SUMMARY
The culmination of a century of experience, Nikon's 100th Anniversary Edition of their 7x50 WX IF Binocular has a limited production run of just 50 units world-wide; and features a sleek and stylish metallic gray finish, the 100th Anniversary logo, and a commemorative leather strap. A wide array of technologies and materials have been brought together to produce an optic that is engineered to provide outstanding performance for astronomy, birding, or nature watching.
Optically, the WX utilizes phase-corrected Abbe-Koenig prisms, extra low-dispersion lead and arsenic-free glass, and broadband fully multi-coated optics that work together to correct chromatic aberrations and astigmatism, render colors accurately, and improve: brightness, sharpness, and clarity. Added to this impressive performance is a field-flattener lens system which eliminates distortion across the entire ultra-wide field of view — especially at the edges. Its moderate magnification provides a generous field of view that brings subjects in close for detailed observations while mitigating the distracting hand-shake common with higher-power optics.
To ensure the sharpest views possible, the WX is built with a helical focusing mechanism on each individually-focusing eyepiece. Eschewing the conventional center focusing system not only allows precise focusing for any user, but it also ensures the integrity and longevity of its waterproofing. The helical mechanism moves the eyepieces forward and back without rotating the eyepiece lenses, maintaining a centered optical axis that enables even more clarity and sharpness. An exceptionally wide exit pupil completely covers fully dilated pupils in dark or low-light conditions, while the long eye relief and six-position twist-up eyecups ensure that even while sporting eyewear, users can enjoy the exceptionally wide field of view without vignetting in all lighting conditions for an immersive observational experience.
Thoughtfully designed for comfort and durability, the chassis is made of a lightweight and impact-resistant magnesium alloy that is wrapped with a slip-resistant protective rubber armor. Ergonomically positioned textured palm pads improve grip and in-hand comfort. To withstand extreme environmental conditions, the optical tubes are nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging. For a more comfortable fit in the hand, Nikon employs the Abbe-Koenig prism configuration, which allows for slimmer optical tubes versus conventional roof prisms — without sacrificing performance. The elongated prisms also distribute the weight more evenly to give it a comfortable balance. Weighing in at a hefty 5.3 pounds, some users may experience fatigue while holding the WX during long observation sessions, so Nikon includes a tripod mounting adapter that was specifically designed for this chassis, and attaches to tripods and heads via a 1/4"-20 mount. For safe transport and storage the WX comes with a hard carrying case outfitted with a custom-cut foam lining to hold the binocular and accessories.
- 100th Anniversary Edition
- Limited production run of just 50 units world-wide
- Metallic gray finish
- Individually numbered
- 100th Anniversary logo prominently displayed
- Commemorative leather strap
- Optical Performance
- 7x magnification
- 50mm objective lenses
- Compact Abbe-Koenig roof prism system
- Phase-correcting prism coatings compensates for internal phase-shifts, improving resolution and contrast
- Extra low-dispersion (ED) glass corrects chromatic aberrations that causes color fringing, and improves clarity, contrast, and resolution
- Broadband fully multi-coated optics improve light transmission, color rendition, contrast, and clarity across the entire visual spectrum
- Field-flattener lens system eliminates curvature distortion at the edges of the field of view
- Eyepiece lenses are engineered to eliminate astigmatisms and comas to improve sharpness, clarity, and contrast
- Ultra-wide 67° apparent angle of view
- 563' field of view at 1000 yards
- Use and Handling
- Closed-bridge configuration
- Abbe-Koenig prisms allow for a slimmer optical tube and greater in-hand balance without sacrificing performance
- Individual eyepiece focusing enables ultra-precise focusing for any user with etched indicators for repeatability
- Helical focusing system allows eyepieces to move forward and back without rotating, ensuring the optical axis does not change to improve focusing
- sharpness
- -6 / +4 dioptric correction
- 58-78mm interpupillary distance adjustment range
- Twist-up, six-position click-stop rubber eyecups for comfortable use with or without eyewear
- 55mm objective filter threads (P=0.75) allow the use of optional filters to enhance the viewing experience
- Long 17.7mm eye relief allows users with eyewear to see the entire field of view without vignetting
- Wide 7.1mm exit pupil ensures complete coverage when pupils are fully dilated in low-light conditions
- Construction Details
- Environmentally-friendly lead and arsenic-free lens and prism glass
- Lightweight and durable magnesium alloy chassis
- Nitrogen-filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving between extreme temperature and environmental conditions
- Rubber armor protects against impacts while providing a slip-resistant grip
- Textured palm-pads improve grip and comfort
- Wide operating temperature range: -4 to 140°F (-20 to 60°C)
- Hard carrying case with custom-cut foam lining holds binocular and accessories
- Includes purpose-built tripod adapter for hands-free use to eliminate arm fatigue and improved stability
- Weight: 5.3 pounds