Except for the Nikon SE's not being totally waterproof, how do they stack up against the latest crop of roof-prism binos? In the past, the SE's were the reference standard (optically)by which all other binos were judged...and which not even the high-end roof-prism binos could exceed. Just wondering if that's still the case....

THEY STILL ARE
Each year when I test the newest, bestest and most expensive binoculars I dig out my SE Nikons for comparison and they still are the brightest and sharpest -- but the gap is narrowing.

Thanks, 458. Well then, considering that the SE's only cost from $600-$700 new, that's saying a lot for them compared to the most expensive roofs.

I thought they discontinued them??

They are probably as good a glass as there ever was. It is just the American love affair with sleek euro-looking roofies that has doomed it!

The Nikon SE's and that includes the 8x32, 10x42 and 12x50, have been considered at the top level, and they are
still at that level. If you want to check some reviews, check out Allbinos.
I have compared them all, and own most of the SE's, and they are very good optically, and that is comparing to the Swaro. EL and SV, Nikon EDG, and the Zeiss FL.
When the optics are this good, it does come down to personal preference.
They are still available new through many web merchants. Just do a search.

No, they haven't discontinued them, there's plenty of them available.

SE's are awfully nice, but I have a pair of 10x42 SE's, and a set of 8x42 Leupold HD's and there really isn't that much difference. I would guess that a set of alpha-Euro's doesn't give up anything, 'cept being twice the price.

Well I called Optics Planet yesterday late and they have them on 180 day backorder and they are not shown in Nikon's 2011 catalog. Maybe they are not making them and just selling off inventory. I will call Nikon N.A. Monday and see what they say.

The Nikon SE's are still on the Nikon sports optics website.
They are still being made but only sold it seems through some
of the bigger internet sellers.
Adorama sells these also, and must order them in, and as they
sell they just order some more.

And the price keeps going up.

Hi I have a pair of 12x50 like new for sale in classifieds and yes there as good as any of my alphas just dont get used much so im lettin someone else have em
sold pending funds

Bearbasin is showing the 10x42's on clearence.