NIKON MONARCH HG 8x42 binoculars

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Comparison binoculars, significant technical data (according to manufacturer) of Nikon Monarch HG 8x42:

Wide apparent field of view (60.3° for 8x42 and 62.2° for 10x42). While realising a wide field of view, the Field Flattener Lens System assures a sharp and clear view all the way to the lens periphery. This means that the prisms are cheaper to make and yet will perform at the same level as high end and much more expensive roof prisms. Superior waterproof/fogproof performance with a nitrogen-filled body that resists water pressure to a depth of up to 5m/16.4 ft. for 10 minutes and prevents fogging inside the optical system even in low-pressure environments up to altitudes of 5,000m/16,404 ft. equivalent Superior waterproof/fog-proof performance with a nitrogen-filled body that resists water pressure to a depth of up to 5m/16.4 ft. for 10 minutes and prevents fogging inside the optical system even in low-pressure environments up to altitudes of 5,000m/16,404 ft. equivalent

Binoculars

First, the objectives and eyepieces of both binoculars were carefully cleaned. When comparing the binoculars at a maximum sun elevation of seasonal and local/geographical 20 degrees (midday sun), cloudless sky and bright sunshine and observation around the horizontal, both binoculars show veiling glare over the entire field of view. This is easily recognizable by a veil over the entire field of view and a clearly visible reduction in contrast when viewing a high, dark green hedge. The angle to the sun until the veil glare begins is clearly smaller with the Hawke APO 10x42 (FoV = 7.1 degrees) than with the Nikon MHG 8x42 (FoV = 8.3 degrees). Because of the different real angles of view of the compared binoculars I cannot make an evaluation. However, the bright sun is outside the viewing angles of both binoculars in this evaluation. But the ergonomic advantages of the Monarch HG (light weight, smooth focus, etc) really add up vs the Conquest HD, and combined with the super wide FOV and long eye relief they are just very EASY binoculars to use, as you have found.

What is not so great on these is the short amount of eye-relief, which means if you wear glasses, I would probably look at another option. Also the close focus distance is not that near, so if you often view insects or even birds form very close range, the Nikon Aculon 7x35 binocular will not be the ideal choice. Being a top-of-the-line pair of binoculars, MONARCH HG 8×42 guarantees that it pays for itself in the long run. The objective and eyepiece lenses are equipped with scratch-resistant coatings. This means that long-term optical acuity is a guarantee. Meanwhile, the interior lenses have an extreme waterproof rating, so fogging won’t be an issue even at a very high altitude of up to 16,000’. SLC=hg>>>HD (because of focus wheel, weight and FOV HG>SLC. HD makes you work for the view. HD not as forgiving esp. b/c of thing focus depth. you really have to get jiggy with the focus wheel, have your eyes perfectly centered, the narrow FOV you have to move, weight also makes it more cumbersome) Whilst 8x42's have become popular, a 7x42 like this is a more classic birding configuration and here's why:

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The HG uses the same ED glass as the EGE, the same field flattener lens system, has dielectric and phase corrected coatings on the prisms and is fully multi-coated. AFoV (ISO 14132-1:2002): 63.6 degrees (manufacturer's specification is missing, therefore self-calculated) In the spring I ended up buying EDG 8x32. I had time to evaluate difference to M7, and I didn't see much difference in overall pic quality. Yes, EDG propably has superior build quality, but that's it for me. EDG might also have better glare control, but I hadn't possibility to test the difference in serious birding, as this is slow time birdwise. EDG was too expensive toy for me to use, so I ended selling the EDG in newlike condition with some loss, as I need the money for the new scope. Apparent angle of view of Hawke APO 10x42 is 2.25% greater than Nikon MHG 10x42 (AFoV according to ISO 14132-1:2002) There is a vagueness about field edge aberrations on this thread that I think is preventing a reader (at least this one) from understanding exactly how the HG performs off-axis.

Edge sharpness is primarily determined by two aberrations: field curvature and astigmatism. This old post attempts to explain how they interact. Some manufacturers provide inaccurate information in data sheets. With caliper gauge, flashlight and projection of the smallest possible, circular and sharply defined circle of light on a vertical surface at a suitable distance, I measured the light-relevant diameter of the lenses with the same measuring set-up. The flashlight was about 30 cm away from the eyepiece, the projection surface about 5 cm away from the objectives. I marked the diameter of the light circle with a sharp pencil for a measurement on the projection surface several times, the smallest one was written down: If the orientation of the binoculars is not exactly horizontal, elliptical projections are created, whose smallest diameter changes less when misaligned. Year ago I went to birdfair mainly with the idea to test many alpha bins etc. that were on the sale. To my surprise I didn't notice much of a difference between M7 and alpha bins. Given the low price point relative to the EDG, it could be argued that the Monarch HG's 'performance per pound' is higher than its costlier cousin and I think Nikon is on to a winner here. I like it – from every aspect.

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The 10x will give you more magnification, of course, but a smaller field of view in trade off, and may be harder to hold still (hand vibration is magnified along with your vision, so any hand trembling / fatigue / etc will be magnified 10x vs 8x). Both 8x and 10x are very useful and are by far the dominant magnifications for birding. 10x is perhaps better for open country (deserts, shorelines, etc). 8x is usually preferred for denser habitat or if you are inside forest. First off the slightly lower power means that in many cases you are most often rewarded with a wider field of view and this is most certainly the case with the 7x42 Nikon EDG as it measures a massive 419 ft wide at a distance of 1000 yards away. With the 8x30, you get the same optics as the full sized Monarch that I have listed above, but along with a smaller size and reduced weight, you get an even wider view and closer minimum focus distance. In just about every way, the Monarch HG is the same as the EDG (especially the most important areas), but yet it costs less than half the price and this is why I have no hesitation in suggestion that for my money, this is the best Nikon birding binocular overall: Firstly....the case is much better than the EDG case. The EDG case looks straight out of the 80s IMO. The MHG case is more modern with a nice snap on the closure.