Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 Binoculars Review

PREMISE

In February 2021 I had the pleasure of testing the Nikon Monarch HG 8×42.  In fact, these binoculars had already been presented in past years, through the   great impressions by Piero Pignatta and the short but intense reportage Paolo Monti's field trip. This time, I listened to requests from some birdwatchers who suggested I review the 10×42 format, a magnification more suited to their passion. For this reason, in September I received a Nikon Monarch HG 10×42, which I carefully tested during my birdwatching outings and beyond.
 It costs 1250 euros VAT included (suggested price for the month of January 2023 from Nital)

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TECHNICAL DATA DECLARED BY THE PARENT COMPANY

ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

The Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 comes inside a glamorous black box. The Monarch HG initials are clearly visible in gold, indicating the purchase of a high-quality product. The package is extremely complete: In fact, it includes a Cordura bag, finally larger than the binoculars, strap, shoulder straps, two lens cover systems, first instruction manual and coupon with Nital ten-year warranty.

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

The Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 is composed of two optical tubes joined with a central hinge via a bridge of reasonable size above which the focusing knob is set. Note that although it is compact and has only one bridge, there are no flexures.   

         
It is protected by a sturdy, elegant and textured synthetic leather armor to increase grip. Like the entire Monarch HG series, the 10x42 format also It is waterproof, filled with nitrogen and can withstand an accidental drop into water five meters deep for ten minutes. My electronic scale estimated a weight of 670 grams (without caps), which is distributed over approximately 14 x 11 cm. Ergonomically, it's quite unbalanced toward the eyepieces, especially with the hoods extended, and this type of design facilitates prolonged use.  If you hold the binoculars with your right hand near the eyepieces, you can fit your index finger perfectly on the focusing knob, which is large enough to be used even with winter gloves.

 The binoculars focus at 160 cm, from this distance you need to rotate the knob (clockwise) a little more than a turn and a half to reach infinity.  The focus knob is smooth, precise but not so smooth that you accidentally lose focus.  The compensation on the right eyepiece is also simple and therefore precise and occurs via a ring equipped with a locking system.

 OPTICS

 Goals

We are faced with binoculars with low dispersion optics, perhaps they are not as contrasted as those of a top of the range but they are certainly excellent in their price range. On a clear, sunny day, it's very difficult to spot any differences in axis with top-of-the-line binoculars. Color rendition is neutral and very sharp.

Eyepieces

The eyepieces provide an excellent field of view, 121 meters at 1000 meters which is almost 7 degrees of field, 6.9° to be precise and which with the classic formula exhibit a remarkable apparent field of 69 degrees. The interpupillary distance I measured was between 78.70 and 57.30 mm, while at 66 mm the distance between the eyepieces was 21.60 mm. I therefore found these binoculars to be very comfortable to use. The eyepiece hoods are also excellent; they are soft and don't bother your face too much, even during prolonged use. They are optimized with a four-position click-stop system, with the two clicks being very clearly visible. Their mechanics are superior to many competing hoods in this price range.

Prisms

The Schmidt Pechan prisms produced a perfectly circular output. The pupil edges were also very dark, with barely noticeable reflections.

Anti-reflective treatments

Nikon rarely mentions the improvements made to its products and even the anti-reflective coating is not among those mentioned. What is certain is that rCompared to my old Monarch HG, this new model has a beautiful green-purple treatment that is more effective than the previous one.

CHROMATIC ABERRATIONS 

Chromatic aberration at the center of the field

The containment of chromatic aberration – as you can see in the video review – is very satisfactory, so much so that in the center of the field it is difficult to find spurious colors Unless, for example, you're observing railings held against the light. It therefore appears in somewhat unusual situations: analyzing the edge of the full moon, observing birds held against the light is decidedly controlled.

Lateral chromatism

The lateral chromatism increases towards the 70% from the center of the field of view and appears as a faint green-purple halo.

GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS

Field curvature

For an ultra-wide-angle binocular (almost 70° of apparent field), the performance at the edges is satisfactory, especially in naturalistic use where the detail of the framed subject is rarely erased. I would say that the “field flattener” label near the eyepiece is ultimately well justified, especially since there are 2000 euro binoculars that have the same or perhaps worse field edge degradation.

Angular distortion

Like all binoculars in the Monarch HG series, it does not have excessive angular distortion.

Other aberrations in astronomical use

In astronomical use at the edges of the field, towards the 80% from the center, some traces of astigmatism combined with coma begin to be perceived. As always, I publish my summary table.

USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS

Testing with the USAF CHART showed similar resolution to the TOP OF THE RANGE (row 2), perhaps the only difference being a (slight) lower sharpness and a hint of residual chromatic aberration when the UC was strongly illuminated by the sun. Sharp edges with no gradations.

REFLECTIONS, GHOST IMAGES

The streetlight test showed good control of reflections and diffuse light. Focusing on the streetlight in the center, I noticed only a faint glow with no ghost reflections, while moving the streetlight to the edges, I saw a slight hint of diffuse light. This is an excellent result, especially considering its wide-angle field of view.

FIELD TEST

As always, I will cite my experience in the various observational sectors.

Birdwatching

Over the years, I've had the opportunity to use all the Monarch HG formats available, and I must admit that these binoculars have proven to be very good for birdwatching. They're quite light, well-balanced, and have good focus adjustment. 10X is also the maximum allowed for freehand viewing for admiring plumage details. If I had to choose between the 8x42 and the 10x42, after analyzing all the advantages of the higher-magnification version, I would definitely prefer the 10x, which also doesn't exhibit greater chromatic aberration or reduced sharpness as often happens with cheaper binoculars. I think the Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 is one of the best birdwatching binoculars in the sub-1500 euro range that I have tried.

Landscape observation

The Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 provides a very good apparent field, better than the 8X and this allows for excellent immersion in the scene, Furthermore, there's little curvature at the edges. Combined with low-dispersion glass and good compactness, it could be a valid product for use even on demanding excursions.

Twilight observation

It's not as bright as a two thousand euro binocular but I find that its ability to resist backlighting is also appreciated in twilight observations which often require tolerating a little diffused light.

Astronomical observation

I am describing the performance of a binocular with 42mm objective lenses and not of a 20×80, 25×100 astronomical binocular, but The wide field of view of almost 70°, the pinpoint focus in the center of the field, and the good color rendering when observing the stars make it a pleasant pair of binoculars to use after dinner, outside the refuge, after having spent the whole day observing nature.  

PROS AND CONS

Merits

• Good price-performance ratio 

•  Low dispersion optics 

•  Excellent finishing 

•  Excellent apparent field 

• Minimum focusing distance less than two meters

•  Minimum field curvature

• Backlight performance 

• Ten-year Nital warranty

Defects

• Presence of astigmatism in astronomical observations
• It doesn't quite reach the micro-contrast and flat field of the Nikon EDG..but just by a hair.

IN SUMMARY

The Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 has proven to be an excellent choice in the €1200 to €1500 range of binoculars. It offers sharp, high-contrast images, a wide, almost fully usable field of view, is lightweight, and well-balanced, making it ideal for birdwatching thanks in part to its excellent stray light control. Anyone purchasing one may rarely feel the need to use a top-of-the-line product, as the performance differences are certainly not worth the significant price difference.

PRICE AND WARRANTY

The official suggested price of the Nikon Monarch HG 10×42 is Nital (January 2023) is 1250 euros VAT INCLUDED and benefits from a TEN YEAR warranty.

THANKS

I thank Marco Rovere of Nital for sending me the specimen I tested and for allowing me to report my personal impressions in the field.

DISCLAIMER

Binomania is an online magazine that reviews sports and astronomical optical products. The products reviewed are not for sale. For more information on the instrument being tested and to learn about any promotions, please click on the banner below. This will take you to the distributor's official website, which can provide you with all the necessary information.

Piergiovanni Salimbeni

Piergiovanni Salimbeni - Journalist and independent tester, founder of Binomania.co.uk, with over 25 years of experience in evaluating optical and digital instruments. It offers practical reviews and personalised advice for informed purchasing choices.