Nikon 10X42 Monarch ATB binos

Don Stokes · August 10, 2009, 12:17:00 PM

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.

joebewan · August 10, 2009, 01:21:00 PM

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 .

centaur · August 10, 2009, 01:36:00 PM

I have a pair; they are very good glass for the money.

shortstroke 91 · August 10, 2009, 01:57:00 PM

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.

Don Stokes · August 10, 2009, 02:12:00 PM

Prices vary widely- I found them on line for $189.95 with free shipping. LL Bean has them for $329.95 plus shipping.

Bill Carlsen · August 10, 2009, 02:16:00 PM

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.

lone hunter · August 10, 2009, 02:50:00 PM

I like mine.

August 10, 2009, 03:09:00 PM

I like mine, too. You don't get a whole lot better unless you spend LOTS more money. They're also rugged.

Tom Leemans · August 10, 2009, 03:28:00 PM

Eagle optics Rangers are really good too. I love mine. Don't forget your crooked horn (or one like it) bino harness!

Don Stokes · August 10, 2009, 04:37:00 PM

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!

Dennis Allman · August 10, 2009, 04:49:00 PM

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

Jack Skinner · August 10, 2009, 05:00:00 PM

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.

Don Stokes · August 10, 2009, 05:24:00 PM

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.

DesertDude · August 10, 2009, 05:43:00 PM

I love 8x42 Nikon's I tried the 10x42 and found them not as bright as the 8x42. They were still very nice.

HATCHCHASER · August 10, 2009, 08:28:00 PM

Can't beat em for the money

Curveman · August 10, 2009, 08:40:00 PM

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.

Dennis Allman · August 10, 2009, 09:54:00 PM

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

Young Buck · August 11, 2009, 12:27:00 AM

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.

Bill Carlsen · August 11, 2009, 07:37:00 AM

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.

northener · August 11, 2009, 08:00:00 AM

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.