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Nikon
Nikon Trailblazer II 8x25
The best cheap sealed compact.
78Bird
4.1· 60 Amazon ratings
$99.99
Price checked Oct 22, 2026Buy on Amazon
Our verdict
HSReviewed by the BirdingPath team · Hilly Shore LabsUpdated Oct 22, 2026Price checked Oct 22, 2026
Synthesized from public specs and 42 buyer mentions. We research and analyze — we don't lab-test.
Get it if
Budget buyers wanting a genuinely sealed, waterproof compact with a wide 429 ft field for under $100.
Skip it if
Skip if you need dusk brightness; the small 25mm objective limits low-light detail versus a 42mm. Rated 4.1 stars on about 60 ratings, just under our usual 4.3 bar, on a new 2026 model.
Magnification
8×
Objective lens
25 mm
Exit pupil
3.1 mm
Field of view
429 ft / 1000 yd
Buyers praise
- Quality
- Field Of View
- Reliability
- Weight
Compare it with the closest picks
Owner ratings come from Amazon; BirdingScore is our separate research score.
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BirdingScore
78/100
89/100
Skip it if
You need dusk brightness; the small 25mm objective limits low-light detail versus a 42mm. Rated 4.1 stars on about 60 ratings, just under our usual 4.3 bar, on a new 2026 model.
You need 42mm low-light reach or reassurance on ruggedness; some buyers flag durability.
Magnification
8×
8×
Objective lens
25 mm
26 mm
Exit pupil
3.1 mm
3.3 mm
Field of view
429 ft / 1000 yd
352 ft / 1000 yd
Weight
0.7 lb (10.9 oz)
0.8 lb (12.7 oz)
Folded size
4.5 × 4.3 in
4.7 × 4.4 in
Waterproof
Yes — waterproof & fogproof
Yes — waterproof & fogproof
The BirdingScore, unpacked
Our published method blends real owner satisfaction with in-category value. No hidden math.
Owner satisfaction71/100
Field value95/100
Specifications
- Magnification
- 8×
- Objective lens
- 25 mm
- Exit pupil
- 3.1 mm
- Field of view
- 429 ft / 1000 yd
- Weight
- 0.7 lb (10.9 oz)
- Folded size
- 4.5 × 4.3 in
- Waterproof
- Yes — waterproof & fogproof
Specs from the manufacturer listing and public product data; confirm the current listing before buying.
Manufacturer's claims (from Nikon)Show
- 8x magnification power
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-click facilitate easy positioning of the eyes at the correct eyepoint
- Multilayer-coated lenses and large objective lens diameter for delivering bright, clear images
- Long eye relief design ensures a clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers
- Rubber armoring for shock resistance and a firm, comfortable grip
Marketing copy as listed by the manufacturer — not our assessment.