Nikon 5x15 HG monocular review

The Nikon 5x15 HG is one of the smallest monoculars we've tested. It's only 2.8 inches (7.1 centimeters) long and fits comfortably even in petite hands. Although Nikon isn't known for its monoculars, we found the 5x15 HG's image quality amazing.

The lens has received the usual multi-coatings to ensure the efficient travel of light through the unit. It also has phase correction prism coatings, including high-reflection silver coatings, which help with the unit's low-light ability.

These features make the 5x15 HG an absolute pleasure to use. There is very little chromatic aberration, partially due to the unit's limited 5x magnification. The color rendition is clear and crisp, and we were surprised by how much light got through the unit in our tests. We could use the 5x15 HG even in dim settings, such as a church, where the monocular revealed fine details in the stonework.

Design

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• Comfortable usage
• Simple, ergonomic design
• Stainless-steel chassis

The Nikon 5x15 HG's streamlined design made it comfortable to use in our tests. There is 0.6 inch (15.8 millimeters) of eye relief, and the flat, rubber eyepiece enables comfortable use with glasses.

The focus ring is at the ocular end, as is the case with some Porro prism designs, where the focusing system lies inside. However, the 5x15 HG has a roof prism design, and the ocular can be seen moving back and forth as the focus wheel is turned. The smooth mechanism matches the high quality usually found in Nikon's products. The location of the focus ring means the monocular must be used with two hands — one to hold the unit steady and the other to turn the focus. We easily mastered this in our test, and the compact design made the unit easy and quick to use.

The eye relief is flat, with soft rubber around the lens. This design is comfortable but leaves the lens exposed to the elements. We found that it readily picked up lint and dirt and could cause damage if not used carefully. A gentle cleaner would be a good preventive measure.

The stainless-steal housing feels very sturdy, giving our unit a pleasing weight.

Performance

• Good low-light performance, thanks to multi-coatings of the lens and prism
• Sharp, clear images
• Relatively large field of view

The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular has a 9-degree field of view, which is aided by the unit's 5x magnification. This means you can see more of the image than the one from the larger, 7x model. That's because as the magnification increases, the field of view decreases. This equates to a difference of 47 feet (14 meters) at 1,000 yards (914 m) between the two units. The smaller unit's wider field of view more than makes up for its smaller magnification.

The 5x15 HG also features quality glass and glass coatings. As with most modern monoculars, the lenses are multicoated. Still, the 5x15 HG also has a silver-alloy reflective-coated roof prism, which is a step up from more affordable rivals' cheaper aluminum coatings. This results in a very clear and crisp image with a lot of extra detail.

During the day, we found the 5x15 HG's image quality fantastic, which easily made up for its small 5x magnification. Watching moorhens on the riverbank from approximately 50 feet (15 m) away was an amazing experience. The contrast between the birds and the water and the light bouncing off the water's surface were comparable to images seen with top-end birding scopes. The colors were well rendered and distortion-free for almost the entire field of view; only at the very edge of the radius did the image start to deteriorate and become fuzzy.

At 2.6 ounces (75 grams), the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is very light, which makes it very comfortable for long periods of use. Despite its small size, the 5x15 HG manages to provide clear and bright images thanks to the multi-coatings. We were impressed by the monocular's performance when we used it at an indoor theater production. The images were rendered with outstanding clarity and enhanced the stage production. In this setting, the 5x15 HG was a great performer.

The 5x15 HG's small magnification makes it impossible to see distant stars and nebulas. However, you can still use it to observe the moon on a clear night. The low-light ability really comes into its own here.

Functionality

• Solid, stainless-steel body
• Small, leather pouch
• Good close-focus performance

The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular's stainless-steel body feels sturdier and tougher than Nikon suggests, given the company's advice to keep the unit in perfectly dry conditions. This solid construction is supported by the focus mechanism, which is very smooth and has a well-engineered feel. However, we recommend you wrap the 5x15 HG in a plastic bag just in case.

The accessories include a small, leather pouch, which wouldn't provide much protection on wet days. There's also a thin lanyard that can be worn around the neck, although it's not really necessary given the unit's small size.

The 5x15 HG has a close focus range of 24 inches (61 cm), which makes for great close-ups in art galleries. With its low-light ability, this monocular is a real star in interior spaces. Not only were we able to get closer to paintings, but we also saw the mechanics of the artworks thanks to the 5x15 HG's sharp image quality. Paint strokes were visible, and even bumps and marks became clear. We would have missed these details without the 5x15 HG.

Should you buy the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular?

The Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular is a compact device that's known for its excellent optical clarity and outstanding low-light performance. Although it is expensive, the quality justifies the price. It may not offer the highest magnification or rugged all-weather capability, but it provides top image quality in a convenient size.

The 5x15 HG is an impressive device that boasts a remarkable range of capabilities, especially considering its compact size. One of its standout features is its exceptional optical clarity, which provides sharp and vibrant images even in challenging lighting conditions. The 5x15 HG's low-light performance is also noteworthy, making this monocular a reliable choice for observations at dusk or dawn.

Although the Nikon 5x15 HG is priced on the higher end of the market, the performance quality is well worth the investment. However, it's important to note that if you're specifically seeking the highest level of magnification or robust, all-weather durability, this model may not meet those needs. Instead, the 5x15 HG shines in its ability to deliver outstanding image quality in a portable and easy-to-handle device, making it a fantastic option for people who prioritize top-tier visual experiences in a smaller format.

Users have been saying the unit is well-made and has good optics. It is of high quality but is expensive. Due to its small size, it is very inconspicuous. At 5x its is less susceptible to camera shake than its 7x stablemate.

If the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular isn't for you

If the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular isn't for you but you are still interested in small monoculars, consider the Canon Zoom digital monocular. Nikon also has an HG monocular with 7x magnification, but it has a smaller depth of field due to the increased magnification. Another option is the Celestron Outland X 10x50 Monocular, which is much cheaper but still delivers top-quality imagery.

How we tested the Nikon 5x15 HG Monocular

We put every instrument through a rigorous review to test it thoroughly.

We review each instrument on many aspects, including its construction and design, how well it functions as an optical instrument, and how it performs while on location. We look at the included accessories and suggest other equipment if it would benefit the experience.

Each team member carefully tests each instrument and is knowledgeable about its subject areas. Hands-on experience is a vital part of the process.