Nikon introduces WX binoculars, featuring a super-wide field of view

April 3, 2017

Nikon Vision Co., Ltd., a subsidiary of Nikon Corporation, is pleased to announce the release of WX binoculars 7x50 IF and 10x50 IF, featuring a super-wide field of view. Among Nikon binoculars that have been highly acclaimed by enthusiasts of astro, wild bird and nature observation across the world, generation after generation, these models are the most suitable for astronomical observation.

The WX binoculars realise a super-wide field of view providing a sharp image to the very edge of the periphery, which redefines the concept of what binoculars can be. They deliver an observation experience that far exceeds anything conventional binoculars can offer.

Employing eyepieces with superior optical performance, WX binoculars achieve a super-wide field of view (apparent field of view of 66.6° for WX 7x50 IF, 76.4° for WX 10x50 IF), while their Field Flattener Lens System compensates for a curvature of field across the entire field of view. This means that the sharp image obtained at the centre of the field of view continues all the way to the periphery. As WX binoculars enhance the view of stars at the edge of the periphery that conventional binoculars tend to spread because of aberrations, it's as if you are spacewalking through a starry sky — stars magnificently arrayed before you in all their unblemished beauty. Also, three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements employed in each tube compensate for chromatic aberration that can cause colour fringing, realising a contrast-rich and high-resolution view.

The WX series employs Abbe-Koenig prisms that feature total reflection on all surfaces, and provide a high light transmission rate. High-quality multilayer coating, featuring uniformly high light transmittance across the entire visible range, is also applied to all lenses and prisms to realise a clearer, more natural view.

Filter threads on objective lens parts allow a 55mm filter (P=0.75) to be attached. A WX binocular exclusive tripod adaptor TRA-4 and hard case are also supplied, for convenient and comfortable astronomical observation. These features combine to ensure that Nikon WX binoculars offer an unparallelled experience in astronomical observation.

WX Binoculars
WX 7x50 IF

Key Features

  • Employing eyepieces with superior optical performance, a super-wide field of view (apparent field of view of 66.6° for WX 7x50 IF, 76.4° for WX 10x50 IF) is achieved.
    Minimising astigmatism and coma aberration, a sharp and clear image is realised, while the sharpness of the image at the centre of the field is achieved all the way to the periphery of the super-wide field of view. Without perceiving the frame, you can experience a feeling as if you are spacewalking into a starry sky.
  • The Field Flattener Lens System is employed for compensating curvature of field from the centre to the very edge of the periphery. While realising a super-wide field of view, it assures a sharp and clear image across the entire field of view. The super-wide field of view allows you to take in a wide-sweeping view of star clusters or galaxies, while individual stars can be clearly seen as sharp points.
  • Using three ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass elements in each tube, chromatic aberration that causes colour fringing is compensated at the very edge of the field of view, realising a contrast-rich and high-resolution image
  • High-quality multilayer coating which features uniformly high light transmittance across the entire visible range, is applied to all lenses and prisms to realise a more natural, clearer view. It reproduces the colours of stars in the night sky with fidelity.
  • Abbe-Koenig prisms that feature total reflection on all surfaces and have a high transmission rate are employed, for a brighter field of view
  • Applying a phase-correction coating on roof (Dach) surfaces of Abbe-Koenig prisms, which compensates phase shifts of light when reflecting inside prisms, results in high-resolution and high-contrast images
  • Optical design that realises both a super-wide field of view and long eye relief. The super-wide field of view can be enjoyed comfortably from edge to edge, even by eyeglass wearers
  • Lead- and arsenic-free glass is used for all lenses and prisms
  • Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with six-clicks facilitate easy positioning of the eyes at the correct eyepoint
  • Dioptre adjustment ring with index for easier adjustment
  • Waterproof structure that will not be affected if submerged in water to a maximum depth of 5m/16.4 ft for 10 minutes. (Under Nikon's testing conditions. Not designed for underwater usage.)
  • Airtight structure with a nitrogen-filled body that prevents the inside of the optical system from fogging and resists mould even with significant changes in temperature
  • Magnesium alloy is utilized, realising a sturdy, lightweight body that facilitate handheld viewing
  • 55mm filter (P=0.75) can be attached to objective lens
  • Comes with an exclusive tripod adaptor TRA-4 that enables attaching to a tripod

Specifications

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WX 7x50 IF WX 10x50 IF
Magnification (x) 7 10
Objective diameter (mm) 50 50
Angular field of view (Real/degree) 10.7 9.0
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree) 66.6 76.4
Field of view at 1,000m (m) 188 157
Field of view at 1,000yd. (ft) 563 472
Exit pupil (mm) 7.1 5.0
Relative brightness 50.4 25.0
Eye relief (mm) 17.7 15.3
Close focusing distance (m/ft) 12.3/40.4 20.0/65.6
Length (mm/in.) 272/10.7 291/11.5
Width (mm/in.) 171/6.7 171/6.7
Depth (mm/in.) 80/3.1 80/3.1
Weight (g/oz) 2,420/85.4 2,505/88.4
Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm/in.) 58-78/2.3-3.1 58-78/2.3-3.1
Diopter Adjustment (m-1) -6-+4 -6-+5
Type Roof (Abbe-Koenig) Roof (Abbe-Koenig)
  • Note : Apparent field of view is calculated based on the ISO14132-1:2002 standard.
    tan ω' = Γ x tan ω
    Apparent field of view: 2ω', Real field of view: 2ω, Magnification: Γ

The information is current as of the date of publication. It is subject to change without notice.

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