Last updated at 21/03/2026 17:05:31
Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binoculars (Black)
Delivery $42.60
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 Binoculars
Delivery $9.95
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42mm Binocular - Wide Field Of View, Bright Multicoated Lenses, High-Definition Viewing - Lightweight Waterproof Fogproof Outdoor
Delivery $28.38
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 Binoculars
Delivery $15.90
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42
Delivery between 25–31 Mar $9.70
Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Ultimate All-Terrain Scratch-Resistant Binocular (Black)
Delivery between 26–30 Mar $15.52
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 Binoculars (Black)
Delivery $15
Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binocular
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I have Birded and Nature watched with Nikon HG 10x42 for several years now. Sometimes I think I want something newer and more expensive. My local Audubon club did a binocular test where we all tried each others binoculars. Were the big Swar and Zie better? Well yes. But were they $2000 better. Not by a long shot. I am keeping my NG's and spending the money on a trip to Alaska.
originally posted on bhphotovideo.com
I did a ton of research and bought 5 different models and this was the winner. After using it a couple weeks, I'm very satisfied with it.The runner up was the Zeiss Conquest HD, which had a slightly better, brighter image. The Nikon had quite a bit better housing though. You can see my review of the Zeiss for additional notes.My only issue with this is the rainguard covers (the rubber caps for the eye pieces). They would seem to be highly protective because they go deeper down the sides of the eye pieces, but this makes them extremely difficult to take on and off, you end up having to take each side off one at a time and wrestling and twisting them, which twists the eye cup up a lot of times. Other than that, no complains.I also purchased some clips called ... MoreI did a ton of research and bought 5 different models and this was the winner. After using it a couple weeks, I'm very satisfied with it.The runner up was the Zeiss Conquest HD, which had a slightly better, brighter image. The Nikon had quite a bit better housing though. You can see my review of the Zeiss for additional notes.My only issue with this is the rainguard covers (the rubber caps for the eye pieces). They would seem to be highly protective because they go deeper down the sides of the eye pieces, but this makes them extremely difficult to take on and off, you end up having to take each side off one at a time and wrestling and twisting them, which twists the eye cup up a lot of times. Other than that, no complains.I also purchased some clips called Peak Design Anchor links which you can fasten onto the neck strap and the loops on the side of the binoculars so that you can take the neck strap on and off quickly. This is convenient for times you don't want to use the neck strap.The models I tested:1. Nikon Monarch HG - favorite overall2. Zeiss Conquest HD - best image, housing not as good though3. Nikon Monarch 7 - Great image, just fuzzier at the edges than the top 24. Vortex Viper - Focus knob was extremely difficult to turn5. Nikon Monarch 5 - similar to Monarch 5 but with much narrower field of view
originally posted on llbean.com
I've been looking for a second (or fifth) pair of binoculars as a waterproof alternative to my Nikon Premier SE 8x32's that I've owned and used as my primary birding bins for 15 years. A wide FOV and sharpness to the edge of the view is important to me. I purchased a pair of Monarch 7's in 8x42 a couple years ago from LL Bean. They are ok but the image through them isn't nearly as good as that of the Premier SE's. Image sharpness falls off noticeably away from the center of the image. I thought I'd give the HG's a try after looking through a friends pair of 10x42's. Though not quite up to the standard of the Premier SE's they are very close, and can be taken out in inclement weather. The twist up eyecups have the right amount of resistance and the center hinge has ... MoreI've been looking for a second (or fifth) pair of binoculars as a waterproof alternative to my Nikon Premier SE 8x32's that I've owned and used as my primary birding bins for 15 years. A wide FOV and sharpness to the edge of the view is important to me. I purchased a pair of Monarch 7's in 8x42 a couple years ago from LL Bean. They are ok but the image through them isn't nearly as good as that of the Premier SE's. Image sharpness falls off noticeably away from the center of the image. I thought I'd give the HG's a try after looking through a friends pair of 10x42's. Though not quite up to the standard of the Premier SE's they are very close, and can be taken out in inclement weather. The twist up eyecups have the right amount of resistance and the center hinge has just the right amount of stiffness too, so that the two barrels maintain the interpupal distance set by the user. Fit and finish are superb, as are the views through them. Excellent eye relief. They are a great value for the price. I took advantage of a 20% discount when i purchased them, which made them an even better deal. Now I have to make a decision every time I got out birding, do I bring the Premier SE's or the Monarch HG's?
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Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binoculars (Black)
Delivery $42.60
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 Binoculars
Delivery $9.95
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42mm Binocular - Wide Field Of View, Bright Multicoated Lenses, High-Definition Viewing - Lightweight Waterproof Fogproof Outdoor
Delivery $28.38
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42 Binoculars
Delivery $15.90
Nikon Monarch HG 10x42
Delivery between 25–31 Mar $9.70
I have Birded and Nature watched with Nikon HG 10x42 for several years now. Sometimes I think I want something newer and more expensive. My local Audubon club did a binocular test where we all tried each others binoculars. Were the big Swar and Zie better? Well yes. But were they $2000 better. Not by a long shot. I am keeping my NG's and spending the money on a trip to Alaska.
I did a ton of research and bought 5 different models and this was the winner. After using it a couple weeks, I'm very satisfied with it.The runner up was the Zeiss Conquest HD, which had a slightly better, brighter image. The Nikon had quite a bit better housing though. You can see my review of the Zeiss for additional notes.My only issue with this is the rainguard covers (the rubber caps for the eye pieces). They would seem to be highly protective because they go deeper down the sides of the eye pieces, but this makes them extremely difficult to take on and off, you end up having to take each side off one at a time and wrestling and twisting them, which twists the eye cup up a lot of times. Other than that, no complains.I also purchased some clips called ... MoreI did a ton of research and bought 5 different models and this was the winner. After using it a couple weeks, I'm very satisfied with it.The runner up was the Zeiss Conquest HD, which had a slightly better, brighter image. The Nikon had quite a bit better housing though. You can see my review of the Zeiss for additional notes.My only issue with this is the rainguard covers (the rubber caps for the eye pieces). They would seem to be highly protective because they go deeper down the sides of the eye pieces, but this makes them extremely difficult to take on and off, you end up having to take each side off one at a time and wrestling and twisting them, which twists the eye cup up a lot of times. Other than that, no complains.I also purchased some clips called Peak Design Anchor links which you can fasten onto the neck strap and the loops on the side of the binoculars so that you can take the neck strap on and off quickly. This is convenient for times you don't want to use the neck strap.The models I tested:1. Nikon Monarch HG - favorite overall2. Zeiss Conquest HD - best image, housing not as good though3. Nikon Monarch 7 - Great image, just fuzzier at the edges than the top 24. Vortex Viper - Focus knob was extremely difficult to turn5. Nikon Monarch 5 - similar to Monarch 5 but with much narrower field of view
I've been looking for a second (or fifth) pair of binoculars as a waterproof alternative to my Nikon Premier SE 8x32's that I've owned and used as my primary birding bins for 15 years. A wide FOV and sharpness to the edge of the view is important to me. I purchased a pair of Monarch 7's in 8x42 a couple years ago from LL Bean. They are ok but the image through them isn't nearly as good as that of the Premier SE's. Image sharpness falls off noticeably away from the center of the image. I thought I'd give the HG's a try after looking through a friends pair of 10x42's. Though not quite up to the standard of the Premier SE's they are very close, and can be taken out in inclement weather. The twist up eyecups have the right amount of resistance and the center hinge has ... MoreI've been looking for a second (or fifth) pair of binoculars as a waterproof alternative to my Nikon Premier SE 8x32's that I've owned and used as my primary birding bins for 15 years. A wide FOV and sharpness to the edge of the view is important to me. I purchased a pair of Monarch 7's in 8x42 a couple years ago from LL Bean. They are ok but the image through them isn't nearly as good as that of the Premier SE's. Image sharpness falls off noticeably away from the center of the image. I thought I'd give the HG's a try after looking through a friends pair of 10x42's. Though not quite up to the standard of the Premier SE's they are very close, and can be taken out in inclement weather. The twist up eyecups have the right amount of resistance and the center hinge has just the right amount of stiffness too, so that the two barrels maintain the interpupal distance set by the user. Fit and finish are superb, as are the views through them. Excellent eye relief. They are a great value for the price. I took advantage of a 20% discount when i purchased them, which made them an even better deal. Now I have to make a decision every time I got out birding, do I bring the Premier SE's or the Monarch HG's?
When I picked these up, the first impression was : short and light weight. They are so light that I thought they were flimsy. Flimsy they are not. The magnesium chassis and the thin armor did the trick. It probably was designed also with fewer elements to save weight. I have Ultravid, EL, and SF from the big three in the same size range to compare. The HG is the smallest and the lightest.Optically, the HG is compatible to them as well. Very high resolution and sharp in the center with some distortion on the edge. The flat field is very flat in the center but not in the entire field, in this, the EL is the beat. The ED glass did their job with no color fringing I could see on par with the best alpha binoculars. Flare control is good but not the best. Use them at ... MoreWhen I picked these up, the first impression was : short and light weight. They are so light that I thought they were flimsy. Flimsy they are not. The magnesium chassis and the thin armor did the trick. It probably was designed also with fewer elements to save weight. I have Ultravid, EL, and SF from the big three in the same size range to compare. The HG is the smallest and the lightest.Optically, the HG is compatible to them as well. Very high resolution and sharp in the center with some distortion on the edge. The flat field is very flat in the center but not in the entire field, in this, the EL is the beat. The ED glass did their job with no color fringing I could see on par with the best alpha binoculars. Flare control is good but not the best. Use them at night there are flares.You really have to compare the HG with the other alpha binoculars to tell the difference. When out birding, I can not tell at all the difference other than that its light weight will not give you the stress in your neck and arms.I am not crazy with the rubber lens caps. They keep falling off. The case is also very cheaply made that is too large and ugly. The focus knob is also not the very best but they do snap into focus. The optical quality and the price however made it up for me.They are so light, I leave them in my brief case so that I can go out for a walk with them any time.
After much research my wife and I bought these Nikons and we are very happy with them. I say we because our goal was to end up with two pairs of binoculars that compliment each other and I think we achieved that goal. Our other pair are our newly bought Vortex Razor UHD's 10x42. The UHD's are larger, heavier, with more turns of the focus ring from closeup to infinity, but with closer focus, wider apparent field, a generally superior optical experience (with caveats, see below), and cost $500 more. The Monarch HG's are considerably lighter, smaller, and quicker focus with a big easy-to-turn focus wheel (definitely an issue with fast moving birds). They are optically satisfying but relative to the UHD's the field appears vignetted with greater sharpness falloff; the ... MoreAfter much research my wife and I bought these Nikons and we are very happy with them. I say we because our goal was to end up with two pairs of binoculars that compliment each other and I think we achieved that goal. Our other pair are our newly bought Vortex Razor UHD's 10x42. The UHD's are larger, heavier, with more turns of the focus ring from closeup to infinity, but with closer focus, wider apparent field, a generally superior optical experience (with caveats, see below), and cost $500 more. The Monarch HG's are considerably lighter, smaller, and quicker focus with a big easy-to-turn focus wheel (definitely an issue with fast moving birds). They are optically satisfying but relative to the UHD's the field appears vignetted with greater sharpness falloff; the wide field is there but it is not the edge to edge clear view offered by the UHD's. That said the sweet spot at the center of the Nikons is slightly crisper than the UHD's. So these two binoculars offer us options. The HG's are bit finicky to get used to, you must center your eyes precisely to enjoy the wide field, but now we have gotten used to that and it is a zero issue in use. Going out alone each of us can choose light and nimble (the HG's) or heavy and optically superior (the UHD's), together we trade back and forth depending on preferences (close focus, super-sharp center, etc.). We settled on the Nikons after trying a pair of Leica 10x32 Trinovid HD's, which we rejected because of a kind of cloudy flare-like issue that made for inferior viewing in even the best of conditions. se.
The focus of these binoculars is very sharp. In comparison with binoculars that are double the price, they hold their own in both weight and precision. The model 10 X 42 is ideal for birdwatching or viewing things in nature. Waterproof to 5m (although not tested by me) and a 10 year guarantee were sealers. I ram a keen birdwatcher and find these to be very adequate for purpose. I really like the barrel shapes, they fit nicely into smaller hands. Highly recommended.
I bought these binoculars for general usage after reading a lot of them in internet, particularly the Albinos site and the reviews are largely positive. In Allbinos the difference with much more expensive binos such as the Swarovsky EL are really minimal and in some important parameters the HG is superior. For instance, the field of view in the EL is 65.4, very good, but the HG have a record-breaking field of view of 69.2. In luminosity the SE are slightly better with 92% (Swarovskys are really good), compared with 89% for the HG. Since normal loss in home windows is circa 4%, you probably won´t notice any difference. Other oustanding parameter is distortion, the distance between the first curved line and the field centre compared to the field of view radius: 92% ± ... MoreI bought these binoculars for general usage after reading a lot of them in internet, particularly the Albinos site and the reviews are largely positive. In Allbinos the difference with much more expensive binos such as the Swarovsky EL are really minimal and in some important parameters the HG is superior. For instance, the field of view in the EL is 65.4, very good, but the HG have a record-breaking field of view of 69.2. In luminosity the SE are slightly better with 92% (Swarovskys are really good), compared with 89% for the HG. Since normal loss in home windows is circa 4%, you probably won´t notice any difference. Other oustanding parameter is distortion, the distance between the first curved line and the field centre compared to the field of view radius: 92% ± 2%. Swarovsky: 88% ± 3%. They are also very light with 680 g, Swarovsky: 800gUnfortunately I don´t have much experience with others devices except with my, very old, Pentax porro prism 7x35 and with my MEADE 200cm, 2000 mm focal distance telescope so I can´t give you a more trustworthy opinion.Compared with the Pentax the Monarch HG are more brilliant despite being 10x, (well, OK, 42 instead of 35 mm), but optical quality seems very similar. Also it is a little bit difficult to stabilize the image, so if you don´t need 10x I would recomend buying the 8x, or buying a tripod. Compared with my MEADE telescope is like comparing a 40 years old TV set with a ultra high definition 4K one, with the advange to the HG, of course.When I see through these binos, I believe (lol) I can see some pincushion distortion, but, and I swear to you (I promess as kids say), that I cannot see any chromatic aberration whathsoever, niente, rien, nada, nothing. I probaly need to see my oculist perhaps.At the end of the day I find a little bit difficult to stay motionless, that´s the reason I prefer some times my old porro prisms, but when I do, I enjoy the most beautiful view I can see with binoculars.
These are very well made binoculars. Most of my comparison is with the Monarch 5 ED 10x42 which I also own. (I also have a pair of Kowa BD XD 10x32 and Steiner wildlife xp 10x26) Optically the Nikon HGs are outstanding. No discernable chromatic aberration in most of field. Images tack sharp with a 6.9 degree field. The exterior finish feels more like old school leather than the rubberized finish of the monarch 5, and yet they are of course waterproof/fogproof. The case is a little nicer than the one which comes with the Monarch5 in that it has a fastex buckle for closure instead of Velcro. There is also a lockable Diopter ring which is nice, and the objective covers are of higher quality than what comes with the Monarch 5's. Considering that I really like my Monarch ... MoreThese are very well made binoculars. Most of my comparison is with the Monarch 5 ED 10x42 which I also own. (I also have a pair of Kowa BD XD 10x32 and Steiner wildlife xp 10x26) Optically the Nikon HGs are outstanding. No discernable chromatic aberration in most of field. Images tack sharp with a 6.9 degree field. The exterior finish feels more like old school leather than the rubberized finish of the monarch 5, and yet they are of course waterproof/fogproof. The case is a little nicer than the one which comes with the Monarch5 in that it has a fastex buckle for closure instead of Velcro. There is also a lockable Diopter ring which is nice, and the objective covers are of higher quality than what comes with the Monarch 5's. Considering that I really like my Monarch 5's, it seems odd that I decided to purchase these, but I really wanted to experience a premium binocular, without the higher cost of a Swarovski or Leica. Overall they are definitely superior to the Monarch 5's mostly by the virtue of having a wider field of view ,incrementally better optics, and an improved build. Whether or not this justifies 3x cost of the Monarch 5's is individual preference.In my opinion, The Nikon HG represents the apex of Return on investment, as any minute advantages in optics would necessitate an even higher price tag from the aforementioned brands. Life's too short to look through it with mediocre optics, treat yourself and get a pair of these...
I'm very fussy about binocular quality, but don't care to pay inflated prices that European binoculars demand, though I can afford it. The image quality of these 10x42 Monarch HG's are simply stunning. I'm a long-time fan of Nikon optics, and the company came through once again. I've often advised people to buy 8x binoculars unless they are willing to spend a good sum of money. The wide field of view make these a pleasure to use, without the feeling of looking through a narrow tube, which is often the case with lower priced 10x binos. I'm a glasses wearer, and the eye relief is just about perfect. The focus wheel is a slightly stiff, but I know it will loosen up with time. Also, the color rendition is beautiful. Kudos to Sportsman's Warehouse for having the best ... MoreI'm very fussy about binocular quality, but don't care to pay inflated prices that European binoculars demand, though I can afford it. The image quality of these 10x42 Monarch HG's are simply stunning. I'm a long-time fan of Nikon optics, and the company came through once again. I've often advised people to buy 8x binoculars unless they are willing to spend a good sum of money. The wide field of view make these a pleasure to use, without the feeling of looking through a narrow tube, which is often the case with lower priced 10x binos. I'm a glasses wearer, and the eye relief is just about perfect. The focus wheel is a slightly stiff, but I know it will loosen up with time. Also, the color rendition is beautiful. Kudos to Sportsman's Warehouse for having the best price around for these!
I bought these binoculars a few weeks ago and am very happy with them except for one thing. The objective lens caps (over the wide end of the binoculars) keep popping off. I'm constantly having to check them when I'm out in the field. They appear to fit snugly but won't stay on. These are great binoculars. but surely Nikon can do better on the details! I'm afraid the lenses will end up being damaged.PS: A friend has the same model and her binoculars also have this problem.
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Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binocular
The Nikon 10times42 Monarch HG Binoculars allow you to view sceneries in rough conditions. Its 42mm objective lens consists of an extra-low dispersion glass element which is made of the arsenic- and lead-free Eco-Glass to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. The full optical path has anti-reflection coatings to boost light transmission and contrast. Additionally the phase-corrected prisms prevent internal interference in the light path. The dielectric prism coatings limit light loss to provide consistent brightness and clarity. These binoculars from Nikon feature the field-flattener lens system that corrects lens-edge distortion. There are scratch-resistant coatings on the front glass to resist dust dirt and moisture. With these binoculars you get a 62deg angle of view and a 362-foot field of view at 1000 yards. The interpupillary distance of 56ndash74mm and right-eye dioptric value can be adjusted to one39s preference. Thanks to the twist-up rubber eyecups you can observe scenes while wearing glasses. The 17mm eye relief ensures a comfortable viewing experience. These Nikon binoculars have a magnesium alloy chassis with the optical tubes filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings to prevent fogging and maintain waterproofness down to 16.4 feet.
The Nikon 10times42 Monarch HG Binoculars allow you to view sceneries in rough conditions. Its 42mm objective lens consists of an extra-low dispersion glass element which is made of the arsenic- and lead-free Eco-Glass to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. The full optical path has anti-reflection coatings to boost light transmission and contrast. Additionally the phase-corrected prisms prevent internal interference in the light path. The dielectric prism coatings limit light loss to provide consistent brightness and clarity. These binoculars from Nikon feature the field-flattener lens system that corrects lens-edge distortion. There are scratch-resistant coatings on the front glass to resist dust dirt and moisture. With these binoculars you get a 62deg angle of view and a 362-foot field of view at 1000 yards. The interpupillary distance of 56ndash74mm and right-eye dioptric value can be adjusted to one39s preference. Thanks to the twist-up rubber eyecups you can observe scenes while wearing glasses. The 17mm eye relief ensures a comfortable viewing experience. These Nikon binoculars have a magnesium alloy chassis with the optical tubes filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings to prevent fogging and maintain waterproofness down to 16.4 feet.
The Nikon 10times42 Monarch HG Binoculars allow you to view sceneries in rough conditions. Its 42mm objective lens consists of an extra-low dispersion glass element which is made of the arsenic- and lead-free Eco-Glass to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. The full optical path has anti-reflection coatings to boost light transmission and contrast. Additionally the phase-corrected prisms prevent internal interference in the light path. The dielectric prism coatings limit light loss to provide consistent brightness and clarity. These binoculars from Nikon feature the field-flattener lens system that corrects lens-edge distortion. There are scratch-resistant coatings on the front glass to resist dust dirt and moisture. With these binoculars you get a 62deg angle of view and a 362-foot field of view at 1000 yards. The interpupillary distance of 56ndash74mm and right-eye dioptric value can be adjusted to one39s preference. Thanks to the twist-up rubber eyecups you can observe scenes while wearing glasses. The 17mm eye relief ensures a comfortable viewing experience. These Nikon binoculars have a magnesium alloy chassis with the optical tubes filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings to prevent fogging and maintain waterproofness down to 16.4 feet.
The Nikon 10times42 Monarch HG Binoculars allow you to view sceneries in rough conditions. Its 42mm objective lens consists of an extra-low dispersion glass element which is made of the arsenic- and lead-free Eco-Glass to minimize chromatic and spherical aberrations. The full optical path has anti-reflection coatings to boost light transmission and contrast. Additionally the phase-corrected prisms prevent internal interference in the light path. The dielectric prism coatings limit light loss to provide consistent brightness and clarity. These binoculars from Nikon feature the field-flattener lens system that corrects lens-edge distortion. There are scratch-resistant coatings on the front glass to resist dust dirt and moisture. With these binoculars you get a 62deg angle of view and a 362-foot field of view at 1000 yards. The interpupillary distance of 56ndash74mm and right-eye dioptric value can be adjusted to one39s preference. Thanks to the twist-up rubber eyecups you can observe scenes while wearing glasses. The 17mm eye relief ensures a comfortable viewing experience. These Nikon binoculars have a magnesium alloy chassis with the optical tubes filled with nitrogen and sealed with O-rings to prevent fogging and maintain waterproofness down to 16.4 feet.
in 8 offers
The lowest price for Nikon 10x42 Monarch HG Binocular right now is $1,415.52 at Unique Photo, compared across 8 retailers.
The all-time low was $1,343.67 on 23 Feb 2026 — today's price is 5% above the lowest ever. This is at or near its all-time low — a good time to buy.
Prices last updated 21 Mar 2026.
