Nikon 7430 Monarch 8x42mm All-Terrain Binoculars by Nikon
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Our Price: $514.50 Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Digital Camera See more digital camera details and other models |
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Digital camera reviews of Nikon 7430 Monarch 8x42mm All-Terrain Binoculars
Digital camera Review: Excellent binoculars for birding
Summary: 5 Stars
I have recently taken up birding with my father - who's been birding for 60 years. On a recent trip he had his $1700 Swarovskis and I had the Nikon Monarchs - so I was able to test them both out side by side. To my eye they are identical in brightness and image clarity. The Monarchs are comfortable, compact, not too heavy, it's easy to find the bird you want to look at, and they do what all good binoculars are supposed to do: give you the sense that what you are looking at is "right there" in front of you.
The Swarovskis do have that cool groove under each lens barrel to rest your thumbs in, and they look like they'd take a beating a little better. But is that worth $1400?
A few criticisms, although they do not affect my recommendation.
1) the bottom lens caps - which are tethered to the lens barrels - are clumsy and don't stay out of the way. I just took mine off and use them only when packing. The top lens cap only stays on when the binoculars are stowed in the carrying pouch - they fall off instantly if you're carrying the binocs around your neck. But I noticed my Dad wasn't using his Swarovski lens caps either - maybe no one has really figured them out yet.
2) I wish Nikon would include a better neck strap, the one that comes with the binocs is a little flimsy and scratches your neck after a while. You can always get a decent aftermarket "harness" strap for $20, but at this price it would be nice of Nikon gave you a good one.
But all in all: a top-notch pair of binoculars, at a fair price, from a top name in optics.
Digital camera Review: Excellent product
Summary: 5 Stars
After a lot, really... a lot, of research i finally decided on these binocs and very happy i did. They are much smaller than i imagined and the clarity is incredible. A Coworker has a $1500 pair of binocs and i think these are right up there with regards to quality and much lighter which is important. Spending ~$300 was more than i wanted but i think these will last me a lifetime and well worth it.Digital camera Review: Excellent product
Summary: 5 Stars
I already have a 5 yr old monarch and I love it. This new one has a new lense covering that can be kept on or off but the lines are the same as the 5 yr old model. I love this binocular because when you lift it to you head it's almost like a light is on in the binocular. The clarity is great and field of view is wonderful on the 8X42. I love it for birding and any other extracurricular activity!Digital camera Review: Excellent quality
Summary: 5 Stars
I have used the ATB 8x42 for about five months now. Great great quality and I really like the overall ergonomics.Digital camera Review: Excellent quality for the price
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought these binoculars for observing wildlife on a recent trip to Alaska. I couldn't be more satisfied with them! They are lightweight and comfortable for carrying while hiking. I never missed a sighting of a bald eagle or a whale spout. Since returning home, I've used them at several NFL games and was pleased with the resolution and clarity. I didn't want to make a $1000+ investment in Swarovski's (the absolute best). I can't recommend these more highly for recreational use!