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

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.