Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars review

A step-up in terms of power, these large and heavy binoculars are a good value way of getting closer to your subject

Nikon Action EX 12x50
(Image: © Jamie Carter/Digital Camera World)

Digital Camera World Verdict

A great value combination of power and light-gathering, the Nikon Action EX 12x50 binoculars are ideal for long-distance observations, however their 12x magnification and rugged design make them rather heavyweight.

Pros

  • +

    12x magnification

  • +

    Waterproof and fog-proof design

  • +

    Good value price

Cons

  • -

    Heavy to hold for long periods

  • -

    Some edge distortion

  • -

    Lens caps are easy to lose

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With 12x magnification, the Nikon Action EX 12x50 is a candidate for step-up binoculars for anyone wanting close-up views of distant objects. That does mean the Nikon Action EX 12x50 weighs a little more than your average 8x42 or 10x50 binoculars – considerably more, in fact – but the extra power doesn't appear to require an extra financial outlay. Great value and easy to use, here's how the Nikon Action EX 12x50 perform.

Nikon Action EX 12x50

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Jamie Carter
Astrophotography expert

Jamie has been writing about all aspects of technology for over 14 years, producing content for sites like TechRadar, T3, Forbes, Mashable, MSN, South China Morning Post, and BBC Wildlife, BBC Focus and BBC Sky At Night magazines. 

As the editor for www.WhenIsTheNextEclipse.com, he has a wealth of enthusiasm and expertise for all things astrophotography, from capturing the Perseid Meteor Shower, lunar eclipses and ring of fire eclipses, photographing the moon and blood moon and more.

He also brings a great deal of knowledge on action cameras, 360 cameras, AI cameras, camera backpacks, telescopes, gimbals, tripods and all manner of photography equipment.