Looking to replace my old atb 10x42s with something better. I can't spend much more than 5 or 600, . I had a look at these and defenatly better, I liked the Vortex HDs to for 100.00 more,
Is there another model i am missing ? opinions please...tj3006

tj3006,

I like Nikon optics. Have an older ATB 8x25 I received as a gift and they are great. That said, I really like the new Monarchs. I looked through some 8x42 Monarch 5s that were super nice the other day. And I'd not hesitate to go with the 7s either but the 5s save some pretty good money.

That said, I purchased some Leupold BX-3s (8x32) last year and have nothing but good to say about those. I wanted something smaller and lighter and the BX-3s fit that bill nicely.

You'll probably hear this again, but go look through a bunch and see which you like best. If you're stuck on the Nikons, I don't think you can go wrong with the M7s.

Good luck.
Rob

On paper the Monarch 7 do seems like the one to beat. I visited Gander Mt and looked through the 10x42. I did like them better than the Zeiss Terras. Zeiss felt heavy where the Monarchs were maybe just light enough. Wish I could say I fell in love with the Monarchs but to be honest nothing they had really wowwed me as I had expected them to. I would say I liked the Leupold Mojave best even though it isn't ED. What I disliked about it was the funky shell. So I am left to keep looking and think i just don't want anything made in China. The Mojave is made in Japan I believe (but I found that out afterwards). I may go take a look at Cabelas Guide Series version of (basically) the same binocular for about $100 less. Case looks better too. FWIW

I have the exact pair you are looking at and I love them. My buddy has the Monarch 5 in 8x42 and I like those also for the field of view. This may piss you off but I got them off the classifieds here for around $275. Absolutely worth it IMO.

I have had a pair of the Monarch 7 10x42's for two years now. They are excellent, expecially in low light.

Nikon Monarch are the best buy in Bino's today. You will be hard pressed to tell if you are looking through the Monarch 5 or the 7 without looking at the label. The 5 will save you a couple hundred bucks and you will give up nothing in the field.

I was considering a Monarch 7 - looked at the 5's and 7's and preferred the wide fov of the 7. Was just about to pull the trigger when a local shop offered me a Vortex Viper HD for a great deal. I found the Viper to be at least the equal of the Monarch and would rather give my business to a small shop than a big box.

I wanted some new binos. After finding what I think I want I remember I occasionally do business with a local. I asked him if he could make a profit matching the price I could get it on the 'net. He said he could so I ordered it from him. Lord willing I will do the same thing with my next scope.

The Monarch 5s are pretty damn good , and you might be right about equal in the field.
I looked at the vortex hds, and they are so close i could not pick one over the other , when compared to the Monarch 7s. The 100.00 price difference is what has me leaning nikon.
The leupold did not do it for me...tj3006

Someone recommended Mavens and I am taking a long hard look at them - but would have to be the 8x30.

Nikon has a very strict MAP policy and a 35% mark up regardless of box or independent store.

reelman,



Is that why I found the Nikon Monarch 7 8X30 priced from $304 to $450? I am going to pay the local $350 delivered.

I bought the Monarch 7s
They were out of the 5s and i go hunting tomorrow.
I took a long look at the Vortex HD,s It was close but the nikkons were Brighter to my eyes...tj3006

I think you will like them.........

Good hunting!

tj3006- like I said they seem to be the ones to beat. Hope you enjoy them- and look forward to a report on them if you wouldn't mind. Best of luck on the hunt.