Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars Review

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars are one of the best bird watching binoculars you can purchase.

There's been a name change with these - they used to be called Monarch ATB Binoculars or the Monarch III, then the Monarch 5, and most recently named the Monarch M5 line.

Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars for bird watching in the mid-priced range.

To view and compare all models in the popular Monarch line, view our comparison tables on our Nikon Monarch Binoculars review page, which inlcudes reviews of both the New Nikon Monarch M5 and Monarch M7.

We've done a lot of research before choosing our binoculars and decided upon the Nikon Monarch 5 ATB 8x42 Binoculars for several reasons.

For the price and all the below features, we really couldn't find a better deal. We use them for leisure bird watching activities as well as in our professional work doing bird surveys.

Monarch M5 Model Features:

  • Dielectric, ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) high reflection mirror coated, phase-corrected prisms for sharp, clear images
  • Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 binoculars for birding
  • Fully multi-coated lenses provide maximum brightness, contrast and true color rendition
  • Wide 335 Field of View
  • State-of-the-art lightweight construction - weighs only 22.2 ounces
  • Oversize, easy-to-use, smooth central focus knob
  • Multi-setting, easy turn and slide click-stop eyecups
  • 100% Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof
  • Internal blackening - minimizes light loss inside binocular tubes
  • All Terrain Binocular - ultra-rugged rubber-armored, roof-prism design for outdoor use and abuse

Cornell Lab of Ornithology Annual Binocular's Review:

The Nikon Monarch's are:

"...clearly the top-rated of any mid-priced, full-power birding binoculars. These lightweight, waterproof, and very comfortable binoculars focus down to 6 feet (they were given the name "Monarch" to attract butterfly watchers) and offer an image and feel that surpasses many models costing two or three times more.

Only in a direct comparison with the top-priced binoculars could our reviewers discern the narrower, slightly duller image, which was not quite sharp at the edges. But with a street price well under $300, the Monarchs are a steal."

Latest prices for the brand new model of Nikon Monarch M5 binoculars at Amazon (which usually has the lowest price with free shipping) in 8x42, 10x42 & 12x42 sizes:

Our Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Review:

We are very happy with the Monarch's.

The image is fantastic, the bins are very comfortable to hold and we love that they are waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof.

Nikon Monarch Binoculars excellent mid-range birding binoculars

You can feel that they are constructed well and are rugged enough to take some outdoor abuse. We use them for work doing bird counts as well as for leisure birdwatching and haven't been let down yet.

I really don't think you can beat the Nikon Monarch's for the price unless you consider something like these Zeiss 8x42 FL T Binoculars (over $1,000).

We use our Monarch's for bird watching, but we know that hunters also love them for their crisp, clear images and lightweight, rugged construction as well.

View the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars

We hope you enjoy your new Nikon Monarch M5 binoculars whether watching birds, butterflies, or any wildlife! Let us know what you think when you get them!

More Reviews of Favorites

Nikon Monarch Binoculars - A review of all Monarch Binoculars, including the Monarch 3, Monarch 5, Monarch 7 and Monarch X ATB Binoculars.

Our Other Favorite 8x42 Binoculars

Nikon Action Binoculars - A review of the most popular Nikon Action Extreme Binoculars, a good choice for a "cheaper" low-cost pair of binoculars.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Binoculars - Another good choice for a mid-price birding binoculars, especially if you prefer a 10x42 magnification model.

Swarovski SLC HD Binoculars Review

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