Leupold Olympic or Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 (1 Viewer)

I live in place where I cannot compare these binoculars..I want a smaller pair that is lighter than the leupold mesa's 10x50 that I currently have.

I want to hear opinions etc....

I do shop online so availablity is important.
Thanks in advance for your input.

In terms of build quality, sharpness, brightness, and field of view, they are about the same. What differs is the edge of the field of view. The Leupolds have a seriously distorted image at the edges (about 1/2 of the field of view is distorted). I would get the Nikon, no doubt.

Cornell judged Nikon Monarch ATB (8X42) as best bird watching binos in economy and Mid price range...

Entire Cornell Bino Review:
http://www.birds.cornell.edu/Publications/LivingBird/winter2005/Age_Binos.html

Good synopsis of review:
http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/binoculars-for-bird-watching.html

Nikon Monarch ATB (Many available at auction):
http://www.binoculars-and-scopes.or...narch+atb&catid=28179&submit=search&advanced=

Leupold Binos (Many Leupold - No current Olympics):
http://www.binoculars-and-scopes.or...rs+&catid=28179,31710&submit=search&advanced=

olympic vs monarch

I have both pair in 8x42 configuration.The olympic blows the pants off the monarch in every way.The monarch has horrible depth of field,the olympic has exellent depth of field.Optically,the monarch doesn't come close.The olympic is clear almost all the way to edges,the monarch has a tiny sweet spot,the rest of view is distorted.The monarch is brighter,But what good is that if you can't keep a good focus.In my honest opinion in my situation with the olympic and monarch,the olympic wins by a far FAR margain...Steve.

Since Leupold is in the discussion, I'd look seriously at the new Mojave. I tend to agree with Varmintmaster. I have a Monarch and it is a good glass, but the depth of field is not the best. I have not seen in the Olympics what Otto McDiesel saw. So maybe different eyes or product variation might be at work to some extent. If you are not an extreme binocular user and just want lighter than the 10x50 Mesa I'd also seriously look at the Leupold Yosemite. Small, light and incredible optics for the price. You get $500 worth of view for $100. I have the Yosemite 6x30, and should get a recently ordered 8x30 today. Outside of Leupold and Nikon, I have Vortex Vipers which are a very, very good binocular. Online, I have dealt with Eagle Optics a lot and find them to be an excellent outfit.

Steve C said:

Since Leupold is in the discussion, I'd look seriously at the new Mojave.

Click to expand...

Hi Steve,

Did you notice that this thread was started over a year ago? I think Islandgirl has likely made her decision by now. ;-)

Best,
Jim

Jim

DUUUUUUUUUUUUUHHHHH!!!!!!

No I had'nt seen that. I'll go hide now.:eek!: