Nikon Monarch X and others

Hi. I recently found your site and am reading as much as I can to make a list of potential binos. I 'think' I am looking for a 8*40ish bino as I want to use them for a variety of different tasks: finding interesting places to observe so I can go to them to take pictures from, birding and other animal observation, as well as the occasional look at the stars. Being a camera guy, I understand the price/lens quality issue, so I am looking at binos at various price categories so see what is best for me which is probably for a first set of binos under $800. Hope this makes sense.

You have frequently referred to the Nikon Monarch as a good introductory bino, but was wondering what you thought of the Nikon Monarch X.

As I have binos in various price points, are there other binos that I should look at other than: Nikon Monarch, Bushell Legend HD - when it comes out, Carson XM-HD, Swift HCF, Pentax DCF-SP,Leupold Pinacles.

Hi

The Monarch X is basically a slightly larger Monarch with an open brideg construction. That's going to give better handling as a rule, but I'd suggest you try one, first. As to the extra size, I don't see that as significant jump in performance.

You are at a very competitive price point in this area. Good news is that it is tough to make a mistake, but that also means you will never find a "best" either.

Of the ones you list, I like the Pinnacles or the Swift 828 - they get you Japanese made binos at a very reasonable price.

Thanks so much. There is not much selection up here, they have a little of this and that, but I did get to test an 8*40ish in one binocular, 10*40ish in another, and 10*50, and I think that the 8's * 40ish suit me best as I guess I shake more and they seem easier to hold and get a clearer view.

Hi

I agree. Awfully hard to beat an 8x42 as a do-everything bino.

Hi again. Have you used the Vortex Stokes DLS 8*42? If so, how do they compare to the Pentax DCF SP and ED?

Thanks so much.

Yes, in the same ball park as the SP, but not quite to the ED in terms of contrast and resolution.

prairies wrote:Hi. I recently found your site and am reading as much as I can to make a list of potential binos. I 'think' I am looking for a 8*40ish bino as I want to use them for a variety of different tasks: finding interesting places to observe so I can go to them to take pictures from, birding and other animal observation, as well as the occasional look at the stars. Being a camera guy, I understand the price/lens quality issue, so I am looking at binos at various price categories so see what is best for me which is probably for a first set of binos under $800. Hope this makes sense.

You have frequently referred to the Nikon Monarch as a good introductory bino, but was wondering what you thought of the Nikon Monarch X.

As I have binos in various price points, are there other binos that I should look at other than: Nikon Monarch, Bushell Legend HD - when it comes out, Carson XM-HD, Swift HCF, Pentax DCF-SP,Leupold Pinacles.

I have a pair of the Nikon Monarch X Binoculars (8x42) that i picked up last month. I would highly recommend this product as I am very happy with the quality of the glass.