Nikon Monarch ATB: Reference Value Binos, Part 2

PART 2 of 3:
Excellent quality binoculars are indispensable for many activities to include tactical operations, general recreation, watching sporting events, wildlife watching, and hunting. In this three part video series, I take an in-depth look at features, terminology (simplified), and specifications that will make a difference in the performance of your selected binos. My current reference standard for high value and yet super high quality medium-format binos are the excellent "Nikon Monarch ATB" series. These Monarch 8x42 and 10x42 binos compare very favorably against MUCH more expensive binoculars and they are generally THE class leader against all comers in terms of weight at a very light 21.5 oz (subject to change). These Nikons are some of the most popular binos in the world today and have amassed an impressive track record of dependable performance and they have many fans the world over. They offer an incredible quality level and set of features for around $300: high quality and precision-ground Eco glass, phase-corrected and fully multi-coated optics, tough quality construction with useful rubber armor, total waterproofness, extendable eyecups that stay in place, a stiff hinge to maintain alignment, outstanding optical resistance to light flare-ups (from night urban lighting), an incredible 25 year generous replacement warranty, and they are offered in some great colors (black, tan and green camo patterns). A minor downside are lens covers that don't fit tight enough and they come with an unimpressive carry case. Sure it'd be great to have a pair of Leicas or Swarovski 10x42 binos but they are outrageously expensive, are still heavier than the Monarch ATBs (!), and they do not represent good value. Who has an extra $2,000 to $3,000 to devote soley to ONE pair of binos?! We all have too many gear needs competing for our limited funds. But these Monarch binos will more than adequately fill your optics requirements. From over nine years experience, I can attest these Monarch ATB binos will hold their own against most other offerings and are comfortable for extended viewing sessions. They offer the best compromise of brightness, sharpness, weight, ease of use, compactness, and durability that's currently available (Nov 2008) and they will delight the majority of users with their impressive performance. ////////////////Nutnfancy Likeability Scale: 10 out of 10

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[colorsoluble]

Agreed. I stopped watch TV like a year ago because of all the BS. But youtube is hard to give up with quality channels like this one.

[pb4y22]

Lots of good info. Its hard to watch TV when nutnfancys on the PC. LOL. That is what I am trying to do but I cannot get away from this review.

Take Care ;-)

[thatswhatshesaid1]

Check out Vortex Diamondback 10X42 from all reports they're the best buy out there.

[pumile0812]

@FuckingMirrors

I actually read, that also the Nikon Monarch ATB has BAK-4 prisms, so nutn shouldn't be thaaat harsh against them. It just seems to be difficult to find out what type of glass is in the bino, actually! I would like to see some more transparency from the manufacturers!!

[FuckingMirrors]

Saying BAK-4 terminology is useless isn't a correct statement. All better quality bino's use BAK-4 prisms or better (like ED glass in the top segment). If you shop in the cheap segment however it's important to keep in mind that BAK-4 is always better then BK-7.

Keep up the good work of making informative vids like these ;)

[Clipster15]

@nutnfancy I bought these binos about a week ago, and they really have great optics. The only problem (more so annoyance) that I have is the outer rubber coating. It seems to be a little bit loosely fit. When I'm gripping them and naturally changing gripping pressure through use the rubber will make noises as it "sticks" to the inner metal structure, the barrels. Are your monarchs this way?

[stephen25uk]

I can´t deal with too much technobabble. Cornell University (ornithology dept.) tested and reviewed every binocular out there and Nikon Monarchs came out top of the mid price range, out-performing many of the high end optics. I can´t afford Svarovski or Zeiss so Nikons were the best option.

[Mahartinba]

Dude you have provided me with so much info that I think I should not fail this xmas with nice pair of binos for my dad.

[cdh121212]

some of cabelas optics are made by barksa :(

[cdh121212]

some of cabelas optics are made by barksa :(

[urkingod]

what do you think of monarch X copre to ATB ?