Bird watching was almost the origin of binoculars, the need to get closer to nature and see more in crystal clear clarity has driven huge advancements in quality when it comes to using binoculars.
Every base is now covered, with built in image stabilization, high definition viewing as well as ever increasing magnification levels. It has made buying binoculars a bit of a minefield, with different pairs required for different viewing targets.
Click here for more reviews of Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars
But when you think of the origins, and need something for bird watching, then you need look no further than the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 7548 binoculars.
Nikon Monarch 7 Video Review – Watch Below
The Monarch 7 is designed with bird watching specifically in mind. It’s tripod adaptable, and offers an exceptionally wide field of vision, while maintaining a clarity that early binocular users could only dream of.
So does the Monarch 7s precision design make it better than previous models, or is versatility more important when it comes down to cost efficiency?
Nikon Monarch 7 Specifications
| Nikon Monarch 7 ATB 8x42 | Nikon Monarch 7 10x30 | Nikon Monarch 7 ATB 10x42 |
|---|---|---|
Size8x42 | Size10x30 | Size10x42 |
Eye Relief17.1 mm | Eye Relief15.8 mm | Eye Relief16.4 mm |
Field of View420 ft/1000 yds | Field of View351 ft/1000 yds | Field of View351 ft/1000 yds |
Close Focus8.2 ft | Close Focus7.8 ft | Close Focus8.2 ft |
LensesDielectric Multicoated Roof Prisms | LensesDielectric Multicoated Roof Prisms | LensesDielectric Multicoated Roof Prisms |
Weight22.9 oz | Weight15.5 oz | Weight23.6 oz |
Dimensions5.6 x 5.1 | Dimensions4.6 x 4.8 | Dimensions5.6 x 5.1 |
| READ REVIEWS | READ REVIEWS | READ REVIEWS |
Main Use For The Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 Binoculars
Where the Monarch 7s can be tailored to suit anyone’s needs, they do suit some purposes better than others.
They give a level of detail so fine and so clear that they make the ultimate binocular for bird watching.
Watching birds through these evolutionary binoculars is like standing right next to them every feather is crystal clear, the differences between color is clear and there are very little blur rings between each shade.
Roof prisms within the Monarch 7s preserve clarity and detail from even the furthest extremes of distance.
Combine this with the nitrogen filled housing, you have the perfect binoculars for wading, as the waterproof housing means that you can rest assured dropping the binoculars isn’t going to result in game over.
Furthermore, where they are slightly heavier than lower Monarch models, they are more than useable and comfortable for extended periods of time.
Finally, the high reflective dielectric prism coatings ensure that light is maintained when passing through the chassis of the binoculars, meaning that they function exceptionally well in low light conditions, which is a phenomenal feat when you take into account the massively wide field of vision.
Download My FULL Excel Sheet with over 200 Binoculars
I’ve compiled an Excel spreadsheet with all the binoculars that Amazon stock. I’m happy to share it with you. As it’s Excel you can slice and dice the data however you choose.
Click HERE to download the Excel file.
Magnification
The Nikon 7548 Monarch 7s offer an 8 times magnification, which seems to be standard among Nikon models. The 8 times magnification over a 42mm objective lens, giving an exceptionally wide field of vision.
When this is combined with the extra low dispersion glass, you get a focused, quality picture throughout the field of view.
Image Quality
The Monarch 7s are undoubtedly at the top of the pile of the Monarch series, with superior quality over the 3s and 5s.
Roof prisms with phase correction preserve clarity and detail, where the extra low dispersion glass prevents color aberrations and blurred imagery from sneaking in.
The same system preserves light at less than optimum conditions, meaning operation at dawn and at dusk is just as enjoyable as in the middle of the day.
Eye Relief
As we’ve come to expect with Nikon binoculars, the eye relief is truly excellent. The turn and slide mechanism present in the Monarch 3’s and 5’s makes a reappearance, so you know that comfort is guaranteed.
There is as always, the perfect amount of space between the cushioning and the lens meaning even those with glasses can enjoy using the 7548’s.
Pros
The Nikon 7548s are littered with positives. To begin with, their clarity, especially at low light levels. There is springily little color aberrations at low light, which is tough to come across in a mid range priced binocular.
Even at the highest range of distance, colors remain well between the lines and viewing quality is maintained. Combined with their ergonomic design and easy focusing, these are a superb pair of binoculars for the amateur bird watchers.
Cons
The Nikon 7548s are not without fault, although the most annoying of these tend to be the relatively minor ones.
Firstly, where the build is ergonomic, they are a fair bit heavier than the Monarch 3s, which means they aren’t as suited for using for extended periods of time. Also, the neck strap can be fiddly to install, and there are numerous wrong was to install it, and rather unhelpfully there are no instructions.
The Final Word
To sum up these Nikon binoculars in one word, it would be detail. The level of detail that is carried through these exquisitely crafted binoculars is truly remarkable.
They are the essential pair for the avid bird watcher, but perhaps not for the beginner, or the individual looking more for a multipurpose pair.
If bird teaching is your game, then the cost of these binoculars is more than justified. However, if you’re looking for more of an all rounder, you can get away with saving yourself $200 and going for either the Monarch 3 or the Monarch 5 models.
