Nikon Prostaff 3s vs Vortex Crossfire 10×42
Overview
Nikon Prostaff 3S 10×42 is an outstanding binocular from a trusted brand of Nikon. This incredible device is exceptionally built with high-end features. Similarly, the Vortex Crossfire 10×42 is another powerful device ideal for observing distant objects. There is a generous objective lens in this device that makes it an ideal optic for all purposes.
The Nikon Prostaff has a rugged rubber armor construction and an O-ring seal. Hence, this device is waterproof at 1 m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes. Moreover, the Prostaff 3s provides crisper images and precise viewing at all conditions. It is an all-around option for outdoor activities.
The Crossfire 10×42 has a 6′ close-focus distance, perfect for bird watching and animal spotting in the wild. The nitrogen-filled housing in this binocular provides fog and waterproof performance. There are roof prisms and anti-reflective coating in both these devices for excellent image sharpness and color balance.
These fantastic binoculars are both quite ideal for your outdoor adventures. It is quite a task to choose the best between them. Hence, we have provided you with a detailed comparison of the essential factors that you must consider. You can judge how they perform when stacked against each other.
Nikon Prostaff 3s 10×42 Vs Vortex Crossfire 10×42
| Technical Details | Nikon Prostaff 3s 10x42 | Vortex Crossfire 10x42 |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 10x |
| Objective Lens Size | 42mm | 42mm |
| Angular Field of View | 7° | 6.2° |
| Eye relief | 15.7mm | 15.mm |
| Field of View at 1000 yards | 367.5’ | 325’ |
| Dimensions | 150 x 130 x 52mm | 167 x 137 x 50mm |
| Focus Type | Center | Center |
| Weight | 575.5g | 858g |
| Weatherproof | Fully Weatherproof | Fully Weatherproof |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 9.8’ | 6’ |
| Interpupillary distance adjustment | 56-72 mm. | 58-75 mm. |
Nikon Prostaff 3s
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Vortex Crossfire 10×42
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Magnification and Objective lens
The Nikon Prostaff 3s has a 10x magnification with a ’42’ diameter objective lens. It offers a field of view that is both wider and brighter. Another significant factor of this binocular is that it has roof prism lenses with a complete multi-layer coating. There is silver alloy coating in the mirror surfaces providing bright and clear viewing. The closest focusing distance is 9.8ft.
On the other hand, the Vortex Crossfire provides 10x magnification as well. The diameter of this binocular’s objective lens is 42mm. Fully multi-coated lenses in Vortex crossfire are responsible for increasing the transmission of light. Hence, you will get better clarity and higher brightness in this device.
Handling
This Prostaff 3s binocular is ideal for those who wear glasses as well. In this Nikon device, you will find a central folding mechanism. This unique feature will enable the inter-pupillary distance of the eyepieces. Hence, you will get more bright and crisp images. There is a large rigid focusing wheel located between the eyepieces. It can get easily focused with one hand while you are observing something important.
Meanwhile, the Vortex Crossfire 10×42 has a Short-hinge bridge. This further makes it lightweight and then exposes more surfaces, which allows for comfortable handling. Another interesting factor of this binocular is the Roof prism design, which makes it quite slim among its competitors.
The interpupillary distance in this Crossfire 10×42 is 58-75mm. There is an oversized knurled center focusing wheel quite similar to Nikon ProStaff. The textured diopter ring on this binocular is located at the right eyepiece. Besides that, there are soft tapered rubber eyecups as well.
Lens and prism coatings
The Nikon Prostaff 3s 10×42 has a sharper and crisper lens under daylight conditions. There is, however, a slight chromatic aberration when exposed to a high contrast subject. The color, contrast, and transmission of images in this device are pretty good. Overall, this binocular from the Nikon Prostaff series provides satisfactory performance in its price range.
On the other hand, the Crossfire delivers exceptional color fidelity with minimal chromatic aberration. There is an edge-to-edge sharpness through the high-definition glass of the Vortex crossfire. You will get an optimal light transmission along with an index-matched lens configuration. There is an XR Plus anti-reflective coating on its surfaces.
Build and Construction
Nikon Prostaff 3s has Eco-glass optics in all lenses and prisms. This makes it free of lead and arsenic and eco-friendly in all aspects. It includes O ring seals and nitrogen purged construction. This incredible construction provides robust but lightweight binoculars. There is waterproofing in thus up to 1 m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes.
Similarly, Vortex Crossfire also includes nitrogen purging in its construction for fog-proof and waterproof barrels. Vortex also has Rubber armoring that provides a durable non-slip grip. It also has clean, sleek styling, which makes it ideal for all. A GlassPak harness in this device allows you to remain comfortable for long hours.
Nikon Prostaff has Rubber armoring as well, which provides a firm, comfortable grip and shock resistance. These binoculars are hence ideal for all weather conditions and extreme environments.
Weight and dimensions
Nikon Prostaff weighs around 575g, whereas its dimensions are 150x130x52mm. Vortex crossfire has a dimension of 167x137x50mm and weighs approximately 858 g. Hence, the Nikon Prostaff is slightly lightweight and slimmer than the Vortex Crossfire.
Eye relief
The Prostaff 10×42 comes with a long eye relief of 15.7mm. Besides, eyecups can extend according to your comfort. Moreover, Vortex Crossfire has an eye relief of 15mm. In this regard as well Nikon scores better with a slightly longer eye relief.
Eyecups
Nikon Prostaff has a turn-and-slide rubber eyecup that comes with multi-click adjustments. These incredible eyecups allow easy eye positioning. You will get the best view from the correct eyepoint. Besides that, it is also ideal for eyeglass wearers. The interpupillary distance adjustment in this binocular is 56-72 mm. This binocular’s IPD (interpupillary distance) is perfect to see a single image free of shading.
Vortex Crossfire has Adjust Eyecups that are comfortable for eyeglasses wearers. You can twist the eyecups to get the entire field of view. The interpupillary distance adjustment in this device is 58-75 mm. You can keep the eyecups completely extended if you are not using eyeglasses. You can get the best view by aligning the IPD with your eyes and rotating it freely.
Price
The Nikon Prostaff 3s 10×42 comes at a price tag of $136.95. Similarly, Vortex Crossfire 10×42 is relatively cheaper at $116.52.
Our Verdict
We have presented a detailed comparison of Nikon Prostaff 3s 10×42 vs. Vortex Crossfire 10×42. You can go through all the technical comparisons. We have also provided the critical factors to consider for comparison. You also need to look for the best binoculars under your price budget.
However, if we had to choose one, we would select Nikon Prostaff 3s. While the magnification, objective, lens, build, and prism of these binoculars are almost identical, Nikon slightly edges Vortex on other factors. This exceptional binocular is lighter and slimmer than the Vortex Crossfire.
It also has a more extended eye relief and interpupillary distance adjustment. Although the Prostaff is slightly more expensive, it provides you with a better value since it is a one-time investment. Besides, Nikon is an older brand compared to Vortex. Hence, brand value-wise Nikon scores high in this regard. Nikon is also a Japanese brand, thus ensuring high durability.
Before buying Nikon Prostaff 3s, see what verified buyers are reviewing about it on Amazon.
Before buying Vortex Crossfire 10×42, see what verified buyers are reviewing about it on Amazon.
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