Nikon Monarch 5 or Vortex Diamondback?? (2 Viewers)

[raptorbfl]

Hi,

I am about to purchase either one of these two binoculars and was wondering
which one has the better optics? In the 10 x 42 power.

Unfortunately, due a close set eyes, I need a binocular with the IPD minimum of
56/57mm, so my choices in a great quality mid price binocular are severely limited!

The two favorites that a LOVE are the Vanguard Endeavor ED II and the Vortex Viper HD. Sadly, they have minimum IPD's of 59mm and 58mm, so they
will NOT work. I am also an eyeglass wearer, so at least 16mm eye relief is desirable.

So besides Nikon Monarch 5 and the Vortex Diamondback, can anyone offer other choices that fit my requirements? $500.00 is my top limit.

Thanks!
Michael

 

[PhilR.]

If you can spend $500, then you can buy a Nikon Monarch 7. It will be better than the two you mentioned, and it has 56mm IPD.

Between the two you mentioned, I preferred the Nikon as to my eyes it has a sharper image.

 

[raptorbfl]

PhilR,

Thanks, you really feel the Monarch 7 optics are that much better that the Monarch 5 to justify the large
price increase? Several reputable reviewers have told me the optic difference is so minor that its virtually undetectable to the average user, and not worth the price upgrade and the 5 is the much better value. But I guess everyone's eyes are different.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

This is based on looking about 6 months ago, but it seemed to me that the Diamondbacks
had undergone a big overhaul in view quality, especially contrast, and the Nikon M5s seemed
lagging next to those and the Monarch 7s. I could see the M7s were a little better than the
Diamondbacks, but I wouldn't pay the difference. That would be the more 'up to date' comparison
to me. The M5s seem somewhat stranded at the moment. They are all great, it's just which got
the recent contrast overhaul. The (2014) Diamondbacks blew me away and the M7s suddenly shot
way up in price. They intro'd at around $300. Kind of a double whammy to the M5s. They need some
more baffle work up front to pull their socks up.

 

[PhilR.]

PhilR,

Thanks, you really feel the Monarch 7 optics are that much better that the Monarch 5 to justify the large
price increase? Several reputable reviewers have told me the optic difference is so minor that its virtually undetectable to the average user, and not worth the price upgrade and the 5 is the much better value. But I guess everyone's eyes are different.

Hi Michael,

Anyone who has actually used the two Monarchs will tell you that there is a huge difference in the FOV. After using the M7, the M5 feels downright claustrophobic. Therefore, as I really like a wide FOV, the additional price of the 7 would be worth it to me. Of course, if one does not care about a wide FOV, then I'm sure they would feel different about the additional cost.

I also felt that the M7 was slightly brighter in view as well. Probably because of the much wider FOV. I could see owning an M7, but I would not consider owning an M5.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Interesting observation on brightness. The M7 appears brighter. Your eyes cannot tell even a 5-10% change,
but the substantial contrast gain makes things seem brighter and more saturated at the same time.

 

[brocknroller]

Jerry owns a 10x42 M7, so he could tell you how they perform. I thought the 8x30 M7 was very good for the price.

I've also tried the 10x42 M5, which I think has an identical body to the 10x42 M7. I had a hard time holding the 10x M5 steady. Too small for my hands, but nice armoring, eyecups, focuser and view. The Prostaff 7 10x42 while not having ED glass was a lot easier to hold for me due to the longer barrels. I think Jerry owns one of those, too!

I have no experience with the Diamondback, but I thought the Fury was also a good buy for the price.

Brock

 

[typo]

I've only tried the Diamondback alongside the Viper and Viper HD and the difference in colour rendition, CA and sharpness was quite noticeable in the Viper's favour. If the model has been revamped recently as O_N suggests then those comments may not apply.

I'd suggest the Monarch 5 is a big improvement over it's predecessor the MkIII with better contrast, colour and CA. However the couple I've tried were not as sharp as I would like for the price, but perhaps I'm a bit fussier than most as I've not seen others comment on this. The cheaper Prostaff 7 I thought was better on sharpness but perhaps not a match for colour and CA. The P7 had a 56-72mm IPD but it is being superseded by the 7s which is slightly shorter and has a marginally better FOV but the IPD range isn't listed for that.

The Diamondback's 345ft view is going to look huge compared to the 288ft of the Monarch 5, even if it isn't sharp to the edge, but on paper the Monarch 7 should be better still. It ticks all the boxes for features you would want in a binocular at that price yet the few I've tried so far haven't lived up to expectation. They were very variable in sharpness and size of sweetspot and none were good for both. I suspect somewhere in there there is a very good binocular trying to get out, I just haven't seen it yet, but it certainly sounds like I've been unlucky and others have. If you could find a 'good' example too then I'd suggest it's probably worth the price difference over the Diamondback and Monarch 5.

David

 

[bearclawthedonut]

raptorbfl:

My Nikon Monarch 5(ED) 10x42 is an exceptional binocular presenting excellent image quality combined with outstanding handling. Its a far better value (price x quality) than the underperforming Monarch 7 with its small sweet spot and poor edges, thus negating its very wide FOV. However, the Monarch 5ED has a narrow field of view (FOV) of 288'. If you need a binocular for watching raptors in flight (about the only viable use for a wide FOV), then perhaps you should consider the Zeiss Conquest HD 10x42 or the Vortex Razor HD 10x42. Unfortunately, both of these binoculars cost around $1,000. The Zeiss Conquest has outstanding image quality, but it is a brick to handle (compared to the Monarch 5). The Vortex Razor HD has both very good image quality and very good handling. Both have appreciably wider FOVs then the Monarch 5. The Vortex Diamondbacks that I've seen have good image quality with poor (bricklike) handling, but they do offer good value.

If you can live with its limited FOV, then the Monarch 5ED 10x42 is an exceptional value. There are no exceptions, if you want appreciably better image quality then the Monarch 5 - you must make the jump to Zeiss Conquest ($1,000). You really need to try all of your options out for yourself.

bearclawthedonut

 

[raptorbfl]

Thanks,
Anyone here own or have any experience with the Alpen Wings ED 10 x 42 the new version??

 

[perterra]

Zen Ray prime HD is pretty impressive.

 

[bartd]

M7

I have used the Monarch 7's for a year now and love them. I enjoy watching waterflowl and find the early morning light and the way the color pop's through the lenses fantastic. I have a very expensive pair of Euro bino's that haven't had a road trip since I got the M7 bino's. Plus, fantastic price!!!

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

Price was VERY fantastic....for a while :-(

 

[Petrus82]

I was very disappointed with the Diamondback. Very stiff focussing, lots of stray light and contrast didn't seem to be great.

 

[winwinbino]

Between these two, I will take Diamondback over M5, but suggest you go for 8x42. One of best VFM bins I ever tried.

At similar price range, ZRS HD worth a serious look.

 

[bearclawthedonut]

raptorbfl:

Just purchased a Nikon Monarch 5 (ED-7576) 8x42 from opticsplanet.com for $225. Presently, I do not know how long it will last, Nikon is once again OFFERING A $50.00 INSTANT REBATE. It does not appear (?) that all retail outlets are offering this rebate. It is being offered at Adorama and Cameta Camera (both have them in stock and are accessible through Amazon as well as directly) for $247. Opticsplanet has them for $250 (I received an additional 10% discount for a Monday coupon).

In addition the following Nikons are also offered with discounts:
Nikon Monarch 5(ED) 10x42 for $277
Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 for $300
Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 for $397
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42 for $417

I do not know if the Edge/Premier/SE lines are also available with the instant rebate?

If my new Monarch 5(ED) is as good as my Monarch 5(ED) 10x42, then I will be very happy!

bearclawthedonut

 

[La Mer]

I think it cannot be said often enough that not only is every user different but also every binocular is different ..... at least at that price level. I've had a Monarch 7 for some time and its optical quality was OK but nothing outstanding yet it had a loose hinge. Others have noted that before I think its not just a personal impression. What is tempting about both the M7 and the Diamondback is the specs of course, especially FOV. Not easy to get that, even in many binos much more expensive.

Best to try it out.

Elu