Nikon Monarch 10*42

[Steve C]

I doubt the Zen Ray represents the "too good to be true" category.  I think what it represents is an illustration of "what you can get for somewhat less than a ton of money" with today's technology.  I am a Monarch owner and I have the ZEN ED 2 glass.  The Monarch gets its butt kicked.

The Monarch will probably go down as a classic glass, but Nikon sat on its laurels for far too long with their design.  It seems like all of the major players in the optics game have been exceptionally slow to twig to the fact that they can produce a lot better glass for less money.  That has left the door open for relative newcomers, who, do recognize this, to step forward and do what the big boys won't.  For that we owe them thanks.

[HntnFsh]

I doubt the Zen Ray represents the "too good to be true" category.  I think what it represents is an illustration of "what you can get for somewhat less than a ton of money" with today's technology.  I am a Monarch owner and I have the ZEN ED 2 glass.  The Monarch gets its butt kicked.

The Monarch will probably go down as a classic glass, but Nikon sat on its laurels for far too long with their design.  It seems like all of the major players in the optics game have been exceptionally slow to twig to the fact that they can produce a lot better glass for less money.  That has left the door open for relative newcomers, who, do recognize this, to step forward and do what the big boys won't.  For that we owe them thanks.

I think you nailed it!

[funkster]

I have the monarchs as well and have had them for 3 seasons. My question is what are you all doing to break the eye cups?

[Michelle_Nelson]

I've got the 10 x 42's and they are really good glass but like was said before the eye cups suck.  I have taken mine back to Cabela's twice.  2nd time was only a week ago.  Just have to be careful with them.

[CAMPMEAT]

I'm nearly decided to buy the Nikon Monarch 10*42 binoculars.  They are $320 at Cabelas.  Anyone have these?  Are they worth the $320?  Is there a better choice in that price range?

Try www.binoculars.com
I bought the Nikon 8x42 Action and were $69.95 to my house.

[Wanttohuntmore]

I had a pair, long ago, thought they were great for 3 years.  Then, I looked through my friends 8x30 SLC's....  That was a mistake.  Sold the Nikon's, and ended up buying some Zeiss after traveling to BC and down to Oregon to find stores where I could compare all the binocs together.  I've NEVER regretted that!

But in the $300 price range, I think Nikons glass are really tough to beat. 

[CamoDup]

i have a pair also. IMO they are just ok.. they do get the job done. my eye cups broke and i ended up loosing them. when i sent them in they fixed everything and replaced the eye cups for free.. this was like 3 years after i bought them. so the warrenty is good, glass OK and eye cups crap.

[duckmen1]

"have had just as good $50 cheapos as far as glass..."


ok look in low light conditions and tell me a ten power $50 pair of cheapos look like that
 i like mine and are not willing to spend two grand for sworofskis
they are built tough, clear, and reasonably priced
i don't have to worry about the eye cups breaking on mine because i never pull them out anyway cause i have glasses and can only use binos with them in
good buy