Nikon Monarch ATB: Reference Value Binos, Part 3

PART 3 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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[1970listowel]

love all your stuff man,alot of work for one guy. how about some handheld gps reviews?

[nyfishon]

That's not true. I got a pair for Christmas, dropped then about two months ago and had to send them for repair (broke one of the extending eye cups) I followed the service directions online, told them exactly what happened. They repaired them and shipped them back. No cost. That's why it's called a NO-FAULT 25 year warrenty.

[DanglingParticiples]

Enjoyed this great multipart video review while researching more compact 8x28 to 10x36 roof binoculars in my $100-$300 price range to buy for my stepson's upcoming birthday. Then went to Cabela's web site as you suggest to read the reviews. Have you read them recently? The eye cups, especially the right diopter, are plagued with ring fracture issues and falling apart under normal use -- even after manufacturer repair.

[alphadgo1242]

this is an old vid but how but some monocular vid i prefer thos cause there smaller thats my opinion so yeah hope u get to read this peace

[Deep13Deep13Deep13]

Zoom optics are hard to keep aligned, plus the objectives are really ground to one focal length, so focus will be off when zoomed. Ideally, they would have a moving telenegative lens like a camera lens, but I really doubt they have it.

[R0022]

Junk. DO NOT BUY these binos .Not fog proof . Junk used them on a moose hunt last fall It was raining and cold and these binoo where fogged up and useless. DO NOT BUY THESE. Took them to Nikon for repair .They did nothing. JUNK JUNK

[R0022]

Dont buy these bino, Junk Junk Junk. Not fogg proff as stated used them on a moose hunt lst fall and on a rainy day the were USELESS

Sent them back to Nikon and they did nothing

Junk Absolute JUNK.

[ssdwellah]

Great review with one small nitpick - instead of "infinitely focusable" I think you really meant continuously focusable, versus discretely focusable (as with detents on a dial).

[kan8dns]

I have watched all three parts and thought for the most part it was a great review and tutorial.

If I had to offer a critique it would be on the prisim material in part 2. Monarchs in fact use BaK-4 glass in their prisms. Low cost bins can also use this type of glass, but it doesn't mean the material is crap. A little more research other than a sales catalog may be in order.

[wildwizard992002]

Hello again. I am looking for birding binocs. I hear the debate between 8x42 and 10x42, which would you recommend and do you still thing that Nikon is the leader in this price range?

[jonfletcher147]

I've just bought the Monarch 10x42's in the UK (as you may know we pay far more here! :( ) they were on offer at £199 from £430.....as you say awesome bins for the cash!!! I have a pair of Nikon 12x25 travelite EX bins.....the difference in IQ regarding, brightness, contrast, sharpness and colour in the larger 10x42's in unbelievable!!! these are THE best bins for the cash.........GREAT review by the way ;) Fletch.