Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 Review

Performance Comparison

Clarity

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 doesn't provide as clear a picture as the best models we tested, although many of those models cost significantly more. In our clarity testing, we observed minor but distinct distortion at the edges, a little more than in many other models. We also observed color fringing and different hues creeping in at the edge of the lens, as well as a haze. The distortion, combined with color fringing and a general haze, made it more difficult to use when moving around while scanning for objects.

Brightness

During our observed and measured brightness testing, the Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 exhibited a performance more on par with mid tier models, out-competing many similarly priced models for the amount of light it can transmit. While the 5.25mm exit pupil does a great job of transmitting light, the lens quality, as mentioned in our clarity section above, is not great and adds hues to the transmitted light. So while very bright, some colors seemed less than true to life.

Comfort

In our comfort metric, we evaluated the gripping and holding ergonomics of each model, the eye cups, and straps. The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 did not do as well as some of the other really ergonomic models we tested. The Nikon uses a porro-prism design to transmit large amounts of light, but by the nature of that design, the binos are a little bit larger, wider, and clunkier than models using a more compact roof-prism design.

Weighing in at a heavy 27.2 ounces, these binos are actually pretty well balanced. The bulkiness, combined with average ergonomics, and slightly unnatural fitting eye cups, made this model feel foreign in our hands and during use. Additionally, the straps are in a strange location, at the front of the frame versus the center, so it rests strangely and can feel like they're in the way of your hands. It was unclear what benefit the strap mounting location that Nikon chose is supposed to have, but we've come to prefer the more normal mounting location, and believe most users would as well.

Field of View

With such impressive competition from the rest of our test group, the Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 did a surprisingly good job in our field of view test metric. It offers an above-average field of view when measured and compared to other models, and a measured field of view that was a pleasant surprise. In our vertical board fence tests, we were able to observe 62 fence boards. This significantly exceeded the average 54 boards for the test group.

Ease of Adjustment

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 could be a little bit easier to adjust. Ease of adjustment, our fifth test metric, evaluates focus, locking the diopter, and eye relief. Focusing can be a little bit challenging on this pair, as the larger porro-prism design places the focus dial farther away from the finger than more compact models, and adjusting focus moves the actual eyepiece. The eyepiece also moves when adjusting eye relief, and we wish it had some sort of tactile increments. The diopter could also benefit from a lock, although that is usually only present on much more expensive models. You'll get by just fine using the Aculon A211, but Nikon has left itself a little bit of room for improvement in the next iteration of this model.

Close Focus Range

The close focus range of the Nikon Aculon actually measured at a shorter distance than the manufacturer's specification by nearly 2 feet. However, at 11.9 feet, the close focus range is still farther than some of the best-performing models. However, to keep things in context, many of those other better-performing models cost significantly more, and most other models underperformed the manufacturer's specifications.

Should You Buy the Nikon Aculon A211 8x42?

The Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 is a clunky pair of binos with poor clarity, a less than ergonomic design, poor ease of adjustment, and an average field of view. Its main redeeming quality is its good ability to transmit light, but there are a number of other great values, with better performance, that should be considered over this model.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?