This review is from: Nikon Monarch ATB - Binoculars 8 x 36 - fogproof, waterproof - roof (Electronics)
Before I bought this great product, I did research online and found an excellent review by Cornell Lab of Ornithology. It puts Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 in one of the best binoculars. I bought an 8x36, however, because the main use of it is to bring it with me for hiking including backpacking and I prefer a lighter, compacter one. I'm totally happy with my decision.
I believe all the lab review says about the 8x42 version are true with 8x36 as well. The image is very sharp and bright. The focal ring moves very smooth and you'll be amazed at how easily the image gets its focus.
It's so bright that you can see the colors of birds clearly in a cloudy old growth forest (I hiked with this in North Cascades NP, WA) when your bare eyes can't.
This product comes with a nice small bag with a hole to put your belt through, so I can attach it to my backpack.
I also recommend you read the Amazon reviews for the 8x42. The claim about the front lens caps is true with the 8x36. The instruction says you can attach the lens caps to the neckstrap but it's a bit troublesome (you need to do this every time as the neckstrap obviously does not reach the front lens), so I bought a narrow strip and attach the caps to it, then attach the strip to the neckstrap. Anyway, this is a minor thing compared with the overall quality of this product.
Coupled with my Nikon D80 (a digital camera), Nikon always gives you best quality products.
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This review is from: Nikon Monarch ATB - Binoculars 8 x 36 - fogproof, waterproof - roof (Electronics)
I use Canon image stabilization binoculars for everyday birdwatching, however I wanted a smaller pair for backup and to keep in my briefcase for business trips (my experience has been that if you want to see a unique, once-in-a-lifetime bird, just forget to bring your binocs and one will show up). I chose these for several reasons:
* Size - These 8x36's are just big enough to hold comfortably but small enough to always have them with you
* Weight - These are light enough to use as a backup but they still have a solid, well built feel
* Sharpness - Nikon is known their quality optics and these binoculars deliver reasonable resolution for the price
* Design - These made-in-China optics are weather resistant and hold up to a lot of use (and a little abuse)
I prefer high end glass, primarily for accurate color rendition. However, you are usually looking at 3-4 times the cost compared to these. That price point is justifiable for a primary unit but for my back-up needs I wanted something less expensive and these fit the bill. I think that these would be acceptable for hunting and some other applications, but again, as a secondary set. If you only want one pair I would opt for something brighter, like 8x42's or 10x50's, but if you are wanting a nice, reasonably priced backup pair this is a good choice.
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This review is from: Nikon Monarch ATB - Binoculars 8 x 36 - fogproof, waterproof - roof (Electronics)
I had pair of Monarch 10 X 42's that were great and wanted something smaller to use while hiking and birding. These 8 X 36's definitely do the job. Bright, crisp images, easy to focus, comfortable to use, particularly for smaller faces. I highly recommend these for birders. The positive reviews on the birding sites are definitely right on the money.
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