Nikon SE 10×42
Specifications:
Objective diameter (according to specs.): 42 mm
Exit pupil (according to spec.): 4.2 mm
Magnification (according to specs.): 10 x
Technical eye relief (according to specs.): 17.4 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of folded eyecups): 17 mm
IPD (according to specs.): 55 – 73 mm
RFOV (according to specs.): 6 degrees = 105 m
AFOV (according to specs.): 60 degrees
AFOV (measured): 58 degrees
Minimum focus distance (according to specs.): 5 m
Minimum focus distance (measured): 3.7 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: clockwise)
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to specs.): +/- 4 dpt
Rotation of focus wheel from 4 m to infinity (estimate): 420 degrees
Extra travel of focus wheel beyond infinity (according to specs.): >5 dpt
Prism system: Porro I
Waterproof: splashproof
Weight (without accessories, according to specs.): 710 g
Weight (measured, with eyecaps, objective cover and strap): 792 g
Images:
Remarks:
In the first edition of his book “Handferngläser”, Holger Merlitz gave the 10×42 SE the name “Nobelporro”, meaning “High-Grade Porro” (it must have been intended that German speaking readers would most probably misread the German expression). The SE 1ox42 was one of just three upper class Porro binoculars – the other two were a 8×32 and a 12×50 model – which Nikon started producing in the 1990s. The 10×42 came out in 1995, the 8×32 in 1997, followed by the 12×50 in 1998. All three models were discontinued in or before 2008. The sample presented here must have been manufactured in the early 2000s; it got very good ratings at the time, e.g. by allbinos and Roger Vine, and in BINOCULARS TODAY’s view, such ratings were justified. Light weight, compact size, good ergonomics and long eye relief make the 10×42 SE a fabulous general purpose binocular. Some users claimed that the image color had too warm a tone, and that they experienced blackouts when observing. We don’t experience any of this; even after 25 and more years, this is still a birding binocular par excellence which sells well in the used bino market.
Ratings:
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