Home Nikon The Nikon Monarch 5 in the FOREST

The Nikon Monarch 5 in the FOREST

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Optica Exotica
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Putting the Nikon Monarch 5 8×42 through its paces, in the deep forest of the Mendocino coast.

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14 COMMENTS

  1. Hi just found this site week ago. Had 10X50 porro Steiners used them a lot over the years here in Hawaii & in National Parks last 25 years.
    Want to get quality 8 or 10 by 40's lighter binocs. Have you tested the Pentax Z- Series ED 8X43 ? Thanks Keith

  7. Hi. Thanks SO much for all your videos. After learning such a lot from your reviews I’ve just ordered the Nikon Monarch 5 (8×42) which seems to be the right one for my needs and budget. You helped me to be informed about what the specifications actually mean in a clear non-technical way, so that I felt confident in making a purchase. It was good to know you are an independent reviewer, and that means a lot. Many thanks for sharing you knowledge so well. J.B. (UK)

  8. Hello,
    What's your opinion between Prostaff 7s 8/42 and Monarch 5 8/42 ? Is it worth this 100 dollars more ?
    I'm a bird watcher and photographer and for the last few years I've been satisfied with the Olympus 10X50 DPS I but it's heavy and I would like to replace it.
    I will appreciate your advice in this price range.
    BR Martin,

  9. I’ve gone from zero knowledge of binoculars to knowing SO many things, just from immersing myself in your channel! Coming from a photography background I had an okay foundation for understanding optics, but aside from playing with some clunker toy binocs from my childhood I was a total stranger to this world. I am so thankful for discovering your videos and reviews… they rise to the top of the clutter out there where so many folks are either niche, fanboys, or simply reading specs lol; so nice job keeping it informative yet critical and honest. You helped me make a much more informed decision for a entry-ish level, do-everything pair. I landed on these Monarch 5s and am stoked to get out there with them. I’ll be primarily looking at nature on day hikes, but also like the idea of some low-key, handheld stargazing since I got just the 8 power. Your assessment is spot on for what I’m experiencing so far with this model in my quick first impressions. I recognize what would be improved with a higher level 7 or HG, but for now and to save on costs I think I made a really solid entrance to this whole world of glassing with these!

  11. One of the nice features of the Vortex Glasspak bag is the top is held closed by a short loop of shock cord that stretched down and fastened over a hook. No velcro noise opening the bag.

    I recently looked at Nikon Monarch 7 8×30 at the local Cabelas. I liked the sturdy lens cap loop round the barrels, which looks the same as used on the Monarch 5. A stronger rubber that grips onto the barrels more tightly than I've saw on several other brands, which looked more likely to be easily lost.
    Any thoughts on using the smaller versions, 8×30, 10×30 etc. of the Monarch 5 or 7 in the forest? I'm not sure of all the sizes they come in. Maybe there's a 32mm or 33mm obj lens in their line up in addition to the 30mm.

  13. I’m glad you did this piece on the Monarch 5. I’m new to binning/glassing, mostly as a side-effect of my new interest in photographing birds and birds in flight so I picked up a pair of the Monarch 5s used (like new). As an long-time connoisseur of fine astronomy optics, I wasn’t expecting much for a set of bins I paid $200 for. I am quite pleased however, overall with the performance, fit and finish of the Monarch 5s. Enjoying your videos and looking forward to more. I’m just itching to drop another wad of dough on a real set of eye jewels.

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