The new Nikon Premier LX mid-sized (32mm) binocular has all the good characteristics of its time-tested predecessor ( the Venturer LX).

Nikon now builds its top-of-the-line binocular with a magnesium-alloy body that takes several ounces of weight off the shoulders. The new Premiers 8x32 weighs 28 oz., and the 10x32 is 27.8 oz. At these weights, the Premiers are an improvement on the Venturer, but they are still somewhat larger and heavier than other mid-sized binoculars.

However, we had no complaints about the optical quality. The Premier LX is outstandingly sharp and bright, with excellent contrast. The eye relief (listed at 16mm) seemed better than most.

Our judges noted the outstanding resolution and contrast. They liked the comfortable contour and pleasantly textured rubber-armored exterior. And we all like that rapid, precise, outstandingly smooth focus wheel that we love to turn.

The Premier LX features Nikon's Eco-Glass, which is friendly to the environment: no lead, arsenic or polluting vinyl chloride used in its manufacture. The eyecups are made of non-chloroethylene, soft-touch silicon rubber.

Nothing gives a brighter, clearer picture than a Nikon Premier LX. And it's moderate in weight too!

Features of the Nikon Premier LX Binoculars:

Sharpness and brightness unexcelled by any other binocular.

Waterproof. In fact, they are "fully submersible." If they get dusty, you can rinse them off under the faucet.

Nitrogen filled, so they never fog up inside, even if you go someplace steamy like the tropics.

Phase coated, for excellent contrast and resolution. This binocular gives a perfectly sharp image, edge to edge.

Soft armoring. The non-slip texture and soft armoring feel nice in your hands.

Long eye relief, so they work for birders who wear glasses as well as those who don't. The 8X42 model offers 20 mm. of eye relief. The 10X42 model offers 19 mm. of eye relief. Very few 10-power binoculars do so well. This is one that almost every eyeglass wearer can use and still see the whole picture.

Twist-up eyecups, for fumble-free operation. You can twist the eyecups just the amount you want to give yourself the exact amount of eye relief you need for your eyes and your glasses.

Close focus down to 9.6 feet. Few binos will let you see so near. And there is no sense of eye strain, no feeling that your eyeballs are being squeezed when you use the Nikons at close range. We found this to be an excellent, comfortable close focus.

Warranty 25-year limited warranty, on manufacturers' defects in material and workmanship.