1917
Three small optical manufacturers in Tokyo merged to form Nippon Kogaku K.K. – the ‘Japanese Optical Instrument Manufacturer Joint-Stock Company’.
1918
The Model Tenyu 6x binoculars were released, with a name that meant ‘divine protection’.
1921
The legendary Mikron brand of binoculars was launched in 1921, which continued to be produced during the reigns of three Japanese emperors.
1948
A new Mikron series was introduced in 1948, including a CF model of the Mikron 6x15, boasting a high-precision mechanism and elegant chrome finish.
1964
The first ‘fashion’ binoculars were compact models boasting a unique ‘Nikon Look’, featuring an improved grip with greater comfort and superb optical performance.
1978
The ultra-modern Compact Dach Series (6x, 7x, 8x 20D CF) of lightweight roof prism binoculars was released. They joined New York’s MoMA museum permanent collection in 1980 as an icon of design.
1982
The fieldscope introduced this year was the first to incorporate an Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass lens, recognised worldwide as the best of Nikon’s optical technology for camera lenses.
1982
The V-Line 10x25 CF binoculars arose from a collaboration with the iconic industrial designer Giorgetto Giugiaro. Their fresh look with planar surfaces and straight lines made them a huge hit.
1986
Viewing 10x25 F binoculars were the first to feature a compact design where the tube-folding mechanism was inspired by the folding wings of aircraft stored on aircraft carriers.
1987
8x30D IF RC Waterproof Orange binoculars were released and have climbed to the highest of heights. This model was taken on the joint Japanese-Chinese-Nepalese expedition to Everest in 1988.
1988
Shelte 8x23 CF WP model binoculars were introduced in 1988. The name was inspired by the Japanese word for seashell and they were filled with nitrogen to make them genuinely waterproof.
1988
The first Nikon zoom binoculars to feature a roof-prism system hit the market: the 6-12x24D CF Zoom. The optical system varied continuously from 6x to 12x and it became a sought-after product.
1996
The Nikon 5x15D CF binoculars were created. This low-power model featured a housing made of titanium and was primarily intended for use as opera glasses.
2004
The top-of-the-line laser rangefinder, the Laser 800S, was launched, offering First Target Priority and Distant Target Priority modes.
2017
For its centenary year, Nikon developed its most advanced binoculars with an outstandingly super-wide field of view, the WX Series, with no sense of frame to limit your vision.
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