A Guide to Birding with Binoculars
Nikon School: Using the MONARCH M7
Birdwatching with the MONARCH M7 and Sport Optics Ambassador, Tom Mason
Boasting a wide viewing angle that presents an immersive viewing experience, Nikon's black 8x42 Monarch M7 Binoculars have improved design features compared to previous iterations, with the same focus on comfort and performance the line is known for. Featuring extra-low dispersion glass elements with anti-reflection fully multicoated optics and highly reflective dielectric-coated, phase-corrected roof prisms, complemented by exterior lens coatings that repel water and oil, the Monarch M7 produces bright and clear high-contrast images with true-to-life color and minimal color fringing.
Optical Performance
- Moderate magnification brings subjects in close without sacrificing field of view, eye relief, or exit pupil
- Larger objective lenses improve light-gathering ability without adding excessive bulk or weight
- Roof prism light path ensures optical tubes remain thin for a compact form factor
- Extra-low dispersion glass reduces chromatic and spherical aberrations for increased contrast, improved color rendition, and sharpness without distortion across the entire field of view
- Phase-correcting prism coatings reduce internal interference to improve light transmission, contrast, and resolution
- Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission across the entire visible spectrum for accurate color rendition and improved contrast and clarity
- Exterior lens coating allows water to bead and roll off and oils to be cleaned off without leaving a residue, ensuring clearer views at all times
- Highly reflective multilayer dielectric prism coatings boost internal reflection to >99% to maintain image brightness and improve contrast and clarity
- Wide apparent angle of view requires less side-to-side head movement to see the terrain before you
- Improved wider field of view than previous models presents a more immersive observational experience
Use and Handling
- High-eyepoint design provides ample space between your brow and the eyecups for a clear field of view, even when you're wearing glasses
- Closed-bridge configuration provides a solid and stable platform for the internal focusing mechanism
- Large slip center focus wheel allows for precise focus control, even while wearing gloves
- Right eye dioptric adjustment collar helps to compensate for individual eye prescription
- Locking diopter ensures your settings won't accidentally change in the field
- Adjustable interpupillary distance allows easy use by a wide variety of people
- Twist-up/click-stop rubber eyecups for use with or without eyewear
- Ample eye relief helps to reduce eyestrain and improves viewing comfort
- Comfortable exit pupil will cover pupils as they open in low light to keep the full scene in view
Construction Details
- Environmentally friendly Eco-Glass is made without lead or arsenic
- Textured protective rubber armoring provides a slip-resistant grip, especially in cold and wet weather
- Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes and environmental conditions
- Black coloring allows it to remain inconspicuous in all environments
- One-piece tethered ocular rainguard protects eyecups from water pooling in them from rain or spraying water when hanging from the neck
- Tethered fold-down objective lens caps prevent losing them during observation sessions
