Nikon StabilEyes 14x40 Image Stabilization Waterproof Binoculars with Case, Neck Strap & Batteries

Product Description

Exclusive Onboard/Land switchable modes! New for 2002, the Nikon Stablieyes 14 x 40 are designed specifically for boaters and other outdoor enthusiasts. The Stabileyes 14 x 40 is a roof prism binocular that corrects for both shake and roll. By simply changing modes, you can have a standard binocular that is optimized for handheld use in fairly stable conditions, or a stabilized binocular that provides completely stable images from your boat. The heart of Nikon's Stabileyes are the battery powered gimbaled servos that are actuated when the proper mode has been selected. Unlike many other stabilized pieces, the Stabileyes have been optimized as both a standard binocular and a stabilized binocular. All optical glass elements have been treated with multiple layers of anti reflective compound to provide true color in almost all conditions. Central focus design with an adjustable diopter. 209' field of view at 1000 yds.

Customer Reviews:

Compare Nikon StabilEyes vsFujinon Techno-Stabi.......2006-05-03

Comparison of image stabilized 14x40 binoculars: Nikon StabilEyes versus Fujinon Techno-Stabi.

The great thing about image stabilization is that you can use greater magnification. Without stabilization, every muscle movement, every step you take, every wave under your boat or bump under your vehicle makes you lose sight of what you're looking at. That's why the ordinary birder's binocs use 7x or 8x magnification, while these beauties use 14x magnification.

The Nikon and the Fujinon must be made under the same patent or license because they're nearly identical, down to insignificant details of the battery case. There are only two differences.

The first difference is that the Nikon has a switch that let's you put it into two modes: "land" and "on board", whereas the Fujinon is always in "on board" mode. The "on board" mode is more general, it compensates both for movement of your platform (walking, boat or vehicle movement) AND for movement of your hands, whereas the "land" mode only compensates for movement of your hands.

The second difference is that for me the Fujinon is better, in its one mode, than the Nikon is in either mode.

The problem with the Nikon is that there is just a bit of jitter. I only noticed it when trying to see the finest detail. It's like watching a movie, you see a tiny bit of a jump between the frames of the movie. The Fujinon is as smooth as silk. I could see detail with the Fujinon that I couldn't with the Nikon in either mode.

This comparison cost me $100 in restocking fees from BeachCamera.com. I got the Fujinon from LandfallNavigation.com.

Better than Canon IS.......2005-05-01

I had done some research but wanted to physically compare the Nikon to the Canon IS. I lucked into a Ritz Camera store that happened to have both. My wife and I independently judged the Nikon to have superior Image Stabilization.

We have had them for over a ear and are very happy. They fell out of an SUV (in the case) and the image stabilization was inoperative. I sent them back to Nikon and they repaired them no charge.

I run them on rechargeable AA batteries with no problems. It has two levels of stabilization (land and sea), it seems the only difference is the amount of compensation they apply. I have used them from moving cars, samll airplanes, and boats with excellent success. I also have a friend who has a genetic hand tremor and they work for him as well.

I am a big fan of these binoculars and it is not because I am a Nikon bigot. All my professional camera equipment is Canon. I just tested the IS side by side and Nikon won. Try them yourself before buying the Canon.

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