Reviews & Ratings for Nikon Monarch 5 10x42mm Roof Prism Binocular — 15 reviews — Page 1

I am on my third pair of Nikon Monarchs, but I am resigned to switch to a different manufacturer/model. The first pair I owned, the eye cups broke and had to be secured with electrical tape. Eventually, Nikon replaced this pair with a new pair. The second pair was more durable and lasted for over a decade. The diopter adjustment gradually drifted over time until it was pegged to the maximum adjustment in order to retain clarity. I sent the second pair in, but they were returned without being repaired. I bought a third pair about two years ago, and the diopter drift occurred on this pair as well. The drift happened much more rapidly, and now one eye is perpetually out of focus with the other, which is very annoying. I kept the second pair as a backup and had to go back to using them, but recently one side of the binocular stopped focusing all together.
I acknowledge that my binocular use is much more intense than most. I carry them everywhere I go, and use them daily. I have traveled with them to five continents and use them backpacking, on pelagic trips, and at extreme temperature ranges.
I have long been an advocate of the Monarch binoculars. They offer exceptional quality for the cost. Because of my use and travel habits, I would worry constantly if I had a $1K to $3K pair of binoculars. They are light weight, compact, comfortable in the hand, do not cause eye fatigue, and have a good range of focus. The eye cup covers are surprisingly poor quality for the price paid fo...
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I have had the same model in 8 x 42 for several years ( purchased from Optics Planet) My vision is getting to the point that the extra power is appreciated. The size is convenient for carrying or setting in my blind. The 8 x 42 binoculars I have used for sometime are still like new and I expect the new 10 x 42 ones to last as well, Nikon is good quality and value.

I have been in the market for a while for new binos and was between the Vortex Diamondbacks, Leupold McKenzies, and these Nikon Monarch 5s. I went to my local Academy store which carries all of them to test them out. I was expecting to like the Vortex the most due to all of the good things I have heard but when I tried them out they were SO Tight and the clearly the darkest glass out of the 3. Next were the Leupolds. I almost bought these because they were so close to the performance of the Monarchs and almost half the price. The only reason I didnt buy the leupolds is because I didnt like the eye cups as much and they were just slightly darker when compared to the Monarchs. My wife on the other hand thought the Leupolds were brighter so it depends on your eyes. I love the monarchs rubber coating and smooth hinges and focus wheel. The eye cups also have 3 stop settings which is nice. I got them during labor day with a coupon which really brought the price down. I paired it with a rick young outdoor ultralight harness and couldnt be happier.

These binoculars are very well made. They feel good in the hands. Focuses easily. Appear to be very durable for the long haul. They are waterproof and fog proof. They also have a rubberized covering to protect against bumps and scrapes. A great pair of binoculars at an even better price.

I purchased these binoculars after a lot of review and evaluation and am very pleased. I use them for birding, boating and hunting and the clarity is spectacular. Great price point too. I would recommend these to the stingiest of birders!

Awesome glass and comfortable for field use. Recently used during 2 hour birding event and never felt any discomfort.
This is my second pair of Monarch's. I stepped up from 25 year old 8x40 pair to 10x42 latest version and OMG so much sharper and brighter.
Nikon Monarch 5 is in my opinion the Birding Binocular standard.

I have owned several pairs of binoculars over the years and have settled on the Nikon Monarch series as a staple. The glass quality, construction and durability are what you would expect from a Nikon product. The Monarch 5 10 x 42 rival the high end manufacturers in terms of quality. Definitely would recommend to anyone who is looking for a high end product without the high end price.

These binoculars are very good . The optics are crisp and clear. Focusing is very fast and smooth. Did care much for the rear lens covers. They seem to be in the way more than anything else and didn't seem to want to stay on lenses securely. Really like the binoculars for ease of operation to bring your target into view because of the range of field and the clarity built into the binoculars.

Great Clear optics at an affordable price. Just as good as some of the more expensive European brands. They come with usable dust covers and a great neck strap. They gather light as well as any optics I own. They also came with a comfortable neck strap.

I'm glad that I decided to go with the Nikon Monarch5. It is a real piece of glass. Crystal clear at any distance. It's really amazing how much light these bring in before sunrise or prior to sunset. I have a friend that has s set of Leica's that don't bring in as much light and they are the same specs 10X42, but several hundred dollars more.