I looked at several places this fall for a pair of lightweight yet solid set of binocs. Store after store I kept getting referred back to the Nikon Monarchs. So after this happened a few times, I bought a pair of 8X42’s. I used them this fall for deer and so far so good. I really like them and was happy with the combination of a lightweight, waterproof, fogproof, and cost effectiveness.
Eric
I 2nd. the vote for Monarchs! 10×42 Although if I had to do it over I’d go for the 12 power. Awesome binos IMHO!
i went w/ the Nikon Action Series and love them. I do regret not spending the extra $$$ to get the waterproof/fogproof Monarch series. I’m not a duck hunter but it would still be nice to leave them out while sitting in the stand when it starts to rain… jmo
Steiner Military Marine 8×30 or the predators. I can’t talk them up enough. Awesome optics!
I use Minox 10×52, crystal clear & great in low light conditions.
I purchased 8×42 Leica’s back in Sept. I was not going to spend the money on high end bino’s – A few buddies talked me into spending the money on a great set of Bino’s. I’m sure glad I did!
Couple points on bino’s. You get what you pay for, and compacts rarely perform equally to full size bino’s. All brands mentioned thus far are quality optics. Buy the best glass you can afford and you will be happy for many years. I love the Cabela’s Alaskan Guide series, but the Monarch’s, Minox and Lecia’s all perform very well. When judging, make sure you go outside, all will appear equal inside the 4 walls of a building. Also, overcast, or late in the day, when a light is fading is a good time to try them out. Good Glass will be just as clear at the edge of the picture as it is in the middle, and you should not see darkness differences at the edge of the view when looking during last lite. Lastly,in regards to power, 10x’s won’t get you a better picture than an 8x, but will magnify your tendency to shake. If you are hunting more open territory, the 10’s are fine, if you are primarily woods, 8x will give you a good picture. Good Luck!
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If you are hunting more open territory, the 10’s are fine, if you are primarily woods, 8x will give you a good picture. Good Luck!
Thanks for the info that is good to know. 
is it worth getting a 12 power over a 10?
im looking at getting the 12×56 nikon monarchs i like how much zoom they have but dont care for the size to much
The best pair I have found for all around ability and best bang for your buck is the Nikon Monarch ATB 10×42’s. They have great light capturing ability, they are a compromise from a compact pair and the 56’s you talk about. I can put them on a Binoc Harness, hunt all day and not even know they are around my neck. The only time I wish I would have gone with the 12×42’s is when I’m out West, where you do a ton of long range glassing. My 10×42’s do just fine, but the 12x’s would be nice. Otherwise the 10x’s are just fine. If you like the Zoom power of the 12X56’s but not the size and weight, I suggest going with the 12X42’s. It has the same zoom power but a lil more compact easy handling size. The other thing is, to expand a lil more on a previous posters comment. The 8X (or less magnification) are a lot easier to pick up objects at close range in the woods. If you hunt mainly woods, I suggest going no higher then 10X magnification. If you hunt solely fields or open terrain the 12X’s might be more your ticket. I hunt both conditions so that is why I like the 10×42’s. It is a good fit all around! Good luck and keep us updated what you go with!
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I 2nd. the vote for Monarchs! 10×42 Although if I had to do it over I’d go for the 12 power. Awesome binos IMHO!
Do you guys find that the Monachs (or any “full size”) are a little bulky on your chest? I’m thinking archery hunting of course when you release.
YA WANNA LOOK THROGH SOME AWESOME OPTICS CHECK OUT THE VORTEX LINE! EVEN THEIR LOWEND 10X42 CROSSFIRES ARE TOP OF THE LINE. I LEAVE MY STIENERS AND NIKONS AT HOME NOW. YA REALLY NEED TO CHECK THESE OUT!!!!!!!!! AND THEIR MADE IN THE USA.
I’ve never had a problem with my bino’s as I keep my harness tight! However, I’m not “barrel-chested”… 
Not really. Bino Buddy seems to do a good job keeping them out of the way, yet in easy reach with no discomfort.
I’ll add one more to your list. I’ve got the Wind River 10×42 that are made by Leupold and really like them. Clear optics and good light gathering.
I think i will be heading to cabelas to purchase the 12×56 monarchs, i dont really care for the size of them but i would never need that powerfull of glass for bowhunting ive got anthor pair ill use for bow hunting they just feel right in my hands and are easy to bring up
I just got a set of Nikon 10 X 25 Travellites that work fine for bow league so far. Edit for wrong Number Sorry! 
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