Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars-Comparison & Review
If you are wondering what is the difference between the Nikon Prostaff 3s series vs Nikon Prostaff 7s series, you have landed at the right place.
Firstly, we introduce you through an overview of both the 3s and 7s series binoculars Nikon has introduced to the outdoor enthusiasts over the year and then we will move on to the detailed comparison between them.
A quick Comparison Table of the Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs Nikon Prostaff 7s
Nikon Prostaff 3s Series Binoculars
- Multilayer-coated kenses for brighter images
- High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coatings for a bright and clear view
- Turn-and-slide rubber multi-click eyecups
- Multilayer-coated kenses for brighter images
- High-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coatings for a bright and clear view
- Turn-and-slide rubber multi-click eyecups
The Nikon’ introduced the Prostaff 3s in 2016, backed up by the same quality the Nikon promises with their camera gears.
They feature a wide objective lens of 42mm with 8x and 10x variants, are lightweight and easy to carry around with their compact bodies.
The lenses are multi-coated with silver alloy coating on prisms.
Prostaff 3s series binoculars are waterproof (up to 1m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes) and fog-free with O-ring seals and nitrogen gas purged.
The binoculars are more suitable for hiking, boating, sports or bird watching.
Features
♦ Wide field of view, easy to scan large areas
♦ Shock-resistant armoured body, all weatherproof
♦ Long eye relief, suitable for eyeglass viewing
♦ Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click are provided
♦ Wide apparent field of view (53.4° for 8×42, 62.9° for 10×42)
Nikon Prostaff 7s series
- Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, two things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you...
- Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to...
- The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also...
- Whether you're looking at wildlife or scenery, 2 things are important: color and clarity The PROSTAFF 7S brings you...
- Even eyeglass wearers will enjoy looking through the PROSTAFF 7S The turn and slide rubber eyecups allow anyone to...
- The PROSTAFF 7S is comfortable to hold, even in wet conditions, thanks to its rubber armored body The rubber armor also...
Nikon introduced the Prostaff 7s series binoculars in 2014 with improvements in the 7 series already introduced in 2011.
The Prostaff 7s is a very capable binocular at that price, with a wider view and better colour and contrast.
Prostaff 7 series consists of 8×30, 10×30, 8×42, 10×42 models, so the basic purpose was that in addition to standard-sized 42mm-dia models, 30mm-dia models that are easy to carry for everyone are available, providing high optical performance in a compact body.
The compact size is perfect for traveling and carrying during the safari and other adventures.
All PROSTAFF 7S binoculars feature a nitrogen-gas-filled waterproof body so that they can be used for a variety of activities, such as a safari in Africa, wildlife watching, Cruise watching, and other outdoor activities, without being affected by the weather.
The binoculars are super clear with easy to use adjustments.
Features
♦ Multicoated prism and lenses
♦ Phase correction coating on prisms for more bright images
♦ Eco glass optic free from lead and arsenic
♦ Waterproof (up to 1m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes) and fog-free with nitrogen gas
♦ shockproof rubber armoured body suitable for all-weather condition.
Now, Without losing Focus lets move on to the interesting comparison between these series.
For general purpose, we will only compare the 8×42 and 10×42 models of the 3s and 7s series respectively.
Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s Binoculars Detailed Comparison
Field of View
The field of view is wider in the Nikon Prostaff 3s series than the 7s series which means, it is easier to follow moving objects with 3s series than the 7s series binoculars
Eye Relief
The Prostaff series 3s 8×42 has an eye relief of 20.2 mm as compared to 19.5mm eye relief of Prostaff 7s 8×42, Also Prostaff 3s 10×42 has an eye relief of 15.7mm as compared to 15.5mm of Prostaff 7s 10×42.
Sometimes you might not get the best view while looking through the Prostaff 7s binoculars as compared to 3s binoculars when you are using your glasses due to shorter eye relief.
Prism Type
All the binoculars in the Prostaff series that is the Prostaff 3s and 7s employ roof prism arrangements. However, The Prostaff 7s has a phase correction coating on the prisms which is lacking in the Prostaff 3s series.
Phase coatings are applied on the roof prisms to enhance the optical quality, brightness and contrast. Clearly Nikon Prostaff 7s produces high optical quality images than the 3s counterpart
Objective lens Diameter
All the binoculars in the Prostaff series have the same objective lens diameter of 42mm.
Both series have multi-coated optics but the coating layers on the Prostaff 3s series are less than the 7s series. Clearly optical quality suffers a bit in the Prostaff 3s series
Build Quality and Finish
Both have fully armoured rubber body and are all weatherproof binoculars. Both the binocular contains eco glasses that are lead-free and arsenic-free and with Bak-4 Prisms
Weight
The Prostaff 3s series is a bit lighter and compact than the 7s counterparts which make the Prostaff 3s easy to carry.
The 8×42 model of the 3s weight 19.9 ounces as compared to the 22.9 ounces weight of Prostaff 7s 8×42. Also, The 10×42 Prostaff 3s weights 20.3 ounces while the 10×42 Prostaff 7s weights 20.8 ounces
Carrying the 3s series would definitely feel less stressful than the 7s series while on long expeditions.
Warranty
There is a facility of No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy for all Nikon binoculars whether it is the Prostaff 3s series or the 7s series.
Image Quality
Comparing among the 10×42 and 8×42 of the Prostaff series, I observed more shaking effect in the 10X models, however, that can be neglected.
Internal reflection is more prominent in the 3s’s series binoculars which has a noticeable hazying affect on the image quality presented to the eyes.
Also, Chromatic Aberration is present in all the models mostly at the center, but it is somewhat to a lesser degree in the 7s series.
Overall, Image quality is crisp and well defined in the Prostaff 7s series than the Prostaff 3s series.
I was also astonished that the brightness in the Prostaff 7s series was so much more noticeable than the Prostaff 3s’s binoculars.
Fog Proof /Water Proof
Carrying both the Prostaff 3s model 10X42 and 7s 10X42 model binoculars side by side, to the bitterly cold outdoors, Neither fogged up a bit going from the warmth of my home.
So, I can safely say both series are waterproof and fog proof.
Brightness
The Prostaff 7s seems to be clearly brighter than the 3s series in all light conditions which is not surprising as;
Compared to the fully multicoated optics on prostaff 7s, the 3s series comes with single-layer coating.
Price
Let’s be honest, lots of people concern about the prices and certainly, a strong weight to the buying decision can be dependent on the price.
Although, the Nikon Prostaff 7s series is priced higher than the Prostaff 3s series. But, Sometimes cheaper is not the better.
Prostaff 3s is at the right price range considering the quality but If you have a budget of around $200 and do not want to compromise on optical quality, Prostaff 7s series would be an ideal choice.
Conclusion
If you are intended to go for astronomy, cruise, whale watching or wildlife viewing, Clearly Nikon Prostaff 7s series is the best choice.
Particularly, if you are infatuated with astronomy you can choose 10X magnification of the Prostaff 7s series.
7s series also seems to be an excellent choice for general-purpose binoculars. They are very comfortable, easy to focus and, pleasant to look through.
Both the models look solid and waterproof/fog-proof and have sturdy body,although 3s series are lightweight when compared to the 7s counterparts.
Prostaff 3s is suitable for casual outdoor adventures such as boating ,hiking. Also, If you are on a lower budget they can be good companions to go for.
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Last update on 2024-04-19
