Nikon 10x25 Premier LX - premium compact binocular

Assuming a compact binocular is right for you and, assuming you want to go right for the very best, but can't quite squeeze the budget enough for that $700 plus Swarovski Pocket or Leica Ultravid, let me recommend the also superb Nikon Premier LX, in either the Nikon Premier LX 8x20 or the Nikon Premier LX 10x25. I currently own the Premier LX 10x25, but have also owned and used the Premier LX 8x20.

Is the Nikon Premier LX the equal of a Swarovski or Leica? That depends on how you define "equal", so let's just say it does belong in that company. I know, because I also own the Swarovski and the Leica. Optically, the Nikon Premier LX is definitely in that company. My Premier LX 10x25 has resolution, edge sharpness and eye relief that compares very nicely with my Leica 10x25 Ultravid. The only optical difference between these two premium compacts is the better contrast and color saturation of my Leica Ultravid, but the Nikon is no slouch in this category. The Nikon Premier LX falls short in this reagrd only because the Leica is exceptional.

In terms of handling, my Nikon Premier LX 10x25 and the Leica Ultravid 10x25 have a quite different feel in the hand. The Nikon is not quite as slim and trim as the Leica, but those with large hands may actually prefer the Nikon in this respect. I prefer the Leica for handling and I also prefer the the Leica for its placement of the focusing knob - at the eyepiece end of the binocular as with a conventional binocular. The Nikon Premier LX has a front focusing knob, as per the Swarovski Pocket binocular. I have no issue with this at all and have used this focusing setup for many years with no complaints. It's just that I prefer the focus knob position on the Leica.

Why such a large price spread between the Nikon Premier LX and the Leica Ultravid or Swarovski Pocket? It's primarily a difference of where these are made. The Nikon Premier LX is made in Japan, the other two are made in Europe and that helps considerably with the price. At only slightly more than half the price of the Swarovski Pocket binocular or the Leica Ultravid compact binocular, the Nikon Premier LX 10x25 gets my vote for best value in a a premium compact binocular.