Binocular Chart

12x25 binoculars: 5 models compared

The 5 models of 12x25 share a 2.1 mm exit pupil, calculated from the size, and a field of view that runs from 219 to 262 ft. The median weight is 10.6 oz.

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Exit pupil
2.1 mmcalculated
Twilight factor
17.3calculated
Median field of view
236 ftat 1,000 yd
Median weight
10.6 oz

Most popular 12x25 with a listing: Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S

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Median width of view of 5 12x25 binoculars at 1,000 yd, against the 340 ft median of every size.
Median width of view of 5 12x25 binoculars at 1,000 yd, against the 340 ft median of every size.

Every 12x25 binocular in the chart

5 12x25 models, most popular first, with the best figure in each column in bold.

ModelMaker list priceAmazon
Bushnell H2O 12x25 262 ft 8 mm 19 ft 10.6 oz
Bushnell H2O 12x25 Compact 262 ft 8 mm 19 ft 10.6 oz
Nikon Travelite VI 12x25 CF Lightest 219 ft 11.1 mm 13.1 ft 9.7 oz
Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S 236 ft 12.3 mm 9.8 ft 13.9 oz $500 to $1,000 Check price on Amazon
Nikon Travelite EX 12x25 CF Longest eye relief 219 ft 15.9 mm 9.2 ft 12.9 oz Check price on Amazon

12x25 by the numbers

Binoculars compared
5
Median field of view
236 ft
Field of view range
219 to 262 ft
Median weight
10.6 oz
Median eye relief
11.1 mm
With 16 mm eye relief or more
0 of 5
With an Amazon listing
2 of 5

The 12x25 binoculars with the widest field of view at 1,000 yd, from the makers' figures.

What a 12x25 is used for

A 12x25 pairs 12 times magnification with 25 mm lenses. The RSPB describes 25 mm objectives as light, small compact models for daytime use. Audubon says objectives under 30 mm are lightweight and easy to carry but too dim for detail in poor light.

The exit pupil works out to 2.1 mm. Nikon puts the eye's pupil at about 2 mm in daylight, so the view suits bright conditions. Dusk is where the size gives out, since ZEISS says an exit pupil under 4 mm is unsuitable as light fades. The twilight factor works out to 17.3.

Steadiness is the other cost of 12 times power. Celestron says a tripod is not required from 8x to 12x, and the British Astronomical Association says anything above 10x is difficult to hold. Expect some hand shake, and brace your elbows on a rail or a fence.

How the 5 models differ

Field of view spans 219 to 262 ft, with a median of 236 ft. The Bushnell H2O 12x25 and the Bushnell H2O 12x25 Compact both list 262 ft, the widest in the size, but both give only 8 mm of eye relief and a 19 ft close focus.

Weight has a median of 10.6 oz. The Nikon Travelite VI 12x25 CF is lightest at 9.7 oz, while the Nikon Stabilized 12x25 S weighs 13.9 oz. That Nikon is the only image stabilized model here, and its maker list price band is $500 to $1,000. Its 9.8 ft close focus is the second closest of the 5 models in the size, behind the Travelite EX at 9.2 ft.

Eye relief has a median of 11.1 mm. The Nikon Travelite EX 12x25 CF is longest at 15.9 mm, yet 0 of 5 reach the RSPB's 16 mm for eyeglass wearers. The EX is also listed as waterproof.

Most models use roof prisms, while the two Travelite models use porro prisms. None of the 5 lists ED glass. For other pocket sizes, compare 10x25 and 8x25, or open the compact binoculars list.

Other sizes and how 12x25 compares

12x25 questions

What does 12x25 mean on binoculars?

12x25 means the binocular magnifies 12 times and each front lens is 25 mm across, so a subject looks 12 times closer than with the bare eye.

How bright is a 12x25 binocular?

12x25 gives an exit pupil of 2.1 mm and a twilight factor of 17.3. Nikon puts the eye's pupil at about 2 mm in daylight and 7 mm in the dark, so a larger exit pupil matters most at dusk and at night.

Which 12x25 binoculars work with glasses?

0 of the 5 12x25 models with a printed figure have 16 mm of eye relief or more, the minimum the RSPB advises for people who wear glasses. The median for the size is 11.1 mm.

Can you hold 12x25 binoculars steady without a tripod?

Yes for short looks, though shake shows. Celestron says a tripod is not required from 8x to 12x, but the British Astronomical Association calls anything above 10x difficult to hold.

Are 12x25 binoculars good at dusk?

No. The exit pupil works out to 2.1 mm, and ZEISS says an exit pupil under 4 mm is unsuitable as light fades. They suit daylight, when Nikon puts the eye's pupil at about 2 mm.

Do any 12x25 binoculars suit eyeglass wearers?

None reach the RSPB's figure. The RSPB advises at least 16 mm of eye relief, and the longest in this size is the Nikon Travelite EX 12x25 CF at 15.9 mm.