The most comprehensive review on Nikon Monarch 7 8×42
Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 is a hot name in the current binoculars market. So, what do these binoculars have for us? Let’s find out about them together in this post!
Overview of Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars
Besides being famous for low-cost yet high-quality cameras, Nikon is also among the most searched names when customers want to buy good binoculars at an affordable price.
Their most popular binoculars line is Nikon Monarch 7 with multiple models like Nikon Monarch 7 10×42, Nikon Monarch 7 10×50, Nikon Monarch 7 8×42, and many more.
However, in comparison with its brothers, Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 seems to fit most users.
Here, we will give you some specs tables for these products so that you can understand more about them.
Technical Data |
Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 |
Nikon Monarch 7 10×42 |
Nikon Monarch 7 10×50 |
Magnification |
8x |
10x |
10x |
Effective Objective Lens Diameter (mm) |
42 mm |
42 mm |
50 mm |
Exit Pupil Diameter (mm) |
5.25 mm |
4.2 mm |
5.0 mm |
Twilight Factors |
18.3 |
20.5 |
22.4 |
Field of view |
420 ft/ 1000 yds |
351 ft/ 1000 yds |
341 ft/ 1000 yds |
Shortest focusing distance (ft / m) (Close Focus) |
8.2 ft/ 2.5 m |
8.2 ft/ 2.5 m |
8.2 ft/ 2.5 m |
Eye Relief |
17.1 mm |
16.5 mm |
11.8 mm |
Prism System |
Roof Prism |
Roof Prism |
Roof Prism |
Optical Quality |
Prisms & Prism Coatings: BaK-4 The lens coating: Multi-coated (MC) Optics. The glass type used: ED = Extra low Dispersion = low chromatic aberrations Light transmission = 90 % |
Prisms & Prism Coatings: BaK-4. The lens coating: Fully Multi-coated (FMC) Optics The glass type used: ED = Extra low Dispersion = low chromatic aberrations Light transmission = 80 % |
Prisms & Prism Coatings: BaK-4. The lens coating: Multi-coated (MC) Optics.The glass type used: ED = Extra low Dispersion = low chromatic aberrations. Light transmission = 80 % |
Chassis Material |
Fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate plastic |
Fibreglass-reinforced Polycarbonate plastic |
Fibreglass-reinforced Polycarbonate plastic |
Weight |
22.88 oz |
24 oz |
N/A |
Focusing |
Centre Focusing (CF) |
Centre Focusing (CF) |
Centre Focusing (CF) |
Diopter Adjustment |
“Standard” Diopter Adjustment |
“Standard” Diopter Adjustment |
“Standard” Diopter Adjustment |
Weatherproofing |
Waterproof and fog-proof |
Waterproof and fog-proof |
Weather-resistant |
Gas Filled |
Nitrogen |
Nitrogen |
Nitrogen |
Uses |
Birding/Hunting |
Birding/Hunting |
Astronomy |
Size |
Standard Size Binoculars |
Zoom Binoculars |
Zoom Binoculars |
Brand |
Nikon |
Nikon |
Nikon |
After you know general information about the typical items in the Nikon Monarch 7 product line, we will go deeper into the unique features of the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars.
Strong points of Nikon Monarch 7
- Broad field of view
First of all, these binoculars feature a very broad field of view (up to 420 ft/ 1000 yds), so you can detect your objects and see a lot of things without effort.
- Stunning image reproduction
In addition, the highly-reflective multilayer-prism coatings in each lens produce high-contrast and vivid pictures. Also, the ED (extra-low dispersion) glass also improves the brightness and fidelity in color.
If you want everything to be detailed, the phase-correction roof prisms are here to keep the original clarity and detail of images.
- Ultra-durable
Most notably, because of the robust rubber-armored coating, the binoculars are strong enough to endure all kinds of harsh conditions and remain intact even after being dropped from a relative height. Plus, the roughed and ergonomic design makes them comfortable to hold and easy to grip.
Last but not least, you will not have to worry about the weather or climate no matter where and when you use these binoculars. Why? Thanks to the nitrogen-filled housing, the product can be fog-proof as well as waterproof in all terrains.
To sum up, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars are a perfect choice for bird watching, hunting, sightseeing, safari, and many more occasions, especially for medium-budget users.
Weak points and important notes
- Contain some toxic substance in the composition
These binoculars consist of some chemicals that may cause cancer or reproductive harms like congenital disabilities. Therefore, you should not put them near genitals or let fragments get into your body. Especially, you had better keep it out of children’s reach.
Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 compared to Vortex Viper HD 8×42
In order for you to determine the quality of the product better, here we will compare the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars with another heavyweight competitor in the same segment – the Vortex Viper HD 8×42 binoculars.
Factors | Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 | Vortex Viper HD 8×42 |
CLARITY | 8 | 9 |
BRIGHTNESS | 8 | 9 |
EASE OF ADJUSTMENT | 9 | 9 |
CONSTRUCTION QUALITY | 10 | 10 |
COMFORT | 10 | 10 |
CLOSE FOCUS RANGE | 7 | 8 |
FIELD OF VIEW | 9 | 9 |
BRAND & WARRANTY | 7 | 8 |
PRICE | 8 | 7 |
As we can see, superb as they are, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 is still slightly inferior in comparison with the Vortex Viper HD 8×42. Although the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars feature excellent optical quality, they are not the best in the medium budget range.
The Nikon product brings about pleasing pictures, yet what the Viper creates is even much more crisp and brighter. Once you swap from one to another, you can see the differences at ease.
Besides, the Monarch 7 is heavier with a worse close focus range. Therefore, if you want something compact and able to focus fast, the Vortex Viper HD 8×42 is more appropriate.
For example, when you want to spot and track a fast-moving animal like an African leopard, you will need to quickly lift the binoculars and bring them close to your eyes. Then, the product from Vortex obviously win this round.
However, despite the fluctuation of both products’ prices at different times, the cost of Monarch 7 should be approximately $100 less than the Vortex Viper HD.
For some professional and well-off users, perhaps $100 is not a big number. But in most cases, if you are just a normal hobbyist, $100 is quite a considerable amount.
Generally, in the medium price range (around $ 300 – 400), the Nikon Monarch 7 and Vortex Viper HD are somewhat Tweedledum and Tweedledee.
If what you are seeking is a pair of excellent binoculars at a more affordable price, a little sacrifice in quality for the Nikon is okay. Vice versa, the Vortex is better for a generous budget.
Wrapping Up
Overall, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 binoculars are a great choice for frequent birdwatching, hunting, safari, or sightseeing with a medium budget. Besides, the Nikon Monarch 7 10×42 is also a good alternative for the same purpose. Because of its bigger size, you may not want to use it as much as the 8×42 models.
However, if you are a common sports lover, or marine and astronomy user, a pair of Nikon Monarch 7 10×50 binoculars may be ideal.
In case you can spend much more, search for high-end products at double or even triple the price. There are many better items at a higher price.
Let’s tell us your opinion or questions in the comment section below. Thanks for reading!
Vilis-bino
List of nikon binoculars reviews