Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 Review: Highly Rated All-Terrain Binoculars [ATB]

nikon monarch 7 8x42 binoculars — Image Credit - Nikon

Magnification: 8X
Power Variability: Fixed
Objective Diameter: 42 mm
Close Focus Distance: 8.2 feet
Dimensions: 5.6 x 5.1 inches
Weight: 22.9 ounces
Field of View: 420 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 17.1 mm/ 5.3 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully Multi-Coated
Glass: BaK-4
Prism System: Roof
Focus System: Center
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Eye cups: Turn & Slide/Multi-Setting Click Stop
Tripod adaptable: Yes
Rangefinder: No

Best Uses: Hunting, For the Range, Birdwatching, Wildlife Observation

Update: Unfortunately, Nikon has discontinued the Monarch 7 8x42 binoculars. For more great options in a similar price range, check out our recommended binoculars under $500 here.

Nikon Monarch 7 8x42 Binocular Review

The Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 is pimped out with everything you can think of, ranging from Multi-Setting Click Stop rubber eye cups, ED Glass, and Eco-Glass to Dielectric High-Reflective Multi layer Prism Coatings, ATB, and a really wide field of view.

It will comes as no surprise then that this Monarch was chosen to be reviewed, even though at roughly $450 it is the priciest of the Nikon binoculars we have reviewed. Impressively, buyers don't seem to pay attention to the hefty price tag at all and there are well over one hundred happy owners who have contested to this fact.

With such a high customer satisfaction rating, aren't you a little curious to see what this Monarch is decked out with? The flagship line of Nikon's optics is dressed to impress. Here's the Q&A to see for yourself.

Pros:

High quality coatings
High quality glass
Wide field of view
Tripod adaptable
All-Terrain Binocular

Cons:

Shipping issues

Monarch 7 8X42 Binocular Q&A:

What does ATB mean on the 8x42 Monarch 7?

Good question! To fully appreciate a binoculars worth and to maximize its potential, you've gotta know the terminology first. ATB stands for "All Terrain Binocular" because it's the all-weather, high-performing, most durable binocular of the lot.

You're going to see this designation on quite a few of Nikon's celebrated binoculars.

If you're heading out to some rugged and harsh terrain, you're going to want an ATB binocular. It's not only waterproof and fog-proof, it's also shockproof thanks to the rubber armored body for incredible dynamic handling.

For you clumsy hunters out there or those who understand that mishaps happen, this is a bonus.

Nikon 7548 MONARCH 7 8x42 Binocular (Black)

The MONARCH 7 8x42 provides an exceptionally wide field of view that makes it easy to find your subject.
Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings are applied to all lenses and prism coatings to provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.

How is the Monarch 7 different to the Monarch 5?

There are a lot of similarities between this premium model and the favorite Monarch 5. You'll see that they both feature the ED glass, Dielectric Multi-layer Prism Coatings, and even the Phase-correction-coated prisms that's not directly marketed this way on the Monarch 5.

So, if the premium features are the same, what is it that the Monarch 7 has over the 5 series?

The first is the already discussed ATB qualities, and the second is the multi-setting click stop eye cups. While that may sound really fancy, it's basically Nikon's turn and slide design but with click stops along the way so that you can find that perfect amount of eye relief.

You don't have to be a spectacle wearer to appreciate this feature, you might be wearing sun glasses while you're out hunting in the field. With an eye relief of 17.1, it puts it just over one inch less than the Monarch 5.

The Monarch 7 has an excellent wide field of view and has a slightly larger exit pupil too. But in the Monarch 5, you can have an equally impressive optic for $150 less. It's up to you if the differences are worth it.

Is Nikon's Monarch 7 8x42 a hunting binocular?

Yes! All the features and the ATB qualities of this Monarch 7 make it an ideal hunting binocular to have out there in the field with you. While some of you might think you may want to upgrade to the 10X42, that's not a bad idea, it too was featured in the Top 100 Seller's List with a great rating from a solid reviewer base.

But, if you're thinking of turning in the 8X for the 10X based on the slightly more magnification alone, don't do it. In hunting, the larger field of view, larger exit pupil, and the lighter weight of the 8X42 model are more important than the extra 2X power.

Noteworthy Features:

Multi-Setting Click Stop rubber eye cups for a comfortable and easy to set custom fit
ED glass for to control color fringing for the best image quality possible
Dielectric High-Reflective Multi-layer Prism Coating and Eco-Glass coatings for excellent light transmission and picture quality
Lighter than most standard sized binoculars
Wide 420 feet field of view
Arsenic-free and lead-free Eco-Glass technology
Rubber armored body for non-slip grip and repeated and heavy use
ATB strength for use in even the most harshest conditions and rugged terrains
Backed by Nikon's 25 Year Limited Warranty and No-Fault Repair/Replacement Policy

Our Verdict on the Monarch 7 8x42 Binoculars

To glass it up, the Nikon Monarch 7 8X42 ATB binoculars are worth every penny of the approximately $450 price tag which is why we featured it on our 'Best Binos Under $500' list.

The only issues are with packages arriving already opened. This sounds like a vendor/retailer issue versus a manufacturing issue with the product. However, Nikon does secure their packaging with stickers that say "Don't accept if seal is broken." You can be guaranteed some sort of compensation if this occurs to you. However, it rarely happens.

While the Monarch 7 has hit the Top Seller's Binocular Ranks, so has the Nikon Aculon A211 8X42 binocular. In fact, the Aculon beats the Monarch 7 in this same ranking system. Why? Probably because it does everything you need it to with a much lower price tag - just a thought.

With slightly smaller specs, excellent VIP customer treatment, and a much lower cost, you could always go with the Vortex Raptor 8.5X32 binocular. It doesn't have all the fancy trappings of the Monarch 7, but it's around or under $100. That's a steal since it's from Vortex so check it out for yourself!

The Monarch 7 is a great binocular, and it'll last you a long time. If you're willing to put the cash down on it, you won't be disappointed!

Update: Unfortunately, Nikon has discontinued the Monarch 7 8x42 binoculars. For more great options in a similar price range, check out our recommended binoculars under $500 here.