Customer Review(s)
Customer Rating: 
Summary: Great binoculars for the right applications!
Comment: I bought these binoculars primarily for astronomy use. I thought the 16x magnification, combined with the 50mm objective lenses would make for a nice set of binoculars for astronomy use, without necessarily having to always mount them on a tripod. My reasoning was that I could still handle them reasonably well (without a tripod) for short periods of time (which I can), while having high enough magnification to see some nice details of objects in the sky (which I can, "IF" I can see the object). The one problem (the "IF" in the previous sentence) I have with these binoculars for astronomy use is the fact that the exit pupil size is just a bit small (only 3.1mm) for astronomy use. What I do see in the night sky is very sharp & detailed! And, quite frankly, I've seen some stunning views of the night sky while using these binoculars. BUT, because of the smaller exit pupil size, I don't always see some of the objects (primarily stars) that I can see with a good quality set of binoculars that have a larger exit pupil size. My Celestron 15x70 binoculars work better for astronomy because of the larger exit pupil size (I see MORE because of the larger exit pupil size). But, the 70mm size binoculars are larger, and therefore, harder to hold than the Nikon 50mm set. BUT, I still love these Nikon 16x50 binoculars! They are GREAT for daytime use, early morning & early evening (because of their high twilight factor), AND I'm still able to see some stunning views of the night skies as well (and with great detail to objects like the moon)! These are TOP NOTCH binoculars for the times I've mentioned, but if you want a set for astronomy, I recommend getting a bit smaller magnification with the 50mm objective lenses (maybe 12x or 10x).
Customer Rating: Summary: A little on the heavy side - but otherwise they are great!
Comment: We have owned the Nikon 7218 binoculars for nearly 2 years and we have been consistently pleased with the performance. While they are a little on the heavy side the actual performance is very good, especially for the price. The optics are great, and I have spent hours studying everything from the craters on the moon, identifying bird, to watching plays develop while watching the Carolina Panthers (from the very top row of the stadium!)
Things that we enjoy
- Clear optics
- Good value
- Easy to focus
- Comfortable viewing - eyepiece are not uncomfortable
- Optics seem to be pretty well sealed - I have not a problem with dust or moisture collecting on the inside of the lenses.
- Seem to be well built
Areas to improve
- Again, they are a little on the heavy side
- 10x magnification only - although this is pretty standard
If you are a professional bird watcher or other serious user you may be slightly disappointed. However, for most of us casual users the Nikon 7218 are an excellent choice.
5 stars
