8x42 Binocs

[Test81]

I am in the market for a pair of binocs used mainly in wooded terrain and occasional open fields roughly 400yrds or so. I have been doin some reading and picked a few that I think will do what I need. Please give me opinions if you can.

Since in the woods I am thinking about an 8x42 rather than the 10x42. I am looking to spend between 300-400 on this pair.

The 2 that I really have noticed are the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 and Leupold Mojave 8x42. Anyone use either of these two models and have any info???

[craiggers]

I have the Monarch's 8x42 they're awesome. Look for them on ebay I bought mine for $230 delivered and lost some auctions for an even lower price. I hunt in northern WI so it can be pretty heavily wooded. Like I said I am very happy with the purchase. I like them so much I am in the process of buying a Monarch Scope, just have not decided exactly which one to get.

[midwesthunter1]

The nikons are the way to go. Leupolds are nice but they don't use as good quality glass as they do in their scopes. I have the 10 x 42

[PABowhntr]

I think either would be a good choice. I have owned several Monarchs and I had the chance to look through a Mojave recently. Both are good glass in that price range. I would probably opt for the Mojaves as I enjoyed the handling of the open bridge design and I thought the optics were a hair better than the Monarchs. The Monarchs though are excellent all around roof prism binocs in terms of weight, handling and image quality. I do not think you could really go wrong with either.

In addition I suggest you check out some of the Vortex models. At their respective price points I think they offer excellent optical performance. I recently saw two internet sites, cameralandny and eagle optics that had the Vortex Diamondbacks (phase coated, waterproof 8x42s with a 420 foot field of view) on sale for as low as $130 because of some factory "blemishes" that are next to unnoticeable in person.

The Bushnell Legends, Leupold Cascades and the Cabelas Alpha Extremes also would be worth a look in this price range.

[Hurricanespg]

The Nikons Monarchs are a good buy, as are the Leupold Cascades....I don't have any experience with Leupold Mojaves.

[ACPOSSETIM]

I just gota set of 10 x 36 monarchs and I love them. I also have a set of 8.5 x 56 monarch and they are awesome too, just wish they had a little more power, that's why I got the 10's. I'd be willing to sell the 8.5 x 56 monarchs or I have a great set of 8 x 42 weaver classics, PM me if you're interested, I'd give you a great deal on either set.

[cbsn]

recommend monarch 8x42 too.

[liquidorange]

Leupolds are nice but they don't use as good quality glass as they do in their scopes. I have the 10 x 42

i have a set of the new gold rings. for 799$ all i can say is wow! thats the detail ive been misssing.great binos!

[robbcayman]

I have the Nikon Monarchs 10x42 and I love them.

[TerryM]

Do yourself a favor and check out the Vortex line. I have 8x42 Vipers and they are excellent and have a lifetime fully transferable warranty.