Nikon Monarch 7 8×30 Vs 10×30-Detailed Comparison
If you are looking for a light and compact binocular for birdwatching, hiking, or any other casual outdoor activity, you might be confused with the Nikon Monarch’s two offerings i.e the Monarch 7 8×30 and Monarch 7 10×30.
Nikon chose to enter the lower-priced roof prism 32mm market with these new Nikon Monarch 7- 30mm binoculars.
Both 30mm models are a quality pair with high-end optics and glasses. They have sparked enough curiosity among outdoor enthusiasts.
We have reviewed both the Monarch 7 8×30 and 10×30 separately. However, In this article, we will compare monarch 7 8×30 vs Monarch 7 10×30 considering various optical parameters and specifications.
Let’s dive into the specifications comparison and then detailed differences amongst them.
Monarch 7 8×30 vs 10×30- Specifications Comparison
Monarch 7 8×30 vs 10×30- Detailed Comparison
- Sophisticated rubber armored exterior design provides shock resistance and a firm comfortable grip
- Locking diopter control maintains your personal setting
- Oil/Water repellent coating - applied to both eyepiece and objective lens surfaces
- Sophisticated rubber armored exterior design provides shock resistance and a firm comfortable grip
- Locking diopter control maintains your personal setting
- Oil/Water repellent coating - applied to both eyepiece and objective lens surfaces
Image Quality/ Optical Performance
Both the Monarch 7, we are about to compare have the same objective lens of 30mm. However, owing to the lesser magnification in the 8X30 model, they produce bright images.
Consequently, low light performance is really good in the 8×30 model. Increase light and brightness will give you some more minutes at the dawn to enjoy your Animal Safari or Wildlife watching.
The center field was much sharper and the sweet spot is wider in both the monarchs 8×30 and 10×30. There is still significant softening at the edge of the view with some CA, but all in all both the models give an enjoyable viewing experience.
I’d love the extra magnification of the 10x, and given the fact that both binoculars have the same optics, build quality and construction. However, The binoculars extra magnification not only increases the size of the image but, also induces a little bit shakiness to the image.
If your magnification is more, you can feel that the image is jumping around which depends upon your hands shake also. So, people with more age or higher handshakes may find that they will actually see much detail with the lower 8-power magnification.
Both the binoculars come with some ED glass for high resolution, Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings for brighter images, multicoated lenses for clear, high contrast and color fidelity.
Build Quality
Both the binoculars feel compact and lightweight to carry in the fields. You won’t feel any strain even if you carry the binoculars for a long time.
The outer body is built with fiberglass reinforced poly-carbon resin. It is Coated with rubberized padding which makes the binoculars sturdy and Very comfortable to hold. Both the monarch 8×30 and 10×30 would be the perfect lightweight binoculars that can fit in your cargo pocket.
The turn-and-slide rubber eyecups with multi-setting click stops allow users to adjust the eye-relief. The eyecups adjust more easily and positively. The lens covers are attached, so you won’t lose them. Both have Smooth and precise diopter adjustment. You can feel the quality when you use the adjustment and focus rings.
Both are fully waterproof and can be submerged in water up to a depth of 1 meter. Both models are nitrogen purged fog proof too.
We can safely say that both have the same build quality. With their well-designed body, both models command a nice feel while holding in hands.
Field of View
Usually, you get a wider field of view with an 8-power binocular than you do with the same model in 10 power. The same is the case here, the field of view of the monarch 7 8×30 is 435ft@ 1000 Yards while the field of view of the monarch 7 10×30 model is 351ft @1000 Yards. A wider FOV helps in spotting a moment easily.
A wider field of view makes it easier to spot your favorite bird among the branches or a moving pelican on water. It helps in efficiently scanning a large area quickly.
Eye Relief
In most binocular models, the eye relief is greater on the 8x version than on the 10x version.
However, that is not the case with Monarch 7 30mm binoculars. The eye relief of the 10x model is 15.8mm which edges out the eye relief of the monarch 7 10×30 by .7mm.
Eye Relief matters only to people who wear glass. However, some people even use sunglasses in the field. If you do wear glasses it would be a good idea to consider Monarch 7 10×30 binoculars. Adding to that, I feel eye relief of Monarch 10×30 is average but not great.
Exit Pupil
Any 10×30 has a smaller exit pupil than its 8×30 counterpart which is obvious also. That does create some issues, with ease of view, and lack of brightness. The exit pupil of 10×30 is 3mm while the 8×30 has a 3.8 mm exit pupil. However, some people don’t want to compromise on magnification, so they go for 10 powered binoculars with smaller exit pupil.
Weight
The Nikon Monarch 7 8 x 30 and 10 x 30 are very easy to carry in the fields given the low 15 ounces weight. The 10x is only 0.2 oz heavier than the 8x. So both their weights are almost the same and comparable.
I think in the case of the Monarch 7, both 8×30 and 10×30 are so small and light, the issue of weight won’t come in for a user to decide.
Competition
If you want a 10x binoculars which provide nice stability to the image with higher magnification, you can consider Canon Image Stabilized 10×30 Binoculars. The technology prevents image shakiness and provides virtually distortion-free images from edge-to-edge. However, you have to shell out a bit more dollar to get one of these. Check Canon IS 10×30 Price Here.
Conclusion
If you are glassing at first and last light and want some more time for your adventure session at dawn, you can go for the monarch 8×30.
Also, In some areas, you require a lower magnification with a more stable image like kayaking, then go for a monarch 7 8×30.
Moreover, bear in mind that when you become tired during your outdoor adventures the ability to hold the binocular stable is worsened. Age can also be a factor, If your hands shake much, Monarch 7 8×30 would be more preferable.
Nikon Monarch 7 8×30 is better as an all-round choice for birding, hiking also. Apart from a more stable view 8x will give you a brighter image at low light conditions, a wider field of view and fewer image shakes.
If you don’t want to compromise on magnification and detailing, you can prefer monarch 7 10×30. They have more eye relief and a wide field of view in the 10X class compact binoculars.
Also, if you do go to places where you need a little more magnification like while hunting in the west, you already have it when you go with a monarch 7 10×30.
Available for an incredibly reasonable price while also delivering exceptional clarity and quality, either of the Monarch 7 is a good choice for best all-around binocular
With all being said you can confidently go with the Nikon’s name and warranty with either of the models.
You might be interested in the comparison: Nikon Monarch Vs Prostaff Binoculars
Last update on 2024-04-24
