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Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 Review

Don't be enticed by the price, these had some of the worst clarity we've seen
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Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 Review
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Price:  $150 List
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Manufacturer:   Nikon
Benjamin Hickok
By Benjamin Hickok ⋅ Review Editor  ⋅  December 23, 2023
Contributions From: Jessica Riconscente
53
OVERALL
SCORE

RANKED
#11 of 16
  • Clarity - 35% 3.9
  • Brightness - 20% 5.5
  • Comfort - 15% 7.0
  • Field of View - 10% 6.2
  • Ease of Adjustment - 15% 5.2
  • Close Focus Range - 5% 8.0

Our Verdict

The Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 is an affordable pair of full-sized binoculars that offer good all-around performance for their place in a large pool of entry-level models. This model has exceptional close focus range and great comfort for a full-sized pair of binoculars, combined with a good level of brightness and satisfactory clarity from this tier of optics. Unfortunately, they didn't quite meet the standard set by similarly priced and comparable models to merit our recommendation.
REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Good rubber grip
REASONS TO AVOID
Poor clarity
Shows a yellowish dark tint

Our Analysis and Test Results

Performance Comparison


nikon prostaff p3 10x42 - good but not great for an entry-level pair of binos.
Good but not great for an entry-level pair of binos.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Clarity


We noted yellow and magenta color fringing across the whole lens, as well as a slight distortion at the top and bottom of the lens. While we didn't expect too much from a pair of binoculars at this price point, comparable models proved they could offer great clarity.

nikon prostaff p3 10x42 - a glimpse into our clarity tests with the nikon prostaff p3 10x42.
A glimpse into our clarity tests with the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

Brightness


For an entry-level tier of binoculars, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 did fairly well here, registering a light transmission of 748 Lux, over 300 more than similarly priced and comparably sized models. Of course, the Prostaff wasn't nearly as bright as the top models tested, which is a fair and expected result from a pair of binos at this price point.

The P3 offers a good level of brightness from this tier of binoculars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Comfort


The Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 did pretty well in our evaluation, weighing in at 20.6 ounces and balancing well. The rubberized grip and smaller feel of the full-sized frame also add to comfort and ergonomics, setting it apart from other comparable 10x42 models.

The Prostaff is comfortable in the hand and easy to handle.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Field of View


We were able to observe and count 54.5 vertical fence boards with the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42, which was about average for the lineup.

nikon prostaff p3 10x42 - we used these fence posts to measure field of view at a set distance.
We used these fence posts to measure field of view at a set distance.
Credit: Jessica Riconscente

This is a positive note compared to other models, since the magnification is higher at 10x. While higher magnification naturally reduces the field of view, which can make it harder to spot animals in a small area, it's a fair tradeoff for getting a closer look. In this case, it doesn't seem to compromise performance any more than other models with similar 10x magnification.

Ease of Adjustment


The lack of a locking diopter, a rather average focus knob, and a short 15.5 mm of eye relief make this one of the less impressive models we tested when considering ease of adjustment. We also cannot recommend glasses wearers consider the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42, as our test team members with glasses had difficulties achieving eye relief and focus with this model.

The P3 offers average ease of adjustment.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Close Focus Range


With a close focus range of 7.1 feet, the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 makes for a good companion while visiting an aviary or butterfly house. You won't be able to focus on a butterfly on your foot as you can with more premium models, but you'll be able to clearly focus on a hummingbird a few meters from your window.

nikon prostaff p3 10x42 - the p3s don't offer the best eye relief, although the close focus...
The P3s don't offer the best eye relief, although the close focus range is decent.
Credit: Abriah Wofford

Should You Buy the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42?


For the price, we felt that the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 is a mostly lackluster pair of binoculars that were comfortable to use for their full size. However, with such poor clarity and terrible eye relief, we wouldn't recommend them.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?


While it comes with a higher price tag, we encourage our readers to consider the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 over the Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42. This option provides enhanced clarity, increased brightness, a broader field of view, and improved close-range focus. However, if you are fixed on buying a pair of binoculars at a similar price point to the P3, then you'll want to take a look at the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. These offer better clarity and brightness than the P3.

Side-by-Side Comparison
Compare Nikon Prostaff P3 10x42 versus top competing products:
Or, compare up to 5 products side-by-side here.
—Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente

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