Cameras and Lenses
Nikon 5x15 DCF Titanium
Hello guys
This is the binocular that I seem to be interested in lately, but it's not available where I live and I cant examine it personally 
Although there are some opinions about it scattered around birdforum, I don't think I have ever read a review. I'd like to gather some information about this niche binocular in one thread and I ask everyone who has any information and opinions to share it here. Especially about how you like it in comparison to top 8x20 compacts, photos are welcome. Does the small AFOV make the view 'restricted' or in contrary, is it pleasant to use?
[QUOTE=takitam;2021274]Hello guys
This is the binocular that I seem to be interested in lately, but it's not available where I live and I cant examine it personally
Although there are some opinions about it scattered around birdforum, I don't think I have ever read a review. I'd like to gather some information about this niche binocular in one thread and I ask everyone who has any information and opinions to share it here. Especially about how you like it in comparison to top 8x20 compacts, photos are welcome. Does the small AFOV make the view 'restricted' or in contrary, is it pleasant to use?[/QUOTE]
I own the 5x15 Titanium and the 6x5 Mikron reissue and enjoy them both.
The 5x15 delivers sharply focused images with very good color rendition and well controlled flare. The knob focuses quickly and they have a very short close focus which makes them useful for catching butterflies and other insects. They are also quite useful for birds that are not far away, concerts, operas, art galleries and the like. While the computed apparent field of view may seem narrow, 9 degrees of field is still 9 degrees of field and they deliver a satisfying view of the objects they were intended to be used on.
Comparing them to higher power binoculars like my wife's Swarovski 8x20 is dicey simply because the magnification is significantly different. Images are a lot bigger in the 8x20's but will have a reduced field of view.
Hope this helps. Feel free to ask any questions.
I own the Nikon 5x15 Titanium and also the Zeiss 8x20B. The Zeiss has a larger apparent field of view, but I like the ergonomics of the Nikons better. They are single hinge instead of double and they have a large centrally located focusing knob that is just about perfect. The Zeiss have an unusual design with the focusing knob on the right hinge and the diopter on the left hinge. The focusing knob is tiny. I have large hands and the Nikons are more comfortable to hold. With the Zeiss, focusing left handed works better but is still awkward.
Optically, they are both superb. The Nikons are sharp almost to the edges. I really can't find anything to criticize about the view. I would definitely say that the optics are comparable to the alphas. They have fold down eyecups and the eye relief is a little bit long for my glasses with them down. I solved this by purchasing rubber o-rings at a hardware store. I put them on the outside of the eyecups and folded the eyecups down over them. That allows me to have the eyecups raised partially. The Zeiss has excellent optics as well. I find the Zeiss a little harder to hold steady. I have a harder time with compacts in general, possibly because my hands are too big.
I think you'll like the Nikons if you get a pair. They weight nothing. Mine didn't come with a neck strap so I bought one intended for compact cameras. The Titaniums have a single strap attachment point so you use the type of strap that has a thin loop at the end. It is nice that you can buy a replacement strap if you need to and have a choice of different designs, including wrist straps.
The apparent field of view is a bit narrow, but it doesn't bother me. If you switch directly from a wide FOV binocular to the Titanium's, the AFOV seems narrow. However, when you're using them, your mind focuses on the image, not the field stop, so the image seems larger. 5X doesn't sound like much, but a smaller, steadier image can actually show as much or more detail as higher magnification. They are great vacation binoculars, perfect for looking at scenery. They wouldn't be my first choice for birding, but then, no compact would be. I would probably choose them over the Zeiss for birding though, because they are so much quicker and easier to focus.
Nikon made a 7x15 Titanium also, but I don't believe it has enough eye relief for glasses.