A Closer Look at the Nikon STABILIZED 10x25 S and 12x25 S Binoculars

Released in November 2024, Nikon’s STABILIZED 10x25 S and 12x25 S binoculars are interesting as they are compacts with reasonably high magnifications but without the usual hand-shake issues. Built with Nikon’s optical image stabilization technology taken from their cameras and camera lenses, these binoculars potentially offer portability, power, and stability. But what are the trade-offs?

Key Features at a Glance

• Optical Image Stabilization:
  Both models utilize Nikon’s optical lens-shift image stabilization system, which reduces hand-shake by up to 80%. This is particularly useful with higher magnifications, where even minor hand movements can cause significant image jitter.
• Portability:
  Compact and lightweight, they weigh in at just 405g (10x25 S) and 395g (12x25 S) without batteries making them ideal for travel, hiking, or sports events.
• Quality Optics:
  Multilayer coatings on all lenses and prisms, combined with a high-reflectivity silver-alloy prism coating, help maintain brightness and clarity despite the small 25mm objective lenses.
• Power Source:
  Powered by two AA batteries, the binoculars provide approximately 12 hours of continuous image stabilization under normal conditions (20°C/68°F).

	10x25 S	12x25 S
Magnification	10x	12x
Objective Lens Diameter	25mm	25mm
Exit Pupil	2.5mm	2.1mm
Eye Relief	14mm	12.3mm
IPD	56-75mm	56-75mm
Field of View 1,000m/yds.	94m/283ft	79m/236ft
Apparent Field of View	50.5°	50.5°
Relative Brightness	6.3	4.4
Close Focus Distance	3.0m	3.0m
Weight (without batteries)	405g	395g
Length	103mm/4.1in	100mm/3.9in
Width (mm/in.)	117 (folded: 89)/ 4.6 (folded: 3.5)	117 (folded: 89)/ 4.6 (folded: 3.5)
Depth (mm/in.)	56 (folded: 65)/ 2.2 (folded: 2.6)	56 (folded: 65)/ 2.2 (folded: 2.6)

The Small Exit Pupil Concern

One area that really worries me is the exit pupil – so the width of the light beam exiting the eyepiece. A larger exit pupil allows more light to reach your eye, which is especially important in low-light conditions and for ease of use.

• The 10x25 S offers an exit pupil of 2.5mm, which is on the low side but still adequate for daylight use.
• The 12x25 S, however, drops to a very small 2.1mm, which could make the image appear noticeably dimmer in twilight, shaded areas, or for older users whose pupils may not dilate as widely.

This trade-off is inherent to compact and high-magnification binoculars, but it’s more pronounced here because of the relatively small objective lenses (25mm) and the high power, particularly on the 12x model.

If low-light use is a key concern, especially at dawn or dusk, you might want to think twice before choosing the 12x25 model or consider a pair of larger image stabilized binoculars instead.

Image Stabilization: Nikon’s STABILIZED Technology

Nikon’s STABILIZED 10x25 S and 12x25 S binoculars feature what they describe as an advanced optical image stabilization system designed to significantly reduce image shake caused by hand movements. This technology diminishes vibrations by approximately 80%, providing a steadier and clearer viewing experience, especially at higher magnifications where hand tremors are more noticeable. Nikon

The system operates by detecting vibrations – specifically sinusoidal waves – through internal sensors and compensating for them by adjusting lens elements accordingly. This real-time correction ensures that the image remains stable, allowing users to comfortably track moving subjects or observe stationary ones without the distraction of image jitter. Nikon

Powered by two AA batteries, the stabilization system offers up to 12 hours of continuous use. An auto-power shut-off feature activates after approximately 60 minutes of inactivity, conserving battery life.

Optical Components and Coatings

For compact roof prism instruments, the Nikon STABILIZED 10x25 S and 12x25 S binoculars come with reasonably high-quality components and coatings, but nothing special:

• Fully Multi Coated Optical System: All lenses and prisms are treated with multilayer coatings that minimize light loss due to reflection, resulting in brighter and clearer images. Good
• Roof (Dach) Prism Design: Both models utilize a compact roof prism system, which allows for a slim, streamlined body design – No further information on the quality of the glass used
• High-Reflectivity Silver-Alloy Prism Coating: The reflective surfaces of the auxiliary prisms are coated with a high-reflectivity silver-alloy mirror coating, enhancing brightness and contrast in the viewed image. This is good: better than aluminium coatings, but not as good as dielectric.
• Nikon does not supply any information on the elements used in the 25mm objective lenses or the ocular lenses, because of this it is safe to assume nothing extraordinary is used (ED glass for example)

Who Are These Binoculars Aimed At?

These binoculars could be a nice option for:

• Travelers and hikers who value lightweight gear
• Spectators of outdoor sports and concerts
• Birders or nature watchers in daylight conditions
• Users with unsteady hands who benefit from stabilization

They are less ideal and bad for:

• Low-light use (e.g., dawn, dusk, or dense forests)
• Astronomy or stargazing
• Users who wear glasses and require long eye relief (the 12x25 has only 12.3mm)

Pricing Overview: RRP vs. Current Market Prices

Original Recommended Retail Prices (RRP)

When Nikon introduced the STABILIZED series, the suggested retail prices were:

• Nikon STABILIZED 10x25 S: $639.95 USD
• Nikon STABILIZED 12x25 S: $649.95 USD

Retail Prices in the US, UK and Europe:

• Nikon STABILIZED 10x25 S:
  • Approx: $580.00 / £699.00 / €769.00
• Nikon STABILIZED 12x25 S:
  • $649.95 / £719.00 / €769.00

Click here to check and compare current retail prices

Final Thoughts

The Nikon STABILIZED 10x25 S and 12x25 S binoculars are interesting in that they are stabilized optics in a palm-sized package.

Exit Pupil Concerns: However, prospective buyers should weigh the advantages against a significant limitation: the small exit pupils, particularly on the 12x model, which could reduce image brightness in anything other than optimal light.

Low Light Performance? If daylight portability and steadiness are your priorities, both models are strong contenders – just be mindful of where and when you intend to use them.

The Price: When you take into consideration the level of the optics they have used which is pretty ordinary, the cost is very much on the high side and that means you are paying a lot for the image stabilization.

This is one aspect that has almost always concerned me about IS binoculars – sure you get a stable image, but it is not as good a quality as a standard binocular in their price range. This is one reason I do like the latest range of Kite APC 50 Image Stabilized Binoculars – once again, they are not cheap, but they also do not compromise on the level of optics.

However just keep in mind – this is my opinion on these binoculars based purely on their provided features and stats – I have not as yet tested a pair – something I do hope to correct in the near future (big hint to Nikon 😉

Further Reading / Related

• About Nikon Binoculars on BBR
• All Nikon Binocular Reviews on BBR
• Image Stabilization Binoculars hub page on BBR