Nikon vs Burris
#1
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oh
Posts: 193

I just got back from Bass Pro doing a test on two scopes, the Nikon Monarch 2.5-10 x 42 vs the Burris 3-9x40 E1. I wanted to see the new C4 reticle but they didn’t have them yet. The Nikon should have had the advantage with the larger main lens. I want to set up a new rifle and had the Nikon Monarch 3-12x42 as my top choice. After comparing the two scopes mentioned having both scopes set to 9 on magnification, I couldn’t believe what I saw. The Burris was noticeably brighter looking at several different objects dark and light and it was just as clear. The sales person was a Nikon person and made that clear before we did the test. I asked him to look and compare and he couldn’t believe it and agreed the Burris was brighter. The Nikon was my first choice but now I am not sure. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
#2
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location:
Posts: 2,186

OK .. here I go ! And I am prepared to duck the Nikon fans!!
I traded for a rifle had a 2011 vintage Nikon Monarch mounted on it. The scope was a 50mm varialble. Because it MSRP's for a tidy sum, and becasue I have a Nikon Venturer bino that I really like, I was prepared to replace an Elite 4200 that was on my ML with the Monarch.
But before I did, I decided to see how just good this scope realy was. I "tested" the Monarch against several others that I ahd that were in the $500-700 range. Long story short, I sold the Monarch and left the 4200 in place. I was stunned at the poorer quality of the image and how "quick" the Monarch became useless as the light faded. Unless there has been a heck of an upgrade of the Monarch since 2011, I'd not buy one. There are better values out there in my opinion.
I traded for a rifle had a 2011 vintage Nikon Monarch mounted on it. The scope was a 50mm varialble. Because it MSRP's for a tidy sum, and becasue I have a Nikon Venturer bino that I really like, I was prepared to replace an Elite 4200 that was on my ML with the Monarch.
But before I did, I decided to see how just good this scope realy was. I "tested" the Monarch against several others that I ahd that were in the $500-700 range. Long story short, I sold the Monarch and left the 4200 in place. I was stunned at the poorer quality of the image and how "quick" the Monarch became useless as the light faded. Unless there has been a heck of an upgrade of the Monarch since 2011, I'd not buy one. There are better values out there in my opinion.
#3
Fork Horn
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oh
Posts: 193

I thought the Nikon would be so much brighter with the 42 vs 40 mm objective lens and its a Nikon. The artificial light in a modern store in photo terms is about 5000K vs evening light 5500-6000K if I remember correctly so its apples to apples and the Burris was so much brighter. I think many just assume the Nikon is better never having held them side by side. The o rings are better and the clicks are more pronounced according to some on the Burris. I haven't tested that. The guy in the store seemed shocked he is a Nikon guy.
#4
Nontypical Buck
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 1,834

I have a Nikon pistol scope on one of my Lone Eagles and Burris LER's on the rest. No comparison. And after the snafu with Nikon last year with replacement of a scope, no thanks.
If I were to have a free lifetime supply of Nikons as to buying a Burris, I am getting out my checkbook!!!!!
If I were to have a free lifetime supply of Nikons as to buying a Burris, I am getting out my checkbook!!!!!
#5
Fork Horn
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 228

I have a couple Monarchs that I got good deals on, as well as several Burris FFII's. IMO the FFII's have much much better glass. I do prefer the resettable turrets on the Monarch, but that's the only thing I like better of them and since the ones I have aren't repeatable in tracking, the turrets really aren't an advantage. IMO the Burris is quite a bit better scope and if I was looking for something in that price range it's what I'd go with. IMO you can't get much better until you step up to a Zeiss Conquest.
#6

OK .. here I go ! And I am prepared to duck the Nikon fans!!
I traded for a rifle had a 2011 vintage Nikon Monarch mounted on it. The scope was a 50mm varialble. Because it MSRP's for a tidy sum, and becasue I have a Nikon Venturer bino that I really like, I was prepared to replace an Elite 4200 that was on my ML with the Monarch.
But before I did, I decided to see how just good this scope realy was. I "tested" the Monarch against several others that I ahd that were in the $500-700 range. Long story short, I sold the Monarch and left the 4200 in place. I was stunned at the poorer quality of the image and how "quick" the Monarch became useless as the light faded. Unless there has been a heck of an upgrade of the Monarch since 2011, I'd not buy one. There are better values out there in my opinion.
I traded for a rifle had a 2011 vintage Nikon Monarch mounted on it. The scope was a 50mm varialble. Because it MSRP's for a tidy sum, and becasue I have a Nikon Venturer bino that I really like, I was prepared to replace an Elite 4200 that was on my ML with the Monarch.
But before I did, I decided to see how just good this scope realy was. I "tested" the Monarch against several others that I ahd that were in the $500-700 range. Long story short, I sold the Monarch and left the 4200 in place. I was stunned at the poorer quality of the image and how "quick" the Monarch became useless as the light faded. Unless there has been a heck of an upgrade of the Monarch since 2011, I'd not buy one. There are better values out there in my opinion.