Price, Function, Form
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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These have all three. I was impressed with these binoculars from Nikon. I've read other reviews on many binoculars from Leica to Sworvski's. At a fraction of the price, these binoculars are simply "great". Rugged, great focus and very good optics for what is really a pretty inexpensive binocular. Light, easy to hold, just all around a great buy. I anxiously awaited the arrival of these binoculars and have not put them down since their arrival.
Well-tested... and I haven't found any better.
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 10! out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I've had these binoculars for 4 years now, and there is nothing about them that I don't like. I work seasonal bird field jobs in all kinds of places and environments, and these have done very well in all conditions. Most of my employers have offered me a set of binoculars to use, to reduce wear and tear on my personal ones--but after a brief attempt with each model, I've never been able to bring myself to do it. As a result of that wear and tear, I recently sent mine in to Nikon for repairs ($10 to replace all four glass lenses and both plastic eyecups--no complaints there!) and in the meantime I've been attempting to use a loaned pair of Swarovskis. I can't stand them. Granted, they're only 8x30s, but even the optical quality is noticeably worse--which I never would have guessed, given the reputation (and expense) of Swarovski optics, even if it's not one of their higher-end models.
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br /I'm not quite sure what another reviewer means by reds and greens "separating." I have always thought the optical quality, clarity, and color of these binoculars are exceptional. Just like looking at it with my own eyes... but 10x closer! I also like the strap that comes with the binoculars; it's never irritated my neck and I love the length and width of it. And, while I did need to have the eyecups replaced (one had started cracking), bear in mind that this was after 4 years of almost daily use... usually all day long in varied weather conditions. The twist-up style is much easier to use than folding down a rubber cup, as you must with some other models.
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br /The moral of the story is that I don't anticipate ever switching to another model of binoculars. These have passed my test, again and again, with flying colors.
Good luck finding better binos... at any price
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 6.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I set out four years ago to buy the best binoculars I could find. Price was secondary, quality was paramount. I wanted a pair of binos I could look through for long periods without eye strain. So I spent many weeks looking through Zeiss, Swarovski, Leupold, Kahle, Cabela's, Steiner, and these Nikon binos. All the glasses were in the 10x format. I spent time in the desert, at night, in the snow, and the city evaluating these binos, also soliciting input from my friends who are experienced outdoorsmen as well.
br /Bottom line: the Nikon Monarch 10x42 ATB won hands down. They are brighter, provide just equally sharp or better optics, show great colors, have durable construction, have an unbeatable lifetime no-fault guarantee, and are light weight and comfortable in use. These binos were equal or even better in several areas. For instance, I found that several of the high end optics had "flare" off street lights at night but not the Nikons. It was incidental to me that they cost less than $300.
br /Since then I have extensively used these binos for all kinds of outings and in my military job. They continue to impress. Just last week we used them for whale watching in Maui and were serving alongside a pair of Zeiss compact binos. In our party everyone was always fighting over the Nikons!
br /I agree wholeheartedly with "Emily Weiser's" good review as well. You will not find better binoculars out there probably at any price. You surely could pay more though. And at least in Mar 2008 the price and free shipping offered here at Amazon.com are good.
good buy worth the money
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 5.3 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I use the binoculars for birding and wildlife viewing and find the performance of 10x42 to be very good. Previously I have only used close focus glasses for observing butterflies (Pentax papillo) so it is difficult to compare. The nikons are very compact, bright and sharp. I first used them on a trip to Canada birding in the rain for several days straight. There were many birds, due to fallout, and birds were easily identified within shaded cedar trees in the cloudy drizzle. No problems. I was very happy with them since my non-water proof pentax binoculars would have fogged-up and wrecked.
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br /I am aware that the 10x42 are not as well rated as the 8x42 but the extra magnification in the 10x42 is not too much of a sacrifice.
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Nice and compact
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I got these to replace my bigger, heavier, more powerful 12x50 binocs which weren't too good for close-in birdwatching. These are nice and lightweight and still strong enough for 90% of what I need. I do agree with another reviewer that at distance they seem to have a bit of an aura around the bird I'm trying to watch. In my case, that bird is usually on the water, so I don't know if that has something to do with it. End lens caps are attached so you can't loose them, but in the wind they do get in the way. I haven't done it yet, but I'll probably end up cutting them off. All-in-all I'm happy with the weight, function and value.
Nikon Monarch 10X42 Review
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.4 out of 10
Created: Oct 30, 2008
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Purchased these binoculars primarily for hunting. Have just finished a first season with them and they worked really well. They had to be able to handle both distant searches ( up to 800 yards ) and close scans in deep/dark woods ( from 20 - 60 yards mostly ). Their ability to clearly focus and help pick out standing wildlife was better than any other pair I have used except Swarovski's ( which was not significantly better ). The other thing I needed was performance in low/fading light. Excellent again. Very functional glass for the money. Only negative was the pupil eye covers. Come off far too easily which was a problem while working thru brush. Had to clean lenses repeatedly. Very good buy/performance for the price - also let guests use them for sightseeing in Yellowstone Park and got excellent reviews from all when compared to what they had brought
Nikon Binoculars are better than expected
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 2, 2008
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The great thing about these binoculars is that you can see very well when the object is in a dark area. Light weight, performs better than expected. I would recommend to purchase this item. Shipping was quick and price was good
Very happy with this pair
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Mar 12, 2008
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I was down in New Orleans on a business trip - and had some free time to do some bird and gator watching - so I picked up this pair on the spur of the moment - doing absolutely zero research - as I had no choice.
And I am well acquainted with so-called better optics.
One year later - I still really like this pair - and had a great time with this pair bird watching and whale watching in Hawaii - but I have a few reservations:
(1) Close-in focus could be better. Keep that in mind if that is important to you (e.g. reading bird bands or watching butterflies)
(2) Focus adjustment is via center wheel (which is still stiff after one year - a negative for me) plus right eye piece.
(3) Sharpness and acuity in dim light could be better.
(4) I find acuity for objects close to horizon to be a bit fuzzy (e.g. during whale wathcing).
Having said all this - still and excellent pair and my favorite in this price range. Also - all weather - so this is bonus. What good is a set that you cannot use due to drizzle? I am buying another pair for my wife.
Great mid-range binocs
Rating: 4 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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I have really enjoyed these binoculars. We were looking for a good pair for watching the wildlife near our house (not the neighbors). We also wanted a set that was compact enough we could take to theater events if we had cheaper seats. The Nikon Monarchs serve both purposes very well.
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br /The clarity is super close to the much more expensive models and the feel of the binocs and the adjustments are really nice.
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br /Great choice. I dropped a star only because the Amazon price was higher than the price at a local Omah, NE store.
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br /Update -- I recently took my binocs to a Joshua Bell concert and can attest these glasses work very well in low light / theater light.
Very useful
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Oct 4, 2008
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My husband says these are the best ever! Every time he uses them he says the same thing! He says the clarity is amazing.
Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 Waterproof Binoculars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Sep 30, 2008
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These are great binoculars,.I would give Debrouth five stars, I brought them with me to Vegas and could see in the the building of CITY CENTER
br /PETER K.
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Great Binoculars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Sep 30, 2008
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I looked for a long time before I finally purchased these binoculars. I could not be more pleased with them. I use them primarily to watch my college football games. After using much smaller and lighter binoculars for many years I was worried about the larger size and weight of the Monarch ATBs. The weight is negligible and the clarity is awesome. You absolutely can't go wrong with these binoculars, especially at their low price.
Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 3.0 out of 10
Created: Aug 15, 2008
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These are great binoculars - we do a lot of cruising and bird-watching and they meet the trade-off between resolution and weight. I think they are pricey, but with two pair now, I guess I am convinced.
Awesome Views!
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.6 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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A bang for every buck! And not a lot of bucks!! ;) When we're in the high sierra looking for big bucks to put in our trucks.
Nikon Binocular reveiw
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.6 out of 10
Created: Jun 22, 2008
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We purchased the Nikon Monarch 10x42 for a cruise to Alaska and it was suggested we get waterproof, fogproof. I thought the binoculars were a little larger than i wanted to be carrying around for a walking tour but they proved to be no problem..the neck strap was quite comfortable to wear. The magnification was better than anticipated. It ended up we didnt need waterproof on this trip, but just the fact they are shockproof is a great asset as well.
Great birding binoculars
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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These binoculars offer superb vision and color perception. They are lightweight and focus quickly. Their usability in low light situations is very good. I have been completely satisfied with the product, the delivery and especially the price.
Poor optics
Rating: 2 out of 5
Weight: 2.2 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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After much research, I ordered this Monarch 10x42 and got it today. After 15 minutes of evaluation, I shipped it back. The optics were really not what I expected from Nikon and for $250+ I paid for. As soon as I opened the package, I took it out - it was bright and sunny. I focused on the tree twigs with sunlight coming in from the back. I saw a purple halo on one side and yellow-orange on the other. The chromatic aberration was awful. I had my '91 Bushnell Powerview 7x35 for comparison - it faired far far better than this Nikon! I am sticking with my cheap Bushnell for my birding at least for now.
Too much for Too little
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 2.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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Too much quality for a small price.
br /With over 20 years of birding and guiding birdwatchers around the world, I find my self amazed by the quality and general optic facts of this binoculars... particularly because of their low price.
br /10 x Item -- 10 x value vs Money.
Not bad but....
Rating: 3 out of 5
Weight: 1.9 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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These binoculars are decent but don't excel. The optics are quite sharp, but not any better than say the Audubon Equinox HP, which is a tad cheaper. They also show quite a bit of color fringing with the reds and greens separating from objects even with medium contrast. The image is quite sharp in the center, but gets less so as you move closer to the edges. The weight is perfect (i.e. light). The case is adequate, but the straps need replacing... mine started cutting into my neck right away. The eyepiece has a twist eye cups that have only two positions... all the way down or all the way up. They are also a bit flimsy, have a tendency to stick and to accumulate dust easily in the field. The objective eye caps are just simple pieces of plastic that could be better. The Equinox is better on both counts of the eye cups as well as the objective lens caps. I've had the Monarchs for about a month now but am going to be returning them, because it looks like Nikon is trying to coast on it's brand name with this product.
br /Overall impression is that, it's not a bad set of glasses at all... just that there are better ones at the same price point or slightly cheaper.
birdsupclose
Rating: 5 out of 5
Weight: 1.8 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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We have a couple of Nikon's smaller (travel) binoculars which are great for what they're designed to do, but this one is a major leap above and beyond those. Nikon has packed an incredible amount of quality into this product, yet kept it compact and light enough for easy transporting. Amazon had it priced at $255, and it's hard to imagine that you can buy much improvement in quality (at least for the recreational user)by spending a lot more.
Not happy butterfly
Rating: 1 out of 5
Weight: 0.0 out of 10
Created: Dec 25, 2008
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These Binoculars came very highly rated, they would not focus right out of the box. Had no trouble with refund.