Anyone have recommendations? Was think about buying what looks like a nice used Nikon Monarch 3. For use in hiking, bird watching, etc.

Thanks!

 

I have a pair of Grade 3 surplus binos. Reasonable price and as rugged as the East Germans could make them. I don't worry if the fall or get wet. Compact size and 8x power vs 5 or 6 in similar sized. Grade 3 is cosmetic from what I can determine.

-- Chuck

 

We have Nikon's "Monarch 5" , 8 x 42 Binocs. They are by far the best we've ever had. The image is very bright and clear
They are also not very big or heavy.

They were recommended to us by a friend who works for the US Forest service [or whatever it's called]. It's what she carries.

The exit pupil is a little large for our old eyes but we decided to go with a bigger EP to get a brighter image.

 

I use Celestron 9x63 Celestron Astronomical binocs. I have #5 neutral density filters for them and they're going with us to Salem, OR for the eclipse.

 

I still have the Steiner 8x50s with internal compass and mil scale that were obligatory for officers on the old Inner German Border back in the day. Still wonderful. Still the size of a loaf of bread!

-- Chuck

 

This is focused on boating, but has a very good discussion of the components of binoculars and the critical features to consider before you buy.

Consumer's Guide To Boat Binoculars - BoatUS Magazine

 

Thanks! I think I'll go for the used Monarch 3. Will compared them you my old East German police Zeiss Jena Dekaris.

 

Anything over 6x is tough to use boating on anything smaller than a cruise liner or aircraft carrier. Motion of the boat makes higher powers hard to control especially hand held. Birding with a monopod can use much higher powers. Prices of good glass have remained pretty stable the past few years and inflation has made good binos more affordable.

-- Chuck

 

Got the Nikon binoculars, yesterday. Briefly compared them to my old Zeiss Jena binocs. Nikon adjustable eye cups are really nice! Both are pretty good in daylight. Zeiss is still seem better at night. Zeiss is heavier.

Thanks, for the advice!

 

I have my Dad's old Navy glasses made by Universal Camera Corp New York in 1943. They are 6X30. They are unique as there is no focus. You set the diopter to each eye and you are done. Everything is in focus to infinity. That way you will not miss a periscope or enemy position because your focus ring was not at that setting! They went out of limits and I found an old Navy optics technician who works on these as a side hobby. Completely restored it, aligned optics and replaced a corroded and failed brass prism holder. It was about $250 and they work like new.

However, I wanted another pair to beat up a bit. I settled for Leupold "Yosimite" version, about $95 at the Base Exchange, about $110 retail or $100 Amazon. 6X30. Nitrogen filled, waterproof, fog proof, shockproof, and have eyecups that accommodate glasses or naked eyeballs. I have compared them to other binoculars and have found them brighter than all the others, has a nice sharp focus to the edges and comfortable to view. Not too small, not too big. Have taken them along on many trips. Fairly lightweight. I love them.