Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 vs Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42
The Monarch M7 10x42 is the better all-round binocular for most shoppers: sharper Nikon ED glass, a wider 62.2° apparent field, and 16.5 mm eye relief that works with glasses. The Prostaff P3 8x42 is the easier, steadier pick for beginners and for tracking moving subjects, thanks to its 8x magnification and 377 ft field of view. The Monarch M7 10x42 is $221.00 at the listed store; no price was given for the Prostaff P3 8x42.
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Nikon Monarch M7 10x42
Choose the Monarch M7 10x42 if you want more reach and detail at distance, wear glasses, or often focus on nearby subjects.
- 10x pulls detail out at long range
- 16.5 mm eye relief works with glasses
- Close focus of 8.2 ft suits nearby subjects
- Water resistant and light at 24 oz
- 10x magnifies hand shake more than 8x
- Narrower apparent field than the Prostaff
- No ED glass named in the specs
What separates them
| Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 | Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 | |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification | 10x | 8x |
| Field of view | 62.2° apparent angle of view | 377 ft at 1,000 yd (7.2°) |
| Close focus | 8.2 ft (2.5 m) | Not specified |
| Eye relief | 16.5 mm, glasses-friendly | 1 mm as listed, effectively unusable with glasses |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm | 5 mm |
| Weight | 24.0 oz (680 g) | 1.27 lb (about 20 oz) |
| Optics | Roof prism, Nikon multi-coated | Roof prism, multicoated, eco-friendly glass |
| Build | Water resistant, black rubber-armored body |
Price history
- Nikon Monarch M7 10x42: lowest $416.96 on Oct 28.
- Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42: lowest $156.95 on Oct 28.
Specs compared
| Spec | Nikon Monarch M7 10x42 | Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 |
|---|---|---|
| Eye relief | 16.5 mm | 1 mm |
| Weight | 680/24.0 | 1.27 lb |
| Color | Black | Black |
| Magnification | 10x | — |
| Objective diameter | 42mm | — |
| Angular field of view | 62.2° | — |
| Exit pupil | 4.2 mm | — |
| Close focusing distance | 2.5/8.2 | — |
| Length | 142/5.6 | — |
| Width | 130/5.1 | — |
| Depth |
What reviewers say
Nikon Monarch M7 10x42
Owners of the Monarch M7 line generally praise the sharp, bright image and solid waterproof build for the price. The 10x42 is well liked as an all-round birding glass, with field of view the most common complaint.
- Sharp, contrasty image for the money
- Comfortable eyecups and eye relief
- Reliable waterproof sealing
- Narrower view than some rivals
- Some find 10x harder to hold steady
- Focus wheel stiffness noted by a few
Questions and answers
- Which is better for birding?
- The Prostaff P3 8x42's wide 377 ft field makes it easier to find and follow birds. The Monarch M7 10x42 wins when you need detail at long range and wear glasses.
- Which is better in low light?
- The Prostaff P3 8x42 has the larger 5 mm exit pupil, so it is easier on the eyes at dawn and dusk. The Monarch M7 10x42's 4.2 mm exit pupil is smaller.
- Can I use either with glasses?
- The Monarch M7 10x42's 16.5 mm eye relief works with glasses. The Prostaff P3 8x42 lists 1 mm eye relief, which effectively rules out glasses.
- Is the Monarch M7 10x42 worth the extra?
- It is $221.00 at the listed store, and no price was given for the Prostaff P3 8x42, so the gap can't be measured here. The Monarch adds 10x reach, close focus and glasses-friendly eye relief.
- Which is steadier to hold?
- The Prostaff P3 8x42. At 8x it magnifies hand shake less than the Monarch M7 10x42's 10x.
- Which is lighter?
- The Prostaff P3 8x42 at about 20 oz (1.27 lb) against the Monarch M7 10x42 at 24 oz (680 g).