Is the Monarch M5 8x42 worth it over the M7?

The M5 gives most of the M7's optical quality for less money. The M7 adds a magnesium body and slightly better coatings, so choose it only if you want a more premium feel.

Is 8x42 good for birdwatching?

Yes. 8x is easy to hold steady and the 42 mm lenses gather plenty of light at dawn and dusk. The wide field of view helps you find fast-moving birds.

Are these binoculars waterproof?

Nikon rates the Monarch M5 as waterproof and fogproof, filled with nitrogen. It handles rain and humidity, but do not submerge it.

What comes in the box?

The binocular, a binocular harness, a Nikon LensPen cleaning system, lens caps and a case. A tripod adapter is not included.

How does it compare with the Monarch 5?

The M5 is the updated Monarch 5 with revised coatings and a slightly lighter body. Optically they are close; buy whichever costs less.

When is the best time to buy?

Binocular prices dip around Black Friday and during spring birding sales. Check the price history before buying.

Nikon Monarch M5 8x42

Last price we saw

$286.95last seen Oct 28

Prices change often: ask the agent below to check today's price at every store.

Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

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Our take on the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42

The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 is a roof-prism binocular built for birding, hunting and general outdoor use. It pairs 8x magnification with 42 mm lenses, ED glass and dielectric, phase-corrected multicoatings for bright, color-accurate images and a wide 335 ft field of view. At 22 oz it is light enough to carry all day. It is the mid-tier Monarch, sitting below the M7 and above entry-level Nikon glass.

Best forBirdwatchers who want a wide, bright viewHunters needing a light, rugged binocularTravelers and hikers who carry optics all dayFirst serious binocular buyers stepping up from budget models

Pros

ED glass and dielectric coatings give sharp, color-true images
Wide 335 ft field of view at 1,000 yards makes finding birds easy
Light at 22 oz for a 42 mm binocular
8x is steady enough to hand-hold for long periods
Ships with a harness and Nikon LensPen

Cons

Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 price history

Lowest price we've seen: $286.95 on Oct 28. Tracked across 1 store since Oct 28.

What reviewers say

Owners and reviewers generally rate the Monarch M5 as one of the best values in mid-priced binoculars, praising its bright, sharp optics and comfortable weight. Complaints center on the plastic-feeling housing and the lack of included accessories like a tripod mount.

Pros

Bright, sharp image for the price
Wide field of view
Light and comfortable to hold
Solid build for the money

Cons

Housing feels plasticky
No tripod adapter in the box
Focus wheel can feel stiff when new

Specifications

Maximum magnification: 8xSource

Questions and answers

Is the Monarch M5 8x42 worth it over the M7?: The M5 gives most of the M7's optical quality for less money. The M7 adds a magnesium body and slightly better coatings, so choose it only if you want a more premium feel.
Is 8x42 good for birdwatching?: Yes. 8x is easy to hold steady and the 42 mm lenses gather plenty of light at dawn and dusk. The wide field of view helps you find fast-moving birds.
Are these binoculars waterproof?: Nikon rates the Monarch M5 as waterproof and fogproof, filled with nitrogen. It handles rain and humidity, but do not submerge it.
What comes in the box?: The binocular, a binocular harness, a Nikon LensPen cleaning system, lens caps and a case. A tripod adapter is not included.
How does it compare with the Monarch 5?: The M5 is the updated Monarch 5 with revised coatings and a slightly lighter body. Optically they are close; buy whichever costs less.
When is the best time to buy?: Binocular prices dip around Black Friday and during spring birding sales. Check the price history before buying.