With over 25 years of bowhunting experience I can say that I am fairly good at ranging objects within my comfort range.  Now over those few years I have to admit that I have narrowly missed a critter from time to time. 

One I will never forget is the first whitetail I ever released an arrow at.  She was a big fat ole doe that I happened to stumble upon on a damp October morning. She and a few other ladies had just rose from their beds as I crept up over a ridge of a hunting place known as the “front woods”. 

I have to admit that I may have been a little nervous but I still remember thinking that I should have no problem getting a good shot on her. I estimated her at being farther away because whitetails are classified as “big game”.  Taking aim with a Bear recurve, which I had acquired on a loan basis from my cousin earlier that year, I drew and anchored.  The Bear Razor tipped fiberglass arrow, a classic at the time, upon release sailed dangerously close but just over her back. 

She then decided to vacate the area rather quickly and not wait for my next move.  I was dejected on my miss and adding insult to injury was the fact that I could never find my trusty arrow.  When I pass through that area every season I still hope to find that arrow. 

I can’t help to think if the ending would have been any different if I had a Nikon Monarch Rangefinder.

Rangefinders are based upon the principal of measuring a reflected light source from an acquired target.  The light source in this case is an invisible eye safe FDA approved class I laser.  The distance is calculated based on the time it takes an energy light pulse to travel from the rangefinder to the target and back again. 

Rangefinders are very simple to operate.  One of the first characteristics that you notice about the rangefinder is how it fits nicely into your hand.  The curvature at the top allows your hand to recognize it as your reach your hand into your jacket pocket. 

It is not too big or for that matter too small therefore you don’t have to worry about fumbling around to position it correctly.  Once positioned, on top of the unit is a set of buttons used for powering on the unit and selecting operational mode. 

To operate simply depress the power button and look through the eyepiece.  A LCD will illuminate a reticle within your sight picture. 

Depress the button a second time and a Laser mark will appear at 45 degree angles to the reticle.  This indicates that the laser has been activated.  Almost instantly the distance to the object will appear above the reticle. 

The distance reading is selectable by the user in either yards or meters by holding down the mode button for more than 1.5 seconds while powered on.  An indicator inside the sight window will indicate which mode you are in. 

The Monarch is a new breed of rangefinder which incorporates the latest technology.  It features two ranging modes, First Target and Distant Target Priority as well as scanning mode.  The difference in the two can be defined as the following. 

When obtaining different results from a single scan, the Monarch will display the farther distant range when using Distant Target Priority mode and the nearest using the First Target Priority mode.  Distant Target Priority is best for hunting for example in heavily wooded areas.  You are ranging a deer that is traveling through trees. 

First Target Priority would be useful when ranging woodchucks that are standing against a distant hill.  To select between the two continuously hold the power and mode buttons simultaneously for more than two seconds.  When in First Target Priority Mode an indicator will display inside the sight window.

Scanning mode is very helpful as the acquired target is moving.  Continuously holding down the power button, while acquiring a moving target, will constantly display the ever changing range.  I find this mode very helpful when an animal is quartering to or away from you.

The Monarch is of a roof prism monocular design with a magnification of 6X.  It comes complete with a diopter adjustment ring for fine tuning the magnification. 

Eyeglass wearers will be happy to know that the Monarch is supplied with a removable eyepiece cup.   To remove rotate the diopter ring counterclockwise until it stops.  This positioned the ring farthest away from the body of the rangefinder.  Next gently squeeze the sides and peel from the diopter adjustment ring.  To replace reverse the procedure.

Power is supplied by a 3 volt CR2 lithium battery (included) which is accessed by a screw in circular plate on the bottom of the unit.  Battery life is projected at 4000 targeted focusings. 

I would expect the battery to last for more than a season of extended use but I recommend changing before every season.  You might want to have a spare just in case.  The batteries are rated for several years of storage so just use the spare for next season if not needed. 

The Monarch is constantly monitoring the battery usage and reporting the charge status on the LCD monitor.  A full battery registers a solid black level within a battery indicator where as a low battery displays an empty flashing battery.  A flashing and disappearing battery indicates an exhausted battery which should be replaced immediately. 

The operating temperature range of the Monarch (-10° to +50° C) should enable you to hunt in any condition within North America.  The unit is waterproof and rated for up to 5 minutes at a depth of 2 meters but I wouldn’t recommend using it as a depth finder.

Testing
Testing was done on a variety of objects at known distances.  I tested stationary objects as well as cars speeding down the highway at speeds greater than 50 mph.  Angles of ranging were changed to see what problems could possibly arise.

As far as stationary objects the Monarch had no problems picking the ranges up and reporting them back instantaneously.  Moving objects such as people and animals or just ranging the landscape while panning once again was no problem.  Anything moving extremely fast would intermittently report ranges and failures, which was expected. 

For a hunter the Monarch performs flawlessly at ranges from as little as 11 yards to over 875 yards in half yard increments.  The tripod mount makes it easy to steady when ranging on the extremely long distant targets.

Design/Engineering 9 of 10
I like the light and compact design of the Monarch (210 g without battery).  It easily fits into your jacket pocket or hangs around your neck with the included lanyard.  And because of the design you can quickly have it ready for ranging.  The buttons are easy to operate and with a push of a button the unit is activated.  The unit automatically powers down after 8 seconds of inactivity.  This is long enough to effectively get a ranging and/or continue to range without interruption.    The LCD panel is easy to read and is effectively backlit for low light situations.  The only improvement I could possibly see is some type of quick open lens cover or protection when hanging around your neck during stalking.  This would protect the lens and lens opening from dust and debris.

Price 10 of 10
For the quality Nikon optics including multicoated lens and 6x power the Monarch is a great deal at less than $350.00.  With a rich feature set it rivals others costing much more.

In Conclusion:
I highly recommend the Nikon Monarchs if you are considering purchasing a rangefinder for the upcoming season.  The range of up to 875 yards will cover all your hunting demands and needs no matter what equipment you prefer.  So this year take the “guesstimation” out of you hunting equation.

For information on this or any other Nikon product contact:

Nikon Inc.
1300 Walt Whitman Rd
Melville, NY 11747-3064
http://www.nikonusa.com