Getting ready for an "out West" hunt, and I need better binoculars. I've been using Nikon compacts in the Eastern woods, and I like them, but I need something bigger and more comfortable for glassing the big country. Has anyone tried the Nikon 10X42 Monarch ATB's? Pros, cons?
I've found them for under $200, which is actually a little less than I planned to spend.
don i have a pair of these. good and clear very durable and light weight i read a reveiw in eastmans hunting journal before i bought mine and they were very impressed with them.and after using mine i am to. under 200 is a very good price.i have a buddy that owns an archery store an i got mine at cost and it was over 200.i think you will be very satisfied with them .
I have a pair; they are very good glass for the money.
The Wal Mart's around here have a pair of 10X42 that I was told were made by NIKON and they're only $50. Side by side with my NIKON you can't tell a difference looking through the glass.
Prices vary widely- I found them on line for $189.95 with free shipping. LL Bean has them for $329.95 plus shipping.
I used them on a caribou hunt a few years ago. Once my guide asked if he could try them....he wouldn't give them back to me until the hunt was over. I think they are about as good as it gets for the money.
I like mine.
I like mine, too. You don't get a whole lot better unless you spend LOTS more money. They're also rugged.
Eagle optics Rangers are really good too. I love mine. Don't forget your crooked horn (or one like it) bino harness!
Tom, I've been concerned that a harness mount might interfere with my bowstring with a 64-68" bow. I don't like anything on my chest because of that concern. I usually carry mine with the strap around my neck and right shoulder so they ride under my right arm, out of the way of anything. I haven't tried a harness, though, so I may be off base.
No negatives so far- I'm about sold!
I did quite a bit of research (on the web and in stores) last year, when I decided to buy a pair of 10x42. Down to the Nikon and Leupold Casscades; I had the opportunity to look and compare both at a Bass Pro store. The Nikon glass is made in China, the Leupold in Japan. I bought the Leupold on sale at Wal-Mart for $170.00 (Sept 08). They have been great, especially in low light.
MO, Dennis
I was on a hunt in TX the ranch manager had a pair of the 8x42 Monarchs. They had been on the dashboard of his truck for a couple of years. They took that beating and when I looked through them they were still crystal clear. I returned to WY and bought a pair this spring. My only thing with 10 power is its more difficult to hold still while looking thru them, espically at the longer distances of spot and stalk in the west.
Dennis, was the only difference in them China vs. Japan, or could you see a difference in optical quality? I think Nikon has always "outsourced" the binos with their name on them.
I love 8x42 Nikon's I tried the 10x42 and found them not as bright as the 8x42. They were still very nice.
Can't beat em for the money
I prefer the 8x42's as well and have read that they are the better choice. Mine were more than enough for a pig gig in Tx. Up to you.
Don
I also looked at a comparable Bushnell and researched Alpen optics. In the Bass Pro store, I was able to compare the Nikon and Leupold side by side, looking thru one and then the other, looking in dark corners across the store. IMO the quality of the glass was better in the Leupold Cascades, I could see much better in the dark corners. I left knowing the Leupold was what I wanted; got lucky a week or so later and bought on sale at Wal-Mart. Regular price listed at most sources was $320-340; I paid $270.00, my first post ($170.) was a typo.
Hope this helps, Dennis
My uncle recommended them to me. I have a pair of the ATB 10x42 and love them! I purchased them on **** for a good price (around $180).
Great binos.
I also have a pair of the 8x42's. I prefer the tens. My wife is a bird watcher so the 8's were perfect for her. I found the tens to be much sharper on longer range stuff.
I have both a newer 8x42's and an older pair of 10x42's. I like the 8's, the picture is so much clearer, maybe because they are about 8 years newer and the glass is better? I don't know?
Anyway, good bino's for the money.
I have the 8X42's and like them a lot. They've taken a beating out in the woods and still work great.
Tom is right about the harness. Get one. They're the best investment I've made besides the Nikon's and my Lone Wolf stand. I've shot plenty of game with the harness on. Never bothered me a bit. You just simply adjust them to suit.
Hmmm, now y'all got me thinking about the 8's. They would be better for the home place, woods hunting, but I was considering the 10's just for the distances out there. I've used both over the years, and I've learned that good 8's are better than poor 10's, but I don't think that's the nature of the choice here.
I don't think any of our party has a spotting scope, either. Maybe I can convince one of them to buy one before the trip... :)
Decisions, decisions!
I love mine....paid $232 years ago and it was a great price at that time. Great glass at a super price.
I live out West and sometimes 10's are not enough.....They work great in combo with a good spotting scope.....Out here you need to find the critter, sometimes a mile away then figure out how to get in front of it or close enough to take it.
After you get past 8 power, the shaky hand syndrome seems to be an issue as well 8^). We have both Nikon and Leupold at our local Walmart and there is little difference that I can detect in the brightness area, but I like the 8X42 cause I'm a little shaky. Both Nikon and Leupold are top notch.
Don,
I haven't had a problem with shooting by 64" LB with the crooked horn harness. Everyone has their own comfort zone though. Stick with what works for you.
I loved my 10x42. Wish whoever stole them would give them back. :(
I have the 10X42 and find them clear and bright. But I find them a bit shaky for me to hand hold, you need to get solid. I really think I would have preferred the 8X42. Great Glass Though. I find myself still using my older 7X35 Redfields most of the time.
I think I'll go ahead with the 10's for this trip, since I'll be glassing long distances. I have some good 8 power compact Nikons already, so that gives me more options.
I'll get the harness, too. Thanks to everyone for your input.
Don
i like mine!
Be sure to check around for Nikon rebates.
They usually have them on a number of products.
Here's an example:
http://www.opticsplanet.net/nikon-rebate.html#1
Lost Arra, that cinches it for sure! opticsplanet has the best price, free shipping, AND a $50 rebate! Thanks very much for the information- I don't know if I would have found that on my own when I ordered. Glad I waited until this morning!!
Whoops- just went to order, and found that the rebate is already included in the $189.95 price. Still the best deal around.
And yet another whoops- the price is now $215.95. Placed my order in a hurry, before inflation hits again! I must have looked at the 8X42 price this morning, but I'm sure it was for the 10's the first time I looked.
Law of the Wild: He who hesitates is lunch!!