Really impressed with Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 today (2 Viewers)

[cnick6]

I know this isn't Pulitzer quality but this is a digiscope image of my little afternoon buddy that decided to give me a treat.

Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 shot binoculars on a tripod. I had to freehand the iPhone 5S. He was actually sitting on the far right branch in full view (see my other post) and something made him jump over. I caught him in nearly full wingspan.

This image doesn't really do the the binoculars justice. Understand that this pine tree is about 80ft tall and at least 100 yards from my location. The image quality was incredibly clear for a 20x power binocular.

What do you guys think?

 

[cnick6]

Vortex Viper HD 10x42 comparison

Here's an digiscope image from iPhone 5S using the Carson adapter... from Vortex Viper HD 10x42

 

[DRodrigues]

Hi cnick6,
I'm not interested on this bino for digiscopy but I'm curious if it work well for cr-birding.
What do you think about image quality? Did you try it hand-held?
I use regularly an old version Swaro 16x56 and I'm considering this Nikon model. To read codes of nasal saddles on ducks I hold the binocular against the hide structure and it's almost has using a tripod. Not sure if 20x can be used like the 16x...

 

[cnick6]

I'm not interested on this bino for digiscopy but I'm curious if it work well for cr-birding. What do you think about image quality? Did you try it hand-held? I use regularly an old version Swaro 16x56 and I'm considering this Nikon model. To read codes of nasal saddles on ducks I hold the binocular against the hide structure and it's almost has using a tripod. Not sure if 20x can be used like the 16x...

I was very impressed with the quality. It would depend how far you are away from the ducks but if you're less than 50m then you should be fine. I was probably at 100m from the hawk and it was doable but the finer details (like wind ruffling its feathers) had to be done on a tripod.

It's a heavy binocular but image quality is very good. Once focused, I can hold on the ends of the tubes for a better grip and a slightly more stable hold.

After some time though, your arms will get tired!

Also, it's on sale right now, so it's a pretty good value. I think the sale ends today however.

 

[DRodrigues]

Thanks for the reply.
I remembered a practical detail. Does it have internal focusing? I.e. when you focus neither the external lens of the objective or the oculars move?

 

[cnick6]

Does it have internal focusing? I.e. when you focus neither the external lens of the objective or the oculars move?

Yes, it's all internal. I believe roof-prism binoculars are designed that way. I've attached a cutaway image of the Nikon EDG for your reference. You can see the 3rd lens from the left. That's the only moving section. I've also attached a couple of Leica designs. (This is typical of roof designs.)

BTW, I should have mention that the 20x56 does exhibit a touch of lateral CA when panning outside the sweet spot. If you find the right imagery (i.e. high-contrast) then you'll definitely notice some CA.

In the exact sweet spot (I'd say the inner 33%) it's well-controlled but after that it's lacking. (In fairness, for a 20x binocular it's still pretty good.)

If I can capture this CA on the iPhone then I'll post an image.

 

[brocknroller]

cnick,

Have you read the review of these binoculars on binomania? The reviewer agrees with you about the 20x56 having low CA for its magnification.

binomania.it/nikon-monarch-5-20x56

Brock

 

[cnick6]

Have you read the review of these binoculars on binomania? The reviewer agrees with you about the 20x56 having low CA for its magnification.

Yep, I did Brock. I completely agree with his assessment too. For such a high-power binocular, it's quite good. The sharpness is very impressive but I admit that a tripod is highly recommended for best performance and extended viewing sessions. Hand-holding is still very doable but it will wear you out.

I would very much like to compare it to the Swaro 15x56 SLC binocular but in some ways, I'd rather not. I think I'd just end up draining more cash from the bank account.

 

[brocknroller]

Yep, I did Brock. I completely agree with his assessment too. For such a high-power binocular, it's quite good. The sharpness is very impressive but I admit that a tripod is highly recommended for best performance and extended viewing sessions. Hand-holding is still very doable but it will wear you out.

I would very much like to compare it to the Swaro 15x56 SLC binocular but in some ways, I'd rather not. I think I'd just end up draining more cash from the bank account.

Another interesting comparison would be the 20x56 Monarch versus the Pentax 20x60 PCF V (not the WP or WPII versions made in China, but the Japanese version). I had one and it was very, very sharp. Small FOV, a degree less than the Monarch, but sharp to the edge and the only bin that allowed me to separate the rings of Saturn from the planet. No 20x80 I've tried was able to do that!

Smaller and lighter than the Monarch, it begged to be used handheld, but, of course, also benefited being mounted.

Brock

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Here's an digiscope image from iPhone 5S using the Carson adapter... from Vortex Viper HD 10x42

I blew it up in Irfanview...
interesting: saturation is good, it breaks into pixels and diffraction
at about the same time, with no chromatic aspect. I think it hits
the iPhone limit before the instrument limit. A nice point-n-shoot
would likely come out even sharper.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

I know this isn't Pulitzer quality but this is a digiscope image of my little afternoon buddy that decided to give me a treat.

Nikon Monarch 5 20x56 shot binoculars on a tripod. I had to freehand the iPhone 5S. He was actually sitting on the far right branch in full view (see my other post) and something made him jump over. I caught him in nearly full wingspan.

This image doesn't really do the the binoculars justice. Understand that this pine tree is about 80ft tall and at least 100 yards from my location. The image quality was incredibly clear for a 20x power binocular.

What do you guys think?

No sign of color or diffractive breakdown.
Pixel breakdown: you can get even more with a moderate pocket cam
(though it is fussier).
Contrast is low, but that makes perfect sense for hand-placement.

Whatever you see in that pic.....you've got more 'in the can'.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

I believe roof-prism binoculars are designed that way.

Almost all of them, by now.
It's indispensible for water-proofing design...only a brass
pushrod needs to slide from outside.
The focuser lens is doing some extra duty as a field lens...nice.

Good demonstration of how 100 yards can be pretty far
(and make good use of 20x)

 

[Cosme]

Excuse this bump ... this binos are on ebay from different japanese vendors from about 550 euros free shiping... i mean -if the customs duty dont attack- real cheap though, for that price you can get 22x85 BA8 series, top quality. Yes, definitly brighters and probably better, but almost 4 kgs heavier. Both need a tripod but these nikons dont need to be carried in a wheelbarrow