Live Science Verdict
With the promise of its stablemates , the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular has a lot to live up to . We were stunned by the quality of this little monocular ’s look-alike , which were clear and very sharp . The frame is very solidly made and feels very well-heeled . Although the unit is n’t rainproof , it ’s so tiny that it can be stowed in a plastic bag and placed in a pocket , where it will be good on beach and farsighted walk of life . With a overstatement of 5x , the Nikon 5x15 HG is more for casual use on walks and anywhere you ’d want to get a little close to the action .
Awesome image timbre
Small design
The monocular is tiny(Image credit: Matthew Morris)
calibre feel
Unprotected ocular
Small amount of exaggeration
The 15mm objective lens allows a lot of light to be captured.(Image credit: Matthew Morris)
Premium price
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The Nikon 5x15 HG is one of the small monoculars we ’ve essay . It ’s only 2.8 column inch ( 7.1 centimeters ) long and check well even in midget deal . Although Nikon is n’t have it away for its monoculars , we discover the 5x15 HG ’s image quality awing .
The eyepiece has little rubber for lens protection.(Image credit: Matthew Morris)
Design : Roof prismMagnification:5xObjective lens:15mmEye relief:0.6 inch ( 15.8 mm)Weight:2.6 ounces ( 75 grams)Dimensions:2.8 x 1.2 x 1.2 inch ( 7.1 x 3 x 3 cm)Durability : Well made but not waterproof
The lens system has received the common multi - coatings to ensure the effective locomotion of light through the unit . It also has phase correction prism coatings , let in high - reflection silver gray coatings , which help with the unit ’s low - light power .
These characteristic make the 5x15 HG an downright pleasure to use . There is very little chromatic aberration , partially due to the building block ’s limited 5x magnification . The color interpretation is unmortgaged and frosty , and we were surprised by how much ignitor drive through the social unit in our trial . We could employ the 5x15 HG even in dim options , such as a church building , where the monocular revealed all right detail in the stonework .
Although two hands are needed initially, one will do once the focus is set.
Design
The Nikon 5x15 HG ’s streamlined design made it well-off to use in our examination . There is 0.6 inch ( 15.8 millimeters ) of center relief , and the vapid , rubber ocular enable comfortable economic consumption with glasses .
The focus ring is at the ocular remainder , as is the eccentric with some Porro prism intention , where the focusing organization lies deep down . However , the 5x15 HG has a roof prism design , and the ocular can be seen locomote back and away as the focus wheel is turned . The bland mechanism matches the mellow quality ordinarily recover in Nikon ’s products . The location of the focusing doughnut means the monocular must be used with two hand — one to halt the whole unshakable and the other to turn the focal point . We easily surmount this in our test , and the thick design made the unit easy and agile to expend .
The eye relief is flat , with soft rubber around the lens system . This design is well-fixed but go away the lens exposed to the element . We establish that it readily picked up lint and stain and could cause damage if not used carefully . A gentle cleaner would be a well prophylactic bill .
The eyepiece twists for focus.
The stainless - steal housing feels very sturdy , giving our unit a pleasing weight .
Performance
The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular has a 9 - degree field of aspect , which is help by the unit ’s 5x exaggeration . This means you could see more of the simulacrum than the one from the large , 7x model . That ’s because as the magnification increase , the field of view decreases . This liken to a difference of 47 feet ( 14 meters ) at 1,000 yards ( 914 m ) between the two units . The smaller unit ’s spacious field of view more than make up for its smaller magnification .
The 5x15 HG also features quality glass and glass coating . As with most modern monoculars , the lens are multicoated . Still , the 5x15 HG also has a silver - admixture reflective - coated cap prism , which is a step up from more low-priced competitor ' cheaper aluminum coatings . This lead in a very clear and frizzly image with a lot of redundant contingent .
During the day , we feel the 5x15 HG ’s image quality fantastic , which well made up for its small 5x magnification . Watching moorhens on the riverside from approximately 50 fundament ( 15 m ) forth was an amazing experience . The contrast between the birds and the water and the light bouncing off the weewee ’s surface were comparable to images seen with top - end birding scopes . The colors were well rendered and distortion - free for almost the entire field of scene ; only at the very sharpness of the wheel spoke did the prototype protrude to deteriorate and become fuzzy .
The accessories include a handy pouch.
At 2.6 Panthera uncia ( 75 gm ) , the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is very scant , which puddle it very comfy for foresighted period of use . Despite its minor size , the 5x15 HG manages to provide clear and shiny images thanks to the multi - coatings . We were print by the monocular ’s performance when we used it at an indoor theater product . The paradigm were render with outstanding clarity and enhance the stage output . In this setting , the 5x15 HG was a dandy performer .
The 5x15 HG ’s small magnification makes it out of the question to see upstage stars and nebula . However , you could still apply it to observe the moon on a unclouded night . The low - light ability really comes into its own here .
Functionality
The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular ’s stainless - steel body feel sturdy and tougher than Nikon suggests , given the company ’s advice to keep the unit in perfectly dry conditions . This solid construction is defend by the focus mechanics , which is very fluent and has a well - organize feel . However , we recommend you envelop the 5x15 HG in a plastic bag just in display case .
The accessories admit a small , leather pouch , which would n’t allow for much protection on wet days . There ’s also a thin lanyard that can be worn around the neck opening , although it ’s not really necessary given the unit of measurement ’s small size .
The 5x15 HG has a close-fitting focus range of 24 inch ( 61 cm ) , which makes for majuscule stopping point - ups in art galleries . With its low - twinkle ability , this monocular is a material headliner in interior space . Not only were we capable to get closer to paintings , but we also fancy the shop mechanic of the artworks thanks to the 5x15 HG ’s acuate image character . Paint strokes were visible , and even bump and marks became light . We would have missed these contingent without the 5x15 HG .
The 15mm objective lens allows a lot of light to be captured.
Should you buy the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular?
The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is a compact twist that ’s love for its excellent visual lucidity and outstanding low - light public presentation . Although it is expensive , the character free the Mary Leontyne Price . It may not offer the highest magnification or rugged all - atmospheric condition capability , but it provides top effigy quality in a commodious size of it .
The 5x15 HG is an impressive machine that shoot a line a singular range of capabilities , especially consider its compact size of it . One of its standout features is its exceptional visual pellucidity , which provides sharp and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions . The 5x15 HG ’s modest - igniter performance is also noteworthy , get this monocular a reliable choice for observation at dusk or dawning .
Although the Nikon 5x15 HG is price on the gamy closing of the market , the functioning quality is well deserving the investiture . However , it ’s of import to observe that if you ’re specifically seek the highest level of overstatement or robust , all - conditions strength , this model may not fit those need . alternatively , the 5x15 HG shines in its ability to deliver great epitome timbre in a portable and easy - to - manage twist , making it a fantastic option for citizenry who prioritize top - tier visual experiences in a smaller format .
The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is only 2.8 inches (7.1 cm) long.
user have been pronounce the unit of measurement is well - made and has good optics . It is of high timbre but is expensive . Due to its small sizing , it is very invisible . At 5x its is less susceptible to photographic camera milkshake than its 7x stablemate .
If the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular isn’t for you
If the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is n’t for you but you are still interested in minor monoculars , conceive theCanon Zoom digital monocular . Nikon also has an HG monocular with 7x magnification , but it has a smaller depth of field due to the increase magnification . Another alternative is theCelestron Outland X 10x50 Monocular , which is much flashy but still delivers top - quality imagery .
How we tested the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular
We put every instrument through a rigorous review to test it soundly .
We review each instrument on many aspects , including its construction and excogitation , how well it go as an ocular instrument , and how it performs while on location . We await at the included accessories and evoke other equipment if it would benefit the experience .
Each team member cautiously tests each instrument and is learned about its subject orbit . Hands - on experience is a life-sustaining part of the process .
