Is the Nikon HG 8x30 worth twice the price of the new Nikon M7 8x30? (1 Viewer)

[Dennis Mau]

Is the Nikon HG 8x30 worth twice the price of the new Nikon M7 8x30? I don't think so, especially if you don't wear glasses. If you don't wear glasses, the HG's ER of 16.2mm is too long for the length of the eye cups, resulting in you having to float the eye cups over your eye sockets to avoid black-outs. The new Nikon M7 8x30 has an ER of 15.1mm, so the eye cups match the ER and solves the blackout problem. The only big optical difference between the two is the HG has a field flattener, but the problem is it is largely ineffective and the edges on the HG and M7 are actually about the same.

There may be a slight difference in transmission between the two with the HG being slightly higher, but it doesn't make a lot of difference in the real world. Every other optical parameter like CA, glare control, distortion, edge sharpness, astigmatism and coma are about the same (See Allbinos link). The older Nikon 7 8x30 had loose fitting armor, but the newer M7 has solved that problem with nice tight-fitting armor that appears very durable and the build quality appears as high as the HG. The M7 is made of polycarbonate with fiberglass reinforcement and the HG is magnesium, but it only results in an ounce weight savings.

They both have ED glass now and an oil and water-repellent lens coating. If you don't wear glasses, the M7 is the only choice and even if you do, you can save some money by buying the new M7 instead of the HG. Here is a picture of the Nikon M7 8x30 next to a Nikon HG 8x42 for size comparison. Also, an Allbinos link comparing the two models. In the Allbinos link it is the older Nikon 7 instead of the M7, but the optics are similar, with the newer M7 being even better in certain areas. The focuser smoothness and eye cups are very similar between the M7 and the HG. The M7 is an excellent value in compact binoculars and took 1st place in the Cornell Study of affordable compact binoculars. If you buy the M7 8x30 from Japan on eBay, they are only slightly over $300, and they sell a ton of them!

Nikon Monarch M7 8x30 Binoculars: Our Review

With a brilliant image and a small, comfortable design, this compact design—our overall Top Pick—could be your new go-to binocular.

www.allaboutbirds.org

The Best Affordable Compact Binoculars (8x32): Our Review

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Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Brand-New Nikon MONARCH M7 8x30 Binoculars from Japan (JDM) | eBay

MONARCH M7 8x30. One year warranty is valid in Japan only. Length (mm) 119. Angular field of view (Real/degree) 8.3. Close focusing distance (m) 2.0.

www.ebay.com

 

[james holdsworth]

I’m starting to think this is, and always has been, an AI or bot account.

 

[ArchStanton]

Is the Nikon HG 8x30 worth twice the price of the new Nikon M7 8x30? I don't think so, especially if you don't wear glasses. If you don't wear glasses, the HG's ER of 16.2mm is too long for the length of the eye cups, resulting in you having to float the eye cups over your eye sockets to avoid black-outs. The new Nikon M7 8x30 has an ER of 15.1mm, so the eye cups match the ER and solves the blackout problem. The only big optical difference between the two is the HG has a field flattener, but the problem is it is largely ineffective and the edges on the HG and M7 are actually about the same.

There may be a slight difference in transmission between the two with the HG being slightly higher, but it doesn't make a lot of difference in the real world. Every other optical parameter like CA, glare control, distortion, edge sharpness, astigmatism and coma are about the same (See Allbinos link). The older Nikon 7 8x30 had loose fitting armor, but the newer M7 has solved that problem with nice tight-fitting armor that appears very durable and the build quality appears as high as the HG. The M7 is made of polycarbonate with fiberglass reinforcement and the HG is magnesium, but it only results in an ounce weight savings.

They both have ED glass now and an oil and water-repellent lens coating. If you don't wear glasses, the M7 is the only choice and even if you do, you can save some money by buying the new M7 instead of the HG. Here is a picture of the Nikon M7 8x30 next to a Nikon HG 8x42 for size comparison. Also, an Allbinos link comparing the two models. In the Allbinos link it is the older Nikon 7 instead of the M7, but the optics are similar, with the newer M7 being even better in certain areas. The focuser smoothness and eye cups are very similar between the M7 and the HG. The M7 is an excellent value in compact binoculars and took 1st place in the Cornell Study of affordable compact binoculars. If you buy the M7 8x30 from Japan on eBay, they are only slightly over $300, and they sell a ton of them!

Nikon Monarch M7 8x30 Binoculars: Our Review

With a brilliant image and a small, comfortable design, this compact design—our overall Top Pick—could be your new go-to binocular.

www.allaboutbirds.org

The Best Affordable Compact Binoculars (8x32): Our Review

Thanks to ever-improving optics and a new crop of compact designs, it's now possible to find small, comfortable, bright binoculars for less than $500.

www.allaboutbirds.org

Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Brand-New Nikon MONARCH M7 8x30 Binoculars from Japan (JDM) | eBay

MONARCH M7 8x30. One year warranty is valid in Japan only. Length (mm) 119. Angular field of view (Real/degree) 8.3. Close focusing distance (m) 2.0.

www.ebay.com

View attachment 1622085View attachment 1622086

Does the same apply to the HG vs M7 8x42’s? I bought and returned the M7 8x30 because it had too much glare for my liking? I’m thinking about trying the MHG 8x42’s.

 

[dorubird]

Nikon MHG 8x30 is a completely different pair of binoculars than the M7 8x30. MHG is better in all optical and mechanical aspects with the exception of chromatic aberrations, where the difference was not so noticeable. MHG 8x30 is definitely superior to M7 and for me worth twice as much the M7 8x30!

I directly compared Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 (M HG ) with Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (M 7)
View attachment 1467814

Mechanics and ergonomics
The weight and dimensions are very similar. The focus wheel moves similarly and very accurately and pleasantly in both binoculars, also ergonomics. But this is where the similarities between them ends. So, M HG finishes are at least a class above over M 7. The coating is different: prisms of M HG has purple coating and M 7 green coating, and M HG objectives has green coating and M 7 blue coating. It is also noticeable that, at the level of the exit pupil, there are stronger reflections in M 7
View attachment 1467815


Optical performance
The resolution on the center is better at M HG (tested on the resolution chart)
The resolution on the edges is also better with M HG. As an extension of the clarity, they both have about 75% of the FOV, but the last 25 percent of M HG are not so blurred compared to the center, still being able to discern details. But at M 7, the difference in clarity between the center area and the edges (last 25%) is very very big, on the edges you can practically no longer discern any detail.
Contrast is noticeably better at M HG
The brightness is a little better at M HG
Field distortion is lower at M HG
Glare resistance is obviously better at M HG. In certain situations, even with not very strong light, only through M 7 was there a foggy crescent on the edge of the FOV that decreased the contrast of the image. It is also observed in M HG, but only in much more extreme situations of strong lighting.
The rendering of the white color is a bit pale pink in the M 7, but visible only in comparison with the M HG, which has a more natural rendering.
Chromatic aberrations are similar in both binoculars and present on the edges.
View attachment 1467816


Conclusions
The optical performance is better in all chapters except for chromatic aberrations, where they are similar. In my opinion, the differences are due to the better coating and the better quality of the glass of M HG. Even they are similar in size, the quality of mechanics and finishing materials is better in M HG.
Monarch HG 8x30 is clearly superior to Monarch 7 8x30.
View attachment 1467817

 

[agus_m]

Is that the MHG 8x30 in the picture? or the 8x42?

I don't think the MHG now has water repellent coatings. At least my MHG 10x42 doesn't have this.
One downgrade though that I really don't understand, is that the M7 and even M5 have unscrewable eyecups but the "premium" HG's can't be removed.

 

[Dennis Mau]

You compared the Nikon HG 8x30 to the original model Nikon Monarch 7 not the newer M7. The newer M7 is significantly improved in many ways. There was also an M7+ made, which was the M7 with a field flattener added to compete with the HG for way less money.

Nikon Monarch HG 8X30 vs Nikon Monarch 7 8x30

I directly compared Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 (M HG ) with Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (M 7) Mechanics and ergonomics The weight and dimensions are very similar. The focus wheel moves similarly and very accurately and pleasantly in both binoculars, also ergonomics. But this is where the similarities...

www.birdforum.net

Nikon Monarch M7+ 8×30 Binoculars review

The Monarch M7+ was launched in March and is only available from London Camera...

www.birdwatching.co.uk

 

[Dennis Mau]

Does the same apply to the HG vs M7 8x42’s? I bought and returned the M7 8x30 because it had too much glare for my liking? I’m thinking about trying the MHG 8x42’s.

Yes, they would be similar, although not identical. Usually, a bigger aperture will be more glare resistant than a smaller aperture. I have the Nikon MHG 8x42, and it is excellent with glare control. In fact, it is way better than my Swarovski NL 8x32, which had a lot of glare at the bottom of the FOV. I sold the NL for that reason and kept the MHG. The MHG 42mm are better than the MHG 30mm because the field flattener is more effective. Allbinos explains it in the link.

Binoculars rankings - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

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[Dennis Mau]

Is that the MHG 8x30 in the picture? or the 8x42?

I don't think the MHG now has water repellent coatings. At least my MHG 10x42 doesn't have this.
One downgrade though that I really don't understand, is that the M7 and even M5 have unscrewable eyecups but the "premium" HG's can't be removed.

I believe you're correct. The MHG does not have oil and water-resistant coatings, but the new M7 does. The MHG does have scratch resistant coatings, but the new M7 does not. The single picture on the top is the new M7 8x30, and the double picture on the bottom is the MHG 8x42 on the left and the new M7 8x30 on the right.

 

[ArchStanton]

I believe you're correct. The MHG does not have oil and water-resistant coatings, but the new M7 does. The MHG does have scratch resistant coatings, but the new M7 does not. The single picture on the top is the new M7 8x30, and the double picture on the bottom is the MHG 8x42 on the left and the new M7 8x30 on the right.

It’s hard to believe Nikon would have left out oil and water repellent coatings on 1k binoculars, but Leica did the same thing with the Trinovid.

 

[ArchStanton]

Yes, they would be similar, although not identical. Usually, a bigger aperture will be more glare resistant than a smaller aperture. I have the Nikon MHG 8x42, and it is excellent with glare control. In fact, it is way better than my Swarovski NL 8x32, which had a lot of glare at the bottom of the FOV. I sold the NL for that reason and kept the MHG.

Do you think the MHG 8x42’s are worth 2x the price of the M7’s, especially since they don’t have the dirt and water repellent coatings?

 

[Dennis Mau]

Do you think the MHG 8x42’s are worth 2x the price of the M7’s, especially since they don’t have the dirt and water repellent coatings?

I got a deal on the MHG 8x42 for $700. The MHG 8x42 and MHG 10x42 are better binoculars than the MHG 8x30 and MHG 10x30 because the field flattener is more effective. If you read the reviews on allbinos it will explain that. So I would recommend getting the MHG 8x42 or MHG 10x42 over the M7 8x42 or M7 10x42, but I wouldn't recommend getting the MHG 8x30 or MHG 10x30 over the M7 8x30 or M7 10x30. You can get a Nikon M7 8x42 refurbished for $349.99 on eBay, and they are just like new. They sell a ton of the M7 8x42's on eBay. That one seller has sold 28 of them because they are such a good deal! They are MIC, but they are very high quality. I like my MHG 8x42 better than the NL 8x32 I had. No GLARE!

Binoculars rankings - AllBinos.com

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Nikon 16765Q Monarch M7 8x42 Water-Proof and Fog-Proof Binocular with ED Lenses 18208167654 | eBay

Nikon 16765Q Monarch M7 Binoculars, 8x42, ED Lenses, Water/Fog Proof (Renewed). SKU: 16765Q. It is also eco-friendly with lead- and arsenic-free eco-glass. This is a certified refurbished product. See more of the scene in greater detail, making it easier to locate your subject when spotting...

www.ebay.com

 

[Dennis Mau]

It’s hard to believe Nikon would have left out oil and water repellent coatings on 1k binoculars, but Leica did the same thing with the Trinovid.

It is weird. I don't know why! The new M7 definitely has them

 

[ArchStanton]

It is weird. I don't know why! The new M7 definitely has them

It is odd considering the price.

 

[ArchStanton]

I got a deal on the MHG 8x42 for $700. The MHG 8x42 and MHG 10x42 are better binoculars than the MHG 8x30 and MHG 10x30 because the field flattener is more effective. If you read the reviews on allbinos it will explain that. So I would recommend getting the MHG 8x42 or MHG 10x42 over the M7 8x42 or M7 10x42, but I wouldn't recommend getting the MHG 8x30 or MHG 10x30 over the M7 8x30 or M7 10x30. You can get a Nikon M7 8x42 refurbished for $349.99 on eBay, and they are just like new. They sell a ton of the M7 8x42's on eBay. That one seller has sold 28 of them because they are such a good deal! They are MIC, but they are very high quality. I like my MHG 8x42 better than the NL 8x32 I had. No GLARE!

Binoculars rankings - AllBinos.com

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Nikon 16765Q Monarch M7 8x42 Water-Proof and Fog-Proof Binocular with ED Lenses 18208167654 | eBay

Nikon 16765Q Monarch M7 Binoculars, 8x42, ED Lenses, Water/Fog Proof (Renewed). SKU: 16765Q. It is also eco-friendly with lead- and arsenic-free eco-glass. This is a certified refurbished product. See more of the scene in greater detail, making it easier to locate your subject when spotting...

www.ebay.com

I was told by a Nikon rep that MIJ components and glass are used in their binoculars assembled in the PRC, so that’s a plus. If it wasn’t for the glare of the M7 8x30’s, I would have probably kept them because quality of the glass and build were pretty good as well as the sale price. I’ll probably stick with NIB from an authorized dealer because I like the peace of mind of having a lifetime warranty. I might try the M7 8x42’s before I try the MHG’s because they’re half the cost. Thanks for the information!

 

[Dennis Mau]

I was told by a Nikon rep that MIJ components and glass are used in their binoculars assembled in the PRC, so that’s a plus. If it wasn’t for the glare of the M7 8x30’s, I would have probably kept them because quality of the glass and build were pretty good as well as the sale price. I’ll probably stick with NIB from an authorized dealer because I like the peace of mind of having a lifetime warranty. I might try the M7 8x42’s before I try the MHG’s because they’re half the cost. Thanks for the information!

The M7 8x42's are a very good binoculars for the money. You won't be dissatisfied. Another one to look at at that $500 price point is the Vortex Viper HD 8x42.

The 7 Best Binoculars of 2025

We bought and rigorously tested binoculars from Vortex, Nikon, Leica, Swarovski, and more to help you find the best pair for your viewing pleasure

www.outdoorgearlab.com

 

[g j bee]

Is the Nikon HG 8x30 worth twice the price of the new Nikon M7 8x30? I don't think so, especially if you don't wear glasses. If you don't wear glasses, the HG's ER of 16.2mm is too long for the length of the eye cups, resulting in you having to float the eye cups over your eye sockets to avoid black-outs. The new Nikon M7 8x30 has an ER of 15.1mm, so the eye cups match the ER and solves the blackout problem. The only big optical difference between the two is the HG has a field flattener, but the problem is it is largely ineffective and the edges on the HG and M7 are actually about the same.

There may be a slight difference in transmission between the two with the HG being slightly higher, but it doesn't make a lot of difference in the real world. Every other optical parameter like CA, glare control, distortion, edge sharpness, astigmatism and coma are about the same (See Allbinos link). The older Nikon 7 8x30 had loose fitting armor, but the newer M7 has solved that problem with nice tight-fitting armor that appears very durable and the build quality appears as high as the HG. The M7 is made of polycarbonate with fiberglass reinforcement and the HG is magnesium, but it only results in an ounce weight savings.

They both have ED glass now and an oil and water-repellent lens coating. If you don't wear glasses, the M7 is the only choice and even if you do, you can save some money by buying the new M7 instead of the HG. Here is a picture of the Nikon M7 8x30 next to a Nikon HG 8x42 for size comparison. Also, an Allbinos link comparing the two models. In the Allbinos link it is the older Nikon 7 instead of the M7, but the optics are similar, with the newer M7 being even better in certain areas. The focuser smoothness and eye cups are very similar between the M7 and the HG. The M7 is an excellent value in compact binoculars and took 1st place in the Cornell Study of affordable compact binoculars. If you buy the M7 8x30 from Japan on eBay, they are only slightly over $300, and they sell a ton of them!

Nikon Monarch M7 8x30 Binoculars: Our Review

With a brilliant image and a small, comfortable design, this compact design—our overall Top Pick—could be your new go-to binocular.

www.allaboutbirds.org

The Best Affordable Compact Binoculars (8x32): Our Review

Thanks to ever-improving optics and a new crop of compact designs, it's now possible to find small, comfortable, bright binoculars for less than $500.

www.allaboutbirds.org

Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

Brand-New Nikon MONARCH M7 8x30 Binoculars from Japan (JDM) | eBay

MONARCH M7 8x30. One year warranty is valid in Japan only. Length (mm) 119. Angular field of view (Real/degree) 8.3. Close focusing distance (m) 2.0.

www.ebay.com

View attachment 1622085View attachment 1622086

I found a cure for the ocasional blackout problems ( not to often a problem ) . The solution was to remove the rubber from the eyecups on the ones I removed from my Zeiss conquest 10x32 which I replaced by the longer ones sent me by Zeiss and just pressed over the Nikon eyecups ( a nice tight fit ) and hey presto, no blackouts at all, perfect eye relief and it has transformed The Binocular. Although I realise not many people could use this solution. I just thought I would post my findings . Its an excellent Binocular and just made better. I now alternate its use with my Leica 8x32 BN . I must add that the Nikon rubber eyecups were left in situ and the zeiss just pushed over them.

 

[Dennis Mau]

I found a cure for the ocasional blackout problems ( not to often a problem ) . The solution was to remove the rubber from the eyecups on the ones I removed from my Zeiss conquest 10x32 which I replaced by the longer ones sent me by Zeiss and just pressed over the Nikon eyecups ( a nice tight fit ) and hey presto, no blackouts at all, perfect eye relief and it has transformed The Binocular. Although I realise not many people could use this solution. I just thought I would post my findings . Its an excellent Binocular and just made better. I now alternate its use with my Leica 8x32 BN . I must add that the Nikon rubber eyecups were left in situ and the zeiss just pushed over them.

Good tip! The Nikon HG 8x30 are basically unusable for me because I have shallow eye sockets and the eye cups are not long enough for the eye relief, resulting in them being floaters, or I have to float the binoculars in front of my face to avoid blackouts. I still think the Nikon HG 8x30 is exorbitantly overpriced because it is the same price as the HG 8x42 which has a much bigger aperture and bigger aperture binoculars are almost always more expensive.

The field flattener works much better on the HG 8x42 also with the field flattener being very ineffective on the HG 8x30. Optically, there is very little difference between the HG 8x30 and the new M7 8x30 to justify twice the price. The new Nikon M7 8x30 is a much better value, especially when you can get them for a little over $300 on eBay from Japan. Even when I compare my HG 8x42 to my M7 8x30 in the daytime, there is not a lot of difference even at the edges. I think if you want a Nikon HG, get the new M7 8x30 for $300 and save your self a lot of money. From Allbinos review of the Nikon HG 8x30.

Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

The best binocular tests on the net. The comprehensive database of binoculars with their parameters and users opinions. Interesting articles and comparisons.

www.allbinos.com

"Unfortunately, the FIELD FLATTENER inscription on the casing of the binoculars seems to be just a joke of the producer. On the edge of the field there is a really huge blurry area, practically as big as the one you see on the edge of the Monarch 7 8x30, a device three times cheaper, without any field flattener. It is an obvious slip-up. Another slip-up: the blackening near the prisms. At this price point we expect perfection – everything should be dark, matt and excellently baffled – meanwhile here some parts shine, resembling interiors of models several times cheaper. As a result, the area close to exit pupils is too bright and the performance against bright light leaves a bit to be desired. In our test we got too few excellent or outstanding results for the 1000 Euro price point instrument. Such aberrations as coma, astigmatism, distortion, brightness loss on the edge of the field or chromatic aberration are corrected well, a bit above average, but never very well or outstandingly well. Don't get me wrong – I wouldn't like to end my summary in a pejorative way. The Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 remains a very good pair of binoculars which will be undoubtedly a joy to use in most situations. Still, my job means I expected the best, basing my expectations on the excellent performance of the Monarch HG 10x42, a higher price of the smaller models, and unfulfilled declarations of the producer concerning flat image. The final result is such that the Monarch HG got merely 4 points more than the Monarch 7 8x30."

Cons:

• too big decrease of sharpness on the edge of the field of view,
• blackening inside the tubes could have been better,
• exorbitant price, especially compared to the performance.

 

[dorubird]

Good tip! The Nikon HG 8x30 are basically unusable for me because I have shallow eye sockets and the eye cups are not long enough for the eye relief, resulting in them being floaters, or I have to float the binoculars in front of my face to avoid blackouts. I still think the Nikon HG 8x30 is exorbitantly overpriced because it is the same price as the HG 8x42 which has a much bigger aperture and bigger aperture binoculars are almost always more expensive.

The field flattener works much better on the HG 8x42 also with the field flattener being very ineffective on the HG 8x30. Optically, there is very little difference between the HG 8x30 and the new M7 8x30 to justify twice the price. The new Nikon M7 8x30 is a much better value, especially when you can get them for a little over $300 on eBay from Japan. Even when I compare my HG 8x42 to my M7 8x30 in the daytime, there is not a lot of difference even at the edges. I think if you want a Nikon HG, get the new M7 8x30 for $300 and save your self a lot of money. From Allbinos review of the Nikon HG 8x30.

Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 - binoculars review - AllBinos.com

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"Unfortunately, the FIELD FLATTENER inscription on the casing of the binoculars seems to be just a joke of the producer. On the edge of the field there is a really huge blurry area, practically as big as the one you see on the edge of the Monarch 7 8x30, a device three times cheaper, without any field flattener. It is an obvious slip-up. Another slip-up: the blackening near the prisms. At this price point we expect perfection – everything should be dark, matt and excellently baffled – meanwhile here some parts shine, resembling interiors of models several times cheaper. As a result, the area close to exit pupils is too bright and the performance against bright light leaves a bit to be desired. In our test we got too few excellent or outstanding results for the 1000 Euro price point instrument. Such aberrations as coma, astigmatism, distortion, brightness loss on the edge of the field or chromatic aberration are corrected well, a bit above average, but never very well or outstandingly well. Don't get me wrong – I wouldn't like to end my summary in a pejorative way. The Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 remains a very good pair of binoculars which will be undoubtedly a joy to use in most situations. Still, my job means I expected the best, basing my expectations on the excellent performance of the Monarch HG 10x42, a higher price of the smaller models, and unfulfilled declarations of the producer concerning flat image. The final result is such that the Monarch HG got merely 4 points more than the Monarch 7 8x30."

Cons:

• too big decrease of sharpness on the edge of the field of view,
• blackening inside the tubes could have been better,
• exorbitant price, especially compared to the performance.

I remind you,
Allbinos is a collection of numbers in tables that only give you a general impression, not a precise impression of the binoculars. It is somehow similar to a phone book of binoculars. Because, to compare two binoculars, when it comes to the blur on the edges, Allbinos is based only on numbers from memory in the respective tables, not on a direct comparison of the binoculars. Allbinos It does not score the difference in resolution between the center and the edges, but only the percentage of blur. The difference in resolution between the center and the edges is the most important in an optical instrument. This is precisely why the comparison between Monarch 7 8x30 and Monarch HG 8x30 edge performance is misinterpreted. The importance of the resolution difference between the center and the edges is unfortunately not taken into account by ALLbinos. Unfortunately, allbinos is limited only to the surface and not to the resolution itself!
If allbinos had them next to each other, they would have immediately seen the obvious difference between these two binoculars. I compared them directly! From the first look I realized the enormous edge resolution difference between the two. I repeat, the Edge Resolution difference was huge, not small! The blur is so obvious through the Monarch 7 8x30 on the last 15-20% of the FOV, that I could not distinguish any detail, or even intuit these details. On the other hand, with the Monarch HG 8x30 those details on the same last 15-20% of the FOV were perfectly decipherable, even if there is still a small difference between the center and the edges, the details do not disappear! With the Monarch 7 8x30 it is impossible to distinguish the details due to the very low edge resolution (astigmatism and coma)! They are two optically completely different binoculars from this point of view!
Conclusion: If we rely only on the numbers from the ALLbinos tables in the comparison of two binoculars, we will sometimes have a distorted and limited universe in relation to these binoculars! Binoculars are best compared directly side by side, not just from memories!

I directly compared Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 (M HG ) with Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (M 7)
View attachment 1467814

Mechanics and ergonomics
The weight and dimensions are very similar. The focus wheel moves similarly and very accurately and pleasantly in both binoculars, also ergonomics. But this is where the similarities between them ends. So, M HG finishes are at least a class above over M 7. The coating is different: prisms of M HG has purple coating and M 7 green coating, and M HG objectives has green coating and M 7 blue coating. It is also noticeable that, at the level of the exit pupil, there are stronger reflections in M 7
View attachment 1467815


Optical performance
The resolution on the center is better at M HG (tested on the resolution chart)
The resolution on the edges is also better with M HG. As an extension of the clarity, they both have about 75% of the FOV, but the last 25 percent of M HG are not so blurred compared to the center, still being able to discern details. But at M 7, the difference in clarity between the center area and the edges (last 25%) is very very big, on the edges you can practically no longer discern any detail.
Contrast is noticeably better at M HG
The brightness is a little better at M HG
Field distortion is lower at M HG
Glare resistance is obviously better at M HG. In certain situations, even with not very strong light, only through M 7 was there a foggy crescent on the edge of the FOV that decreased the contrast of the image. It is also observed in M HG, but only in much more extreme situations of strong lighting.
The rendering of the white color is a bit pale pink in the M 7, but visible only in comparison with the M HG, which has a more natural rendering.
Chromatic aberrations are similar in both binoculars and present on the edges.
View attachment 1467816


Conclusions
The optical performance is better in all chapters except for chromatic aberrations, where they are similar. In my opinion, the differences are due to the better coating and the better quality of the glass of M HG. Even they are similar in size, the quality of mechanics and finishing materials is better in M HG.
Monarch HG 8x30 is clearly superior to Monarch 7 8x30.
View attachment 1467817

 

[Dennis Mau]

I remind you,
Allbinos is a collection of numbers in tables that only give you a general impression, not a precise impression of the binoculars. It is somehow similar to a phone book of binoculars. Because, to compare two binoculars, when it comes to the blur on the edges, Allbinos is based only on numbers from memory in the respective tables, not on a direct comparison of the binoculars. Allbinos It does not score the difference in resolution between the center and the edges, but only the percentage of blur. The difference in resolution between the center and the edges is the most important in an optical instrument. This is precisely why the comparison between Monarch 7 8x30 and Monarch HG 8x30 edge performance is misinterpreted. The importance of the resolution difference between the center and the edges is unfortunately not taken into account by ALLbinos. Unfortunately, allbinos is limited only to the surface and not to the resolution itself!
If allbinos had them next to each other, they would have immediately seen the obvious difference between these two binoculars. I compared them directly! From the first look I realized the enormous edge resolution difference between the two. I repeat, the Edge Resolution difference was huge, not small! The blur is so obvious through the Monarch 7 8x30 on the last 15-20% of the FOV, that I could not distinguish any detail, or even intuit these details. On the other hand, with the Monarch HG 8x30 those details on the same last 15-20% of the FOV were perfectly decipherable, even if there is still a small difference between the center and the edges, the details do not disappear! With the Monarch 7 8x30 it is impossible to distinguish the details due to the very low edge resolution (astigmatism and coma)! They are two optically completely different binoculars from this point of view!
Conclusion: If we rely only on the numbers from the ALLbinos tables in the comparison of two binoculars, we will sometimes have a distorted and limited universe in relation to these binoculars! Binoculars are best compared directly side by side, not just from memories!

Nah. I trust Allbinos more than I do most reviewers because I agree with them 99% of the time. I have compared the HG 8x30 to the M7 8x30 and I get the opposite of what you are saying, and I agree with Allbinos. There is very little difference between the edges of the HG 8x30 and the M7 8x30. You used the older Monarch 7 which is different from the new M7. The new M7 is quite different optically from the older Monarch 7. You need to compare the HG 8x30 with the new M7 8x30.

I just compared my new Nikon M7 8x30 to my HG 8x42 and the edges were almost the same even when comparing different apertures. The Nikon HG 8x42 also has sharper edges than the HG 8x30. I actually couldn't believe how similar the view was through the M7 8x30 and the HG 8x42. Outside of low light performance and a little less ease of eye placement, I was thinking I could get by with the M7 8x30.

 

[dorubird]

In allbinos review that you linked it is about comparation between MHG 8x30 vs old Monarch7 8x30, not the new M7 8x30! So I compare MHG 8x30 with same allbinos old Monarch7 8x30. You dont compare same binoculars like me and allbinos. You have the new M7 8x30.
Allbinos edge performance conclusion it is misinterpreted because Allbinos does not score the difference in resolution between the center and the edges, but only the subjective percentage of blur, which doesn't really say anything about the actual Resolution at the edges of binoculars!