Nikon Monarchs

[Naches Sportsman]

I have been reading a lot of reviews and a lot of people seem to like them binoculars. What is better to get? the 10x42 or the 12x42? Now that cabelas is open here I need to spend my credit I have with them. I know for sure I can't get anything above $500 as I need to leave some money in my hunting jar. thanks for any info.

[jplmyers]

If I recall correctly, the first number refers to the magnification, the second is the objective diameter of the glass... The higher the number, the larger the hole, the more light passes through... Better for low light situations.  So in this case, both have same objective diameter, I would say it depends on how much magnification you need and if more size/weight is an issue for you.

[bobcat]

In the 12 power, a 42mm objective lens is too small, IMO.

I'd go with the 10x42. It's much more versatile.

[Glockster]

I bought the 10x42 Monarch 3 bino's from Cabelas last month.  So far I love them.  I think in heavy timber i would prefer an 8x though.

I can't tell any diff between the Nikon glass and some of the 5x more expensive name glass on the market, but maybe better eyes can. 

[Skillet]

I bought a pair of the 12x56's.  Man, what a great piece of equipment for the money - they double as a decent spotting scope without the eye strain or having to carry one.  No, I'm not going to be able to put that eyeguard on the mule deer at a mile, but I can sure see the deer and whether or not I want to try and get closer.  I use my adjustable "mono-pod"when glassing to steady these things, as the higher magnification seems to work against you when trying to hold them still.  They are a little on the heavy side but I bought a Badlands bino harness for them and I hardly know they're there now. 
I'd agree with other posters that the 12x42 might not be a great combo - you're going to want the bigger objective lens for higher power.  I think I got mine for well under $500.

[SemperFidelis97]

Camofire had some of the I believe 10x42 Monarchs on sale yesterday for like a $180.00 I am sure they are all gone by now though.

[ShaneTyTrey]

I have been reading a lot of reviews and a lot of people seem to like them. What is better to get? the 10x42 or the 12x42? Now that cabelas is open here I need to spend my credit I have with them. I know for sure I can't get anything above $500 as I need to leave some money in my hunting jar. thanks for any info.

For the price a very good scope, I also have a few of the buckmasters which is the model in between the prostaff and monarch.  I personally wouldn't go with the pro-staff as the buckmaster is considerably better for just a bit more money.  You can often find them new on ebay for $180ish or less.  If you can afford it the monarch is much better though.  Like Leupold VX1 = Pro-staff, VXII = Buckmaster and VXIII = Monarch.  I think Nikon is as good as Leupold and have a great warranty.  May also want to look at Vortex, everyone says for the money they are the best.  I have one of their HD spotting scopes in 20x60x80 and love it, but haven't shot a gun with one of the rifle scopes yet.  Good luck on the decision

[predatorpro]

just bought some monarch 5 and love em! havent had a problem and they are extremely clear! as far as i know they have  lifetime warranty on them but have never had any problems with my nikon optics yet so i have never had to find out

[huntnphool]

I have been reading a lot of reviews and a lot of people seem to like them. What is better to get? the 10x42 or the 12x42? Now that cabelas is open here I need to spend my credit I have with them. I know for sure I can't get anything above $500 as I need to leave some money in my hunting jar. thanks for any info.

I use 10x42's (Swaro's) and believe that a 12x42 might be difficult to use without some kind of stabilization,(tripod, mono pod).

 On another note, I have never been using my 10x42's and wished I had 12x42's.

[ShaneTyTrey]

I have been reading a lot of reviews and a lot of people seem to like them. What is better to get? the 10x42 or the 12x42? Now that cabelas is open here I need to spend my credit I have with them. I know for sure I can't get anything above $500 as I need to leave some money in my hunting jar. thanks for any info.

I use 10x42's (Swaro's) and believe that a 12x42 might be difficult to use without some kind of stabilization,(tripod, mono pod).

 On another note, I have never been using my 10x42's and wished I had 12x42's.

I agree with 12 power you want at least a 44mm objective and probably a 50mm.   

[huntnphool]

My bad, I thought he was refering to bino's not scopes.

In the 12 power, a 42mm objective lens is too small, IMO.

I'd go with the 10x42. It's much more versatile.

That being said, I agree with Bobcat.

[ShaneTyTrey]

I have those bino's also, the 10x42 is solid, still want a bigger objective for 12x...just my 

[Bean Counter]

I used Monarch for years. Upgraded to the Nikon EDG in 10x32. These top shelf binos have the same field of view as many 42mm objective binos but still, with 32mm for 10x it does get a bit shaky. Stay with the 10x42. 

[Wacenturion]

Deleted my post...thought you were referring to scopes.  My bad.

[Wacenturion]

With that being said....Nikon also has a instant rebate deal on binos.

http://nikonpromo.com/monarch.php

[dc]

I also have a pair of 10x42 Monarchs, and do not regret it one bit.  For the money you cant go wrong.

[Bean Counter]

Even if you pay full retail, you will be happy with quality optics for years to come.

[CamoDup]

I have had the 10x42s for about 3 years now. I love them. They let light in very well and are clear. The only problem is the eye cups. After a while they tend to wear out and break. I called Nikon and they told me to send them in so I did. 2-3 weeks later they were at my door fixed no charge.