Nikon Monarch Binoculars Review

This article is broken down into several sections, you can jump ahead to the section that interests you by clicking on it.

• The 3 Model Solution
• Monarch 3 vs Monarch 5 vs Monarch 7
• Initial impressions of the Monarch line
• Monarch 3
• Monarch 5
• Monarch 7
• Conclusion

Nikon Three New Model Solutions

Now offering three different solutions under the Monarch branding (the Monarch 3, Monarch 5, and Monarch 7), you’re going to be able to find the perfect Nikon binoculars for your needs and without any headaches or hassles.

It can get a bit confusing, because Nikon has changed up the Monarch line a few times over the years. You may see references to the ATB, Monarch X, or other combinations of the binoculars.

Nikon only offers 3 simple lines now, the Monarch 3, 5, and 7. They also have a special designation for the extra rugged binoculars. You'll see their Monarch 3 and 5 are now all considered rugged, but in the Monarch 7 line, you will find the standard Monarch 7 and the Monarch 7 ATB (ATB = All-Terrain-Binoculars).

As you can probably imagine, the Monarch 7 is the best (and most expensive) while the Monarch 3 is the more entry-level binocular (and the least expensive).

People that were familiar with the pre-2012 line of solutions are going to be pleasantly surprised with the new updates across the board.

Nikon Monarch 3 vs Monarch 5 vs Monarch 7

Just for fun, let's take all of the Monarch lines 8x42 binoculars and compare them

Initial Observations About Monarch 3, 5, & 7 

The monarch 7 has a massive field of view and the smallest dimensions. Curiously, it is heavier than the Monarch 5 though (most likely due to requiring a better lens system to get that wider field of view).

The Monarch 3 is the heaviest and bulkiest as well. Most likely because it's an entry level product, they don't spend the money on putting higher quality material to keep the size and weight down.

And, as you would expect, the Monarch 3 has the smallest field of view, the Monarch 5 has the next best, and the Monarch 7 has the best.

We've got all the obvious differences between the Nikon Monarch 3 vs Monarch 5 vs Monarch 7, so let's dive into each one a little bit more.

Nikon Monarch 3 - Entry Level Binoculars

The Monarch 3 is the lowest quality of the entire line. This doesn't make them bad, just the entry level product.

Generally, in this low price-point, the prism coating is aluminum allow. Here, it is a silver alloy which is a step above.

While this is a good introductory pair of binoculars, it has a close focus distance of almost 10 ft. Unfortunately, that makes it not particularly good for birding though it will do well enough for hunting (or for birding for novices).

You can see that it comes in two primary configurations, 8x42 and 10x42. Both are very comparable in specs with the 10x42 giving you a wider field of view, though darker image because it has higher magnification over the same size objective lens.

Nikon No Fault Warranty

Nikon is so dedicated to their product that they will repair or replace it at no charge, regardless if it's your fault or theirs. Now, that is truly standing behind a product.

This warranty applies for all Monarch 3, 5, and 7 binoculars.

Our Thoughts on the Monarch 3

While it is an OK line of binoculars, we'd recommend either upgrading to the Monarch 5 (for roughly an extra $100) or going with the Vortex Diamondback binoculars over these.

The Vortex Diamondback are at virtually the same price point and you'll find they are lighter, have a better field of view, better close focus, and are smaller/more compact.

Unless you truly want that warranty which is pretty much unsurpassed. Then get a Monarch 3.

Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars - One of the Best Selling Lines, Period.

The Monarch 5 is one of the best selling lines of binoculars due to a great combination of quality and price. So, the value is amazing since you are getting so much at that price point.

These are waterproof, fog proof, and have rubber-armor that helps withstand drops and bumps that are inevitable while in the field.

The Monarch 5 comes in 4 primary configurations, the 8x42, 10x42, 12x42, and 20x56. Since the 20x56 is beyond what most people are using for hand-held bird watching, we'll stick to the first 3.

The most useful magnifications for hunting and birding are the 8x42 and 10x42, though in some specific situations the 12x42 makes sense.

The biggest difference between these is the higher magnification causes a reduction in the field of view.

Lens and Coating

Nikon boasts the multilayer applied to all of the lens and prism surfaces to maximize light transmittance across the entire light spectrum. It reduces reflection and ensures a natural, clear view.

They have Nikon's special Dielectric high-reflective multi-layer prism coating which gives almost the same brightness as perceived by the naked eye. So you will get a high-contrast image that has accurate colors. Color accuracy is extremely important for birding.

Overall, this is an amazing line. You can see that the field of view in the 8x model is 361 ft, which is a really solid showing in this price point. We highly recommend this for both birding and hunting.

Monarch 5 Durable Rubber Body 

As we mentioned before, all of the Monarch lineup comes with the features of the all-terrain-binoculars. This includes their Rubber-Armored body which allows it to withstand just about anything you can throw at it.

It also has non-slip grip, so you don't have to worry about dropping it, even in the rain.

Overall thoughts of Monarch 5

While you might want a 10x magnification for larger and slower birds such as waterfowl in brighter conditions, most people will do well with the 8x.

Other than that, these are a solid choice and one of the best selling binoculars in this price range.

Their low weight, close focus, and amazing optics all at a reasonable price are all reasons to check it out.

Nikon Monarch 7 - When Nothing But Quality Will Satisfy You

The next in line is the Monarch 7. These boast an absolutely impressive 420 ft field of view, which is absolutely remarkable and definitely one of the best in it's class.

You can see that it is sacrificing a bit in weight and close in focus to achieve that, but these are sacrifices most people are willing to make.

It's true, you will pay a premium to get the Monarch 7 over the Monarch 5 or Monarch 3. That's because it's packed full of quality features

Lenses and Prisms

Their coating goes far beyond conventional coatings. They have their quality dielectric multilayer prism coating, which is applied to every single lens and prism surface (many binoculars apply to some, but not all surfaces). It has higher light transfer, brightness, and gives almost the same brightness as the naked eye.

Their phase correction coated prisms give true colors in high resolution.

All of that along with their premium extra-low dispersion glass makes this the choice for serious hunters, birders, and enthusiasts.

Rubber-Armor

Their ATB lines come with rubber-armor coating and non-slip grip. This is something not generally seen on many other binoculars. 

They will be able to handle the rigors of bouncing around in your truck, banging around in the woods, or being dropped on a rainy day.

Lifetime Repair/Replacement Warranty

This is simply something most other brands won't do. Though it doesn't cover lost/stolen binoculars, they will repair or replace your binoculars at no charge, regardless if you dropped them, or there was a manufacturing defect.

Our Thoughts on the Monarch 7 Line

Overall these are excellent binoculars and are a cut above the others in the line. You'll also pay a premium to get them.

If you want amazingly clear images compared to other binoculars in its price range, or just love the amazing warranty, then these are for you.

If it's in the budget, the Monarch 7 is definitely the way to go. If not, then stick with the Monarch 5.