The Nikon Monarch series has always been one of the most popular Nikon binocular models among birdwatchers, because they have been of good quality and moderately priced.





Nikon has updated its Monarch series and model names, so the selection can be a bit confusing. In 2021, the series will include the following models, including different options in terms of magnification and front lenses. The price of a model is affected by factors such as the quality of the lens material and the coating of the lenses and primes.
The Nikon Monarch 3 is the so-called "Entry Level" binoculars, or the most affordable binoculars in the Monarch series, which is an excellent first pair of binoculars. The focusing distance of these binoculars is 3 meters, so the binoculars in this series are not the best options if you want to watch birds, for example, from a birdhouse in your backyard.
The Nikon Monarch 5 is one of Nikon's best-selling binocular models, combining quality and a moderate price. Slightly lighter and more slender than the Monarch 3 series binoculars, the Monarch 5 binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen-filled, which reduces fogging. The dielectric coating on the prism and the multi-layer coated lenses allow for good brightness and sharpness even in difficult lighting conditions.
Advantages of the Monarch 5 model over the Monarch 3
Compared to the Monarch 3 and Monarch 5 binoculars, the smaller Monarch 7 is a step ahead of them in terms of features. Why? Because of the first-class ED glass and better prism and lens coatings. Nikon has never provided completely accurate information about the quality and amount of coatings on the prisms and lenses in its binoculars. All of these have a significant impact on the amount of light transmitted by the binoculars, i.e. the brightness of the image. However, the Monarch 7 is ahead of the 3 and 5 in image brightness. This is especially noticeable when viewing in dim or otherwise low light.
Advantages of the Monarch 7 model compared to the Monarch 5 and Monarch 3
The Nikon Monarch M5 and Monarch M7 are the latest Monarch models, and a step up from the older Monarch 5 and 7 binoculars. Compared to these older models, the new ones have better image quality and a wider field of view. The Monarch M binoculars also have a more streamlined design.
Differences between Monarch M5 and Monarch M7 binoculars:
The Nikon Monarch HG is the most advanced model in the Monarch series, featuring improved ED glass and higher-quality multi-layer coatings on all prisms and lenses. In addition, the binoculars feature so-called "Field Flattener" lenses, which provide edge-to-edge sharpness.
The material of the Monarch HG binoculars is magnesium alloy, which has allowed for a slight weight reduction without compromising durability. The HG binoculars are covered with a synthetic leather-like coating that protects the binocular body from impacts and bumps. One of the advantages of this material is that it does not absorb dust and dirt in the same way as the rubber coating. If you are used to the rubber coating of, for example, the Monarch 5 or Monarch 7, this synthetic leather feels a little more slippery.
Monarch HG differences from other Monarch models:
