Nikon Monarch 8.5x56 DCF

The Monarch series from the Japanese concern Nikon used to consist of three roof-prism models with 42 mm objective lens diameter and 8,10 and 12x magnification. These sets of binoculars, costing about 300 USD, were quite praised and recommended by ornithologists.

sharp image almost to the very edge of the field; well corrected astigmatism; slight coma although still noticeable at the edge of the field; solid casing; very comfortable to hold; high quality BaK-4 prisms; nice and not truncated exit pupils

significant chromatic aberration; especially visible at the edge of the field of view; for a night pair of binoculars the transmission could have been better (but it is not so easy in the case of a roof-prism instrument

Very nice. Like they say, these binoculars rival optics costing many times more.

Best binoculars I've ever owned!

Best binoculars I've ever owned! I was unhappy a few weeks ago to drop my old standby binoculars and cause them to make me see "cross eyed." Well, after having to replace them and choosing my new Monarchs, I'm actually kind of glad it happened.

Crystal Clear

Have owned these now for just over 1 year. They are really good quality. The optics are so clear and bright. It is obvious when using them that they are not the cheap type that you can buy down the high street for ￡30. If you are looking for quality optics you wont be disappointed with these.