45 replies to this topic

[39.1N84.5W]

The Monarch 10x42 was the first roof binocular that really blew my socks off for astronomy. Then I bought a 8x42 M7 for birding as well as astronomy. I store that in a Tupperware container in the house. Yet those eyecups came unglued within 2 years. I love the focus, the sharp image, the weight, the contrast. But man I will never recommend them to friends again because of the stupid flimsy rubber eyecups.

[exup]

Here's a suggestion.....(And I don't have myself and I don't hold shares in the company!)-

Why not try something like a Svbony sa205 flat field bin from Amazon.   Half the cost of the M7, slightly narrower FoV, but probably better corrected.  Don't think as solid as a sv202, but by all reports sounds similar to the Nikon M5/M7s

 

Some reviews about if you search.

 

If you do (?), I'd be very interested in your feedback.  I haven't bought these because I've taken the bigger step onto IS and SRBCs.

 

PS .... there's a new FF sv202 mentioned recently, but don't know if good/bad

Edited by exup, 18 May 2025 - 08:56 AM.

[39.1N84.5W]

Well I'm not in the market for purchasing. But I do want to share my user experience with others about the Monarch longevity.

[Mike W]

Well I'm not in the market for purchasing. But I do want to share my user experience with others about the Monarch longevity.

Be more specific, M5, M7, MHG........................................

[exup]

Be more specific, M5, M7, MHG........................................

Post #26 ....at the top of the page

[Mike W]

Post #26 ....at the top of the page

Ok, be more specific in each post about which Nikon you are talking about. Easier to type M7 than Monarch. 

Edited by Mike W, 18 May 2025 - 11:19 AM.

[39.1N84.5W]

M5 and M7 both have these eyecup problems.

[Mike W]

M5 and M7 both have these eyecup problems.

Yes and the MHG does not. "Monarch HG"

[39.1N84.5W]

OP ASKED ABOUT M7.

[Mike W]

The Monarch 10x42 was the first roof binocular that really blew my socks off for astronomy. 

Which Monarch 10X42? 5, 7, MHG?? How hard is it to be specific? M7 is not in the original topic, am I supposed to go back and read every post from a week ago? 8X42 is in the topic.

Edited by Mike W, 18 May 2025 - 03:00 PM.

[JoeFaz]

Also, please advise if this is off topic.

 

Cheers

I would start a new topic so people can respond and help you work through this without taking this one of the rails (at least any more so than other people already have...), this topic is about 8x42s.

[gwlee]

The idea of having to ship a binocular to the far east is a turnoff for me personally.

To me, fit is the most important consideration when selecting a binocular, and fit can only be determined by trying the binocular. So, I would be reluctant to buy a binocular from a company that doesn’t have a reputable US dealer with an excellent return policy no matter the price or how glowing the reports. 

Edited by gwlee, 19 May 2025 - 09:41 AM.

[f18dad]

For a budget friendly mid range I would also consider the Nikon 8x42 P7 for under USD 200. For the price I paid I have been very happy with my 8x30 P7.

Edited by f18dad, 19 May 2025 - 11:53 AM.

[f18dad]

PS in the post above I meant to say “8”x42 P7 and I have corrected it accordingly. 

[Astronoob76]

Meopta Meopro Air 8x42. I like it a bit more than the Fuji HC 8x42. As of recently you could find it for around 500€.

[Binojunky]

A bit of an Athlon fan myself however I know that this make may not be available in some locations, Vanguard also offer some reasonable priced models, Dave.

[exup]

A bit of an Athlon fan myself however I know that this make may not be available in some locations, Vanguard also offer some reasonable priced models, Dave.

I have the Cronus 10x42 and I concur it is good. F18dad has been impressed with the 8.5x42 , so I tried the only size now sold.

I would place it between the Regal/MMC, but behind SRBC for FF bins.

I have the 8x42 Vanguard Spirit XF as a window bin in my kitchen...it's good for the price point (£130 at time of purchase).

Edited by exup, 22 May 2025 - 11:03 AM.

[Terra Nova]

I started my Astronomy hobby in 1964 with a very nice Herters (Japanese) 8x40 porro. That was my sole binocular for a lot of years but times have changed. I still have a fondness for that mag/ap combination. My Maven B-series 8x42 which goes for around $1k new are without a doubt my favorite 8x40ish ever! If you want to spend a lot less, the Vortex Diamondback 8x42 is a solid option; they are non ED but still quite good IMO.

Edited by Terra Nova, 23 May 2025 - 08:10 AM.

[COMtnSkies]

I have chimed in plenty before, but seriously, the Svbony SA205 ED 8x42 is the greatest bargain I have purchased in binoculars. It's around 200 US and the clarity, reasonable flatness, lovely focuser and small size and lightweight make it a lot of fun to take with me anywhere.

The SRBC 8x42 that I own I do not believe can be bettered by any binocular manufactured for $500. Optics are spectacular. The new slightly smaller eye cups make them even better.

But, as Jordan and others have noted, you might be much happier with a great 8x30 or 8x32 for daytime viewing. I have a couple of those I really enjoy as well. Good luck.

[exup]

I have chimed in plenty before, but seriously, the Svbony SA205 ED 8x42 is the greatest bargain I have purchased in binoculars. It's around 200 US and the clarity, reasonable flatness, lovely focuser and small size and lightweight make it a lot of fun to take with me anywhere.

The SRBC 8x42 that I own I do not believe can be bettered by any binocular manufactured for $500. Optics are spectacular. The new slightly smaller eye cups make them even better.

But, as Jordan and others have noted, you might be much happier with a great 8x30 or 8x32 for daytime viewing. I have a couple of those I really enjoy as well. Good luck.

One thing that hasn't been determined is how these FF sa205s compare with the Regal/ MMCs?

The sa205s are small and light, whereas the Regal/ MMCs are hefy beasts. 

I can 'grade' the Regals in relation to Athlon Cronus and SRBCs optically, but have no reference point for the sa205s. Any ideas?

Edited by exup, 24 May 2025 - 09:21 AM.

[CowTipton]

I have chimed in plenty before, but seriously, the Svbony SA205 ED 8x42 is the greatest bargain I have purchased in binoculars. It's around 200 US and the clarity, reasonable flatness, lovely focuser and small size and lightweight make it a lot of fun to take with me anywhere.

The SRBC 8x42 that I own I do not believe can be bettered by any binocular manufactured for $500. Optics are spectacular. The new slightly smaller eye cups make them even better.

But, as Jordan and others have noted, you might be much happier with a great 8x30 or 8x32 for daytime viewing. I have a couple of those I really enjoy as well. Good luck.

 

 

I just ordered the 8x42 SA205 for general purpose use (birding, astronomy, hunting, etc.)

Been looking for something smaller, lighter, and better than my old 10x50 Bushnells for quick grab and views.

(I hope to get a good sample.)

 

The SRBC are tempting because of the wider FOV but not at 2.5x the cost and added size/weight..