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Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 camo Binoculars
Binoculars Manufacturer: Nikon
Nikon Model: Monarch ATB 8x42 camo
Review Category: Binoculars
Purchase: Binoculars Bought this set online for 245, though I see lately you can find them for less.
Things I like about the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 camo Binoculars: They are a very nice looking pair of binos. The RealTree camo used on the binos adds to the look (doesn't look cheap or cheezy). I think that they'll do nicely for this upcoming bowhunting season, as they are quite compact for 8x42. I took a chance on these. I bought without being able to find any locally to look through. The Nikons that I could find looked clear and Nikon makes good glass so I thought I would chance it. My budget was about 5-600$, and I was also looking at Leupold's. When I received them in the mail they had been left outside my back door in the cold Saskatchewan winter by the postman, jerk. I thought this would be as good a fog test as any. After defrosting the binos, ( the outside frosted up as soon as I brought them inside my humid warm home ), I peered through and was amazed no fogging whatsoever, and whooee bright and clear like I couldn't believe. It was love at first glance. Since then at local 3d shoots, I've been able to scrutinize them against the other binos I was going to buy at 2-3x the price I paid. The sharpness was as good, if there was a difference we couldn't tell, BUT the brightness was always noticeably better.
What I don't like about the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 camo: The accessories leave something to be desired. I would gladly have paid a few dollars more for a better case and for better lense caps that snap locked. The case sags after a while closing with a small strap of velcro, and the caps are shallow with thin plastic. I gave the strap to my preschooler son for his binos. The only good accessory was the eyepiece cups, deep durable/flexible one-piece rubber.
Binoculars Monarch ATB 8x42 camo quality: As soon as you pick the binos up, you know that you have a quality piece of eq. The housing feels solid, advertized as armored, and bends/ajusts smooth and firmly. The rubber zoom dials smoothly, as does the eyepieces if you don't have 20/20. It is a little heavier but I kind of like that, less shake while viewing. Lastly, the 8x42 fits very nicely in hand. As for the fogproofing, I already mentioned how good it is. I haven't dropped it in water yet, so I can't talk about the waterseal, but if air can't get in for fogging I think we're ok.
Monarch ATB 8x42 camo summary: Despite the cheap accessories, this is probably one of the best purchases I have made. And what do you expect for accessories when you pay about 250 and get 2-3x the performance. I really can't say that about any other piece of archery eq. that I have. You usually pay top end to get top end performance. In archery, it all begins with being able to clearly see where you're shooting. I'm now noticing alot more monarchs around the club house and I don't mean butterflies. And despite my father-in-law trying confiscate them, I think they'll stay in my pack for a long long time.
Rating for this Nikon product: 5
Author of this review on Nikon Binoculars: Danny Sullivan
Date: 2005-07-25
Usefulness Rating: 3.06667 out of 5.
495 reader(s) voted.
This Nikon Binoculars review brought to you by Hunting & Fishing Gear Review!
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