As good as binoculars go, it could not get better than this, and the best thing is, it does not cost a bomb! The Nikon Monarch ATB certainly got everything packed into that 7.8 x 6 x 3.1 inches, 1.9 pound pair of classy looking binoculars.
All Terrain Binoculars (Nikon 7430 Monarch 8 X 42mm)
Judging by the brand name of the Monarch, you would know a brand like Nikon strictly mean three things, quality, precision, and more quality.
First of all, the hard rubber coating around the Nikon Monarch ATB not only serves as a protection against impact, but also helps you maintain your grip when it is wet. Speaking of water, the Monarch is 100% waterproof as well as fog proof and shock proof.
Under that layer of protection is the fine and delicate optics of the Monarch. The Multicoated lenses the Monarch uses allows a brighter, and clearer image to be presented. Extended viewing is also aided by the precision aligned optics.
The Monarch doesn’t lose out on comfort either. The long eye relief is also convenient for those who wear glasses. Besides that the central focus feature makes focusing much easier. On top of that, the firm eyecups with a turn and slide capability is also a huge improvement.
Nikon Monarch ATB 8×42 – balance of cost and quality
Excellent for bird watching or nature walks, the Monarch actually performs as well as other brands such as Leica and Opticrons, if not slightly inferiorly, but cost three to four times less, one reviewer pointed out. Unless you are a professional photographer or an avid bird watcher, I think the Monarch gives you the best balance of cost and quality.
Having said that, I am not saying the Monarch is cheap to buy. The Monarch is itself 3 to 4 times more expensive than other models. But as the best pair of binoculars overall, the Monarch ATB 8×42 from Nikon is undisputed.
Update: Nikon is giving a $50 post-purchase rebate if you get the Nikon Monarch ATB 8×42 now at Amazon, besides the 24% discount and free shipping already given by Amazon. This rebate has an order-by date.