Nikon - 8x42 Monarch HG Binoculars

Pentax Sport Optics Binocular Roundup

Taking their place at the top of Nikon's flagship series, 8x42 Monarch HG Binoculars are engineered with complementary technologies to produce an optic that is built to perform in low light and the harshest conditions.

First is the use of lead- and arsenic-free extra-low dispersion (ED) glass in the lens elements to correct chromatic and spherical aberrations. Next are phase-corrected and dielectric-coated roof prisms, which further limit internal light loss and interference and improve image contrast. The optical path is fully multi-coated with anti-reflection coatings, which increase light transmission, image contrast, and sharpness and provide true color rendition. Finally is the use of Nikon's field-flattener system, which eliminates the distortion common at the lens edges, producing crisp details along the far periphery of the wide field of view. This all translates to bright and clear, high-contrast images with accurate color across the field of view—especially at low light such as early morning and late evening, and under heavily overcast skies.

The chassis is built with a short bridge design, which presents more gripping surface and helps to reduce the overall weight. Made to survive use outdoors, the optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to make them not only fogproof when moving between extreme temperature changes, but also waterproof and submersible. The exterior has textured, rubberized panels that protect against knocks and drops and offers a slip-resistant grip for sure handling in cold and wet conditions. Nikon includes tethered objective lens covers and ocular rainguard to ensure they cannot be lost easily and are ready for use at a moment's notice.

Engineered for performance and durability, the Monarch HG will be your constant companion when conquering any peak or braving any storm.

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Christopher Witt

4 years ago

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Christopher Witt

11 months ago

User Manual

1.7 MB

Optical Performance

8x power magnifies objects while yielding a larger exit pupil and wider field of view versus higher-power optics for a more comfortable viewing experience

Moderate 42mm objective lens diameter improves low-light performance without excessive bulk or weight

Roof prism light path helps to maintain a slim profile for easier and more comfortable handling

Extra-low dispersion glass reduces chromatic and spherical aberrations for increased contrast and improved color rendition and sharpness without distortion across the entire field of view

Highly reflective dielectric prism coatings minimize internal light loss to maintain image brightness and improve contrast and clarity

Phase-corrected prisms eliminate internal interference in the light path to improve contrast and resolution

Anti-reflection, fully multi-coated optics produce bright, high-resolution images

Field-flattener lens system corrects lens-edge distortion for clearer views at the edge of the field of view

Wide 60° apparent angle of view produces an immersive observational experience with less disorientation when used on rough or rolling seas

Generous 435' field of view at 1000 yards

Use and Handling

Short bridge provides a solid and stable platform for the internal focusing mechanism

Large slip-resistant center focusing wheel is easy to manipulate, even while wearing gloves

Locking right-eye diopter allows users to firmly set adjustment to compensate for individual optical prescription and improve focus sharpness

Broad 56-74mm interpupillary distance adjustment range enables easy use by a wide variety of users

Twist-up rubber eyecups for comfortable use with or without eyewear

Tripod mountable with optional adapter enables hands-free use and reduces vibrations and arm fatigue

Long 17.8mm eye relief makes viewing more comfortable, with less eyestrain

Generous 5.3mm exit pupil will completely cover most pupils as they open and dilate in low light to keep the entire scene in view

Construction Details

Environmentally friendly lead- and arsenic-free Eco-Glass used in all lenses and prisms

Bridge configuration presents more surface area for hands to give it a more comfortable feel in the hand and a more secure grip

Lightweight and strong magnesium-alloy chassis helps to reduce fatigue when wearing the binoculars around the neck or when holding them up to the eyes

Slim body profile, short bridge, and protective rubber panels provide ample room for a secure and comfortable grip in all conditions

Scratch-resistant coatings on objective and eyepiece lenses protect lenses from blowing sand, dirt, and debris

Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to make it waterproof and submersible to a depth of 16.4' (5m) for up to 10 minutes, while being resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme changes in temperature or environmental conditions such as at low-pressure altitudes

Tethered objective lens caps ensure protection without the chance of losing them

One-piece tethered ocular rainguard protects eyecups from water pooling in them from rain or spraying water when hanging from the neck

• Taking their place at the top of Nikon's flagship series, 8x42 Monarch HG Binoculars are engineered with complementary technologies to produce an optic that is built to perform in low light and the harshest conditions.
First is the use of lead- and arsenic-free extra-low dispersion (ED) glass in the lens elements to correct chromatic and spherical aberrations. Next are phase-corrected and dielectric-coated roof prisms, which further limit internal light loss and interference and improve image contrast. The optical path is fully multi-coated with anti-reflection coatings, which increase light transmission, image contrast, and sharpness and provide true color rendition. Finally is the use of Nikon's field-flattener system, which eliminates the distortion common at the lens edges, producing crisp details along the far periphery of the wide field of view. This all translates to bright and clear, high-contrast images with accurate color across the field of view—especially at low light such as early morning and late evening, and under heavily overcast skies.
The chassis is built with a short bridge design, which presents more gripping surface and helps to reduce the overall weight. Made to survive use outdoors, the optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to make them not only fogproof when moving between extreme temperature changes, but also waterproof and submersible. The exterior has textured, rubberized panels that protect against knocks and drops and offers a slip-resistant grip for sure handling in cold and wet conditions. Nikon includes tethered objective lens covers and ocular rainguard to ensure they cannot be lost easily and are ready for use at a moment's notice.
Engineered for performance and durability, the Monarch HG will be your constant companion when conquering any peak or braving any storm.