The Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42mm binocular has received a lot of praise recently. However, it is evident that these are not the only Chinese-made optics that are worthy of consideration. This past weekend I spent some time comparing four Chinese-made waterproof, phase-coated roof prism binoculars.
Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42mm descriptionLowest price found: $239.99
Minolta Activa D WP XL 8x42mm descriptionLowest price found: $184.95
Olympus Magellan EXWP I 8x42mm descriptionLowest price found: $142.95 after $40 rebate
Audubon Equinox 8x42mm descriptionLowest price found: $219.95
Upon initial inspection all four are lightweight, feel about the same and are virtually the same size. The Audubon Equinox are just a little bit heavier than the others. All have comparable features, except the Minolta Activa D WP XL has five click-stop twist up eyecups and a click-stop diopter adjustment. The diopter adjustment on the Nikon Monarch ATB, Olympus Magellan EXWP I and Audubon Equinox are sufficiently stiff and should not change during typical use. The focus on all of these binoculars is quite sensitive, and in order the Nikon Monarch ATB, Olympus Magellan EXWP I, Audubon Equinox and Minolta Activa D WP XL are from hardest to easiest to turn. However, I found no difficulty with any of them quickly refocusing between two pairs of Redtailed Hawks hovering above. All come with a case, neck strap, rainguard and objective lens caps. All the cases and rainguards are servicable. However, tethered or flip up lens caps from Eagle Optics or Bushwacker, respectively, and a Bino System harness will better replace the lens caps and neck strap which are next to worthless. The Olympus Magellan EXWP I and Audubon Equinox have a limited lifetime warranty; both the Nikon Monarch ATB and Minolta Activa D WP XL have 25 year warranties. But the Nikon also offers a No-fault policy of $10 repair or replacement, plus shipping, no matter what happens, forever.
After appropriately focusing each, I first spent some time outside just looking through them. Each of these Chinese-made glasses offered surprisingly good views. Clear and sharp images, with a slight reduction at the edges, pretty faithful color reproduction and minor chromatic aberration. It is clear that quality roof prism optics have come within the reach of the mainstream marketplace. It is also clear that they do not approach the quality of glass that cost three to eight times as much. But they are pretty close to binoculars that cost up to twice as much.
When comparing these stacked to observe license plates a 1/4-mile away it was difficult to determine the difference between them, literally. It was as if all four are the same binocular. There were slight color differences between the Audubon Equinox and Nikon Monarch ATB and the others, but so slight as to make it difficult to describe. Under a forest canopy on a cloudy day, each were able to pretty much equally resolve brown thrashers, wood thrushes and a license plate set 500 feet away. Indeed, I am led to believe after spending time with these binoculars that they might all have some common optics manufacturing source. In any case, anyone considering the Nikon Monarch ATB should spend some time with these others before making a decision.
