Customer Reviews
Nice and compact 
2008-01-14
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.
birdsupclose 
2008-01-07
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.
Poor optics 
2007-12-20
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.
Awesome Views! 2007-09-10
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.
good buy worth the money 2007-06-19
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.
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.
Nikon Binocular reveiw 2008-06-22
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.
Very happy with this pair 2008-03-12
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.
Good luck finding better binos... at any price 2008-03-04
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.
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.
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!
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.
Great birding binoculars 2008-01-29
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.
Too much for Too little 2008-01-15
Too much quality for a small price.
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.
10 x Item -- 10 x value vs Money.
