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

[Tote]

I borrowed an 8X30 MHG for some days from a friend.
It´s a nice binocular in every aspect but I wouldn´t buy one for myself just for the focusing system: I had to be too precise to find the right focus, I suppose due to it being so fast.
Is this common to this model or just a "lemon" issue? I don´t know.

 

[chill6x6]

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

So I am assuming we're talking about the 30/32mm models here. The focus on MHG 8X30 for me, nothing to complain about. It requires a little more effort than the Conquest HD, true. Both of my MHG as a whole have very smooth focus travel but do require a little more effort than say the Conquest HDs. Personally I wouldn't have the focus adjustment AS an issue between the MHG/Conquest HD. I'd probably lean toward the smaller/lighter/more FOV MHG 8X30 with your spine/hand issues.

 

[Scott98]

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?

FWIW - I have not owned the MHG, but I stopped in the bird store recently and tried the 8x30, 8x42, and 10x42 Monarch HG's. These are all demo models that have been sitting the store for a while. I found all 3 focusers to be very stiff - too hard to move them, the initial friction and during adjustments.

My other birding binos are EDG and a pair of Zeiss SF's. The action on those focusers is silky smooth and just the right amount of friction. I still like the MHG's optics and love the light weight, and I'm probably going to buy the 8x30 during the tax-free sale later this year, but the focuser is not what I like about them. It appears that the focuser is a big reason why you would upgrade to EDG from MHG. (the Swaro 8x30 CL focuser was easier to turn, but seemed "lumpy" and somewhat sticky at times).

The 8x30 MHG is only 16 ounces, the EDG 8x32 was 23, so I'm not interested in going in that direction either, too heavy for a compact bino. The 8x30 MHG are very bright, you can see the high transmission, and also very good color correction, impressive optics for a 30mm IMO.

 

[LittleBrownCreeper]

So I am assuming we're talking about the 30/32mm models here. The focus on MHG 8X30 for me, nothing to complain about. It requires a little more effort than the Conquest HD, true. Both of my MHG as a whole have very smooth focus travel but do require a little more effort than say the Conquest HDs. Personally I wouldn't have the focus adjustment AS an issue between the MHG/Conquest HD. I'd probably lean toward the smaller/lighter/more FOV MHG 8X30 with your spine/hand issues.

I'm looking at the 10x42s. Considering potentially scaling down to a compact or pocket model because of spine and hand problems, but these will be my ONLY binocs, so I really want an all-round winner.

 

[LittleBrownCreeper]

I borrowed an 8X30 MHG for some days from a friend.
It´s a nice binocular in every aspect but I wouldn´t buy one for myself just for the focusing system: I had to be too precise to find the right focus, I suppose due to it being so fast.
Is this common to this model or just a "lemon" issue? I don´t know.

Yeah, I'm actually wondering whether it's just the floor model at this particular place or this is an across-the-board problem for the Nikon Monarch HG 10x42s. I can't imagine why they would be deliberately designed to have such a stiff focus wheel. I wonder if there's a way to get it adjusted.

 

[LittleBrownCreeper]

Forgive, but I don't know what the EDGs are. I'm stuck getting my binocs from the Audubon Shop since that's where I can trade in the new Monarch 7 10x30s. If I go up into the $1,500 range (the HG 10x42s are $1,000), I'm going with those amazing Zeiss SFL 10x40s ($1,800), which were delicious! But I don't really have an extra $800 (plus 10% sales tax--Boo, Seattle!) to blow.

 

[MiddleRiver]

FWIW - I have not owned the MHG, but I stopped in the bird store recently and tried the 8x30, 8x42, and 10x42 Monarch HG's. These are all demo models that have been sitting the store for a while. I found all 3 focusers to be very stiff - too hard to move them, the initial friction and during adjustments.

My other birding binos are EDG and a pair of Zeiss SF's. The action on those focusers is silky smooth and just the right amount of friction. I still like the MHG's optics and love the light weight, and I'm probably going to buy the 8x30 during the tax-free sale later this year, but the focuser is not what I like about them. It appears that the focuser is a big reason why you would upgrade to EDG from MHG. (the Swaro 8x30 CL focuser was easier to turn, but seemed "lumpy" and somewhat sticky at times).

The 8x30 MHG is only 16 ounces, the EDG 8x32 was 23, so I'm not interested in going in that direction either, too heavy for a compact bino. The 8x30 MHG are very bright, you can see the high transmission, and also very good color correction, impressive optics for a 30mm IMO.

Our 8x30's are silky smooth. Much like Leica TrinnovidHD's which is to say sweeeet.
Purchased new 10/2022.

 

[dries1]

Forgive, but I don't know what the EDGs are. I'm stuck getting my binocs from the Audubon Shop since that's where I can trade in the new Monarch 7 10x30s. If I go up into the $1,500 range (the HG 10x42s are $1,000), I'm going with those amazing Zeiss SFL 10x40s ($1,800), which were delicious! But I don't really have an extra $800 (plus 10% sales tax--Boo, Seattle!) to blow.

I would stick with the MHG 10X42, never had a problem or focus issue with my 8X42. They are light in weight and just the right size. That is, unless you were to go with the Nikon 10X30 MHGs, I never tried them.
The EDGs were the premier Nikon glass but were archived here in the US, 2018 I believe.

 

[chill6x6]

So the picture below has a Conquest HD, Nikon Premier, and Nikon EDG 8X32s. Both Nikons really have as smooth of a focus as one can get. They ARE a little on the heavy side. Not too bad though....

 

[lmans66]

Those Nikons were always on the heavy side although excellent bins..... That is one of the 'draw's of the new Nikon MHG 8x30....really light. Can take them anywhere. In fact if you look at many of the new 30x32's...Nikon MHG, Meopta B1 Plus, Swaro CL, Genesis, and even the Leica 7x35....they all have light and compact as a strong selling point.... Nice to see those chuck.

Line up others....I want to see a complete line-up of what you have as you are about the only one I know that actually might have 'all available' and we can see how they meet side by side. I know you have done so in lots of 2-3, but an entire lineup of? We can only imagine the binocular porn that would come from that.

 

[Scott98]

Our 8x30's are silky smooth. Much like Leica TrinnovidHD's which is to say sweeeet.
Purchased new 10/2022.

I don't like the Leica focusers either, not on the Ultravids...have not tried Trinovid. Part of it's just me....obviously lots of others love these binoculars! I am going to buy the MGH 8x30's at some point regardless, so I'll find out what's up with the store demo, maybe the grease congeals if they're not used or something. The 8x30's never come up for sale used or as demo, that tells me the owners like them.

I used Nikon Premier/LXL (HG) 8x42 for 13 straight years and nothing else. I think this explains how I feel about focusers. I expect them all to be like the Nikon HG and EDG and only the Zeiss SF series meets my standards. No doubt it's my fingers and joints which are messed up health-wise.

The Nikon EDG are premium binos that Nikon USA stopped selling but continue to be made and sold in Japan and Europe in 7x42, 8x42, and 10x42. They're nice! I think the 10x42 costs about $1500 if you buy them from Japan, which I did. If you need warranty service they must be sent overseas so I'm hoping that doesn't happen. The SFL 10x40 would be tough competition for them, the SFL's are lighter by 4 ounces and you can buy them normally in the US. The Monarchs HG are very light binos too and a great value.

If I was on a strict budget I'd probably wait and watch for a used pair or demos to come up, that would enable you to get the SFL's. You can watch Euro Optic and B&H for demos here in the US, and the classifieds here or on Astromart which is $15/year. You can sell your old binos pretty easily, just post an ad and pack them carefully.

 

[lmans66]

The MHG 8x32 has a smooth focus but I must admit it is a slow focus....just about all of the other ones I tried (I think the Conquest is best as well as Trinovid and Ultra, while the Swaro CL is fast either )...all beat the MHG in focus quickness. For birding....this was one issue I have with the MHG. Just not as fast, but smooth. It is wise to try physically if possible....and out in the field if you can as 'in-store' testing doesn't get to realistic situations.

 

[dorubird]

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?

Yes, takes a little more than one rotation to go from close to infinity! For me the focus is perfect with this Monarch HG 8x30.

It is one of the most beautiful binoculars on the market and one of the smallest 8x30

 

[MiddleRiver]

I don't like the Leica focusers either, not on the Ultravids...have not tried Trinovid. Part of it's just me....obviously lots of others love these binoculars! I am going to buy the MGH 8x30's at some point regardless, so I'll find out what's up with the store demo, maybe the grease congeals if they're not used or something. The 8x30's never come up for sale used or as demo, that tells me the owners like them.

I used Nikon Premier/LXL (HG) 8x42 for 13 straight years and nothing else. I think this explains how I feel about focusers. I expect them all to be like the Nikon HG and EDG and only the Zeiss SF series meets my standards. No doubt it's my fingers and joints which are messed up health-wise.

The Nikon EDG are premium binos that Nikon USA stopped selling but continue to be made and sold in Japan and Europe in 7x42, 8x42, and 10x42. They're nice! I think the 10x42 costs about $1500 if you buy them from Japan, which I did. If you need warranty service they must be sent overseas so I'm hoping that doesn't happen. The SFL 10x40 would be tough competition for them, the SFL's are lighter by 4 ounces and you can buy them normally in the US. The Monarchs HG are very light binos too and a great value.

If I was on a strict budget I'd probably wait and watch for a used pair or demos to come up, that would enable you to get the SFL's. You can watch Euro Optic and B&H for demos here in the US, and the classifieds here or on Astromart which is $15/year. You can sell your old binos pretty easily, just post an ad and pack them carefully.

Just so you know, the UV and Trinnie are totally different focus experiences (and methodologies I assume). The UV turns some folks off - as I understand it it is greaseless which means unaffected by temp/age, but consequently there is some stiction which can seem disconcerting if you are used to conventional (greased?) systems. I own both.
If I have misspoken, I hope some of the bino experts with repair/hands-on mechanical knowledge will chime in.

That's not to say you should/will like either one. Ergos are a very personal thing ;-)

 

[lmans66]

Just so you know, the UV and Trinnie are totally different focus experiences (and methodologies I assume). The UV turns some folks off - as I understand it it is greaseless which means unaffected by temp/age, but consequently there is some stiction which can seem disconcerting if you are used to conventional (greased?) systems. I own both.
If I have misspoken, I hope some of the bino experts with repair/hands-on mechanical knowledge will chime in.

That's not to say you should/will like either one. Ergos are a very personal thing ;-)

Correct on that....two totally different focus experiences. The Trini is absolutely wonderful and I wish it was the same size as the UV. But not to take anything away from the UV as I would equally love that bin back in my hands too.

 

[Scott98]

Just so you know, the UV and Trinnie are totally different focus experiences (and methodologies I assume)

OK great, now I have another set of binoculars on my "try" list! I was trying to rule them out. People have told me the focuser's really nice on the 7x35 retro's too.

 

[MiddleRiver]

OK great, now I have another set of binoculars on my "try" list! I was trying to rule them out. People have told me the focuser's really nice on the 7x35 retro's too.

They're all different... the Retro is not for everyone, but for some of us, it's what we want to be buried with.

 

[Rolosama]

If you are considering the purchase of Monarch HG binoculars, you must now consider the arrival of the Monarch M7 (different from the Monarch 7) which offers practically the equivalent at a lower cost.

 

[lmans66]

So does that mean that Nikon now has the Monarch 7, the Monarch M7 and the Monarch HG? .... I can see two but three? I wonder if the Monarch M7 replaces the Monarch 7?

 

[Rolosama]

So does that mean that Nikon now has the Monarch 7, the Monarch M7 and the Monarch HG? .... I can see two but three? I wonder if the Monarch M7 replaces the Monarch 7?

Yes, the Monarch M7 replaces de Monarch 7.