Written By John VanDerLaan
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In this in-depth review of the Nikon Aculon A211, we will take a look at these cost effective optics and determine if they are right for you. I tested these binoculars under all kind of conditions to determine if they are any good for hunting.
Here's what I found.
Nikon is known for delivering high quality optics and the Aculon series is designed to compete in the lower end market of hunting binoculars under $100.
The Aculon A211 is available in both 8X42 and 10X42. Both are perfect for hunting. They are Porro prism binoculars. Most hunting binoculars are roof prism binoculars.
To learn more about what that means and how to choose the best hunting binoculars for your situation visit The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Hunting Binoculars.
Let's take a look at the features of these binos.
Nikon Aculon A211 Key Features
- Aspherical Multicoated Eco-Glass Lenses - This feature delivers a flat field of view, and multicoating enhances the brightness of images. The Nikon Eco-Glass lenses provide remarkable clarity in a lightweight arsenic and lead free glass. This is normally found in much more expensive hunting binoculars, but Nikon has chosen to use it in the affordable Aculon series.
- Ergonomic, Lightweight Body Design - The ACULON A211 binoculars are very lightweight and feel good in your hands, making them easy to carry and use all day.
- Turn-and-Slide Rubber Eyecups - These eyecups are perfect for easy positioning of eyes and they allow for comfortable viewing during extended periods of use.
These are very basic and don't have many of the features that you should look for in quality binoculars.
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Nikon Aculon 10x42 Binoculars Specs
- Magnification: 10x
- Focus System: Center
- Prism Type: Porro Prism
- Prism Glass: BAK-4
- Close Focus Distance: 16.4 ft
- Eye Relief: 11.6mm
- Objective Lenses: 42mm
- Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
- Field of View at 1000 Yds: 314 ft
- Diopter: Right Eye
- Optical Coating: Multi Coated
- Waterproof: Yes
- Fogproof: Yes
- Tripod Adaptable: Yes
- Weight: 26.8 oz
My Experience Using The Nikon Aculon A211
I have a lot of experience testing and evaluating binoculars and other optics and these are definitely on the low end of binos that I have tested. Regardless, here are my impressions after using these binoculars.
I found them to be decent optics that are available for a reasonable price. They do not perform very well in low light conditions and I did see some color fringing(otherwise known as chromatic aberration) around the very edge of the field of view.
I found the eye relief to be acceptable, but not as good as other models at this price point.
I found them to be big and heavy. I am used to lighter binoculars in a 42mm objective lens.
In my opinion, these would make decent bird watching binoculars, but I would look at the Barska Blackhawk or the Bushnell H20 before I bought these for hunting.
Pros and Cons of the Nikon Aculon A211
Now that we have looked at the key features, let's take a look at the pros and cons.
Pros
- Durable: The ACULON A211 is heavy, but sturdy. These binoculars are waterproof, fog-proof and scratch resistant. They can perform well under a wide range of temperatures and environment they are brought into.
- Convenient: Rubber armoring on these binoculars gives a shock resistant, comfortable and firm grip. These binoculars can be easily mounted with the help of a tripod adapter, delivering a steady image. Rubber eyecups on the ACULON A211 can be twisted up or down providing a custom fit. It has a smooth focus knob that is ergonomically placed to allow easy adjustment. It has a zoom lever mounted on the eyepiece which provides quick magnification.
- Optics: Lenses on these binoculars are made of Eco-Glass owing to arsenic-free and lead-free composition. Multiple layer prism coatings on the lens enhance the brightness of the image.
Cons
- The image is not as clear as more expensive binoculars when zoomed in.
- I did experience some chromatic aberration along the outside edges.
- Light transmission is not very good.
- Does not include a binocular harness.
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Nikon Aculon Compared To Other Binoculars
Price (approx): | Weight: | Field Of View | Length: | Width: | Eye Relief: | Close Focus | Lens Coatings: | Waterproof and Fogproof | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Nikon Aculon 10x42 | Under $100 | 26.8 oz. | 314 Feet | 5.7 in. | 7.3 in. | 11.6mm | 16.4 Feet | Multi Coated | Yes |
Barska Blackhawk 10x42 | Under $100 | 24 oz. | 315 Feet | 5.7 in. | 5.1 in. | 17.5mm | 6.6 Feet | Multi Coated | Yes |
Bushnell Powerview 10x42 | Under $100 | 23.7 oz. | 288 Feet | 5.9 in. | 5.1 in. | 17.5mm | 23 Feet | Multi Coated | No |
Under $200 | 26 oz. | 340 Feet | 5.6 in. | 4.8 in. | 15mm | 7.5 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes | |
Bushnell Trophy 10x42 Full Review | Under $200 | 25.3 oz. | 330 Feet | 5.6 in. | 5.1 in. | 16mm | 10 Feet | Multi Coated | Yes |
Nikon Prostaff 10x42 P7 | Under $200 | 21.2 oz. | 367 Feet | 5.9 in. | 5.1 in. | 15.7mm | 9.8 Feet | Multi Coated | Yes |
CARSON 3D 10x42 | $300 | 22 oz. | 314 Feet | 5.5 in. | 5.0 in. | 16mm | 9.8 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Nikon MONARCH M5 10X42 | $300 | 22.6 oz. | 293 Feet | 5.7 in. | 5.1 in. | 18.4mm | 8.2 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Nikon MONARCH M7 10X42 | $500 | 24 oz | 362 Feet | 5.6 in. | 5.1 in. | 16.5mm | 8.2 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Vortex Diamondback 10x42 | $200 | 21.3 oz. | 330 Feet | 5.7 in. | 5.1 in. | 15mm | 5 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Vortex Crossfire 10x42 | Under $200 | 24 oz. | 325 Feet | 6.0 in. | 5.2 in. | 15mm | 6 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Vortex Viper HD 10x42 | $500 | 24.9 oz. | 341 Feet | 5.6 in. | 5.9 in. | 17mm | 6 Feet | Fully Multi Coated | Yes |
Final Verdict
I am not a fan of porro prism binoculars because they are big and heavy, exactly what I don't want in a hunting binocular.
That being said, the Nikon Aculon A211 are a decent pair of binoculars that offer great value for the money and they are a cost effective choice, if you don't mind the size and weight..
However, keep in mind that these are binoculars under $100 and they lack the really crisp images and better performance of the best hunting binoculars available today.
If your budget only allows for less than $100 to spend on binoculars, then you may want to consider the Nikon Aculon, but there are better choices for binoculars at an affordable price. You can really get much more for your money when you go up to a budget of $200.
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