Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 – The Best 2022 Review Of The Excellent Binoculars

Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 – A great choice with low price and high effect

How many sizes of Nikon Aculon A211 are there in the market? There are many sizes of these binoculars listed as following: 7×35, 8×42, 10×42, 7×50, 10×50, 12×50, 16×50, 8-18×42, and 10-22×55. Each size has its distinct features and is recommended for particular purposes, but this article will focus on size 8×42. If you need larger magnification, suggest looking for Nikon Aculon 10×42. Meanwhile, the weight is a bit heavier than the 8×42 binoculars

What are the specifications?

Specifications of Aculon A211

Magnification	8
Effective Objective Lens Diameter (mm)	42
Exit Pupil Diameter (mm)	5.3
Twilight Factors	18.33
Field of view	140m/420ft
Shortest focusing distance (ft / m) (Close Focus)	16.4ft / 5m
Eye Relief (mm)	12
Prism System	Porro prism
Optical Quality	– BaK-4 – Lens coating: MC – Type of glass: Aspherical and eco-glass optics
Chassis Material	Polycarbonate plastic with rubber armor for slipping-resistance
Focusing	CF
Diopter Adjustment	“Standard” Diopter Adjustment
Weatherproofing	No waterproof or fog proof
Gas Filled	No gas filled

Key features

Nikon is famous for affordable products, which are also very durable with high quality. Let’s see some notable features:

• Multilayer-coated lenses: to increase light transmittance
• Aspherical and eco-glass lenses: to bring sharper images and reduce image distortion
• Rubber cover: to resist shock contact and slippery
• Can be used with a tripod
• Rubber eyecups operated by turning and sliding: make it easier and more comfortable for users to choose their eyepoint

Pros

Nikon binoculars are designed for most people in the world. Why? These following advantages of Nikon Aculon a211 will explain the reason why people like this famous Japanese brand.

Aculon A211 Have reasonable price with high quality

With just about $90 and you can purchase a popular Japanese product. Is it a good deal? Yes, it is. Comparing to Leica or Zeiss, Nikon Aculon a211 8×42 is much more affordable and suitable for common uses such as bird viewers, hiking, traveling, etc. Its lightweight body also makes it convenient to hold with one hand or hang on your neck. 

Nikon Aculon A211 is not the super lightweight binoculars as it has porro prism. Usually, porro prism binoculars like Nikon Aculon are heavier than roof prism. However, the Nikon Aculon A211 is still lighter than Zeiss 7×42 B/GA T*P* Dialyt (yes, the 8×42 binoculars of Aculon A211 is lighter than the 7×42 of Zeiss) or Docter 8×42 B/CF, yet cheaper from 7 to 10 times.

Nikon Aculon a211 8×42 can do more than how much it costs. The 8x magnification and 42mm objectives lenses combined with Eco-glass lenses ensure high-quality images and lively experience. The great zoom ability provides high-detailed images of the objects from a long distance. 

Aculon A211 is one of top 10 the best binocular under $100

Durable and firm

Every Japanese product has excellent durability with high quality, and Nikon Aculon a211 is not an exception. The armor is made by rubber, which resists shock and slippery. This cover helps users hold the binoculars consistently and avoid dropping it in wet weather or conditions. 

To our experience, the rubber cover of the 8×42 binoculars of Nikon Aculon is thick enough to feel the durability. 

Multi-layer Coating

The multi-coated Eco-glass is the most notable feature in this product. That material of lenses is friendly to the environment and help provide sharp images at the same time. With these lenses, the binoculars can have high light transmission to give bright images even when it’s in the early morning or the dawn. This feature is especially suitable for birdwatchers. 

Furthermore, not only the Nikon Aculon deliver a good quality of light amount, but the contrast is also great. This nicely shown contrast of the Nikon Aculon A211 shall interest hunters.

Cons

• Not being waterproof: Logically, the price of Aculon A211 is too cheap so that not being waterproof could be tolerated. However, since we want to offer a full in-depth view, this should be taken notice of. In terms of finding waterproof alternative option for Nikon Aculon binoculars, you could check out the Celestron Nature Dx, which has a close performance. However, the grippiness of the Aculon A211 is enough so as not to be fallen down to puddles, one more careful bag to cover when it rains should be enough.  
• The design might be strange to some people. Usually, Nikon binos have ergonomic design. Nevertheless, the size of Nikon Aculon binoculars is not that small. Plus, it might be somehow strange for some people to hold this Nikon A211.

Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 vs. Vortex Diamondback 8×42

In this part, we will see and compare Nikon Aculon a211 8×42 versus Vortex Diamondback 8×42, a heavyweight opponent from the USA. 

	Nikon Aculon a211 8×42	Vortex Diamondback 8×42
CLARITY	7	9
BRIGHTNESS	8	7
EASE OF ADJUSTMENT	9	8
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY	8	8
COMFORT	9	8
CLOSE FOCUS RANGE	8	10
FIELD OF VIEW	8	9
BRAND & WARRANTY	9	10
PRICE	9	7

Score out of 10 (____ / 10)

As above, we can clearly see the differences between the two competitors. This chart does not only give the strong and weak points of each product, but also gives you more information to make a choice. Let’s look at details and choose your own favorite. 

Overview

In general, Vortex Diamondback 8×42 is outstanding and better than Nikon Aculon a211 8×42 not just because of the price, but also the image quality. USA products are always designed with high quality and excellent appearance. As a result, the price is not low at all. It may take you up to $200 to afford a Vortex Diamondback 8×42. 

Nikon Aculon a211 8×42, however, is not less competitive. There are its own advantages and serves a wide range of people, which can challenge Vortex Diamondback 8×42 in some features. 

Optics performance

Nikon Aculon a211 8×42 is designed to receive more brightness and so provides clear images with high definition. This tool allows you to watch objects from a far distance in both early morning and late afternoon. Vortex Diamondback 8×42 cannot do the same. It just performs well in common situations but doesn’t get the same results in unfavorable conditions.

Image performance

Nevertheless, Vortex Diamondback 8×42 brings excellent images, which are felt like high definition. This feature of USA product is better than that of Japanese one as you may see blurring edges from Nikon Aculon a211 8×42.

We feel that the contrast of Nikon Aculon 8×42 is better, which might result a better option for hunters as well. Additionally, the distortion reduction of binoculars 8×42 from Nikon Aculon is surprisingly better. At first, we thought the more expensive option should have done this smoother.

Construction

For ease of adjustment, Nikon product is slightly preferred thanks to its ergonomics and lightweight body. It also has a simple focus knob to adjust more quickly than that of Vortex product. Meanwhile, you may like the appearance of USA binoculars more than Nikon’s because of its modern seamless shape. The lenses are also covered by protective rubber, which can resist shock and slippery.

Apparently, the rubber quality of Vortex Diamondback 8×42 is better than the binoculars 8×42 of Nikon Aculon. The Vortex 8×42’s armor is thicker and has a steadier feeling in the hand than the Nikon Aculon 8×42.

Close focus distance

The close focus range of Vortex Diamondback 8×42 is undoubtedly the best with the range of just 4.5 feet. Let’s imagine that there is a big ladybug crawling on your shoes. With the US binoculars, you can even count the dots on the insect’s back. It is so incredible, isn’t it?

Warranty policy

Finally, Vortex offers a lifetime warranty with many special promotions, which makes this brand one of the best services for binoculars in the world. Nikon is not too inferior by providing the 25-year warranty. What does this mean? This means their products are at high quality and durable that they warrantee the value for an extended period. 

Conclusion

Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 could be a great tool for common uses, but Vortex Diamondback 8×42 is the best choice for more excellent experience.  For beginners, start with the A211. For specifically stricter demand, consider the Vortex Diamondback.

In some special cases, we would recommend a specific type. For example, if you have specific frequency of watching insects or flowers, we recommend the Nikon A211 because the close focus range is more suitable. Another case, if you have OCCASIONAL casual astronomy demand, go for the Nikon Aculon 10×42 as the magnification and the porro prism characteristics should satisfy you.

In conclusion

Above is the review for Nikon Aculon A211 8×42 that you can refer to, before making your own choice. This famous Japanese brand’s product is for a wide range of people. If you are a birdwatcher and like a small product, go ahead with Aculon A211 8×42. This product is especially suitable for birdwatching purposes thanks to excellent brightness, high quality of images, and easy to bring with. 

If you want small and lightweight binoculars with general uses, Nikon 8×42 Aculon A211 is also the right choice. Because of its size and ergonomics, you can carry it when traveling or hiking without any inconvenience. So what is your favorite?

Vilis-bino

REF:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nikon

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vortex_Optics