Nikon Monarch 16x56 Binoculars

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460mag

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This past Moose season there were 2 instances where I had a difficult time determining the ### of the animal. In both cases the moose were approx. 500 yds away in brush and motionless. I was using a 10x 40 Leupold and shooting stix to support my binoculars but could not determine whether they were spikes or cows. I felt like I needed more power. I tried stalking closer but they were gone by the time I got in position. I am thinking of purchasing the Nikon 16x56 binoculars to help in the identification process. Does anyone have any experience or thoughts about these binoculars for the purpose described?

Thanks
 
I have used cheap binoculars for many years. I just purchased a pair of Nikon Monarch 5's in 10x42 and I was actually shocked by the power and clarity. I wear glasses and I can use these with my glasses without any issue. They are also very light and waterproof.

I realize that you are looking at a much more powerful set but I just wanted to give my two thumbs up to Nikon. I bought mine at the Pelee Wings store just outside of Point Pelee National Park and they were $30 cheaper than anywhere else. They have a website and do ship. Good luck
 
southwest maddog said:
I have used cheap binoculars for many years. I just purchased a pair of Nikon Monarch 5's in 10x42 and I was actually shocked by the power and clarity. I wear glasses and I can use these with my glasses without any issue. They are also very light and waterproof.

I realize that you are looking at a much more powerful set but I just wanted to give my two thumbs up to Nikon. I bought mine at the Pelee Wings store just outside of Point Pelee National Park and they were $30 cheaper than anywhere else. They have a website and do ship. Good luck
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Nikon also gives lifetime no fault warranty now as well.
 
The issue is not mag ... but quality of the glass presented. Having a higher mag blurry image will be no more productive to where you are now.

Try to see through as many binos as possible. Price is not always a good indicator of performance.... at least in the sub $1k market.

I love Nikon binos..... also have Pentax. But the products keep changing so you can't just go by brand and/or model number. The Nikons I started with which I truly love, stink in their current form... same "model" but made 12 yrs apart.

Look through them at objects you need to see and if you can do a side by side, your best will be very obvious.

With quality binos, 500yds is not far away.

Jerry

PS.. maybe a quality spotting scope would be a better investment???
 
Thanks for the replies. I was trying to determine a) if I needed more magnification b) higher quality glass c) spotting scope vs binoculars, only issue with a spotting scope is that I don't always carry it with me but I always have binoculars.
 
Going to agree with Jerry, the challenge of the 16x's is that your exit pupil doesn't change much meaning that the brightness is still limited by physics. Also I hope you are rock solid or have less shakes than me, the high powered bino's magnify all of your natural movements and can be hard to hold still. Especially when you're excited and looking at an animal. That being said the Monarch 5 16x56's are the first series in our lineup with camera grade ED glass and are really nice, bit heavy for my taste but if you're looking for magnification that won't break the bank here's your answer. Any other questions I'm happy to help!
 
Just last week I spotted a deer way out in the middle of a beaver meadow... with a pair of 8x30 Swarovskis I had no problem seeing that it was a small buck. Distance was about 450 yards. These are the old style SLC's, and I've had them so long I can't remember when I bought them. I hope nothing ever happens to them, because I doubt that I can afford to replace them.

As has already been pointed out, more magnification is not your friend. High magnification glass is hard to hold steady, and can exaggerate the distortion caused by mirage. I think the 8-power that I use are perfect for my circumstance, ( central Ontario bush), and wouldn't consider using anything over 10x unless I could carry a tripod as well.

If you can't afford a new top quality optic ( and few of us can), consider looking for a good used pair by Swarovski, Zeiss or Leica. There are lots of other optics out there that may be just as good, but those three I'm sure will not disappoint. Buying glass is one area where you really do get what you pay for.
 
460mag said:
Thanks Travis. Any suggestions as to models you estimate would be worth considering?
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Bang for buck I would always tell you to start with the Monarch 5 series, 42mm's and 56mm's available. Allaboutbirds.org (Cornell University) gave them the top rating out of two dozen competitors in their latest binocular field tests and they start right around $400 at CGN sponsor sites. Monarch 7's are nice but for the price jump you have to need the extra field of view and be willing to understand the difference it makes. For out in the field hunting with a lower priced set, take a look at the new Prostaff 7s's. They are a bit larger (longer) than the Monarch's and not quite the same glass but if you're budget conscious its a great bino to have in the truck or not worry about beating the snot out of.
 
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