Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S binocular review

The Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S binoculars are my top recommendation for a compact binocular with image stabilization built in, all for under $650. It was back about three years ago in a previous review of the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 binoculars that I yearned for Nikon to release image stabilized binoculars, and thankfully, just a few years later, that wish has been fulfilled.

They are little different in operation and quality from the Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB, aside from one exceptional additional feature: Image stabilization. This one inclusion transforms these binoculars so noticeably that, if given the choice and budget, I would never opt for an unstabilized compact binocular again. If the difference between not having a pair of binoculars is measured as a unit of one, then I would say moving from an unstabilized pair to a stabilized pair is another unit of one. The experiential difference by engaging the stabilization on these binoculars is so significant that they are comparable with regular binoculars many times their size.

However, they’re not without their limitations. Namely, the size of the objective lenses (25mm) makes views quite dark compared with large binoculars like a more generalist 42mm. But these are compact binoculars and as such, potential buyers should be aware that the trade-off between size and optical performance is initially met in the size of these objectives. In my opinion, and for their size and stabilization, they're some of the best binoculars you can buy.

Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S binocular review

Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S: Design

• Incredibly small form factor makes them ultra-portable
• Stabilization button easy to access and engage
• Eyecups do not have stopping 'notches' when adjusting height

It’s unbelievable to think that Nikon has managed to keep their compact binoculars so small and lightweight, despite integrating an entire image stabilization (IS) system right in the center of the device that does not obstruct our fingers when operating. When compared with their other compact binoculars, such as the Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB, they truly do not take up much more space, with Nikon cleverly embedding all the electronics and controls in the center, bulked onto the hinge. This allows the center of mass to remain in the middle of the binoculars, which feels comfortable and intuitive when observing.

The stabilization can be turned on and off with a button on the top of the binoculars and I found its placement means accidental turning on and off is uncommon. Personally, I’d have liked the button to sit a little closer to the focusing wheel due to the way our fingers fell across the binoculars but because the device is so small, this is of little importance. We expect those with large hands would appreciate the added distance between the focusing wheel and IS button.

The objective lenses are set back in the tube assembly, which reduces the risk of bumping or scratching of the glass when placing down the binoculars and I think removes the need for lens caps when traveling, though those who like to keep their devices pristine may disagree.

My only real grievance with the design comes in the eyepieces, or more specifically, in the adjustable eyecups themselves. They do not have, to our experience with them, notched sections to ‘stop’ the eyecups at different heights like some binoculars feature. They are also not water- or fogproof. Under testing, I have not found this to be a major issue (though I have not tested them under heavy rainfall) and the fogging was not an issue, but I tested them in the summer months in the UK, where temperatures were between 15-35 degrees Celsius (59-95 degrees Fahrenheit) where I would not expect to see significant fogging.

Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S: Performance

• Darker views than larger binoculars but stabilization makes up for this
• Stabilization works excellently both on land and on the water
• Edges of the image circle are softer but center is sharp

There’s no denying that the optical performance of the Nikon stabilized 12x25 binoculars are poorer than larger, generalist binoculars. But that is due to the design choices made to keep them compact. That is why direct comparisons to even Nikon’s own Prostaff P3 line, which retails at around half the price, should not be made. Even though the views are darker in these stabilized compact’s, and softness slightly greater than that of larger but cheaper binoculars, their appeal is in their minute size and weight.

The stabilization is truly very good. I tested them on land and sea, both during the day, at twilight and at night time and found they held up equally well in all scenarios. The stabilization isn’t the strongest I’ve ever experienced, with some of Canon’s image stabilized binoculars (such as the Canon 10x42L IS) able to hold views more solidly, I would estimate from experience by another 30-40%. However, they are far costlier and larger.

When observing the night sky in areas between Bortle classes five and six, the commonest constellations and asterisms were larger and much more detailed than when viewed with the naked eye alone (as one might expect). M31 (Andromeda galaxy) was easily seen with averted vision and M42 (Orion nebula) was just about visible also, but any night sky objects fainter or smaller than these were not observed in and around towns with moderate light pollution.

Due to their small, roof prism design, views are sharp in the center but rather soft towards the edges of the image circle. This is a little frustrating, but expected. It makes star hopping more difficult as I had to move the binoculars between each star in a constellation or asterism to navigate, rather than using the (albeit limited) peripheral vision if the edges were sharp.

Views were also unfortunately rather dark on the Nikon stabilized 12x25 binoculars, but it is commensurate with other compact binoculars of the same design. After many years as a photographer and binocular use, I would estimate that it’s around one to two stops darker than observing with the naked eye. It isn’t enough to discourage me from using them, and stars can still be seen easily, but it distances me slightly from the observed subject.

I found this most noticeable during daytime observations, especially when spotting wildlife in darker, leafier environments or at twilight. At night, though, it is less noticeable, presumably due to the fact that at night we use our rod cells in our retinas to maximize light sensitivity.

Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S: Functionality

• Unobtrusive controls retains function and aesthetics of previous compact models
• Powered by 2x AA batteries, easy to replace from stores while traveling
• Focus wheel is a little close to our forehead during observation

As with most compact binoculars, the size and weight benefit means they are not only ultra portable but pocketable even in the smallest of jacket pockets (even fitting inside jeans pockets, if the ingress of lint and detritus doesn’t put you off). Compared with the Nikon Trailblazer 8x25 ATB it’s like Nikon just snapped its fingers and, much like a before-and-after TikTok video, the stabilizing mechanism magically appeared on the 12x25s without much apparent change in aesthetics

They are unobtrusive and simply constructed, clearly the result of clever design and engineering work, to produce something so seemingly simple. The binoculars take two AA-size alkaline batteries to power the stabilization, easily purchasable by anyone traveling, but a little wasteful compared to a rechargeable lithium-ion battery but Nikon states that two rechargeable (AA-size) Ni-MH batteries can be used.

The real difference with these binoculars compared to a similarly powered non-stabilized pair is being able to observe details that would otherwise be lost due to the shake from handholding the binoculars. I was able to not only see more smaller, fainter stars but also count them. All without the need for an awkward binocular adapter to convert them for use on a tripod. This was also true for observing the faintest satellites and tracking them through the night sky. The Starlink train was eminently trackable and so improved my stargazing experience beyond the usual static view to something much more dynamic.

The only real sticking points I have with these binoculars are where the focus wheel is placed. It’s, to my mind, placed far too close to the eyecups. Such that when I go to adjust the focusing wheel, I find myself rubbing my forehead with my finger and the face of the wheel also picks up friction on my forehead skin. Now, this may not be a problem with those who have shallower eye sockets or wear eyeglasses and so require the additional eye relief, but I thought it important to mention. It doesn’t prevent use, but it’s one feature I would suggest could be improved upon by either setting it farther back longitudinally along the binoculars, or by halving the width of the focusing wheel. However, I am also aware that this placement is likely a compromise by Nikon in order to accommodate the housing for the stabilization on the binoculars. Again, it’s not a deal breaker, but something to be aware of.

The stabilization turns off automatically, but only after 60 minutes. This, Nikon states, is to save energy. But many other image-stabilized binoculars I’ve tested turn off after 10 seconds of inactivity, or when placed vertically on a tabletop. This is a feature I would also introduce to these binoculars, if such a thing is possible by the manufacturer.

User reviews of the Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S binoculars

Online reviews are wholly positive and users seem to be reporting that the stabilization is great (as we would agree). Their size, value for money and clear optics are favored. One consumer on Amazon states one negative being “[The] front lens protector is pulling off the eye adjustment. Seems like a poor design.” and we can confirm they are as described, different from the larger Nikon binoculars which usually have a rubber strap holding on the caps to the tube assembly. Ratings sit between 4 and 4.8 stars out of five, with the average ratings at time of writing being about 4.5 stars.

How we tested the Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S binoculars

Tested in urban and suburban areas, I took the Nikon stabilized 12x25 to locations with Bortle classes 4, 5 and 6, providing a range of light pollution levels consummate with what regular town- or city-dwelling owners will observe.

They were used both in dry and wet conditions under light rain but never heavy downpours. Moving both from warm cars and houses out into colder evenings and nights. I held them with two hands, one hand and mounted them to a tripod but found the tripod use cumbersome and unnecessary due to the in-built stabilization, so I would not recommend this method.

On land, they were rock solid but I also tested them on various small fishing boats, larger water taxis and on bigger ferry ships. In all circumstances, they proved useful and performed impressively to observe wildlife and track seabirds during the day.

Should you buy the Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S?

If you want to buy a pair of compact binoculars and you can afford the price tag of just under $650, then I would definitely recommend you purchase these. Yes, they’re slightly darker than viewing with the naked eye but that’s because they are so small and so lightweight (13.9 oz / 349 g without batteries). The stabilization is a game-changer, especially for the traveler or for someone who has difficulty with hand grip or arm strength.

If the Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S isn't for you

There are only two main reasons I advise you against purchasing these binoculars. If you do not have a requirement for compact binoculars or image stabilization, then you will find better optical characteristics (sharper edge-to-edge and better light transmission for brighter views) in larger binoculars like the Nikon Monarch M7 8x42, which are also around $200 cheaper.

If stabilization is important, but again, size is not, then I would recommend you look at something from Canon’s image stabilized range, with the Canon 12x36 IS III being only slightly more expensive but providing much brighter views. However, they are larger and around 9.3 oz (265 g) lighter.