Nikon Monarch Bino

[Wild1]

I've narrowed by bino search and have decided on the Nikon Monarch ATB. One last detail: any thoughtts on whether I should get the 8x42 or 10x42. I found a good deal on a 10x42 but will that be ok for long periods of time glassing.....? Is there really enough of a difference for it to be a deal breaker....? Appreciate any helpful input. Thanks in advance

 

[abbydog301]

I have had the 10X42 for a couple of years now and I think they are great.

 

[Arrowslinger]

Go w/ the 10x's.

If not, you'll only wish you had'em to figure out if that's a black pig or burnt stump at 600 yards.

 

[SierraExplorer]

I have the 8x42- but wished I had the 10x. I got these on a steal from Sportsmart on their grand opening 2 months back (I believe I was actually one of the first customers. Coupon in mail, open box display, <could not find the rest of the stock yet got me a 30% discount> and the bpx was marked down lower than the listed price from Gart Sports. Apparently this set came from another store out of state- $218+ tax I could not pay for them and get out the store fast enoufgh.

They do far surpass my old Leupolds from Walmart in clarity and view.

Walmart was so kind to take my Lepoulds back for store credit when I was not satisfied with them also.

These will last me a lifetime.

 

[hafpakcerts]

Hello,
I only have a little experience (BIG 10x50 porro prism and much smaller lighter 10x42 roof prism) with 10 power binos. I find the 10x42's great unless it is super windy or so cold that I shiver. When I was using the big 10x50's, I never noticed not being able to hold them still. I sometimes do have that problem with the smaller binos.
Either way I don't think you can go wrong, but I thought you should know of my experience.
Good luck, Kirk

 

[pitdog]

I have the 8X42 because I can keep em steady. The 10x's gitter a bit with me.
I love em!!!

 

[Bishop]

I've got the 10X42 Monarch's. A great set of binoculars, Love em.

 

[wmidbrook]

The monarch 10x42's have worked well for me. But, the top of the line wind river's my father-in-law bought when they first came out in 2001 are better for about the same price IMO.

Nikon may have fixed this in newer models but the ocular adjustment always falls out of adjustment. And the Winds are a lot clearer near the edges which is an indicator of better glass. Both are about the same in terms of handling glare.

 

[HOGHUNTER714]

Wild1,

I have never looked through the Nikon Monarchs, but I have heard they are great glass. I have a pair of Leupold "Windriver" 12x50's. These are lightweight, compact and are one hell of a pair of Bino's. I think there about the same as the Monarches as far as price. Check them out, you'll be glad you did.....

HH714

 

[wmidbrook]

Minox has some good glass that I thought was better than the Wind Rivers. If you hold out for good "grey market" deals (ie you're willing to pay for service work as opposed to free servicing), you can get them for the same as the nikons.

I recently compared a $500 minox 10x40 to leica's and there wasn't any discernable difference. I did find the swaro's (slc's) slightly brighter and amplified colors slightly more than the leicas in the same class although details-wise, I could see just as much with the leicas and minox. I've got good eyes--just had them checked recently and I still have 20-15 vision and slightly better than that with my left eye.

Anyway, I think I've seen that pair of Minox for around $350 before on the grey market.