Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Review

Performance Comparison

Clarity

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 offers OK clarity compared to the rest of the test group. Although we were able to make out small images, they were slightly blurry. The Monarch M5 presents slight aberration where you see the magenta and cyan hues toward the extreme edges of the lens, which makes it slightly less immersive than the images produced by top-tier models. All told, the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 offers decent clarity compared to other binoculars in this price range.

Brightness

Impressive brightness earned the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 a solid score in our brightness test metric, but it was not able to outshine another model in this tier of binoculars.

While the Monarch M5 is one of the more affordable pairs of binos, you'll find that they can still produce truly good images at dawn on an overcast day. However, they don't transmit as much light as some other models. In our observations, shadows were a little darker with this model. This was validated by our controlled test that measures light transmission. We recorded 907 Lux. All in all, the M5 offers impressive brightness but fails to beat out the very stiff competition.

Comfort

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 binoculars feel very comfortable in hand, which mostly boils down to a rubber coating that improves texture and ergonomics. This rubber is tacky enough that the grip feels very secure but not so tacky that your hands are left feeling sticky when using the binos on a hot day.

At 23.7 ounces, these binos can be a bit heavy for smaller hands, though testers with larger hands didn't experience this problem. We also found that the weight could be better balanced. Soft rubber eyecups comfortably rest at the inside edges of your eye socket. They seat a lot nicer than most binos, do a better job distributing pressure around the eye sockets, and do not create an annoying pressure point on the bridge of your nose.

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 also comes with a padded neoprene neck strap that is thicker around the back of the neck and incorporates a non-slip coating on the inside. While the coating and thickness keep the binos from sliding, we found the texture and thickness to be a bit scratchy, which could get fairly annoying after walking around all day in these.

Field of View

In our field of view testing, we used a vertical board fence at a fixed distance. They then counted the number of vertical fence boards visible with each model in the test lineup.

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 had a narrower field of view than the average for the test group. We were only able to observe 51 fence boards with the M5, while the average was 54 fence boards, and the best models made it possible to see over 60 fence boards.

Ease of Adjustment

In our ease of adjustment testing, the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 performed well, placing it in the middle of the pack. Its focus knob is solid yet smooth, allowing for easy adjustment and the ability to quickly lock in on the perfect focus once you get it.

The diopter knob is small and stiff, so it's very unlikely that you could move it inadvertently. However, when you do need to make a diopter adjustment, it moves smoothly after applying a little force. The eyecups twist in and out and have distinct stopping points, so you'll easily be able to get the eyecups even and at an acceptable distance from the lenses.

We measured 19 mm of eye relief in our tests, which helps to make these easy on those who wear glasses. Overall, the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 checks many of the boxes in the ease of adjustment metric, as do most models in this price range. Our biggest feedback would be to include a locking diopter and possibly more range in the eyecup adjustments.

Close Focus Range

Our tests measured the close focus range of the Monarch M5 8x42 at 6.2 feet, which is an impressive 2 feet closer than the manufacturer-stated 8.2 feet.

The average measured length for the entire test group was 8.2 feet. In other words, this is one of the better models available when it comes to close focus range and is more similar to the premium models we tested.

Should You Buy the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42?

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 is among the best pair of binos we've found in its price range and offers good all-around performance, whether the sun is shining or not. However, at a similar price point, one other model prevailed as the better option.

What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 binoculars were outperformed in a clean sweep, albeit a narrow one in some cases, across every test metric by the very comparable Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42. They are basically an enhancement of the experience and performance you can have with the M5's while also boasting a cheaper price tag. One of our favorite models, the Vortex Viper HD 8x42, is a noticeable step up in price from the M5 but also offers better performance than the M7 and Diamondback. So, if you have a bit more to spend on a pair of binos, we'd urge you to consider the Viper HD 8x42. Of course, if you find yourself able to spend thousands of dollars on a pair of binoculars and want the best pair that money can buy, you should take a look at the rather exceptional Zeiss Victory SF 10x42. You won't be disappointed.