I received the Nikon 8x36 Monarch ATB binoculars for field testing
about a month ago and have been using them almost daily since.
Nikon has hit the nail on the head with these bow hunting friendly
binoculars. Testing went as follows:
General:
Nikon products are always well made. These binoculars look
and feel solid. Each function operates smoothly and effortlessly
through all it's ranges. It comes in a soft carry case with eye
cups. One of the things that I liked is that it has built in eye
relief for people with glasses. I personally don't wear glasses,
but I called a friend who did to try them out. He says it's a
feature long overdue and was highly impressed. For those who
don't wear glasses, we only need to hold the binoculars away from our
eyes about an inch or twist the eye cups to extend them out to the
perfect distance. The binoculars were also easily used and
adjusted with one hand, which is nice in the field.
Another notable is
that the Monarch ATB is waterproof/fog proof. One of the first
things I did was toss them into the sink and fill it up to make
sure. Definitely waterproof. According to manufacturer,
just let them dry out before you operate any functions again and they
will work perfectly. Which incidentally, they did and do. I
also tossed them into the refrigerator and after they had chilled
sufficiently, I ran to the window and gave it a look. They didn't
fog, but I'm not sure how scientific my testing was. Like the
time I tested electrical resistance in a frog when I was a kid…..but
that's another story.
Optics:
I can't say enough about great optics. I personally have
never owned what I would call a quality pair of binoculars, but I used
some of the best in the military and I do know the difference.
These armored binoculars have some of the best lenses I've had the
pleasure of using. They are multi-coated and very hard to pick up
any kind of glare from the sun. I have spent hours studying one
of the woodchucks that is digging up my backyard and I can honestly say
that from between 60 and 70 yards, I can almost count the whiskers on
his nose. It was a shame to see him go so suddenly. If you
are one of those people who think they don't need binoculars while
stand hunting, you are mistaken. The next time you are sitting up
in your tree with thick vegetation all around, take your binoculars and
really look around. I guarantee that you miss things easily with
the naked eye. Try a pair of the Nikon Monarch ATB and tell me
how much it changes your hunt.
Design: 4.5 of 5
The protective caps that slip over the
eyepieces -- included with the Monarch -- did not stay on and I lost
them the first time I used them while hunting. I would love to
see Nikon include some caps that clip on and pop up like a scope cover
when needed. It was the only thing about the Monarch ATB's that I
would change. A day in the woods with me and they will need lens
protection.
Durability: 5 of 5 Built like a rubber armorized tank
