Nikon Monarch Binoculars Review and Comparison (2024) of Monarch M5 & M7,  Monarch HG, Monarch 3, 5, 7, & ATB Models

Nikon Monarch Binoculars are a very popular, best selling bird watching binocular series because of their high quality and mid-level price range.

You get a lot for your dollar for the Monarchs and are an excellent mid-range priced birding binocular as well as being popular for other sporting activities such as hunting.

It's what we personally use, professionally for our bird surveys as well as for recreational birding, and recommend for a mid-priced birding binocular.

Nikon Monarch Series and Models

Nikon's upgrades to series and models and name changes can be confusing, but we'll try to make things clearer for you.

The Monarchs have several different 2024 model lines including different magnification and objective lens sizes within the model type as well as lower and higher priced models depending on glass quality, lens and prism coatings.

The Nikon Monarch Binoculars line now includes the Monarch M5 and Monarch M7, Monarch 3, Monarch 5 and Monarch 7 models in addition to the Monarch ATB and Monarch HG models.

So now there are several Monarch series to choose from (not to mention each model has at least two magnification choices), but which one should you choose?

What's the difference between all these models and price points?

Let's try to weed through the confusion and make things clearer for you so you can make the best buying decision for your new pair of birding binoculars.

New Nikon Monarch M5 and M7

The Nikon Monarch M5 and M7 models are the newest generation of the Monarch series, one level above the older Monarch 5 and 7 models.

Compared to the older Monarch 5 and 7 models, the M5 and M7 both have better resolution, wider field of view (FOV) field of view which makes it easier to locate birds, especially those little guys moving through dense vegetation or in the trees.

Both have dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating and phase corrected coating and Nikon's ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass virtually eliminates common distortion, chromatic aberrations and color fringing with clear high-resolution views in nearly any lighting condition.

The M series also has a more comfortable streamlined body and improved rubber armoring for better grip and protection against bumps, drops, and kathonks...oh my!

Nikon Monarch M5 vs M7

Shared Features MONARCH M5 and MONARCH M7 Series Binoculars

• Sophisticated exterior design for comfortable holding
• Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass for chromatic aberration compensation and brighter, more clear viewing
• Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating ensures superior transmittance uniformity across the visible range, resulting in brighter images and more natural colors
• All lenses and prisms feature eco-friendly multilayer-coatings for brighter images
• Phase-correction-coated roof prisms for high resolution
• Long eye relief design ensures a clear field of view, even for eyeglass wearers
• Waterproof (up to 1m/3.3 ft. for 10 minutes) and nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for fog-free performance.
• Completely redesigned turn-and-slide rubber eyecups for increased durability with multi-click feature facilitate easy positioning of eyes at the correct eye point
• Rubber armoring for shock resistance and a firm, comfortable grip
• Lightweight body uses fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate resin
• Soft-to-the-touch neck strap
• Flip-down objective lens cap
• Optional tripod adapter enables attachment to a tripod [TRA-3/Adaptor H (hard type)]

View the Monarch M5 Binoculars

View the Monarch M7 Binoculars

What's the main difference between the M5 and M7 models?

The Monarch M5 is available in 8x42, 10x42, and 12x42 sizes.

The Monarch M7, unlike the M5, is available in two different objective lens sizes: 8x30, 10x30 and 8x42 and 10x42. The M7, unlike the M5, is not available in a 12x magnification.

The Monarch M7 costs about $200 more than the Monarch M5.

What do you get for another $200 for the Monarch M7?

• Field of View in feet: 445ft in the 8x42 model vs 335ft in the M5 8x42 model. Wider apparent field of view (60.3˚ for 8x42, 62.2˚ for 10x42, 60.3˚ for 8x30, 60.7˚ for 10x30)
• Oil and water repellent coating applied to the objective lens and eyepieces allows moisture and smudges like fingerprints to be easily wiped off
• Locking diopter adjustment knob prevents unintentional rotation

Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs M7 8x42 Binoculars Comparison Table

Model:	Monarch M5 8x42	Monarch M7 8x42
Angular field of view (Real/degree)	6.4	8.3
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree)	48.2	60.3
Field of view at 1,000yds (ft)	335	435
Exit pupil (mm)	5.3	5.3
Relative brightness	28.1	28.1
Eye relief (mm)	19.5	17.1
Weight (oz)	22.2	23.6
Length (in)	5.7	5.6
Width (in)	5.1	5.1
Lowest Price Online + FREE Shipping:	View Monarch M5 8x42	View Monarch M7 8x42

Nikon Monarch M5 Review

Nikon Monarch M7 Review

Nikon Monarch 5 (formerly Monarch ATB III Binoculars)

The Monarch 5 (now upgraded by the M series -M5 and M7) is what used to be called the Monarch III ATB binoculars with dielectric prism coating, not to be confused with the archived Monarch 3 line.

Clear as mud, right?

 

All you have to know that the Monarch 5 is one of the best selling lines of the Nikon Monarch models due to a combination of quality and price point value.

Right now, Nikon is still selling the Monarch 5 series alongside the M5 series (above) and the M5 8x42 is only $10 more and the M5 10x42 is priced the same as the older model. I'm guessing they will phase the Monarch 5 series out and eventually only stock the M5 and M7 series.

The ATB designation of Monarch Binoculars (as well as some other Nikon binocular lines) stands for All-Terrain-Binoculars.

They are 100% waterproof, fogproof and have shockproof rugged rubber-armored coating to withstand all the bumps and bruises of riding around in your vehicle and carrying them through all kinds of outdoor terrain.

Nikon used to make cheaper, non-ATB models, but we see they no longer offer them and all Monarch lines are ATB.

Comparing the 8x42, 10x42 and 12x42 Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars

The most useful magnifications for birding and most wildlife viewing are the 8x42 and 10x42 Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars because of the field of view and the weight which is heavier with larger objective lens size in the 8.5 x56, 10x56 and 12x56 ATB models (discussed later). 

What is the major difference between getting 8x vs 10x besides the obvious step-up in magnification?

The field of view (FOV) is going to be wider with the 8x's which will make finding birds in your binoculars easier. The Monarch 5 8x42 FOV at 1,000 yards (or 1,000m) is 330 ft (110m) vs 288 ft (96m) in the 10x42.

We believe the 8x42s are the best for a wide variety of birding activities. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology rated them as the best bird watching binoculars in the mid-price range.

The 10x42s are a little more expensive because of the higher magnification, but will have a narrower FOV and less relative brightness.

If most of your birding is looking at waterfowl, raptors and brighter light conditions and not so much trying to spot smaller birds flitting around in trees, like warblers, or low-light conditions, then you may prefer to get the higher magnification.

The other major difference between the two is the eye relief which is 19.6mm in the 8x42 vs 18.4mm in the 10x42. Also remember that the 10x will greater magnify any shaking of your hands, so best to use in steady situations where you are not moving around a lot when viewing birds.

But we know, some birders will always swear by 10xs no matter what.

As you can see in the table below, what you gain in magnification with the 12x42 Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars, you lose in field of view, exit pupil size and a big loss in relative brightness.

Again, for multi-purpose birding, we do not recommend this higher magnification.

A better choice if you did want a 12x binocular would be the 12x56, but because of the larger objective lens size, the weight nearly doubles to 41.6 oz vs 21.9 oz in the 10x42 or 12x42.

A 12x56 binocular is not going to be a comfortable binocular to carry around, so again, unless you are doing mostly stationary birding, go for either the 8x42s or 10x42s.

The manufacturer suggested retail price points are ~$250 for the 8x42 model #7542, ~$299 for the 10x42 model #7543 and ~$329 for the 12x42 model #7544, although pricing will vary.

Dielectric Coating

The latest Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars have the new dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating (DCF), for maximized brightness and higher resolution viewing, resulting in outstanding low-light performance.

This feature is especially good for those cloudy birding days and early pre-dawn or sunset hours when the light is low and a life bird has just made its appearance. :-)

Monarch 5 Binocular Features:

• Phase corrected, Dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating for extreme brightness - especially good for low-light conditions.
• Fully multi-coated lenses for bright, clear images.
• Magnification choice of 8x, 10x and 12x with 42mm objective lens
• Eco-Glass lenses made without led or arsenic.
• Extended eye relief and smooth central focus for superior viewing convenience.
• Multi-setting click stop eyecups for viewing with or without eyeglasses
• Improved ergonomic, lightweight, slim roof-prism design for comfortable handling.
• Precision aligned optics for extended viewing.
• Rubber-armored coating to protect against bumps and shocks.
• Waterproof/Fogproof because you never know!

We have the 8xs and have written a review here Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Review. Several of our birding friends have them as well and we all concur that this model has been one of the best birding binoculars we have purchased.

Nikon Monarch 5 (Monarch ATB) Binoculars Comparison Table

All Monarch 5 binoculars compared below have the phase corrected, dielectric coating, fully multicoated lenses, roof-prism design and are waterproof, fogproof, and ATB versions with rubber armoring.

Model:	Monarch 5 8x42 (#7542)	Monarch 5 10x42 (#7543)	Monarch 5 12x42 (#7544)
Magnification (x)	8	10	12
Objective diameter (mm)	42	42	42
Angular field of view (Real/degree)	6.3	5.5	5.0
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree)	47.5	51.3	55.3
Field of view at 1,000yds (ft)	330	288	262
Exit pupil (mm)	5.3	4.2	3.5
Relative brightness	28.1	17.6	12.3
Eye relief (mm)	19.6	18.4	15.4
Close focusing distance (ft)	8.2	8.2	8.2
Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm)	56-72	56-72	56-72
Weight (oz)	21.5	21.9	21.9
Length (in)	5.7	5.7	5.7
Width (in)	5.1	5.1	5.1
Lowest Price Online + FREE Shipping:	View Monarch 5 8x42	Viw Monarch 5 10x42	View Monarch 5 12x42

Below are the 3 newest models of Nikon Monarch 5 Binoculars listed at Amazon which we have found to have the lowest price and free shipping.

It's easy to place orders, track orders and return items so that is why we use them - plus they typically have the lowest price.

We checked and found that Optics Planet, Binoculars.com and Eagle Optics all had higher listed prices than Amazon for the 8x, 10x and 12x42 Monarch 5 Binoculars.

View all Monarch 5 Binoculars

Note that when shopping for Nikon Monarch binoculars, sometimes it gets confusing because Nikon as well as other binocular merchants will use a mix of model names for the same model.

Sometimes DCF is used instead of ATB or this current model will be called the Monarch 5, not Monarch ATB. I like Amazon because they use Nikon's model numbers, such as "7542" which denotes the latest model of the Monarch 5 8x42s so you know you are not getting an older model.

If you want to go cheaper instead of getting the Monarch 5 or any of the Monarch ATBs...

Then we recommend the Nikon Action Extreme Binocular line instead...

Or take a look at the Vortex Diamondback Binoculars which are about the same price, but with a larger field of view and much shorter close focus.

Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars

You will pay around $200 more for a step up to the Monarch 7 binoculars over the Monarch 5 and comparable ATB binoculars.

Why?

Because of the better prism glass - premium ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass and proprietary lens and prism coatings.

This provides even better resolution and brightness to the birds in the field of view compared to the other Monarch models without ED glass.

Another bonus is the field of view (FOV) is much wider at 419 ft compared to 330 ft in the Monarch 5. But is the extra $200 worth it? It depends...

If you have an extra $200 to spend (over the Monarch 5 or ATB model lines), then I'd say the step up to ED glass would be worth it.

If you do a lot of low-level light birding or think the brighter images will suit your eyes better, then you may want to consider the Monarch 7 for your bird watching binoculars.

Basically if you want a pair of Monarchs with better optics and can afford it, then by all means get the Monarch 7. Retail Price: Monarch 7 8x42 (#7548) $479, Monarch 7 10x42 (#7549) $499.

Monarch 7 Features Over Other Monarchs

• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass
• Wide Field of View at 420 ft
• Very reasonable price point compared to competition with similar features and quality.

Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars Comparison Table

Model Size:	Monarch 7 8x42 (#7548)	Monarch X 10.5x45 (#7549)
Magnification (x)	8	10
Objective diameter (mm)	42	42
Angular field of view (Real/degree)	8	6.7
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree)	58.4	60.7
Field of view at 1,000m (m)	419.2	351.0
Exit pupil (mm)	5.3	4.2
Relative brightness	28.1	17.6
Eye relief (mm)	17.1	16.4
Close focusing distance (m)	8.1	8.1
Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm)	56-72	56-72
Weight (g)	22.8	23.6
Length (mm)	5.5	5.5
Width (mm)	5.1	5.1
Lowest Price Online + FREE Shipping:	View Monarch 7 8x42	View Monarch 7 10x42

Monarch 7 Overview

View All Monarch 7 Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 3 vs 5 vs 7 Binoculars Comparison Table

For simplicity sake, we have compared each model in the 8x42 size

Model:	Monarch 3	Monarch 5	Monarch 7
Magnification (x)	8x	8x	8x
Objective diameter (mm)	42	42	42
Angular field of view (Real/degree)	6.3	6.3	8
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree)	47.5	47.5	58.4
Field of view at 1,000 yds (ft.)	330	330	419.2
Exit pupil (mm)	5.3	5.3	5.3
Relative brightness	28.1	28.1	28.1
Eye relief (mm)	24.1	19.6	17.1
Close focusing distance (ft)	9.8	8.2	8.1
Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm)	56-72	56-72	56-72
Weight (oz)	24.7	21.5	22.8
Length (in)	6.0	5.7	5.5
Width (in)	5.1	5.1	5.1
Prism Design	Roof	Roof	Roof
Focusing System	Central Focus	Central Focus	Central Focus
Waterproof/Fogproof	Yes	Yes	Yes
Rubber-armored Coating	Yes	Yes	Yes
Eyecup Design	Click Stop	Click Stop	Click Stop
Prisms	Silver-Alloy Prism Multicoatings	Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings	ED Glass, Dielectric Multilayer Prism Coatings
Suggested Retail Price	$219	$279	$499
Lenses	Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass*	Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass*	Fully Multicoated Eco-Glass*
Lowest Price Online + FREE Shipping:	View Monarch 3	View Monarch 5	View Monarch 7

*Eco-Glass is made without the use of lead or arsenic.

Nikon Monarch HG Binoculars

The Nikon Monarch HG Binoculars competes in the $1,000 range with similar priced offerings from other binocular brands such as the  Leica Trinovid, Zeiss Conquest HD, and Swarovski SLC models.

Nikon boasts this Monarch model as their most advanced ever with better ED glass, high quality multilayer coatings to all prisms and lenses, and its "Field Flattener" lens system that provides clarity and edge to edge sharpness.

The Monarch HG comes in both 8x42 and 10x42 models. If you get the higher 10x magnification it will be slightly heavier and has a narrower field of view.

The HG also comes in a 10x30 and 8x30 models if you need a more compact binocular, but we prefer the 8x and 10x with the 42mm objective lens for birding and wildlife watching, especially in low light conditions.

What features customers like most about the Nikon Monarch HG:

• Clarity and sharpness from ED glass and multilayer coatings
• Wide field of view (FOV) 435 feet/8.3 degrees (8x42) 362 feet/6.9 degrees (10x42)
• Strong yet light from magnesium alloy body 23.5oz (8x42) 24 oz (10x42)
• Long eye relief 17.8 (8x42) 17mm (10x42)
• Close focus is close at 6.6 feet

Nikon Monarch HG Binoculars Review

View all Nikon Monarch HG Binoculars

All This Info is Great, But I'm Still Not Sure Which Monarch I Should Get?!

For bird watching binoculars, the best bang for your buck at a mid-price range would be the Monarch M5 at either 8x42 or 10x42 (~$279-$299).

If you want to go a little cheaper, then get a pair of the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x36 binoculars (~$249) or, as a second choice, the Monarch 3 8x42 (~$229) or Vortex Diamondback 8x42s. Here is a review of them vs the Monarch ATBs.

For those on a tight budget, a great beginning birder binocular are the porro-prism Nikon Action Extreme Binoculars at either 7x35, 8x40 or 10x50 (~$135-$180).

If you can pay more, then try Monarch 7 8x42 (~$479.95) or 10x42 (~$499.95).

If you are a beginner birder, don't spend too much on your first pair. I would suggest spending no more for a mid-priced pair from $250-$300. We know plenty of birding experts who like the M5 mid-priced Monarchs.

Advantages of Monarch 5 over Monarch 3

• Dielectric Coating = Brighter, Clearer images, Especially Good for Low Light Conditions
• Better Close Focus 8.2 ft vs 9.8 feet.
• Weighs less vs 21.5oz vs 24.7oz (8x42)

Advantages of Monarch 7 over Monarch 5

• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) Glass (unless you get the Monarch 5 ED version)
• Wider field of view (FOV) 419 ft

Nikon No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy

Nikon's No-Fault Policy is a great benefit as a purchaser of their binoculars:

"If your Nikon Binocular, Spotting Scope or Fieldscope requires service or repair not covered by our 25-Year Limited Warranty, Nikon will repair or replace it (even if it was your fault) for just $10, plus return shipping and handling."

Nikon Action Binoculars - Cheaper Alternative to Monarchs

If you want to go a little cheaper, then you may want to try a pair of porro prism binoculars which the Budget Nikon Action Line Binoculars provides.

They comes in both ATB and even cheaper non-ATB versions without being waterproof or fogproof.

If you feel that you do not need the extra ATB features, such as using your binoculars the majority of the time from your backyard porch where being waterproof and fogproof will not be an issue and hopefully not having the added shockproof armoring either, then you can save a little and get one of the cheaper models.

The Nikon Action porro prism binoculars are a little heavier and bulkier than roof prism binoculars and the line does not have as high, quality lenses as Monarchs, but the Nikon Action Extreme 7x35s were found to be the best cheap birding binoculars for under $150.

View All Monarch Binoculars

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Bird Watching Binoculars 101

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Nikon Monarch Binoculars ATB 8x42 Review

Swarovski SLC HD Binoculars Review

Budget Nikon Action Binoculars

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Nikon Monarch Binoculars

What is the difference between Nikon Monarch 5 and Monarch 7 binoculars?

The primary significant difference between the Monarch 5 and Monarch 7 binoculars is that the Monarch 7 has a wider field of view and performs slightly better in low-light conditions.

Nikon Monarch 3 Binoculars - Entry Level Birding Binoculars

The Monarch 3 is the lowest quality in the Monarch line, an entry-level binocular.

Note: The Nikon Monarch 3 line has been archived by Nikon and they no longer are producing them, but you may still be able to find some in stock online at a discount.

It does have silver alloy prism coating which is a step above the usual aluminum alloy coating at this low, starting price point of $229 (8x42 model #7540/10x42 model #7541, $249).

However with a close focus of nearly 10 feet, this is not the best birding binoculars, especially if you like to do a lot of backyard birding where you may be wanting to focus on birds at a closer distance.

These would be a good introductory binocular for birding or hunting, but for $50 more, the Monarch 5 is far superior with the better dielectric prism coating and are lighter, have a smaller frame and a much better close focus.

Nikon Monarch 3 and 5 Overview and Comparison

Monarch ATB Binoculars

The ATB (All Terrain Binocular) term is applied to all Monarch lines - Monarch 3, Monarch 5, Monarch 7 and Monarch X, but there is also a separate line actually named "Monarch ATB".

I have no idea why they want us to be this confused.

Anyway, how are they different?

This line offers different sizing in models than the other lines, notably there is not a size available with an objective lens of 42mm.

These do have fully multicoated lenses and phase correction, but no dielectric coating as with the Monarch 5 line.

• Monarch ATB 8x36 Model #7513 $279.95 Good alternative option to the Monarch 5 8x42 binoculars if you prefer a lighter and smaller pair.
• Monarch ATB 10x36 Model #7514 $299 NOT recommended for birding binoculars because of the smaller objective size at this magnification resulting in a low relative brightness and narrow field of view.
• Monarch ATB 8.5x56 Model #7517 $419.95 Nice choice for dim-light birding. The larger objective lens adds more weight, but lets in a lot of light.
• Monarch ATB 10x56 Model # 7518 $449.95 Good balance of magnification and field of view if you want a 10x - however we still recommend the Monarch 5 10x42 over these.
• Monarch ATB 12x56 Model #7519 $479.95 Personally would not get these for birding because of the large size, weight and the extra magnification will make it difficult to find moving birds as well as hold steady without the shaking effect.

Edit: The above ATB models appear to be phasing out of the Monarch line, but listed below are ATB models that are still popular in other sizes.

Again the ATB line does not have the new dielectric coating as the Monarch 5 does so you will give up some brightness and clarity.

I only see getting one of the above models instead of the Monarch 5 only if you really want a lighter binocular at the 8x magnification or prefer the larger 56mm objective lens to the 42mm.

Otherwise, we highly recommend getting the Monarch 5 either in the 8x42s or 10x42s.

Nikon Monarch X Binoculars - (UPDATE: Monarch X has been phased out & replaced by Monarch 7 Line)

The Monarch X line came out before the Monarch 7, priced several hundred dollars more than the Monarch ATB models, starting at $629. Many in the birding community feel that they are overpriced for what they are. They don't have ED glass which the Monarch 7 does at a lower price ($150 less). They have better prism coating than the ATB line, but we don't see why that justifies such a big increase in price. We're guessing that the Monarch X line will be phased out and either replaced or the Monarch 7 will fill that void. Regardless, below is what we previously wrote when they first came out...

The Nikon Monarch X series is a step up in quality and price from the regular Monarch ATBs. They currently come in two sizes, 8.5x45 and 10.5x45. The Monarch X binoculars have the dielectric, high-reflective, multilayer prism coating that is used in the Nikon EDG binoculars, their high-end bins. Its main benefit is to bring in the most light through the lenses for a crisp, clear, bright image, especially at low-light conditions such as dawn and dusk. Nikon had hunters in mind as a marketing focus for this model, but hey us birders are up at dawn and sometimes bird until dusk too!

Nikon Monarch X Binoculars Review by Birders

Nikon Monarch X Binoculars Comparison Table

Model Size:	Monarch X 8.5x45 (#7532)	Monarch X 10.5x45 (#7533)
Magnification (x)	8.5	10.5
Objective diameter (mm)	45	45
Angular field of view (Real/degree)	6.3	6.3
Angular field of view (Apparent/degree)	50.1	60
Field of view at 1,000m (m)	110	110
Exit pupil (mm)	5.3	4.3
Relative brightness	28.1	18.5
Eye relief (mm)	20.6	16
Close focusing distance (m)	3	3
Interpupillary distance adjustment (mm)	56-72	56-72
Weight (g)	720	730
Length (mm)	156	156
Width (mm)	139	139
Prism Design	Roof	Roof

The Nikon Monarch X binoculars, like the other Monarchs, are 100% waterproof, fogproof and have the rubber armor coating for durability and non-slip grip. It also has a new lightweight, ergonomic design for ultimate comfort in the hands and a unique thumb-position memory contours that form to your personal grip and provide optimum traction with soft-grip tactile surface.

However, we say consider getting the Monarch 7 over the Monarch X if you are in the $450-$500 price range.