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Monarch HG 8x30 vs 8x42 ? (2 Viewers)

mlondon

New member
United States
I own the Monarch HG 10x42 and love it.
Want to buy one more pair of HG's to complement the 10x42
Headed to Africa for Safari (Okavango and Chobe) with my wife and mother.
None of us need glasses for binocular viewing.

8x30 is a bit lighter and smaller - the weight savings may be noticeable toward the end of long day when arms are tired.

8x42 is a bit heavier and bigger - the larger eye relief and exit pupil along with the larger glass may be noticeably better/brighter, especially toward the end of a long day when eyes are tired.

Grateful for suggestions.
 
The 42mm MHG is simply a gem. It weighs only 23.5oz and handling / in-hand ergonomics are among the best in full-sized binoculars. They truly handle more like a 32 than a 42mm. Personally cannot imagine folks being worn out from using this light and easy handling optic. Don’t know if you’ve been to this destination (or the like) before, but exploring African deltas and river valleys usually offer fairly extreme variations in lighting conditions and viewing distances. If folks will be heavily focused on watching animals/birds out in the open during full daylight just about any sized quality optic will do. However, if wanting to study detail in these creatures, or for peering deep into the shadows to find hidden treasures then the 42mm will likely be a better choice. My 2 cents.
 
I like both the 8X42 and 8X30 Monarch HGs. I've got both of those and like them both. ESPECIALLY since you have the 10X42, I'd lean towards the 8X30. It's probably the best, SMALLEST binocular I have. It's an 8X30 and looks and weighs what you expect an 8X30 to weigh. Mine weighs 16.9 ounces. I use it more than the 8X30 CL and CL B that I have. Pair it with a Rick Young UL harness and you'll never know it's there. It's a winner for me!
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I’d try both. I bought a pair of the 8x30s and sold them immediately because the eyecups were too short and that caused blackouts. I like a bino I can just put up to my face and not have to fuss with pulling down my nose and letting outside light in. I told the fellow I sold them too that the eyecups were too short for me. He felt the same and resold them again. They weren’t very good in low light either which isn’t surprising given that they are 30 mm. Felt kind of like toys to me. Would be nice for concerts.
 
BTW Chill knows more about binos than I do so it would really be good for you to compare both. You might really like the size and weight of the 30s but will want to make sure you like the fit to your face. Very different than the 10x42s which I also own and love.
 
I’ve had both 8x42 and 8x30 MHGs. I agree with everything Alpha Chill and Upland have to say, but I would suggest you give the 8x30s a try. They are so nice and light and have splendid optics. The 8x42 are better for low light and have more forgiving eye relief/placement. Can’t go wrong with either size. But I would take the 8x30s anywhere in the world and be happy.
 
I agree with chill6x6 also. MHG 8x30 is amazingly good! I have always said that 8x30MHG is underestimated due to some reviews with a slightly negative tone! It must be tried because it has real qualities.

I use MHG 8x30 very often and I am impressed by its performance. Here I wrote about the qualities and defects of this binocular:
 
I also have the 8x42 MHG and it is a very fine binocular for the money.
I guess you have to ask yourself if you want a binocular virtually identical to your 10x42, and the only way to tell them apart looking at them is to look at the focus knob numbers. Or do you want something nearly as good but a little smaller and cooler looking.
Personally, I'd rather have 16 oz bouncing off my chest all day on a safari truck ride than 24 oz. If you've ever ridden in the back of a pickup down a rutted dirt road you will know what I mean.
 
I own the Monarch HG 10x42 and love it.
Want to buy one more pair of HG's to complement the 10x42
Headed to Africa for Safari (Okavango and Chobe) with my wife and mother.
None of us need glasses for binocular viewing.

8x30 is a bit lighter and smaller - the weight savings may be noticeable toward the end of long day when arms are tired.

8x42 is a bit heavier and bigger - the larger eye relief and exit pupil along with the larger glass may be noticeably better/brighter, especially toward the end of a long day when eyes are tired.

Grateful for suggestions

8x32 is perfect on safari.

And for the nocturnal stuff, get a 7x42...
 
I want to tell you to get the MHG 8x42 because it's the one that I have and truly enjoy using but if I had the 10x42 instead of the 8x42 then I would get the 8x30 , seems like a better fit to me .
 
During the day a good 8x32 is all you need in the harsh light of Africa, especially over the water and desert sands.

During the evening you definitely want to swap it up to a bigger aperture and lower power magnification.
 
Love mine. Diopter works fine if you take the time to make sure it seats right when you push it down. Pretty amazing view. Best in its price class by far IMHO
 
Nikon's charts shows greater light transmission with 10x over 8x for the same size objectives. The pocketable Swarvo 10x25 CL binos are what I use the most and they fit in a jacket pocket or even in a water bottle holder and weigh only 12 ounces.
 
You are a Nikon birder, so I will not try to tout off the benefits of the Leica 7x35 retro....But I will ... Try it, you will like it.

But since you are 'resigned' to be a Nikon person.... I would get the 8x30 in your situation. I have had it, prior to trading it in to purchase the 7x35 retro, and yes, it is a good binocular, only second to the retro.

But...as others have said...go light. The other day I took out by 10x42 Leica for the day and wow, I noticed the weight after a full day of birding. The 8x30 (or 7x35) will not be noticeable and you will surely benefit from that after a long day of birding in Africa. Lightness is key..... you will still be able to view all, no issue.... just make it light on your body, be kind to yourself. Get the 8x30 as a Nikon lover you are..
 
Nikon's charts shows greater light transmission with 10x over 8x for the same size objectives. The pocketable Swarvo 10x25 CL binos are what I use the most and they fit in a jacket pocket or even in a water bottle holder and weigh only 12 ounces.
Where are these charts - do you have a link?? Thanks.
 
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