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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Nikon Monarch HG 8x42 (1 Viewer)

sope0018

Active member
United States
I'm considering purchasing a pair of these, but most reviews I've seen and read mention that the locking diopter mechanism is rather flimsy. Do folks who actually own this optic feel this way? Has Nikon corrected this seemingly common issue? Thanks!
 
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Mine unlocks pretty easily, I could easily pop it loose with my thumb if I so desired, but It hasn’t ever accidentally come unlocked in the field. Might have something to do with how you hold/carry them though.
 
My wife has a pair, and I've handled a couple others - the diopter unlocks easily on all I've tried. Optics are outstanding though - not much difference between them and my Victory HT or SLC.

Once the wife got the diopter adjusted, I slipped an o-ring in the gap between it and the eyecup - fits perfect and keeps it from unlocking.
 
I've owned this binocular since at least early 2017. So yes this binocular does have a "locking" diopter. Mine isn't always "locked." Saying that. Most binoculars with the adjustment under the eyepiece don't even have a "locking" diopter and two....I've never had an issue with this binoculars diopter adjustment wandering. IMO both the 8X42 and 8X30 are excellent birding binoculars....maybe the best in their price category.

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I'm considering purchasing a pair of these, but most reviews I've seen and read mention that the locking diopter mechanism is rather flimsy. Do folks who actually own this optic feel this way? Has Nikon corrected this seemingly common issue? Thanks!
Mine has not moved since I bought them . A truly excellent bin.
 

sope0018,​

On the contrary, in my 8x30 the diopter adjustment is very tight and stays fixed! Furthermore, you also must to have the eyepiece cup raised to be able to unblocks diopters ring.
 
Mine is a-ok. Works great. Never had a problem with it unlocking or changing without my input. I can’t praise the HG binos enough. Best value optics on the market in my humble opinion
 
The eyecups of the updated version of the 42mm MHGs no longer have space for the diopter ring to unlock when the eyecup is fully down. Adds two extra eyecup twisting steps each time when adjusting the diopter for eyeglass wearers like myself. See pictures at Nikon: MONARCH HG 8x42 - ハイグレードタイプ | NikonDirect - ニコンダイレクト

However, it may still unlock/pop up if you use it with eyecups twisted up in the field. Since diopter does not rotate easily, it is actually just a very minor issue.
 
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