Author Topic: Nikon Monarch ATB VS. Leupold Windriver Cascade (Read 695 times)

dukeflr · « **on:** October 18, 2005, 04:49:10 PM »

I've been lurking around here for a while now, and appreciate everyone's knowledge. I would like anyone's opinion on choosing between the two. I would also welcome other recommendations as well. I have decided on 10x42 roof prism due to the fact I live in texas and hunt primarily in open country. I would prefer to stay around the $300 range but could stretch a little higher if needed. I know the european glass is superb but the wife isn't going to let me part with a month's wages on something she has seen in wally world for $30. I have held both the Nikon and the Windriver and am torn between the two. I am somewhat loyal to american companies but liked the nikon's focus knob and eyecups better. I think my tough decision will be based on your opinions!

Thanks,
Duke

EsoxLucius · « **Reply #1 on:** October 18, 2005, 05:09:46 PM »

Most American companies have their lower cost binoculars made overseas, Leupold included.

Stay away from the Wind River Cascades, they are not phase corrected. For a 10x42mm phase corrected roof prism for around $300 look at the Nikon Monarch ATB, Bushnell Legend, Wind River Olympic, Celestron Noble, Audubon Equinox HP, Swift Ultra Lite Roof and Vortex Stokes Broadwing.

If you spend just a little more you can make a significant jump up in quality with the Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum Class, Celestron Regal LX, Bushnell Discoverer or the Wind River Pinnacles.

TheOpticZone · « **Reply #2 on:** October 19, 2005, 12:58:58 AM »

I would recommend the same thing. I would go with the Monarchs due to the phase coating. This will give you better contrast and imaging than the cascades.

centershot · « **Reply #3 on:** October 19, 2005, 09:18:22 AM »

For around $475 you can get Nikon 8 or 10X32 refub LX's. That extra $175 will be the best money you ever spend. The LX's are premium bino's at discount prices. By the way I live in Southern Idaho with wide open spaces and I use the 8x32's. The 8's have a wider field of view, and are just easier to hold and look through for longer periods of time. Anything past about 1/2 mile and you need a spotting scope to see horn tines anyway.