Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 Review

The Nikon costs a small fraction of many ultra-premium models, offers good usability and performance, and fits well in your center console, making this pair of binos a great travel option on a budget.

Performance Comparison

Clarity

Our first test metric evaluated each model's clarity. This included observing an ISO sign that is a widely accepted standard for this sort of testing, as well as noting any apparent chromatic aberration, color fringing, distortion, blurring or vignetting at different distances. In the realm of ultra-affordable binoculars, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 is a little better than other models.

Our team felt that the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 clarity was above average within the context of comparably priced and sized models, and while the clarity of this model stands up to ultra-budget compact models, it would be a poor alternative to full-sized binos, especially more premium ones.

With the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 you can expect a very usable pair of binoculars with an average level of clarity all-around but also a few issues. The lenses allow hues to bleed, particularly a yellow hue on darker objects, and the bleed slightly affects the viewing experience. There is also a distortion present at the circumference of the lens that is on par with affordable optics. Overall, the optics are fairly clear for a pair of binoculars at this price point and more than we've come to expect at this tier of products.

Brightness

In our second metric, brightness, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 didn't perform as well as we had hoped it would against the competition, although this isn't the greatest surprise, as it is an affordable and compact model being tested against some really premium full-sized models with the advantage of larger lenses that lend themselves better to greater light transmission.

As a compact model with lenses about half the size of the full-size models tested, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 is understandably not going to be as bright as full-sized models. Beyond the noticeably dim observed brightness compared to top models, we measured the light transmission at 237 Lux.

The small 25 mm lenses, combined with a below-average 2.5 mm exit pupil, do not help this model in low-light conditions. But again, for a compact and affordable model, we feel that you'll still appreciate these binos as a great travel companion.

Comfort

In our comfort test metric, the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 performed very well. Here, we looked into weight, feel, ergonomics, and balance points.

Good comfort in this test metric is mostly due to the compact design and light weight of this model. At 10.5 ounces, it is extremely light. Additionally, they are very well-balanced.

Young children will be able to achieve a natural c grip, while the rest of us essentially need to pinch the barrels. However, with such good balance and their light weight, it is easy to clasp the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25s between your fingers and thumbs. The eyepieces are also quite soft, enhancing comfort and allowing users to rest them comfortably against their face.

When not in use, the neck strap lacks any sort of padding or comforting features, like a contour. It is similar to other lower-end and smaller binoculars in that it is just a simple piece of webbing. Of course, being such a dainty little pair of binos, your neck, and the neck straps don't need to support too much weight, and the straps don't detract from an otherwise comfortable experience overall.

Field of View

Our field of view testing has been updated to include a more real world and tangible scenario, including viewing vertical boards on a vertical board fence at a fixed distance.

Our team was able to clearly see 51 vertical fence boards with the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25, whereas the average for the entire test group was 54.1. While that doesn't seem exceptional, we felt it was still impressive for such a compact and affordable model.

Ease of Adjustment

The Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25 isn't our go-to model when it comes to ease of adjustment, and it proved it requires a little more effort to adjust to one's preferences and needs.

The focus knob on this model is smaller, requiring multiple rotations to move through the entire focus range. Fortunately, the level of effort required from one's finger is rather minimal, making it nearly as easy to use as the focus knob on larger models. Unfortunately, this model lacks a lock on the diopter, and getting proper eye relief can be a bit difficult. The eye cups also do not lock into place. In fact, the eyepieces move with light pressure, hindering your ability to maintain the proper eye relief. The lack of a locking diopter and the insecure eye relief have room for improvement. Combined with a shorter eye relief of only 10.5 mm, these binos proved difficult to use for our testers while wearing glasses.

Close Focus Range

The Nikon Trailblazer ATB offers a slightly above average close-range focus of6.6 feet, measured by our test team. This is far better than the manufacturer's specification of 11.5 feet, and earns it good marks amongst its peers for the test metric.

Should You Buy the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25?

While there are better performers and better values than the Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25, these still deserve special consideration. You might consider them for the impressive field of view at 10x magnification or for the above-average close focus range of 6.6 feet, but mostly because of the good optical performance they provide in such a compact package, making them an ideal travel companion for a long backpacking trip.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?

If you are on a budget and don't want to move too far north of the hundred-dollar mark, we believe it's worth taking a look at a model like the Celestron Nature DX 8x42. It offers a notable increase in overall performance, and while it is more expensive, it is about the bare minimum for what our team would consider a good pair of full-sized binoculars that won't leave you broke or disappointed. Of course, if you are looking to invest in a pair of full-sized binoculars that strikes the best balance of performance and price, you'll have to take a look at the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42. They will set you back around three times as much as what you might have paid for the Trailblazer, but the differences are drastic, and you'll own a pair of great general-purpose optics that you'll be pleased with.