| Bowhunting.net
Jon E. Silks
Nikon continues to press ahead into the future with new and innovative products and features in all of their lines. I have owned several rangefinders and have tested even more over the years and the latest installment from Nikon, the Monarch Laser 800, tops them all.
The test unit was received early last winter and the evaluation follows:
General
Nikon features their Tru-Target (TT) Ranging System on the Monarch Laser 800. Tru-Target utilizes two primary modes of operation; First Target Priority Mode and Distance Target Priority Mode. The Distance Mode determines the range to the farthest target of those that are being measured. In other words, if that big buck you are trying to measure has some limbs and brush around him the unit will only pick the buck up and not the obstructions in front of him. The First Target Mode allows for measurement of a small, single target such as a tree or lone animal.
The Laser 800 has two operation buttons located on the top of the unit. The power button, located toward the back nearest the user, is used to turn the unit on. Once powered up you will see three things inside the viewer including the battery condition indicator, aiming reticle (cross-hairs) and units of measurement in yards or meters. If the power button is depressed again the unit will start to measure.
To select between the First Target and Distance modes, after the unit is powered on, simply depress the mode key and then immediately depress the power key, holding them both down until the mode changes. You can tell when the mode changes while looking through the viewfinder and a symbol appears or disappears that looks very similar to the “G” on the Green Bay Packers helmets! That symbol denotes the First Target Priority mode.
To change between meters and yards, once the unit is powered on, simply depress and hold the mode button for 1.5 seconds. In the upper right hand corner of the display you will see either “YD” for units in yards or an “M” for meters. The Monarch Laser 800 also features a backlight for its LCD display that is activated by depressing the mode button for LESS than 1.5 seconds. This backlight allows for distance measurements in little or no light situations.
Another feature of the Monarch 800 is a 20 second continuous measuring function. Once the power is on this function is turned on if you depress the power button continuously. The best way I can describe it is the difference between taking a single picture with your digital camera or turning on its mini-movie feature that runs for 20 seconds. When in this mode you can move from target to target taking different measurements.
Nikon’s Monarch
Laser 800 is essentially a monocular that is outfitted with 6x magnification
multi-coated optics, 21mm objective lens, and a 6-degree angular field of view.
The 800 also sports a comfortable focusing extension rubber eyepiece cup. Each
Monarch unit is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fogproof
operation. Distances can be ranged from
11 to 800 yards in +/- ˝ yard increments. Other features include a long 18mm
eye relief, tripod mount, high-contrast black LCD display, optional neck
lanyard, belt case, automatic power shutoff and a compact size for easy
handling. The unit measures 5” x 2.8” x 1.5” and weighs 7.4 ounces.
Testing As with all of my reviews I first performed an initial quality/workmanship check on the unit. The test unit, like all of the other Nikon products I have ever tested, was absolutely flawless in every way. No marks, scratches, mis-fitting parts or any other material or workmanship defects were found on the lenses or housing.
Accuracy was tested up to 50 yards by actually measuring out the distance, in ˝ yard increments, with a tape measure and beyond 50 was measured at a local shooting range. The Monarch 800 was on the money at every ˝ and full yard out to the 50-yard marker I had set. At the local shooting range there were markers set at 50, 75, 100, 150, 200, 300, 400, 500 and 600 yards. Measurements with the Monarch 800 were within a few yards of each. Within a few yards because my position at the shooting benches varied somewhat and they did not have a clear “starting line” marked anywhere that I could see. When measuring distances of 200 plus yards freehanded I came to appreciate the continuous measuring feature. The same was true when trying to measure smaller targets at almost any range. It is a big plus – no more trying to hold steady for that quick snapshot!
The best test was a season long use. I used the Nikon Monarch Laser 800 on every hunt I was on in 2005 including a Missouri turkey, an Ontario bear hunt with Missinaibi Outfitters and a host of whitetail hunts in Pennsylvania and Ohio. Just about every weather condition was experienced at one point or another during those hunts throughout the year and the Laser 800 performed perfectly in all instances. The waterproof/fogproof claims were challenged and met, the measuring modes were tested and found to be useful and in general the unit was easy to use.
Nikon’s Monarch Laser 800 is a top-notch, “best in class” rangefinder! Their engineers, who must be hunters, provide a solid unit with great hunter friendly features that are easy to use. What more can a hunter ask for? Specifications:
Design: 4.5 of 5The only reason I didn’t give them a 5 of 5 is that they will find some way to improve it or add another useful feature next year! Ease of operation: 5 of 5My 9-year old had it in his hands for 2 minutes before he figured out how to use every feature!! For information on this or any other Nikon product : Nikon © Copyright 2005 by Bowhunting.net |
