In the event you’re an observer who’s all the time on the go, and also you’re on the lookout for a bit of kit that matches comfortably in your pocket, then the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binoculars are a light-weight option weighing in at a mere 6.9 oz (195 grams). The Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 truly offers the last word portable experience, with dimensions that make it similar in size to a smartphone.
What’s more, in the event you’re on the lookout for a binocular that’s stylishly unique, then the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 — in our opinion — wins hands down, as this model is available in a choice of colours: Red, blue and white. The Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 comes equipped with a carrying case and eyepiece covers. It’s price noting though, that the case wasn’t supplied with the test unit that we received from Nikon.
Optically, and with an aperture of 21mm (0.83-inches), this binocular may not be the primary alternative for keen observers of the night sky — as a result of their limited light-gathering prowess — but for many who prefer to dabble in gazing upon magnified views of the moon and detailed sights of wildlife, then this fogproof piece of kit of suits a wide range of budgets.
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular review
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular: Design
- Smooth, robust design
- Not-so-great eye relief
- Fog-proof, can withstand some water
Popping them out of their box, we admired the graceful, lightweight construct: A real delight to carry. A sleek, ergonomic design offers a cushty grip and, because the rain battered the windows outside, curtailing our observations for the night, we took to sweeping the binoculars across the room. Weighing in at a really light and compact 6.9 oz (195 grams), our arms didn’t tire as we peered out of the window at a street light, dazzling with an orange light that got here out crisp and clear in the sphere of view of the Aculon T02 8×21.
The binoculars boast a 110-meter field of view at 1000 meters, and, as we scanned the rooftops of homes within the twilight, we were pleased to see crisp tile edges within the low light. Good eye relief binoculars for spectacle wearers normally sit between 14mm and 16mm, so the Aculon T02 8×21 falls short at 10.3mm. While some spectacle wearers may not have an excessive amount of trouble, we recommend taking your spectacles off while using this binocular for comfortable views through the ‘turn-and-slide’ rubber eyecups. Despite this minor niggle, all-in-all, our overall experience was nothing wanting nice.
As we waited for the sky to clear, we explored the binocular’s design. It’s impossible to totally fold the Aculon T02 8×21 like similar compact binoculars we’ve used, yet with dimensions of 8.7 x 10.4 x 3.4 cm, we could slot them into our coat pocket with loads of room to spare. Moreover, while the lens covers are snug, they might be pulled off easily: ensuring that — when the occasion arrives — you’ll be able to quickly observe without fumbling to get the covers off.
The Aculon T02 8x21s aren’t marketed as being rugged, but we feel that they’re robust enough to resist an excellent deal of traveling, observations and clumsy use, making them ideal for fogeys trying to buy their children binoculars that may take a couple of knocks and bumps.
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 specifications
Magnification: 8x
Objective lens diameter: 21mm
Angular field of view: 6.3 degrees
Eye relief: 10.3 mm
Weight: 6.9 oz (195g)
The binocular is nitrogen-filled, leaving us wondering how the Aculon T02 8×21 would fare afterward during our observations, but, within the meantime — from the dryness of the kitchen — we held the Aculon T02 8×21 out under slight drizzle to see how the construct held up under damp conditions. It’s essential to notice that the Aculon T02 8×21 is not going to have the opportunity to survive under massive downpours. Nikon has warned that the binocular just isn’t waterproof within the supplied manual.
Bringing the binoculars back inside and gently wiping away water spray from the casing, objective lenses and eyecups, using a microfibre cloth, we peered through the Aculon T02 8×21 at a well-lit fish tank to light up the optics. It’s price noting here that, as we fiddled with the focuser, its operation was smooth.
The casing had withstood our test and no water had leaked into the housing, leaving us satisfied that the binocular can endure a touch of moisture.
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular: Performance
- Small, but great view of the moon’s surface
- Milky way and star fields are a specific highlight
- Pinsharp views because of multicoated optics
The long summer months and intermittent rain meant that we needed to not only wait for the sun to set well into the evening but additionally wait for several nights for the wall-to-wall cloud to clear after our first introduction to the Aculon T02 8×21. Given the small objective lens, and due to this fact suspected to not have the opportunity to handle low-light conditions, our expectations were low for astronomical viewing through the optical system.
The night arrived in July, and as we stepped out under the Summer Triangle within the east, which is comprised of the celebs Vega, Deneb and Altair in Lyra (the Harp), Cygnus (the Swan) and Aquila (the Eagle), respectively, we were excited to see what the Aculon T02 8×21’s optical system would pick up. With our experience of binoculars with small objective lenses and magnification, we knew to stick with brighter, easier-access solar system and deep-sky targets with magnitudes of not less than +4.0.
Probably the most obvious alternative during our observations was the primary quarter moon, which was at an inexpensive altitude above the treeline at an illumination of about 47%. Bringing our natural satellite into our sights, with a pin-sharp view remaining steadfast because of an impressively accurate focuser, we were delighted with the extent of lunar detail that met our eyes: While the moon appeared small, we could still appreciate lunar mare Oceanus Procellarum, before sweeping our pupils along the terminator to the crater Kepler.
The brightness of the moon allowed us to really study the Aculon T02 8×21’s optical system. While views were beautifully pin sharp because of the multicoated optics, we did detect a touch of chromatic aberration (also often known as color-fringing) along the lunar limb. While noticeable as a purple-blue edging, our views were unspoiled.
We spent a while admiring the moon before sliding the binoculars into the pocket in our pants and heading back inside to make a cup of tea. Stepping back outside about quarter-hour later, with the intention of drinking in star fields through the optics, we were pleased to see that the nitrogen purging had had an effect, with no great fogging disrupting our observing session.
In the peak of summer, the Milky Way is a first-rate goal and — laying back in a recliner — we lazily swept its dusty path through the constellations, including Sagittarius (the Archer), Scorpius (the Scorpion) and Cygnus (the Swan). We were treated to sections of the sky that appeared to grow to be much more populated with stars, because the night wore on — a good looking, high-clarity sight that is bound to entrance the complete family. This was a highlight through the Aculon T02 8×21.
Jupiter and Saturn kept us company into the early hours of the morning, making them ideal targets to look at at magnitudes -2.7 and +0.5 respectively. As expected, views weren’t expected to be massively magnified over the unaided eye, but we did enjoy a surprising white disk in Jupiter and a beautiful unblinking yellow-white Saturn through the optical system.
Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular: Functionality
- Smooth operation of focusing wheel
- Easy-to-use twistable eyecups
- Struggles to assemble light to disclose faint objects
As has been made clear throughout our test, the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 doesn’t have an excellent deal of light-gathering prowess, meaning that it is especially difficult to look at among the fainter, deep-sky gems of the night sky of lower than +6.0 magnitude, namely nebulas, which teem the summer sky, and galaxies. Despite this expected drawback, nonetheless, superb color fidelity is obtainable with this binocular, provided the skywatcher is mindful of the optical system’s limits. It’s essential to notice that the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 doesn’t boast BaK4 prisms which are mostly present in skywatching binoculars.
The eyecups are twistable and are a delight to make use of since there isn’t a sticking or exertion required in pulling them out to place to make use of. Their operation is smooth, and so they’re just as easy to fold in when packing the binoculars away.
The functionality of the focusing wheel can be pleasing. The grooves in its design, combined with the power to make minute movements, enable targets to be brought into focus with ease for sharper, clearer views.
Must you buy the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular?
While the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 won’t break the bank, it’s possible to select up binoculars with higher magnification and bigger objectives for the same price or by investing a couple of kilos or dollars more. We advise selecting a model that features BaK-4 prisms and a water-resistant design.
Nikon hasn’t skimped on quality. Despite their reasonable price, the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 exudes a superb construct and decent optics, allowing for a wide range of high performance, high clarity and observing activities — from wildlife watching to very casual stargazing — on the go.
In the event you’re not too invested in observing the night sky, but want somewhat magnified views wherever you go, whether that’s of a vibrant night-sky object, a bird in a tree or a lion on a safari, then we wholeheartedly recommend this binocular — provided you stay out of torrential rain.
If the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular is not for you
If the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 isn’t for you, and also you’re keen on acquiring a pair of lightweight binocular that doesn’t compromise on optical prowess, then the Celestron UpClose 10×25 and Bushnell H20 8×25 are excellent decisions from our pick of one of the best compact binoculars. Moreover, the Nikon Aculon T02 8×21 binocular can be an excellent option as a binocular with a sturdy, lightweight design, while allowing for excellent magnified views during nature watching and casual skywatching, while on the move.
In the event you’re on the hunt for binoculars that supply unparalleled night sky views, and which are affordable, we recommend the Celestron 7×50 Cometron, which is suitable for observing the celebs, planets, moon and vibrant deep-sky targets with superb contrast and clarity.
Seasoned skywatchers with a bit more budget, who aren’t too fussed concerning the heft of their binocular — and who’ve a tripod to support their observations for regular views — will benefit from the Celestron SkyMaster 25×100 or Celestron SkyMaster 12×60, which provide high-definition sights and outstanding detail of planets, galaxies and nebulas at an inexpensive price.