Nikon or Canon? (1 Viewer)

I was looking to get a less expensive pair of binoculars to carry around. If a person didn't care too much about them being waterproof what would be better optically between these two. Nikon Monarch 8x42mm or a Canon 10x30mm IS. I can get them for about the same price. Thanks!

Dennis

The 10x30 sounds like a fairly narrow field. The Nikon Sporters come in both 8x36 and 10x36, so you can compare two similar ones. There may be some difference in waterproofness to your models. But I've had my Sporters in light rain, no problems.

If shaky hands are an issue, sure, why not IS?

I have looked at Monarchs and there are lots of reviews even here. They seemed like a big brother to Sporters to me. The Sporters will focus down to about 3-4m, 10 feet.

Read more by Otto
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=37804

One vote for the Nikons from me.

[email protected] said:

I was looking to get a less expensive pair of binoculars to carry around. If a person didn't care too much about them being waterproof what would be better optically between these two. Nikon Monarch 8x42mm or a Canon 10x30mm IS. I can get them for about the same price. Thanks!

Dennis

Click to expand...

I am a real convert when it comes to IS binoculars - for me, the stabilization makes a big difference in how much detail I can see. I have used the 10x30s and they are quite nice. Most of my birding is now done with a pair of 12x36s.

If at all possible, it is well worth trying the two. That's really the only way to find out which is right for you. The 8x42s have better eye relief, better close focus, and a somewhat wider field. You'll probably find the 4mm exit pupil a bit more user friendly than the 3mm exit pupil, and it will provide somewhat better low light performance. (Of course, our eye is pretty lousy in low light anyway <g>.)

Clear skies, Alan