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Nikon is a well-established optics brand working for decades. Almost everyone has used Nikon items at some point in their lives. It may be a Nikon DSLR camera or a pair of high-end binoculars. Prostaff 7s binoculars were initially launched back in 2014. The launch of ProStaff was well accepted. The company later on introducedProstaff 3s binoculars.
Optics lovers were excited about the Prostaff series and wanted to know the comparison of Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s. The Prostaff 7sbinoculars have multi-coated lenses, a phase correction coating on the prism, and provide bright and high-resolution images. But the prices of the 7s series are is greater than the 3s. From a performance point of view, 7s binoculars are matchless.
After the launch of Prostaff 7s binoculars, customers were quite happy as they got the best optics working and fulfilling their needs. Initially, 8X42 and 10X42 configuration was introduced. After the passage of just two years, Nikon introduced another product in the Prostaff category which was the Prostaff 3s binoculars.
Both the Prostaff 3s and 7s are considered Nikon’s best products to date.No donut many top-class binoculars have come and gone but these Prostaff series have been stable and not affected by the hot competition in the binoculars industry. Here is the table which explains the difference between Prostaff 3s and 7s binoculars.
Comparison Table of Nikon Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars
An In-depth Comparison Between Prostaff 3s Vs 7s Binoculars
There are a lot of differences between these two binocular series. In this article, we will cover each and every difference individually and let you know which one is better than the other. The following are the factors that we will look into to make our call for the best Prostaff product.
Field of view
Prism type
Coating
Image quality
Low light useability
Weight
Eye relief
Pricing and affordability
Let’s dive deeper and find out the major difference between Prostaff 3s and 7s.
Field of view:
We have already defined the field of view in our previous guide on how to choose binoculars. In case you don’t have any idea of a field of view consider reading that article to get in-depth detail about FOV.
The field of view of Prostaff 3s is wider than 7s. The following is a comparison of the field of view.
The field of view of 3s is around 350 to 370 feet
The Prostaff 7s gas field of view of around 320 to 330 feet
The 3s binoculars give a wider area to look into as compared to Prostaff 7s binoculars. If you aim to buy binoculars for hunting 3s should be a priority for you as it gives a better wider FOV.
Eye relief:
The eye relief of Prostaff 3s binoculars is slightly ahead of 7s binoculars. But it is just a matter of a few millimeters. The 3s has an eye relief of around 17 to 18 millimeters. In contrast, 7s binoculars have an eye relief of 15 mm which is just decent too.
If you see their eye relief in comparison, then Prostaff 3s binoculars are better than 7s binoculars and give a comfortable viewing experience.
Prism type in Prostaff series binoculars:
All the binoculars of the Prostaff series come with the same type of prism which is the roof prism. But still, there is a massive difference between the prism types of these binoculars.
The roof prism used in 7s binoculars consists of phase correction coating whereas phase correction coating is not present in 3s binoculars.
What is phase correction coating?
Phase correction is also known as p-coating and is applied on the roof prism in the form of thin layers. It was first introduced back in 1988. The major function of p coating is to reduce the loss of resolution.
The presence of phase correction of the roof prism ensures that the user will get a clearer, brighter, and sharper image. Unfortunately, Prostaff prisms lack the p coating and give a compromised image in terms of brightness. In the case of prism coating, the Prostaff 7s beats the 3s in comparison to the Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s.
Coating difference between Prostaff 7s and 3s binoculars:
The coating on the lenses of optical instruments helps in increasing the transmission of light and ultimately gives a better brighter image.
The coating on the lens is present in both models but still, there is some difference between coating as the coating present on 3s binoculars is less in as compared to 7s binoculars.
Both have multi-coating but the coating layers present in 3s binoculars are fewer than the coating present in Prostaff 7s binoculars. So 7s binoculars give better results in low light conditions and move one step ahead in the Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s comparison.
Brightness and image quality
Nothing wrong with the quality of both products as they provide high-resolution and clear images. But this comparison is about noting all the slightest differences between Prostaff 3s and 7s binoculars.
The Prostaff 7s binoculars give more brightness as compared to the 3s binoculars. This is due to the following reasons
Phase correction coating
Multi-coating lens and all the glasses used in binoculars.
As said earlier, the coating of the lens is better in Prostaff 7s binoculars. Due to increased coating, the transmission of light becomes maximum. This transmission of light gives a brighter image.
Types of 3s and 7s Prostaff binoculars
Nikon launched the Prostaff series back in 2014. But interestingly, the types of these binoculars were limited. Only two varieties of 3s binoculars and the two types of 7s binoculars are available in the market which is listed below
8X42 3s binoculars
10X42 3s binoculars
8X42 3s binoculars
10X42 7s binoculars.
Only two magnification powers are available which are 8x and 10x. But the objective lens size remains the same in both the 3s and 7s models.
Tripod adaptability
Tripod adaptability is an underrated feature in binoculars. It means whether the binoculars can fit on the tripod stand or not.
The Prostaff 7s binoculars are capable of being mounted on a tripod stand.in addition to tripod stands, 7s binoculars are capable of being utilized in car mounts. Whereas the competitor lacks and is unable to be mounted on the tripod stand.
Tripod adaptability is important for those who stay for a long time in the hunting field. Carrying binoculars in hand can be troublesome.
Weight
Probably the most important factor after the pricing is the weight of the binocular which plays a vital role in the success and failure of any binocular. There is a subtle weight difference in these binoculars that newcomers may not notice, but experienced users will spot immediately
The weight of the Prostaff 7s binoculars is around 660 g, whereas the weight of the 3s binoculars is approximately 550 g. The weight difference of 100g puts a big impact on the usage.
Mass of Prostaff 3s binoculars
550 g
Mass of Prostaff 7s binoculars
660 g
The 3s binoculars are much lighter whereas the 7s binoculars are bulkier and they will make you tired if you use them for a longer period of time. We always recommend lightweight binoculars. So, in the case of weight, 3s beats 7s and wins the race of Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s.
Pricing and affordability
Not all of us have the same financial power to spend on binoculars. The most important factor that usually controls our buying process is our budget.
The Prostaff 7s binoculars offer more features like more coating lenses and phase correction coating. These features make these binoculars more premium and costly.
The 3s binoculars are relatively cheaper and people with tight budgets can buy them. The most obvious reason behind the sales of 3s binoculars is their low price. Customers love the decent performance of 3s optics on an affordable budget. In the case of pricing and affordability, Prostaff 3s binoculars beat the race Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s binoculars.
The similarity between Prostaff 3s and 7s
When comparing 3s vs 7s Prostaff binoculars, it’s crucial to keep in mind the similarities between the two models. All the features which are common to both these binoculars are mentioned below;
Both are water fog and shockproof
Roof prism is used in both models
All the Prostaff have the objective of 42 mm
Both offer good resistance to corrosion
Eyecups are adjustable and are covered with rain guards
Both binoculars are durable and offer sound non-flip grip
Who is the winner?
Both models are top-notch and provide an outstanding viewing experience. It is tough to announce one as the winner. Keep in mind, we announce one as the winner but your choice can be different. For us, Prostaff 7s binoculars are a real beast in many aspects. Although These binoculars cost you some extra bucks. But that’s ok as you will get more features and quality.
But if you have a tight budget, we don’t recommend you buy expensive binoculars like Prostaff 7s binoculars. On a limited budget, 3s binoculars work fine and you don’t need to spend extra money on 7s binoculars. But if you have a handsome budget and looking to buy premium binoculars,7s must be your choice.
Which one is better in low light conditions – Prostaff 3s or 7s?
Nikon 7s has a multi-coated lens and phase correction coating on a prism which helps these binoculars to capture more light to give a better image in low-light conditions.
Which one is better for hunting – Prostaff 3s or 7s?
Prostaff 3s binoculars give a wider field of view to locate the target. Their image quality is also decent so 3s is suitable for hunting out outdoor conditions.
Where are Nikon Prostaff 7s made?
Nikon itself is a Japanese brand and most Nikon optics are made in Japan. The same goes for Prostaff 7s as it is being manufactured in Japan.
Conclusion
Nikon has been manufacturing optics since 1917 and knows well how to produce high-end binoculars. Prostaff 3s and 7s binoculars are signs of mere quality. Both models have a separate fan following. But choosing from 3s and 7s mainly depends on your personal preferences and budget. We have made everything clear in the Nikon Prostaff 3s vs 7s competition and hope that the decision-making process will be relatively easier now.
I am Richard from Michigan, and who has a craze for hunting. I have been around optics especially binoculars since 2001 and have gotten decent experience while using them to hunt. I have made this website to share my experience with those who are new in the field. My guides & reviews will help my readers to get in-depth information about binoculars. Let’s hunt for binoculars NOW!
