Nikon Monarch HG binos ... anyone have them locally?

[twoSevenO]

Hi,

I'm looking at new binos for next year ($1000 USD budget). Been using my Vortex Diamondbacks since 2008 and it's time they get upgraded considering i spend more time looking through my binoculars than any other optic i own. These new Monarch HG have made the short list. They seem quite good in specs, with one of the widest field of views out there (362 feet @ 1000 yards), but not sure who carries them locally to take a look through. Almost no YouTube reviews on them either yet as they're fairly new.

(Thinking Nikon Monarch HG, Zeiss Conquest HD, Leica Trinovid HD or Minox HG)

[firebird]

Can't help you with the Monarchs but I looked between the ZEISS and Leicas. And went with the Conquest HD. The Trinovid were heavier and not clear right out to the edges. I would consider the focus on the Conquests to be fairly 'free wheeling' and fine. And I like the soft rubber eye cups.

Hope that helps some.

[twoSevenO]

Can't help you with the Monarchs but I looked between the ZEISS and Leicas. And went with the Conquest HD. The Trinovid were heavier and not clear right out to the edges. I would consider the focus on the Conquests to be fairly 'free wheeling' and fine. And I like the soft rubber eye cups.

Hope that helps some.

The trinovids are only 1oz heavier. Based on specs their real downside is the narrower field of view compared to Zeiss (339 feet compared to 345), as well as the fact they're made in Portugal not Germany.

Edge sharpness is definitely something that's quite important .... that's why i want to find who carries the Monarch HG to take a look. With their "Field Flattner" lenses, they're supposed to be "kind of like" the Swaro EL in terms of edges. But, that's all based on internet info. I've yet to take a look through them.

[Sharpish]

I love my conquests. Awesome glass and they have taken a beating.

[firebird]

Does Omer/plain sight carry Nikon or minox? He will send and bill you for both pairs for comparison but re fund you for the pair you send back.....as long as they are still BNIB. That's what he did for me with the leicas and zeiss

[300rum700]

Buy a pair of used premium glass for that much money. I wouldnt pay $1000 Nikon anything.

[twoSevenO]

Buy a pair of used premium glass for that much money. I wouldnt pay $1000 Nikon anything.

Find me a pair. Nobody sells used Swarovski binos for $1000 .... unless they're a 30 year old model. I've looked.

Second, Nikon makes binoculars that sell for over $2500 in their Premier line.

Not sure why you'd discredit Nikon .... they're one of the worlds leading manufacturers for all kinds of photography lenses and optics. They know how to make good glass.

[300rum700]

Find me a pair. Nobody sells used Swarovski binos for $1000 .... unless they're a 30 year old model. I've looked.

Second, Nikon makes binoculars that sell for over $2500 in their Premier line.

Not sure why you'd discredit Nikon .... they're one of the worlds leading manufacturers for all kinds of photography lenses and optics. They know how to make good glass.

You can't find a pair of used slc's or ultravids for $1000 USD? For my money $1000 is too much for Nikon anything, I've got two pair of monarchs sitting in my safe as we speak, they're great. Both have been replaced on warranty as well. Look on ebay, rokslide and archery talk for used optics, you'll find what you want if you wait.

[twoSevenO]

You can't find a pair of used slc's or ultravids for $1000 USD? For my money $1000 is too much for Nikon anything, I've got two pair of monarchs sitting in my safe as we speak, they're great. Both have been replaced on warranty as well. Look on ebay, rokslide and archery talk for used optics, you'll find what you want if you wait.

again .... you're discrediting something solely based on brand. And that's just plain wrong. This isn't a $1000 Tasco binocular that would raise eyebrows. Nikon is a respectable brand. I'd trust their optics more than I would Vortex.

Having said all that .... still have yet to look through the Monarch HG model. But i bet its fairly priced and on par with Zeiss Conquest HD in quality. I'll confirm once i have had a chance to compare.

[300rum700]

again .... you're discrediting something solely based on brand. And that's just plain wrong. This isn't a $1000 Tasco binocular that would raise eyebrows. Nikon is a respectable brand. I'd trust their optics more than I would Vortex.

Having said all that .... still have yet to look through the Monarch HG model. But i bet its fairly priced and on par with Zeiss Conquest HD in quality. I'll confirm once i have had a chance to compare.

Id buy $1000 Tascos over any Nikon.