I was inspired to write this post after reading @Gdavis248's post here.
I also started with and own a Monarch M7 --> tried NL pure and Zeiss SF --> decided to upgrade --> settled on a sensible (for me) budget at $1K.
Unless otherwise noted, all are 10x42 configurations.
After testing the following pairs, I decided to buy the Conquest HDs for my personal use (for now):
Color, contrast, and 'image pop'
I thought sharpness was the most important factor for me before this experience. But I realized I care about color/contrast more than sharpness, especially after hours of handheld and slightly shaky viewing.
Dusk viewing is important for me. But more importantly, I realized transmission matters for daytime too. Especially when my pupils are not dilated much during the daytime, I want as much light in as possible to help discern contrast better.
I think a good implementation of transmission and color-contrast results in a good focus snap. In addition to the optical qualities, I think perfect alignment between barrels is also required for focus snap.
I realized I deeply care about having a good focus snap.
All are good except for Monarch M7 which clearly lags behind. My decision was not based on center clarity - I decided I am satisfied with any of the $1K binoculars for center clarity.
Chromatic aberration
Eye strain
Tripod sharpness and resolution (edge-to-edge clarity)
Immersion and Field of view
Handling and weight
Recommendations:
If you are on a budget, get the Tract Toric. At $700 it is amazing value. The rubber literally smells like hiking boots fresh out of the package, but they have compromised in the right places to achieve the price point. During holiday sales, it is typically discounted 10%.
If you don't want to do much research or don't have time for it, get the Nikon Monarch HG. It is a safe choice and I think most would be satisfied.
If you have time for the research, feel free to use my suggestions to fine-tune your research. But nothing beats trying first-hand.
---
Bottom note:
Reading about the history, Zeiss introduced the Conquest HD to fill the gap at $1K when binoculars were either $200 crappy ones or >$1500 Swaro, Leica Trinovid non-HD, etc. But this was ten years ago, and I find it amusing that no new $1K optic has definitively unseated Conquest HD in all axes.
I also started with and own a Monarch M7 --> tried NL pure and Zeiss SF --> decided to upgrade --> settled on a sensible (for me) budget at $1K.
Unless otherwise noted, all are 10x42 configurations.
After testing the following pairs, I decided to buy the Conquest HDs for my personal use (for now):
- Tract Toric UHD (used for multiple weeks at home and trips)
- Nikon Monarch HG (tried extensively for hours in dealerships)
- Zeiss Conquest HD (tried extensively for hours in dealerships)
- GPO Passion HD (used for a week at home and went on one trip. This pair had a minor issue, so it is with GPO now for warranty).
- Leica Trinovid HD (tried extensively for hours in dealerships)
- Nikon Monarch M7 (used for multiple weeks at home and trips)
Color, contrast, and 'image pop'
I thought sharpness was the most important factor for me before this experience. But I realized I care about color/contrast more than sharpness, especially after hours of handheld and slightly shaky viewing.
- Tract
- The image pops well, colors and contrast are good. 3D image, somewhat Leica-like.
- I was surprised Tract was better than Monarch HG.
- Monarch HG
- Satisfactory, not interesting pop. But nothing major to complain about. Safe choice.
- Conquest HD
- The image pops well along with good micro-contrast and clarity. Much better than safe choices like MHG.
- GPO
- My pair didn't pop as well as even the Tract, but it is in warranty service. I'll update the final judgment later.
- Trinovid HD
- I was wowed the first time I handled Leicas (in Leica store SF). A good choice for someone who cares about pop.
- Monarch M7
- No pop. Uninteresting color and contrast.
Dusk viewing is important for me. But more importantly, I realized transmission matters for daytime too. Especially when my pupils are not dilated much during the daytime, I want as much light in as possible to help discern contrast better.
- Tract
- Good transmission. Felt it was slightly better than Monarch HG even.
- Monarch HG
- Satisfactory. Nothing major to complain about. Safe choice. (looks like I'll be repeating this sentence for MHGs)
- Conquest HD
- Best of the bunch.
- GPO
- Slightly below Tract.
- Trinovid HD
- Not enough experience to comment. But don't remember having complaints.
- Monarch M7
- Clearly worse of the bunch.
I think a good implementation of transmission and color-contrast results in a good focus snap. In addition to the optical qualities, I think perfect alignment between barrels is also required for focus snap.
I realized I deeply care about having a good focus snap.
- Tract
- Great snap. I was surprised by this $700 pair.
- But the focuser is tight. I think it is better for tripod use or hunting to fine-tune focus.
- Monarch HG
- Satisfactory, but doesn't snap as well as Tract
- Conquest HD
- Great snap. And the focus tightness is to my preference - not too tight. So easier to maintain focus on birds in flight compared to Tract
- GPO
- I was surprised the snap wasn't there. Similar to Monarch HG (but will reserve final judgment later)
- Trinovid HD
- Great snap.
- Monarch M7
- No snap.
All are good except for Monarch M7 which clearly lags behind. My decision was not based on center clarity - I decided I am satisfied with any of the $1K binoculars for center clarity.
Chromatic aberration
- Tract
- Medium amount of CA. CA will show even if you don't look for it. Sometimes even in the center of the image.
- Monarch HG
- Some CA, but still a safe enough choice.
- Conquest HD
- Low CA (but I'll reserve final judgment)
- GPO
- Low CA
- Trinovid HD
- Not enough experience in the store.
- Monarch M7
- CA everywhere. You are constantly reminded of CA.
Eye strain
Tripod sharpness and resolution (edge-to-edge clarity)
Immersion and Field of view
Handling and weight
Recommendations:
If you are on a budget, get the Tract Toric. At $700 it is amazing value. The rubber literally smells like hiking boots fresh out of the package, but they have compromised in the right places to achieve the price point. During holiday sales, it is typically discounted 10%.
If you don't want to do much research or don't have time for it, get the Nikon Monarch HG. It is a safe choice and I think most would be satisfied.
If you have time for the research, feel free to use my suggestions to fine-tune your research. But nothing beats trying first-hand.
---
Bottom note:
Reading about the history, Zeiss introduced the Conquest HD to fill the gap at $1K when binoculars were either $200 crappy ones or >$1500 Swaro, Leica Trinovid non-HD, etc. But this was ten years ago, and I find it amusing that no new $1K optic has definitively unseated Conquest HD in all axes.
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