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Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black)
-
Discontinued
Availability Details
CloseThis item has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available.
- B&H # NI8X42M5Q
- Mfr# 7542
Product Highlights
- Dielectric-Coated Roof Prisms
- Fully Multicoated Optics
- Center Focus Wheel
- Waterproof/Fogproof Housing
- Multi-Setting Click-Stop Eyecups
- Rubber Armored Housing
The 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black) from Nikon features Nikon's proprietary lead and arsenic free optical-glass formula, known as Eco-Glass which is used for all lenses and prisms in this fine Monarch binocular. All of the air-to-glass surfaces are fully multicoated to ensure maximum light transmission, sharpness, and contrast. The roof prisms are finished with a dielectric coating that enhances the efficiency of the optical system to near perfection.
This easy-to-handle optic is fully waterproof and fogproof, and a tactile rubberized exterior ensures a secure grip at all times. The centered focus knob is fast, accurate, and easy to use. A pair of multi-setting click-stop eyecups and a notable 19.6mm of eye relief allow you to tailor the binocular to suit your needs - whether you're wearing glasses or not.
Note! Covered by Nikon's 25-year no-fault repair/replacement policy
- Optical Performance
-
- AFOV: 47.5°
- Fully multicoated Eco-Glass lenses for enhanced sharpness and clarity
- Dielectric multilayer prism coating delivers extremely high levels of light transmission, excellent contrast, accurate color rendition
- Construction Details
-
- Black finish
- Nitrogen filled/o-ring sealed for water and fogproof performance
- Durable/protective rubber armoring provides a sure non-slip grip
- Sleek lightweight form factor: excellent ergonomics, easy to carry, durable
- Use and Handling
-
- Center focus knob: fast full-range of focus for quick viewing.
- Click stop eyecups: clear comfortable view with/without sun/eyeglasses
| Prism Type | Roof |
| Magnification | 8x |
| Objective Lens Diameter | 42 mm |
| Angle of View | 6.3° (actual) |
| Field-of-View | 330' @ 1000 yd / 109.56 m @ 1000 m |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 8.20' / 2.5 m |
| Exit Pupil Diameter | 5.3 mm |
| Eye Relief | 19.6 mm |
| Interpupillary Adjustment | 56 - 72 mm / 2.20 - 2.83" |
| Dioptric Correction | Not Specified By Manufacturer |
| Focus Type | Center |
| Tripod Mount | None |
| Dimensions | 5.0 x 2.4 x 5.7" / 12.70 x 6.10 x 14.48 cm |
| Weight | 21.5 oz / 609.53 g |
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 37 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Quality lenses (34)
- Lightweight (29)
- Waterproof (26)
- Strong construction (21)
- Works well with glasses (18)
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird watching (33)
- Wildlife viewing (27)
- Sporting events/concerts (9)
- Hunting (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (27), Avid adventurer (10)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (29), Yes (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Decent binoculars for eyeglass wearers
Most people find 8x42 binoculars easy on the eyes. The 8 power image is a bit more stable in the hand than 10 power, and also gives a bit bigger field of view. There...Read complete review
Most people find 8x42 binoculars easy on the eyes. The 8 power image is a bit more stable in the hand than 10 power, and also gives a bit bigger field of view. There is, of course, image stabilization. But that adds weight, and cost. So, 8 power is a good compromise. A 42 mm objective lets a 42/8 = 5.25 mm light beam, which is wider than our daylight squinting pupil diameter of about 3 mm. That gives the eyes a bit of wandering space in daylight, making this binocular relatively easy to look through. In good light, you get to see a nice, sharp image. Low light is always a bit more challenging. But it should get better with practice.
The mechanics of the Nikon Monarch 5 are good and predictable. The grip feels good, and the center focusing ring is within easy reach. Good job, Nikon.
Our two eyes generally do not focus equally. That's why many of us have different powers in our left and right eyeglasses. In a binocular, this is corrected by adjusting the eyecup diopter. In the Nikon Monarch 5, the right eyecup has the diopter wheel. The underside has a center dot, + and - markings for this adjustment. This wheel has enough resistance to stay in place. The manual (p25) describes how to do the diopter adjustment. It is not difficult. I wear glasses, so in theory, my focusing should already be corrected, but I did need a bit of diopter correction. May be I need to see the eye doc soon. Once adjusted, the scope can stay optimized for one individual set of eyes.
The eye relief issue affects eyeglass wearers. If it is not sufficiently long, eyeglass wearers do not get to see all the way to the perimeter of the round image. In the Monarch 5, I did not have this problem. This binocular is supposed to be weatherproof. The manual says that you could dunk it in water for upto 10 min without damage to the optics. Have no desire to test that.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nikon Monarchs
This would be a great product if Nikon had not
messed them up with non-fitting rear lens caps and
frontlens caps that are held on by straps that get in the way. The fr...Read complete review
This would be a great product if Nikon had not
messed them up with non-fitting rear lens caps and
frontlens caps that are held on by straps that get in the way. The front straps never appear in photos of the binoculars. For $279 MSRP they could have had better design and quality control.
I expect better from Nikon.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 37 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I use binoculars for general viewing and occasional birding. The Monarch 5 field is bright and clear. These are well constructed and easy to use. The only caveat is something mentioned by others; the rear eyepiece covers do not fit as they should. This should not occur with a quality product. Judging only the function of the glasses, they are perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Close Focus
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Great for bird watching! Sharp, vivid colors!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I was surprised how lightweight they are. Easy to focus & quick to use. The only con I have is the supplied carry case should be fitted with a velcro belt attachment (you now have to remove your belt to fit the carry case. Otherwise a great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I use these binoculars primarily for birding. Was initially torn between the 10x for the little extra zoom which I've been used to but the extra light gathering with these 8x42 is phenomenal. I'm very happy with them and use them almost daily. Can't ask for more in this price range. I'd very highly recommend it to all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
We took these binoculars to Yellowstone in the winter and they worked great, no fogging, the light gathering was fantastic. Didn't find anything that was not great.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I go birding often ad that is why I purchased this binocular.
Found it very useful. It is helping me in observing even the smaller details like the plumage gradation, some streak on the nape, neck, etc. of the smaller birds, which is almost impossible to notice with our naked eyes.
Overall this is a very good gear for birdwatching.
The flipside though: I lost the eyepiece cap in my very first outing with this binocular.
The eyepiece cap is a loosely held accessory. I usualy carry my camera with a heavy lens, along with this binocular. During first field trip itself, the cap has fallen off without my notice. Perhaps it got entangled with the camera strap and fell off as it is not held firm to the binocular strap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bird watching
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
My wife and I bought these to use for birdwatching. We frequently go on hikes and enjoy looking for birds along the way. These binoculars have increased our enjoyment of this activity immensely! At first I was a little reluctant to spend this much on binoculars but now I've seen (no pun intended) that quality optics are worth it. A pleasant surprise was how light weight they are. The biggest surprise was how much light reaches your eyes. You can use these on overcast days or at dusk/dawn and still see very well for birding or sports. Highly recommended if you'll be using them often.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
great product, and greater price and service!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
These binoculars have received accolades from professional birders, as well as sports fans and hunters. I purchased them after careful research, and am very pleased. The price is very reasonable and the binoculars meet others' descriptions of being relatively lightweight, easy to adjust and focus, and bright in low light. (I have been using them for birding in the early morning winter fog in the Seattle area.) With adjustable eye relief, they work equally well with eyeglasses or without. I recommend these binoculars wholeheartedly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
- Lens Covers Poor
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bought these 8x42's as was worried about going any higher in magnification for our first quality glasses we have bought in a long time.
In Australia we have quite harsh sunlight but I haven't noticed any abberation or edge distortion at all, no internal glare is present even when looking towards the sun, my only criticism is the lens covers-probably just take them off as they are poor fitting and get in the way, it was my wife who requested I look for some bins for her general viewing and these lightweight ones suit her fine, as we overlook town (about 2k's away), I wouldn't mind going higher in magnification after using these one's, just for me as these are very steady and shake free, so I might just get another pair a little stronger for those longer views, I have been used to porro prism type glasses (10x50) in the past, so looking through these compacts takes a little getting used to after hefting the others we used to buy.
We both wear glasses but found by just winding up the eye cups it didn't take any trouble at all to adjust, the focus wheel, we found to pretty friendly too-not much adjustment from close up to infinity-hardly needed to use the diopter either, my son used them the other day and was pretty impressed with his younger eyes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
- Lens Caps Are Terrible
Best Uses
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Just got the binoculars in the mail. Great service from B&H as always. Great product but pathetic attempt to include the provided lens covers for the eye piece.For the cost of these glasses you would think Nikon could get that right!!! they don't even come close to staying on.This has been a common complaint but I assumed they would have fixed that problem by now....guess not. Very disappointing. As a result I can only give this product 4 stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Great performance and good price. Probably the best choice at this price range. Very happy with the purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
These are the first binoculars I ever purchased. I bought them for viewing out the back of our house (we have a great view of the mountains with no homes out back) and for a upcoming cruise to Alaska. At first I started looking at compact lens because I wanted something light to carry around, but after reading many different articles on binoculars, I decided I wanted something with a bigger opjective lens to let in more light but I did not want to go with something that was too bulky. I opted for the 42mm objective lens and the reviews on the Monarch's were great. I am very satisfied with the bincoulars (they are light enough to carry around and the clarity is excellent). My only negitive on the binoculars is the eye covers which are difficult to stay on when putting the binoculars in the case or taking them out. That is the only reason I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. I got an excellent deal on these from B&H (they even matched another website price that was a few dollars cheaper). I also picked the 8x42 over the 10x42 because my hands are not as steady as they once were (I am in my late 50's).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to focus
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I own an older model of Monarch and bought the Monarch 5 8x42 for my mother for Christmas for bird watching and she can't stop raving about them. She is older so weight is a huge deal for her and these are the perfect tradeoff between weight, light gathering power (the 42mm) and sharpness. They are also easy to adjust focus and eye spacing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bought for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Clear images in low light and light weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Got these for bird watching mainly. Very sharp lenses. Great in low light
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bright, sharp, and clear image. Compact and lightweight enough to carry along with a big lens DSLR. Seems solid and well made.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
birds look large, colors more visible, much better than the small binocs I had been using. Layers of the trees are clear, can follow birds more easily. Fun. Not heavy, which I had expected. I don't wear glasses but they're supposed to adapt.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I bought these as a gift for a back yard nature observer. I tried them myself and enjoyed the light weight and ease of focus. They work easily with glasses. I like the attached covers for the lenses, they did not get in the way and they won't get lost. Excellent warranty. I love shopping with B&H. Great products, items are always well-packaged for shipping.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
REVIEW SNAPSHOT®
by PowerReviews(based on 37 reviews)
Ratings Distribution
97%
of respondents would recommend this to a friend.
Pros
- Quality lenses (34)
- Lightweight (29)
- Waterproof (26)
- Strong construction (21)
- Works well with glasses (18)
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird watching (33)
- Wildlife viewing (27)
- Sporting events/concerts (9)
- Hunting (5)
- Reviewer Profile:
- Casual/ recreational (27), Avid adventurer (10)
- Was this a gift?:
- No (29), Yes (7)
Most Liked Positive Review
Decent binoculars for eyeglass wearers
Most people find 8x42 binoculars easy on the eyes. The 8 power image is a bit more stable in the hand than 10 power, and also gives a bit bigger field of view. There...Read complete review
Most people find 8x42 binoculars easy on the eyes. The 8 power image is a bit more stable in the hand than 10 power, and also gives a bit bigger field of view. There is, of course, image stabilization. But that adds weight, and cost. So, 8 power is a good compromise. A 42 mm objective lets a 42/8 = 5.25 mm light beam, which is wider than our daylight squinting pupil diameter of about 3 mm. That gives the eyes a bit of wandering space in daylight, making this binocular relatively easy to look through. In good light, you get to see a nice, sharp image. Low light is always a bit more challenging. But it should get better with practice.
The mechanics of the Nikon Monarch 5 are good and predictable. The grip feels good, and the center focusing ring is within easy reach. Good job, Nikon.
Our two eyes generally do not focus equally. That's why many of us have different powers in our left and right eyeglasses. In a binocular, this is corrected by adjusting the eyecup diopter. In the Nikon Monarch 5, the right eyecup has the diopter wheel. The underside has a center dot, + and - markings for this adjustment. This wheel has enough resistance to stay in place. The manual (p25) describes how to do the diopter adjustment. It is not difficult. I wear glasses, so in theory, my focusing should already be corrected, but I did need a bit of diopter correction. May be I need to see the eye doc soon. Once adjusted, the scope can stay optimized for one individual set of eyes.
The eye relief issue affects eyeglass wearers. If it is not sufficiently long, eyeglass wearers do not get to see all the way to the perimeter of the round image. In the Monarch 5, I did not have this problem. This binocular is supposed to be weatherproof. The manual says that you could dunk it in water for upto 10 min without damage to the optics. Have no desire to test that.
VS
Most Liked Negative Review
Nikon Monarchs
This would be a great product if Nikon had not
messed them up with non-fitting rear lens caps and
frontlens caps that are held on by straps that get in the way. The fr...Read complete review
This would be a great product if Nikon had not
messed them up with non-fitting rear lens caps and
frontlens caps that are held on by straps that get in the way. The front straps never appear in photos of the binoculars. For $279 MSRP they could have had better design and quality control.
I expect better from Nikon.
REVIEWS
Reviewed by 37 customers
Sort by
Displaying reviews 1-20
Previous | Next »
Pros
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I use binoculars for general viewing and occasional birding. The Monarch 5 field is bright and clear. These are well constructed and easy to use. The only caveat is something mentioned by others; the rear eyepiece covers do not fit as they should. This should not occur with a quality product. Judging only the function of the glasses, they are perfect.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Close Focus
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Great for bird watching! Sharp, vivid colors!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I was surprised how lightweight they are. Easy to focus & quick to use. The only con I have is the supplied carry case should be fitted with a velcro belt attachment (you now have to remove your belt to fit the carry case. Otherwise a great product.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I use these binoculars primarily for birding. Was initially torn between the 10x for the little extra zoom which I've been used to but the extra light gathering with these 8x42 is phenomenal. I'm very happy with them and use them almost daily. Can't ask for more in this price range. I'd very highly recommend it to all.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
We took these binoculars to Yellowstone in the winter and they worked great, no fogging, the light gathering was fantastic. Didn't find anything that was not great.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I go birding often ad that is why I purchased this binocular.
Found it very useful. It is helping me in observing even the smaller details like the plumage gradation, some streak on the nape, neck, etc. of the smaller birds, which is almost impossible to notice with our naked eyes.
Overall this is a very good gear for birdwatching.
The flipside though: I lost the eyepiece cap in my very first outing with this binocular.
The eyepiece cap is a loosely held accessory. I usualy carry my camera with a heavy lens, along with this binocular. During first field trip itself, the cap has fallen off without my notice. Perhaps it got entangled with the camera strap and fell off as it is not held firm to the binocular strap.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bird watching
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Hunting
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
My wife and I bought these to use for birdwatching. We frequently go on hikes and enjoy looking for birds along the way. These binoculars have increased our enjoyment of this activity immensely! At first I was a little reluctant to spend this much on binoculars but now I've seen (no pun intended) that quality optics are worth it. A pleasant surprise was how light weight they are. The biggest surprise was how much light reaches your eyes. You can use these on overcast days or at dusk/dawn and still see very well for birding or sports. Highly recommended if you'll be using them often.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
Cons
Best Uses
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
great product, and greater price and service!!!
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
These binoculars have received accolades from professional birders, as well as sports fans and hunters. I purchased them after careful research, and am very pleased. The price is very reasonable and the binoculars meet others' descriptions of being relatively lightweight, easy to adjust and focus, and bright in low light. (I have been using them for birding in the early morning winter fog in the Seattle area.) With adjustable eye relief, they work equally well with eyeglasses or without. I recommend these binoculars wholeheartedly.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
- Lens Covers Poor
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bought these 8x42's as was worried about going any higher in magnification for our first quality glasses we have bought in a long time.
In Australia we have quite harsh sunlight but I haven't noticed any abberation or edge distortion at all, no internal glare is present even when looking towards the sun, my only criticism is the lens covers-probably just take them off as they are poor fitting and get in the way, it was my wife who requested I look for some bins for her general viewing and these lightweight ones suit her fine, as we overlook town (about 2k's away), I wouldn't mind going higher in magnification after using these one's, just for me as these are very steady and shake free, so I might just get another pair a little stronger for those longer views, I have been used to porro prism type glasses (10x50) in the past, so looking through these compacts takes a little getting used to after hefting the others we used to buy.
We both wear glasses but found by just winding up the eye cups it didn't take any trouble at all to adjust, the focus wheel, we found to pretty friendly too-not much adjustment from close up to infinity-hardly needed to use the diopter either, my son used them the other day and was pretty impressed with his younger eyes.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
- Lens Caps Are Terrible
Best Uses
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Just got the binoculars in the mail. Great service from B&H as always. Great product but pathetic attempt to include the provided lens covers for the eye piece.For the cost of these glasses you would think Nikon could get that right!!! they don't even come close to staying on.This has been a common complaint but I assumed they would have fixed that problem by now....guess not. Very disappointing. As a result I can only give this product 4 stars.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Great performance and good price. Probably the best choice at this price range. Very happy with the purchase.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
These are the first binoculars I ever purchased. I bought them for viewing out the back of our house (we have a great view of the mountains with no homes out back) and for a upcoming cruise to Alaska. At first I started looking at compact lens because I wanted something light to carry around, but after reading many different articles on binoculars, I decided I wanted something with a bigger opjective lens to let in more light but I did not want to go with something that was too bulky. I opted for the 42mm objective lens and the reviews on the Monarch's were great. I am very satisfied with the bincoulars (they are light enough to carry around and the clarity is excellent). My only negitive on the binoculars is the eye covers which are difficult to stay on when putting the binoculars in the case or taking them out. That is the only reason I gave them 4 stars instead of 5. I got an excellent deal on these from B&H (they even matched another website price that was a few dollars cheaper). I also picked the 8x42 over the 10x42 because my hands are not as steady as they once were (I am in my late 50's).
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Easy to focus
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I own an older model of Monarch and bought the Monarch 5 8x42 for my mother for Christmas for bird watching and she can't stop raving about them. She is older so weight is a huge deal for her and these are the perfect tradeoff between weight, light gathering power (the 42mm) and sharpness. They are also easy to adjust focus and eye spacing.
Pros
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Sporting Events/Concerts
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bought for wildlife viewing and bird watching. Clear images in low light and light weight.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Got these for bird watching mainly. Very sharp lenses. Great in low light
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
Bright, sharp, and clear image. Compact and lightweight enough to carry along with a big lens DSLR. Seems solid and well made.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Close Focus
- Quality Lenses
- Strong Construction
- Waterproof
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
birds look large, colors more visible, much better than the small binocs I had been using. Layers of the trees are clear, can follow birds more easily. Fun. Not heavy, which I had expected. I don't wear glasses but they're supposed to adapt.
- Was this a gift?:
- No
Pros
- Compact
- Lightweight
- Works Well With Glasses
Cons
Best Uses
- Bird Watching
- Wildlife Viewing
Comments about Nikon 8x42 Monarch 5 Binocular (Black):
I bought these as a gift for a back yard nature observer. I tried them myself and enjoyed the light weight and ease of focus. They work easily with glasses. I like the attached covers for the lenses, they did not get in the way and they won't get lost. Excellent warranty. I love shopping with B&H. Great products, items are always well-packaged for shipping.
- Was this a gift?:
- Yes
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