Nikon Monarch Binos

[JD IN ALBERTA]

Anyone use the new ones...I'm looking at the 10 or 12X43?

[PABowhntr]

The newest versions, those with either 36 mm or 56 mm objective sizes have not hit any of the shelves yet. The latest I have heard is mid-May.

If you are referring to the 10x42 or 12x42, I have tried the former. I had a pair of black 10x42s about two years ago and they were optically excellent especially considering the price. Since then I have owned two more of the camo 10x42s and neither was close optically to the originals.

I have also owned an 8x42 version and it was the best optically in terms of brightness, field of view and ease of image. I would not hesitate to buy another one in that configuration but I am holding out for the 8x36.

Hope this helps.

[TurkeyStalker]

I was at Bass Pro Shops a couple of weeks ago looking at Binoculars and comparing NIkon to Leupold. There is no comparison in my opinion, Nikon has much better glass. OK now I was comparing the team realtree 10 x 36 with the monarch 10 x 36 might of been 8 x 36 on both pairs. To me there really was not tht much difference other than price. Maybe you guys could help me out. They are both fog/ water proof. Same FOV on both pairs.

[PABowhntr]

To me there really was not tht much difference other than price. Maybe you guys could help me out. They are both fog/ water proof. Same FOV on both pairs.

The Buckmaster/Sporter models are being somewhat phased out in favor of the new Monarch 36 mm models. The Monarchs have phase coated prisms while the Sporter/Buckmasters do not. Phase coating improves brightness, contrast and resolution to an extent. The Monarchs are also substantially lighter in weight.

[JD IN ALBERTA]

PA...so you are saying your older set are better than your newer one? I'm talking about the 42mm objective monarchs...I figured they would get better not worse.

[PABowhntr]

I think it was more of a case with product sample variation rather than older versus newer. You cannot expect the quality control with optics to be as high at the $300 price point as compared to $800 or $1000 bins.

My best advice is to try before you buy...if possible.

[JD IN ALBERTA]

Ya I'm starting to look at different models but no one sells them in my city. I would have to order them and I wanted to get some comments. I'm actually heading to Cabelas next month so I should be able to try a variety at once. So did you pay way more for the first pair then the other ones?

[trailer]

ORIGINAL: JD IN ALBERTA

I'm actually heading to Cabelas next month

Which Cabela"™s are you going to see?

[PABowhntr]

I'm actually heading to Cabelas next month so I should be able to try a variety at once. So did you pay way more for the first pair then the other ones

No, not really. I think I paid right at $300 for the first pair and then around $280 for the camo versions a year later. They were on sale since they were new. Personally I think the Monarchs are one of the best values out there and I would not hesitate to buy another. In fact, I do plan on buying a pair of the 8x36 Monarchs as soon as they become available.

Good idea to go the Cabelas route as their return policy is superb. After you compare a few of the bins at the optics counter and you decide on one model then I would ask to actually look through the pair you are going to walk home with. Nothing is more frustrating than trying a "cherry" pair in the store and the walking home with another unit of the same model that isn't as good.

[JD IN ALBERTA]

thanks for the tip...I didn't even really think of that. It would suck since I'm driving from Alberta to Utah!