Nikon Monarch HG 8X30 vs Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (1 Viewer)

[dorubird]

I directly compared Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 (M HG ) with Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (M 7)


Mechanics and ergonomics
The weight and dimensions are very similar. The focus wheel moves similarly and very accurately and pleasantly in both binoculars, also ergonomics. But this is where the similarities between them ends. So, M HG finishes are at least a class above over M 7. The coating is different: prisms of M HG has purple coating and M 7 green coating, and M HG objectives has green coating and M 7 blue coating. It is also noticeable that, at the level of the exit pupil, there are stronger reflections in M 7



Optical performance
The resolution on the center is better at M HG (tested on the resolution chart)
The resolution on the edges is also better with M HG. As an extension of the clarity, they both have about 75% of the FOV, but the last 25 percent of M HG are not so blurred compared to the center, still being able to discern details. But at M 7, the difference in clarity between the center area and the edges (last 25%) is very very big, on the edges you can practically no longer discern any detail.
Contrast is noticeably better at M HG
The brightness is a little better at M HG
Field distortion is lower at M HG
Glare resistance is obviously better at M HG. In certain situations, even with not very strong light, only through M 7 was there a foggy crescent on the edge of the FOV that decreased the contrast of the image. It is also observed in M HG, but only in much more extreme situations of strong lighting.
The rendering of the white color is a bit pale pink in the M 7, but visible only in comparison with the M HG, which has a more natural rendering.
Chromatic aberrations are similar in both binoculars and present on the edges.



Conclusions
The optical performance is better in all chapters except for chromatic aberrations, where they are similar. In my opinion, the differences are due to the better coating and the better quality of the glass of M HG. Even they are similar in size, the quality of mechanics and finishing materials is better in M HG.
Monarch HG 8x30 is clearly superior to Monarch 7 8x30.

 

[Ruff-Leg]

I guess the MHG's superiority is to be expected given the price differential. Thanks for the comparison!

 

[dorubird]

Yes indeed!

 

[lmans66]

Nice read..... I had a MHG ...good pair. Wasn't too thrilled with the focuser as I thought a bit pokey for birding, but nice and light, ...great optics otherwise, jim

 

[Upland]

Your picture is if the old Monarch 7 model. Not the new M7. There is also a M7+ version that incorporates the HG field flattening system being produced. Only available overseas as of now. I read a review and the author said that they compare favorably to the HG for lots less money. Only differences according to him was the HG had a hydrophobic coating and also weighed less because the body materials were different. Sorry no link as I read it awhile ago and did not bookmark.

BTW I compared the old Monarch 7 to the new M7 side by side in 8x42 and the M7 was noticeably better. Still not in the HGs class but a real nice bino for half the price.

 

[Upland]

Nikon Monarch M7+ 8×30 Binoculars review

www.birdwatching.co.uk

Here it is. Actually a comparison between the M7 and M7+. My memory isn’t what it used to be!

 

[yarrellii]

Your picture is if the old Monarch 7 model. Not the new M7.

If I understand it correctly (and if it sheds any light), @dorubird is not saying anywhere that he'll talk about the M7.

The title of the thread explicitly indicates "Nikon Monarch 7 8x30". And then again in the first line the two names are repeated in full format, and then given a short version (included between brackets, as it's usually made to indicate that the short version would be used in the text from then on in order to avoid the unnecessary repetition of the full denomination): "I directly compared Nikon Monarch HG 8x30 (M HG ) with Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 (M 7).

In fact, and this is just speculation, I understand dorubird is well aware of the existence of the M7 because he very cautiously uses a space in between M and 7, "M 7", the same way he does in "M HG", like if voluntarily avoiding the use of "M7" and thus the confusion. That's just my take.

 

[dorubird]

yarrellii,​

Yes indeed, I used only a short version to avoid unnecessary repetition of the full denomination for the two binoculars!
Upland, sorry if I created confusion!

 

[yarrellii]

@dorubird, thanks for the clarification. All clear!
BTW, I see you are also a fan of the peak design quick release clips. I discovered them only recently but I've found them soooo useful, I've ordered more! In my case, what sparkled the interest was the ability to change from strap to backpack-carry, but now I see it also as a neat solution to use a favourite strap with all the binos in a very convenient way, and also de ability to use the binos strap-free, which is something I do on a daily basis, and it's simply a breeze with theses. For me, best "strap-carry"-related product ever

 

[dorubird]

I also like peak design quick release clips system because I can easy share the same straps with all my binoculars and cameras

 

[Rg548]

I also like peak design quick release clips system because I can easy share the same straps with all my binoculars and cameras

I use Peak Designs too. I like the Binoculars with no strap attached when sat on the side at home, but never go out without one, so this system is superb.
Great design 👍

 

[albie...]

What kind of binocular strap can you use with the peak design quick release clips ? I notice that the website doesn't seem to have binocular straps , just camera straps . Not sure how the system would work with my Nikon MHG .

 

[[email protected]]

The optics on the MHG are a little better than the M7, but I think the better build quality of the MHG makes it worth the price difference over the M7 alone.

 

[lilcrazy2]

What kind of binocular strap can you use with the peak design quick release clips ? I notice that the website doesn't seem to have binocular straps , just camera straps . Not sure how the system would work with my Nikon MHG .

I guess this is what you would need. Says fits straps up to 1cm (0.4") wide.

https://www.amazon.com/Peak-Design-Anchor-Camera-Straps/dp/B07F94FQRB/ref=sr_1_7_sspa?crid=3OU5T8OSUVLPV&keywords=peak+design&qid=1665605754&qu=eyJxc2MiOiI2LjM5IiwicXNhIjoiNS41NiIsInFzcCI6IjUuMTEifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=peak+design%2Caps%2C111&sr=8-7-spons&psc=1

 

[tenex]

The standard camera/bin strap lug is 1/2" which is 1.25cm, so these Peak things must accommodate that. (Zeiss is/was a bit narrower.) This adapter looks just clunky enough to make Peak's own strap seem preferable.

 

[lilcrazy2]

The standard camera/bin strap lug is 1/2" which is 1.25cm, so these Peak things must accommodate that. (Zeiss is/was a bit narrower.) This adapter looks just clunky enough to make Peak's own strap seem preferable.

all of peak designs straps appear to use this clunky looking adapter as standard on the ends of their straps. Further down it says 12mm and in the Q&A section people report it working with 1/2" straps.

 

[albie...]

@dorubird, thanks for the clarification. All clear!
BTW, I see you are also a fan of the peak design quick release clips. I discovered them only recently but I've found them soooo useful, I've ordered more! In my case, what sparkled the interest was the ability to change from strap to backpack-carry, but now I see it also as a neat solution to use a favourite strap with all the binos in a very convenient way, and also de ability to use the binos strap-free, which is something I do on a daily basis, and it's simply a breeze with theses. For me, best "strap-carry"-related product ever

Both of you inspired me to buy the Peak Design quick release system from a local camera shop . I like to use my bins strapless quite a bit so the quick release is like a breath of fresh air . I put them on my Nikon MHG 8x42 yesterday . Glad I bought them

 

[LittleBrownCreeper]

Nice read..... I had a MHG ...good pair. Wasn't too thrilled with the focuser as I thought a bit pokey for birding, but nice and light, ...great optics otherwise, jim

I was wondering what people thought of the focus wheel on the HGs. I am comparing them (more like agonizing about them) with the Zeiss Conquests, which weigh more (big minus since I've had multiple hand and spine surgeries). A big plus for the Conquests is the focus wheel action is WAYYYY lighter and smoother.

 

[dorubird]

If I compare it with the focus wheel of SF 10x42 (the best for me), it has a different feeling, but MHG has very nice focus wheel also. The one from SF is more "silky", while the one from MHG is more "viscous". But both are accurate and pleasant to access. From the point of view of speed, MHG has a focus little over one rotation from close focus to infinity.

 

[LittleBrownCreeper]

If I compare it with the focus wheel of SF 10x42 (the best for me), it has a different feeling, but MHG has very nice focus wheel also. The one from SF is more "silky", while the one from MHG is more "viscous". But both are accurate and pleasant to access. From the point of view of speed, MHG has a focus little over one rotation from close focus to infinity.

Thanks, Dorubird. I appreciate your response. I'm not sure I understand what you're saying, beyond that the MHG is more viscous but still accurate and pleasant. Are you saying the MHG takes a little more than one rotation to go from close to infinity?