We think these Nikon binoculars are excellent for variable magnification on the go

Of all the models in the renewed Nikon Action range released in 2026, the Action Zoom 10–22x50 is definitely one of the most attention-getting, with its zoom capability from 10x to 22x magnification. These are Nikon's third-generation 10-22x50 binoculars, building upon the past designs of 2007's Action VII Zoom XL 10-22x50 and 2013's Aculon 10-22x50 in 2013. The new design features a generous 16.3mm of eye relief, a tough aluminum chassis and updated optics. We found them to be a versatile pair of binoculars, and used them at 10x magnification to locate objects before zooming in to 22x for a closer look. Changing magnifications is easily done with a lever on the right eyecup, but the optics do suffer from the sacrifices required when producing a binocular with zoom functionality. Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars reviewNikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars: DesignStrong aluminum chassisEasy magnification changeBig focus dialThe Nikon Action 16x50 have a solid but lightweight aluminum chassis. (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)Along with the fixed magnification models in the Action series, the Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars have the same strong, lightweight aluminum chassis. This helps to protect the careful arrangement of lenses required for zooming, as well as making the binoculars more durable without adding extra weight.L-R: The Nikon Action 7x50, Nikon Action 10x50, Nikon Action 16x50 and Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future) In fact, the 2026 Action Zoom 10-22x50 is 0.4 oz (10 grams) lighter than the previous Aculon model. This is important for the stargazer or hiker who may already have lots of heavy gear to carry, where small amounts can make all the difference.We found that the higher the Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50's magnification was, the darker the image. (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)The exterior of the binoculars is covered in a textured rubber armor, which provides good grip while scanning the skies. A chunky focus dial between the barrels is easy to find with your fingers and use, enabling you to adjust focus quickly while observing. Focus touch-ups are usually required when changing magnification.SpecificationsDesign: Porro prismMagnification: 10-22x (zoom)Objective lens diameter: 50mmExit pupil: 5.0mm (10x) - 2.27mm (22x)Angular field of view: 3.9 degrees (10x)Eye relief: 16.3 mmWeight: 2.09 lbs (950 g)Dimensions: 8.0 x 7.9 x 2.6 in (202 x 200 x 66 mm)Magnification is easily changed with the right eyecup zoom lever, which is pushed down with the right index finger to move from 10x through to 22x. On the bottom of the right eyecup, there are printed white numbers on the body so that you can also set the magnification precisely at 12x, 15x and 18x. This helps with observing targets that don't require the full 22x zoom, and allows an astronomer to be more precise in their observations.Not sure what zoom you'll need when you're out and about? The Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars have you covered. (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)When moving the zoom lever, the lenses in the eyepieces slide forward and backward, changing the distance to the objective lenses at the front of the binoculars. This changes the effective focal length and magnification of the binoculars.The objective lens caps are easy to remove and replace but they're a little loose so you'll need to keep an eye on them. (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)50mm objective lenses let plenty of light through the binoculars when stargazing, delivering a bright image at 10x magnification and helping you to spot faint objects.Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars: PerformanceFor overhead views, we'd recommend you pair the Nikon Action Zoom 10-22x50 binoculars with a tripod. (Image credit: Harry Bennett / Future)Good for star-hopping then zooming in Noticeably dimmer at 22xNeeds a tripod for overhead views at 22xThe 22x magnification on the Nikon Action Zoom is the strongest out of the entire range, with the next one down being the 16x50. During handheld observation, the zoom functionality was good for night sky objects that weren't too high overhead or terrestrial observation at horizontal and downward angles. We were able to see the top portion of the Orion constellation with the magnification at 10x, with a bright Orion's belt and smudgy Orion nebula (M42). Switching to 22x magnification, we got a close-up view of the three stars making up Orion's belt and the dog-star Sirius to its left. At 22x these points of light were much more impressive but the binoculars handled stars much better than diffuse objects such as the Orion Nebula, which looked fairly unimpressive at 22x. We actually got a better view of the Orion Nebula with the NIkon Action 16x50. The maximum exit pupil on the Action Zoom is 5 mm at 10x magnification, but when fully zoomed in at 22x, the exit pupil drops to 2.3 mm, effectively halving the amount of light your eye is receiving. This makes the view