Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics Vortex Talon HD 8x42 versus Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 - thoughts?

So I've heard the warranty on the Vortex is easier to use. Any other considerations between these two mid priced binos?

I do not currently own a set of "real" binos.

Of the 4 I tried I liked these two the most.

I love my Talons. They have been terrific. Haven't compared the two, but I have had a hard time justifying needing anything more. That said, I did just pick up a Leica 8,12x42 Duovid. They are really good too, but having them has helped me see just how good those Talons are.

The Monarchs kick the crap out of the Talons, no kidding, but there's that spectacular warranty. I opted to move up to the Vipers. I spent weeks looking through binos before I decided, so that said, it'd be good to check them out for yourself.

I am currently running Talons and Vipers through some tests... The Vipers are usually preferred over the Talons, but they are essentially the same basic price point glass and there is no real butt kicking going on.

To suggest the Monarchs fit between the two means they are all very comparable glass.

I agree with Sitka in that I have a real hard time telling the difference in the view between Vipers and Talon. I like the build of the Viper better, but view is really no difference to me. Talons have a noticeable difference in field of view over the vipers.

As I mentioned, I haven't looked through the newer Monarchs. That said, if they truly " kick the crap" out of the Talon, they must be "amazing". Considering how good the view is from my talons versus my Leicas, those Nikons must be even better than the Leicas (?). I doubt it. It comes down to your eyes for sure. Obviously, AK loves his Monarchs much better than a Talon. I personally like the Talon view as much as the Viper and he found the Viper better than the Monarch. Each set of eyes will determine which bino they prefer.

Have fun shopping and comparing and let us know what you choose.