Hey Guys,
This is a little video I shot with the Nikon Team a few weeks back at the Birdfair, It was a great weekend chatting with hundreds of birdwatchers and photographers on the Nikon stand, talking optics and photography. As we got many questions comparing the ranges of Nikon Optics I thought it would be handy to make a quick rundown video of the entire range for people with a few of the key differences. If you are looking for a pair and want some advice drop a comment below and I’ll be more than happy to help!
I’m sure many of you know I’m a Nikon Europe Optics ambassador and have been working with the Nikon team for years now, I LOVE my Monarch HG’s and have taken them all over the world from the Amazon to the Okavango so I certainly have put them through their paces ands have been mightily impressed!
Featured in this video are the –
New Nikon Prostaff P3 and P7 (Entry level with excellent optics – P7 with locking diopter)
Nikon Monarch M5 and M7 (Mid range with ED glass for lower chromatic aberrations and higher optical quality – M7 with locking diopter + increased field of view)
Nikon Monarch M7+ ( As above but with Field flattener – improves sharpness at the edges of the image and reduces distortion – only in 8×30’s)
Nikon Monarch HG’s (As above including field flattener + enhanced coatings with scratch resistance + built of Magnesium alloy body for lightweight durability) These are my GO TO daily binoculars in both the 8×30’s for travel + EDC and the 8×42 for lower light working.
If you want to see more from me , be sure to check out my playlists here on YouTube and my Instagram @TomMasonPhoto, I have also finally finished the first stage of my new website so check it out for portfolios, workshops and more! www.tommasonphoto.com
As always guys thanks for watching and I’ll be in the comments for any questions, Get out there and enjoy your wildlife photography!
In my bag : (UK affiliate links help me fund the channel and cost you nothing)
Lowepro Whistler 450 AW II – (travelled flawlessly on all my flights with ALL the gear below inside!)
Nikon Monarch HG 8×30’s – Simply love these.
Nikon Z9 :
D850 + Grip + D5 batteries
Nikon Z6 and 24-70S – (All video for the channel now shot on this – love this little camera!)
Nikon 300mm 2.8 VR II (My all time favourite lens)
Nikon 70-200 FL
Nikon 35mm 1.4 G
Nikon 20mm 1.8G
Nikon 1.4 TC
Nikon 2.0 TC
Nikon SB-700
Spare battery
Gitzo Mini Traveller
Petzl Headlamp
G-tech external drives
Macbook 12″
Rocket Blower ( I’d get this one)
I also carry a trusty Gitzo Tripod, either my 4 series systematic or a 2 series traveller!
#NikonZ9 #WildlifePhotography
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lol, just wanted to buy one of nikons an than i see this in my notifications. Kinda funny tbh, and thanks for the video
Excellent and well explained for newbies or people that maybe getting back into wildlife area that have not been up to date with the latest binoculars
Nice video Tom! Bought myself a pair of the M7 8x30s not long ago, and they have been great to have along my photo equipment in the field. Binoculars are certainly one of the most important pieces of gear to have as a wildlife photographer, at least in my opinion. I’ve previously tried using the viewfinder to scout, as well as an older and heavier pair of Nikon binoculars (10×50), and neither were very practical. My advice for photographers would be to value weight and portability higher than most other factors when buying new binoculars, as they should be something you always bring with you when you’re out in the field:)
Thank you Tom. Got the monarch m5 8×42. Great addition to my photography kit. Cheers 🍻. All the best. 👍📷😎
I have an old (~25 years?) Minolta pair of bins that have electronic focus, with automatic focusing with the press of a button, similar to autofocusing camera lenses. Is there anything like that out there now? (When I see bins labelled as "autofocusing now, it seems to be different, i.e. no focusing dials/buttons at all). Thanks.
I have a Nikon bino pair Action EX 7×35 for a few years now and i'm happy with them in that image is very bright but also on the heavy side. Unsure how it relates to the models you mention.
As a budget wildlife photographer I always scoffed at expensive binoculars but one experience i did have recently was thinking some swallows in the distance were bea eaters because of all the abhorration and fringing caused by the contrasty sun. Now I won't be rushing out to buy an expensive pair because 99% of the time budget amazon ones work fine to see wildlife up close but expensive binoculars do indeed have a purpose for twitchers and those really into watching and not so much capturing wildlife.
The thing I find wonderful about binoculars is the real 3d effect they provide. Wildlife through a viewfinder seems so flat in comparison.
With binoculars magnification factor doesn't always ensure a better viewing experience, many people will struggle to hold a 10x binocular steady and a slightly lesser powered 8x can often give an enhanced view as the image in the viewfinders will be more steady which helps discern detail easier. As a user of all types and quality of binoculars over forty years I'd say go along to a specialist optics retailer where they will give advice and let you try first hand different makes and types of binocular so you can choose what is right for you. Decent binoculars can be an expensive purchase so choose wisely as good binoculars can last a lifetime!
Thanks for this Tom. My father just gave me a pair of West German Zeiss 10x25B, and I use a 600mm lens. These are a pretty old pair of bins, wondering what (if any) gain there might be 'upgrading' to the Prostaff P3/7's? Thanks
Great video thank you, we see a little clearer in the range.
I look forward to your test of the 400mm f4.5!
(as a nikon ambassador please asks them to make a 300mm2.8 Z 😉)