Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB - Review 2023

Overview

The Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is considered the patriarch of the outstanding Monarch family. After all, it boasts unparalleled all-terrain performance. Intended to meet the needs of avid bird watchers and hunters, these binoculars are equipped with the best features Nikon has to offer, delivering optimal functionality at all costs.

When talking about these binoculars, the first thing that comes to mind is their wide linear field of view. Offering 420’ at 1,000 yds., they can provide you with an exceptional bird watching experience.

All you have to do is pick up your optics, and immediately, you will see your targets as clear as day. In case you do need to adjust the focus, you can easily turn the central focus knob. It rotates smoothly, allowing you to turn it quickly, even while wearing gloves and with one hand too if yours isn’t too small. At under 23 ounces, it’s easy to hold for extended surveillance.

With a huge exit pupil, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB also stands out because of its excellent low-light performance. You can go out at dawn or stay out late until dusk, and you will still be able to use your binoculars without any worry. You can perceive images with sharp resolution and contrast even when the sun is just about to rise or when it is finally about to set.

Definitely, these binoculars have a lot more to offer other than their lenses. Keep reading to learn more about the rugged construction, ergonomic features, and other advanced technologies applied to these optics. By the end of this comprehensive review, we hope that you can decide for yourself if these Nikon binoculars are worth your every penny. Let’s dive in!

Image Quality

The Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is considered the greatest Monarch today because it comes with premium ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. This glass is perfect for hunters, as it provides more accurate colors and sharper images, also in lower light. For the same reason they’re amazing for birding.

The focus wheel also allows you to scan foreground to background, scanning for prey quickly and able to track it over changing distances upon acquisition.

These binoculars are built with Nikon’s advanced, proprietary dielectric multilayer prism coatings. Applied to all lens and prism surfaces responsible for light transmission, these coatings enhance image quality by optimizing light transmission. Essentially, with impeccable color and contrast, they deliver a good level of brightness perceived by the naked eye.

But there is a muted pop to the light, a subdued sparkle that is probably associated with the anti-glare properties of the lens coatings.

Special phase-correction coatings come in the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB. These coatings further improve color rendition and image resolution, delivering high-quality images no matter how far you are from the subjects. Even when external conditions are harsh and unforgiving, you can enjoy a quality viewing experience with these binoculars.

With a wide field of view of 420’ at 1,000 yds., these binoculars are ideal not only for hunters but also for meticulous bird watchers. You can quickly see your targets the moment you lift your binoculars. The details you will see through these optics are astounding.

Another feature that sets the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB apart from other binoculars is its large exit pupil of 5.3 mm. This exit pupil gives it reliable low-light performance. Even when the sun is just about to rise or set, these binoculars can provide a sharp contrast.

Construction Quality

Nikon binoculars are some of the sturdiest optics you will find in the market today, and the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is proof. Its all-terrain performance is highly regarded, primarily because of its rugged rubber-armored chassis. This body is further reinforced with fiberglass. You can have the confidence that your binoculars will never slip off your fingers regardless of how challenging the conditions get.

Moreover, these binoculars can thrive in any weather condition. They are purged with nitrogen, essentially making them fogproof. They are also waterproof and can withstand being submerged up to a meter of water for short periods–though avoid this.

If you intend to go out despite harsh weather conditions and varying temperatures, these optics are the perfect companion.

Ergonomics and Comfort

These binoculars are also known for being ergonomic and easy to handle. Many models with a center focus system usually come with knobs that are difficult to adjust, but this particular pair from Nikon is an exception. With a strategic location and a smooth rotation, its central focus wheel can be turned without a hitch. This feature is essential, especially when it is cold outside and you are wearing gloves.

A 17.1-mm eye relief makes the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB perfect for all users, even those wearing eyeglasses. Your eyes need not suffer just to see the entire field of view. Additionally, these binoculars come with multi-setting click-stop eyecups, which you can adjust to the viewing distance with which you are most comfortable.

The eyecups do offer a downside in that the diopters don’t lock, meaning if you lean into the view it might lead to unintentionally pushing one or both cups in.

When you get these binoculars, you also get a carrying case, lens caps, and a neck strap. Even though the eyecup caps fall out too easily and the neck strap is too short, these accessories do provide you with protection for your mid to upper range optics and at least some kind of carrying strap.

The Good

There are many things to love about the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB. After all, these binoculars are not considered the best Monarch yet for no reason. However, we will highlight the top five things we love the most about them.

Firstly, the advanced coating technologies make these binoculars stand out. The dielectric multilayer prism coatings and phase-correction coatings all work together to deliver compelling images with better color rendition and light transmission. These coatings complement the premium ED glass that comes in these optics.

Premium ED glass is known for its superior quality, delivering sharp contrast and resolution. All these proprietary technologies make these binoculars ideal for bird watching and hunting. Especially the blues and greens that lie in the 450-570 nm wavelength are livened up.

It is not every day that you will find binoculars with a linear field of view of 420’ at 1,000 yds. This wide field of view is one of the best qualities of the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB. There is no wonder why it is a favorite model among bird watchers who need a wide field of view to see details from a distance clearly.

You know what they say about the early bird catching the worm, right? You might find the need to go out as early as dawn, so it is crucial to have binoculars that can perform in low-light conditions. These Nikon binoculars got you covered. They have a large exit pupil, which helps you see better in low-light settings. The Monarch family is popular for its premium glass construction and advanced coatings, but only these binoculars boast excellent low-light performance.

Usually, people have difficulties with central focus systems, especially when the outdoor environment is unforgiving. The knobs don’t turn easily or smoothly, making it difficult to adjust the focus when wearing gloves. The Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is a notable exception, being equipped with a smooth central focus wheel that easily turns. You don’t need to take your gloves off just to adjust the focus of these optics.

If you are wearing eyeglasses, finding the right pair of binoculars that you can comfortably use for hours can be difficult. Thankfully, these Nikon optics have an eye relief so generous that you can use them without compromising your comfort. Minimum eye relief of 16 mm is recommended for those wearing eyeglasses, and these binoculars have an eye relief of 17.1 mm. You can see the whole field of view even with your eyeglasses on, clearly and comfortably.

What We Didn’t Like

While Nikon binoculars are generally revered in the industry and trusted by experts, the accessories that come with them are not that favored. One of the most common, albeit minor, complaints about the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is its accessories. They provide little to no protection because of their poor quality. The carrying case and neck strap are not as sturdy as they need to be, so you might have to buy a separate carrying case and neck strap if you want or need sturdier ones. The neck strap is also too short.

It would also be nice if the eyecups locked. If pushing the 7s too hard against your eyes, the diopters will push in.

Another common complaint about these binoculars is the Limited Lifetime Warranty. Nikon does not honor those purchased from unofficial resellers, and many customers have found themselves in this unfortunate situation. As such, you need to be mindful of where you buy your binoculars.

About the Company

Nikon is globally renowned for its cameras and binoculars. However, there is more to the company than these products for which it gained its reputation. Nikon is an industry leader in sports optics, and digital imaging and photo imaging technologies. As one of the primary drivers of innovation in these industries, it is relentlessly committed to delivering quality products in both the consumer and professional categories.

The company’s sports optics products include binoculars, field scopes, and rangefinders. Its binoculars are mainly suitable for different applications to ensure that it meets and satisfies every customer’s needs.

Aside from imaging products and precision equipment, Nikon is also involved in healthcare and industrial metrology. It contributes to scientific and technological advancements through these budding business categories. Under healthcare, the company offers cell, microscope, and ophthalmology solutions to support various medical research and endeavors. Moreover, the company contributes to industrial metrology by providing cutting-edge solutions for space exploration.

Bird watching and hunting require the best precision optics. It is impossible to thrive in the extreme outdoors if you don’t have the right tools with you. With all its cutting-edge features and superior construction, the Nikon Monarch 7 8×42 ATB is definitely one of those tools worth carrying.

These binoculars are intended to meet your needs when you go out to bird or hunt. The wide field of view, reliable low-light performance, and rugged rubber armor construction are just some of their best qualities. With superior, all-terrain performance, these binoculars are definitely among the best middle to premium models you will find in the market today with the Vortex Vipers running a close second.

For the money, these binoculars are worth the investment as they guarantee a good return.