Customer Rating: Summary: better then I expected. Comment: Just retuned from a vacation in Costa Rica. These binoculars were great. The tour guides had much more expensive binoculars that were not as good as the Nikon 7430. Recommend them highly. Customer Rating: Summary: Nikon Monarch 8X42 Binocullars Comment: I received the binoculars within 5 days without paying for special shipping. A+ condition- Highly recommended seller. Customer Rating: Summary: Great product, even better value Comment: Delivery was quicker than promised and the contents were packaged and protected well. When all was added up, including shipping and handling, I could not find anyone to match Amazon's price.
I debated getting the 10 power and was unsure if I'd made the right choice until I used the 8x42. The binocs give a good field of view with images that are very bright, allowing detail to come through even in low light. Also, with my unsteady hands the 8 power was a good choice for viewing stable images. For my purposes, detail is more important than added magnification. I wear glasses and the focal length is right on. I'd buy these again without hesitation. Customer Rating: Summary: Nikon Monarch Binos....Awesome Comment: I have had the Nikon Monarch 8 x 42 binos for a few months now. Primary use has been hunting whitetail deer in NC across long fields (800+ yards) and out west glassing for mule deer. Secondary use has been bird watching mostly at close range (20 yards and in).
I did extensive research for about 4 months before I purchased the binos. I also got on the Cornell Ornithology website and looked at their reviews as well. The Nikon Monarch's were the number 1 bino for less than $1,000. I had looked at binos up to about $600 which I put as my limit. It came down to this and a Pentax model. I got the right binos! They were cheaper than the Pentax with better glass and feel.
My mom has some Swarovski's that go for about $1,800 (she is a bird-a-holic). My mom was very impressed with the binos and to be honest I couldn't tell much of a difference from her Swarovski's (it was midday, so early or late I'm sure you get a bit more light in the S's).
The ocular lens cover is one piece and slides to one side of the neck strap when you're using them (no caps to lose). The ocular lenses have twist out eye pieces for use without glasses (they are firm not flimsy soft plastic--took a little getting used to--a day) and twist down for the eye pieces to be flush for use with glasses, (found this to be key midday when I needed sunglasses to view northwest).
The objective lenses are protected by lens covers that snap into place but have individual leashes that are connected to the bottom of the binos. I found this to be a great asset when still hunting (nothing to fall off or lose and easy to keep the bino protected).
They fogged the first morning on the OUTSIDE of the ocular lens--no problem with the inner tubes. I realized that in 10F weather I needed to keep the binos next to my chest inside my outside layer to keep them just warm enough not to fog when I put them next to my eyes...true to all binos. It rained the next day and I was still hunting so they got plenty wet with no worries.
For use in a stand, sitting, or with a rest these are perfect binos! I found the 8 power to be my limit for a really stable picture at long distance. I just got into a routine where I would glass while leaning against a tree or take a knee. I found that I can sweep slowly and steadily, but it was a bit harder to keep the jitters down on a specific target (could be a bit of buck fever too). If I were getting binos just for still hunting (slowly moving and stalking) I think I would go with a 6 x 42. For glassing from stable positions this pair is money. They are also perfect for bird watching. No issues with jitter at close range.
I can't tell you all enough how good these binos feel and the quality of the glass. They are very compact, feel lighter than they are, and have great light emissivity. Don't go with a smaller objective lens...the 42 isn't too big and awesome early morning and evening. For any price these are great binos...at this price it really is a steal.
Customer Rating: Summary: Love Them Comment: Pros:
1. Crystal clear magnification
2. Great compact design.
3. I love the weather proof design (I don't feel like I have to baby them).
4. Great price.
Cons:
1. The lens covers leave a little to be desired. The cover on the business end always wants to come off. The covers on the other end are hanging on by a little piece of plastic, you know that wont last the years.
Nikon is a precision optical company with worldwide manufacturing, research and marketing capabilities. The Nikon name is equated with extraordinary photographic performance, innovation, precision and optical quality.PRODUCT FEATURES:100% Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof;Ultra-rugged, rubber-armored, roof-prism design;Extended eye relief and central focus for viewing convenience;Fully Multicoated lenses for bright, clear images;Precision aligned optics for extended viewing.
