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Nikon Monarch 5 vs 7: Which is Best for Outdoors?

Ever wondered what the best binoculars in the market are currently? Today we are putting forward the two best binoculars by Nikon Monarch 5 vs. Monarch 7.

Features

Nikon Monarch 5

Nikon Monarch 7

Lens glasses

Extra low-dispersion glass

Extra low-dispersion glass

Angular field of view (8*42)

6.3°

8.0°

Field of view

330 ft. at 1000 yards

420 ft. at 1000 yards

Available magnifications

8x, 10x, 12x, 16x and 20x

8x and 10x

Water resistance

Yes

Yes

Fog proof

Yes

Yes

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We all love something good, durable, and very efficient to help us with our adventure expeditions. But how many brands out there will truly live up to your expectations, without you breaking the bank? Not many, we suppose.

Thankfully, the Nikon Monarch 5 and the Nikon Monarch 7 have become leaders in the industry, giving other major binocular brands a run for their money.

How will you get to decide on which one to purchase?

In this post, we’ll cover the specifications of each one to help you decide on the one that meets your needs.

Understanding the numbers on binoculars:

All types of binoculars are specified by a set of numbers, e.g., 10 x 30 or 8 x 40. The first number represents the magnification strength (how many times the object appears closer to you) while the second one indicates the size of the objective lens (measured in millimeters across the binocular lens).

Contents

Nikon Monarch 5 vs. Monarch 7: The Battle of the Monarchs

Initially, the ‘Nikon Monarch’ was used as a reference to the Monarch 3, which is an older version. After making several improvements, Nikon came up with two series of binoculars naming them the Nikon Monarch 5 and the Nikon Monarch 7.

Due to their compact nature and user-friendliness, the Nikon Monarch binoculars have been made for the average user, without incorporating too many sophistication. From the construction and design to functionality, and the optics, here is a complete comparison of the two popular Nikon binoculars.

Design and build

Nikon Monarch 5 Vs 7 Binocular

Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars are made from light and durable poly carbonate chassis, which is reinforced with fiberglass to make them temperature resistant. The exterior is reinforced with rubber to prevent it from slipping off accidentally.

Furthermore, the Eco-Glass is made from environmentally-friendly materials, which are free from arsenic or lead.

Nikon Monarch 5 Vs 7

The small cuts placed on the sides of the optical tubes are conveniently placed, providing a natural grip. The binoculars also sport nitrogen-filled o-rings, which give it the waterproof and fog proof attributes. This means you can use the equipment in extreme conditions.

Nikon Monarch 5 Vs 7 Which One Is Best

The Nikon Monarch 7 has a well-balanced design with excellent ergonomics, making it quite easy to hold. The center focus adjustment knob is rotated seamlessly and is conveniently placed.

The rubber eye-cups are also very comfortable on your face, making them ideal for long-term expeditions. The entire FOV is shown without the wearer having to mash their eyes on the cups, making it one of the best models for eye relief.

Ever since the Monarch 5 was upgraded, you will notice that there aren’t any differences with the Monarch 7. This means it has the same features of rubber eyecups, o-ring seals, center focus adjustment knob and superb ergonomics.

The center focus wheel for the Nikon Monarch 5 is large enough and conveniently placed. So even if you have gloves on, you’ll have precise control of this optics equipment.

As per the design, specific eye descriptions were also taken into account thanks to the dioptric adjustment collar. The latest Monarch 5 models come with an optional tripod mount for hands-free operation.

Nikon binoculars Monarch 7 is generally attractive in their design. They are shorter and wider compared to the Monarch 5 models. The eyecups come with a turn-and-slide feature, which facilitates the natural positioning of eyes. A clear field of view is made possible thanks to the high-eyepoint design of the Monarch 7.

Even though the Monarch 5 has a large focus wheel, it is not as big as that of the Monarch 7. However, such a design element does not make any massive difference concerning the ease of use and functionality of the two Nikon binoculars.

The weight difference between the 8×42 configurations of the two Monarch binoculars is only 2 ounces. Although this might seem like a negligible disparity, it makes the Monarch 7 a better option in case you have additional gear that you’re carrying on a hunting trip or other expedition.

Lens

Nikon Monarch 7

The optical system is what essentially makes binoculars what they are. There isn’t much difference between the Nikon Monarch 5 and the Nikon Monarch 7 when it comes to the lens structure.

The extra low-dispersion glass (ED) in the Monarch 5 helps in reducing chromatic and spherical aberrations. This helps in increasing color rendition, sharpness, and contrast without any distortion.

Moreover, the roof prism light path gets the optical tubes to remain thin, enabling a compact form factor. There are dielectric prism multi-layer coatings, which also help in improving internal reflection and clarity.

Just like the Monarch 5, the Monarch 7 also have ED glasses. These offer you unrivaled close focus capabilities with high resolution. Similarly, the Monarch 7 has multilayer coatings on the lenses and prisms to ensure proper light transmission and increase image quality.

Below are some of the key differences in their optical system

The usable field of view

Although this is a rarely considered factor, it’s one of the areas where the Monarch 5 and 7 differ. To be specific, this aspect makes the Monarch 7 superior to the Monarch 5.

When you take the 8×42 configurations, the Monarch 5 has 6.3° angular field of view while that of the Monarch 7 is 8.0°.

In terms of feet, what this means is that the Monarch 5 has a field of view (FOV) of 330 ft. at 1000 yards while the Monarch 7 has a staggering FOV of 420 ft. at 1000 yards. After the recommended width, the images begin to blur. This happens at about 64.3% of its radius.

On the other hand, the Monarch 7 covers about 71% of its 419.2 (127.8m) FOV radius before it starts to blur. The 90-feet difference is significant, and it can impact the ability to see objects from a distance.

Low light viewing

Prostaff 7 Vs 7S Comparison

As mentioned above, both of these two binoculars have extra low-dispersion glasses to enhance image quality, even under low-light situations.

Ever since the Nikon Monarch 5 received an upgrade in their dielectric coatings, they have since been able to match up to the functionality of the Nikon Monarch 7. Still, the Monarch 7 has a slightly better light control when it comes to nighttime performance.

Magnification and objective lenses

When it comes to magnification, the Monarch 7 and Monarch 5 each come in different variations.

In particular, the Monarch 5 is available in 8x, 10x, 12x, 16x and 20x magnification. By comparison, the Monarch 7 is only available in 8x and 10x.

The benefit of the high-powered binoculars models of the Monarch 5 is that they give you a pretty good view of objects that are distant. Whether you’re stargazing, observing wildlife or bird-watching, you’ll be able to see further out with 16x and 20x binoculars.

That said, the high-powered binoculars have one major drawback: their weight! This optics equipment comes with larger lenses, which add to the overall weight of the gadget. For instance, the 16x and 20x have lenses with a diameter of 56 mm. This is why the Monarch 5 models all come with tripod mounts, making them easier to use.

The Monarch 7 has its fair share of advantages. With smaller magnification power, you’ll be guaranteed of getting steady images even if you won’t see as far as with their high-powered counterparts.

Model

Monarch 5 (8 x 42)

Monarch 5 (10 x 42)

Monarch 7 (8 x 42)

Monarch 7 (10 x 42)

Magnification

8x

10x

8x

10x

Eye Relief (mm)

19.5

18.4

17.1

16.4

Field of view (at 1,000 yards)

330 ft.

288 ft.

420 ft.

351 ft.

Weight (oz)

21.5

21.9

22.8

23.3

Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm)

56 – 72

56 – 72

56 – 72

56 – 72

Pros and Cons

Nikon Monarch 5

Pros:

  • Produces clear and high-resolution image
  • Wide field of view
  • An all-weather product
  • Water and fog-resistant
  • Flip down lens covers for protection
  • Convenient harness, carrying case and cleaning cloth
  • Durable design

Cons:

  • Adjusting the straps to intertwine the eyepiece covers can be time-consuming
  • The user’s manual is vague

Nikon Monarch 7

Pros:

  • Wide FOV
  • High Optical Quality
  • Multilayered Coatings
  • Rugged Construction
  • Low-light Performance
  • Handy casing to prevent damage from falling

Cons:

  • There is a minor chromatic aberration
  • The accessories are limited

Similarities and differences

Similarities

  • Waterproof
  • O-ring sealed to prevent fogging
  • Made from non-slip rubber eyecups
  • They have a roof prism system

Differences

  • The Monarch 7 has a broader field of view than the Monarch 5 of 420 ft. at 1,000 yards compared to the Monarch 5 at 330 ft. at 1,000 yards
  • The Monarch 5 is relatively budget-friendly unlike the Monarch 7 which is a bit pricey
  • The Monarch 5 has a longer eye relief
  • The Monarch 7 is slightly heavier than the Nikon Monarch 5

Final verdict

It is quite hard to narrow down the differences between these two binoculars. It all depends on what you plan to use them for.

If you are looking for lightweight binoculars for backpacking or bird watching, the Nikon Monarch 5 will do just fine.

Similarly, if you are on a tight budget, the Monarch 5 will be a better choice for you. However, for hunting, the Monarch 7 is the best option as it offers a better field of view. This is because they have lower magnification strength, which leads to steadier images.

Check Price & Buy Monarch 7 From Amazon

 

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