I did a lot of research before deciding on Nikon 7430 Monarch 8 X 42mm All Terrain Binoculars. As an experienced photographer, optical quality was my top priority. I originally purchased them for hiking and long range mountain scanning in southern Oregon, and while still deciding between the 10X or 8X version; I found the extra sharpness of the 8X resolution negated the need for a 10X magnification, because they rendered so much detail.
With the 8X, I spotted a fire lookout station that I’d never seen before, on a mountain 15 miles out of town. Quite remarkable. Added to that, was the research at Cornell University’s Ornithology Center on the web. Birdwatchers extraordinaire; who called them a steal Monarch ATB Binoculars. I concur. I never thought I’d be so happy paying this price for binoculars, but it was a no brainer.
Tack sharp, lightweight and well worth owning. I like the hard rubber-armor construction. It does not become slippery when wet. They feel solid but light. I am not so afraid about dropping the binoculars as I would be with the Leica or Opticrons. The firm turn-and slide eyecups (like the Lieca) are a huge improvement over the fussy soft foldable rubber eyecups found on many other binoculars.
Nikon Monarch Binoculars are light, bright, work well with eyeglasses I bought these binoculars for a nature trip in the Amazon and I use them in the back yard, on hikes and occasionally at the symphony or opera. My sister, an ornithologist, told me to get the most expensive binoculars I could afford.
To her, binoculars are a professional tool but I really didn’t want to afford a thousand bucks like she was suggesting. She also told me to try out binoculars in dim conditions and to get 8×42 rather than 10×42 because it is easier to find what you are looking for and easier to hold so that the view is not shaking.
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