Nikon Monarch 7 10x42

[allanrube]

I am looking for a pair of binoculars in the $400 - $600 range. Right now I am thinking of the one in the subject line. However, I know there are many experts here so I thought I would ask for opinions. http://www.nikoncafe.com/xenf/styles/default/xenforo/clear.png

[Doug Brown]

Are you using them for primary birdwatching or as spotting binocs for primary bird photography? The reason I ask is that 10x42s are pretty heavy. I do primary bird photography and I carry a small, high quality pair made by Swarovski. They're a little pricier than what you're looking to spend, but I highly recommend them; the Swarovski 8x25 CL Pocket Binoculars ($819).

[Grady Weed]

Hi Allan. I have the Nikon Monarch 10x42's. We love them. I personally don't think they are heavy or bulky myself. I am 6 ft 6, my wife is 5 ft 4 and she loves them too. We meet you photographing the spoonbill at Fort Desoto a number of years back, remember? Anyway...I use them for birding, spotting and just general sigh seeing. Waterproof, fog-proof. Her in Maine we get wet and damp when we go out. You live in NH you know what I mean. For the cost you cant beat them.

[allanrube]

I have held the Nikon and it doesn't seem that heavy. I can buy a pair for $430 which seems good. :)

[Emanuel Tiberi]

Allan, I don't know if this helps or not.
I've been using for a long time the old Monarch 3 and even with patagonian low light they do pretty good.

[allanrube]

I sent away for a pair on Friday!

[Robert DeCandido]

Zen Ray 8x43 for $329 shipped - better than the Nikons...also looked to buy used - check Ebay for example.

[Jason Holzworth]

The monarch 5's are pretty nice, the 7 series is even better. I would maybe look at the 8x42's, there isn't a ton of difference between 8x and 10x as far as magnification, but the 8x let's more light in and has a much wider FOV.

My personal favorites are swarovski 8x32 swarovisions. small, lights, wide fov, sharp, but $$$