may earn us a commission.

All 13 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecStandard Issue 10x25 Waterproof BinocularsNikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Exit Pupil Diameter2.5 mm5 mm
Eye Relief10 mm / 0.4 in1 mm
Dimensions115 mm x 108 mm x 43 mm5.90 x 5.10 x 2.13 in
Weight336 g1.27 lb
Magnification10x—
Objective Lens25 mm—
Close Focus4 m / 13 ft—
Prism TypeRoof / BaK4—
Waterproof RatingIPX7 (1 m / 30 min)—
Interpupillary Distance60mm - 74mm, 2.35 in - 2.9 in—
Maximum magnification—8x
Lens diameter—42 mm
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecStandard Issue 10x25 Waterproof BinocularsNikon Prostaff P3 8x42
Field of view—377 ft
Optics prism type—Roof
Brand—Nikon
Lens coating—Multicoated Optics
Focus type—Manual
Lens material—Eco-friendly glass
Body material—Rubber
Minimum magnification—8x
Accessories—CASE FOR BINOCULARS
Color

What reviewers say

Standard Issue 10x25 Waterproof Binoculars

  • 4.9 / 51,534 ratings

Rated 4.9 out of 5 across 1,534 ratings, buyers treat these as a dependable pocket binocular for hiking and travel. Most praise the sealed build, light weight and clear daylight view; the usual complaints are the dim image at dusk and the short eye relief.

What people mention
  • WaterproofingPraisedOwners report they keep working in rain and damp conditions without fogging.
  • WeightPraisedBuyers like that they carry easily in a pocket or pack on long hikes.
  • Low-light imageCriticisedThe small exit pupil makes the view dim at dawn and dusk.
  • Eye reliefCriticisedGlasses wearers find the 10 mm eye relief too short for comfortable viewing.

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42

  • 4.7 / 554 ratings

The main complaints are the manual focus and the 1.27 lb weight.

What people mention
  • Optical clarityPraisedOwners and the agent describe a bright, clear view even in poor light.
  • Field of viewPraisedThe 377 ft field is called wide and makes following moving subjects easier.
  • WeightCriticisedAt 1.27 lb some find it heavy to carry or hold for long periods.
  • FocusMixedManual focus works but is the only option, with no autofocus.
Reviews
  • The Best Full-Sized Binoculars - The Professional's Source Since 1973

Questions and answers

Which is better for hiking and travel?
The Standard Issue 10x25. It weighs 336 g and is IPX7 waterproof, so it disappears in a pocket. The Nikon is the better view but a heavier carry.
Which is better at dusk or in deep shade?
The Nikon. Its 42 mm lenses and 5 mm exit pupil let in far more light than the 25 mm lenses and 2.5 mm exit pupil of the Standard Issue.
Which is easier to hold steady?
The Nikon. At 8x it shakes less than the 10x Standard Issue, and its extra weight also damps movement.
Can I use either with glasses?
The Standard Issue gives 10 mm of eye relief, which is tight. The Nikon's listed 1 mm eye relief looks like a spec error, so confirm the real figure before buying for glasses.
Is the Nikon worth stepping up to?
Yes if you view in low light or want a wide, bright image and don't mind the weight. No if you need something pocketable and waterproof for travel.

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—
Black
Age group—Adult
Model name—Nikon PROSTAFF P3
Angle of View—7.2 degree (Actual)
Build—Polycarbonate Housing
Built-In Camera—No
Objective Lens Diameter (")—1.65
Near Focus (max) (ft)—9.8
Magnification (min)—8.0
Motorized—No
Depth (")—2.1
Width (")—5.1
Waterproofness—Waterproof
Weight (oz)—20.3
Anti Reflective Coating—Multicoated
Angular Field of View (max) (ft)—413.0
Battery—No
Height (")—6.0
Features—Fog Free