Comparison binoculars, significant technical data (according to manufacturer) of Nikon Monarch HG 8x42:

Edge sharpness is primarily determined by two aberrations: field curvature and astigmatism. This old post attempts to explain how they interact.

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If I'd been impressed with the HG so far then I was even more satisfied with the image it delivers. Aside from the pin-sharpness, the colours were natural and vivid and the contrast excellent. These features combined to beautifully produce wonderful and memorable views of Waxwings during the winter invasion. The minimum 92 per cent light transmission is commendable and ensures a pleasingly bright image – even in low light conditions. When birding in woodland and scrub, to my eyes, a '3D' effect becomes evident and is testament to the model's high resolution. You see where I come from in Southern Africa, there really was no choice. It was a loaf of bread or nothing. Ok, perhaps I am exaggerating a little as I am sure there was the choice between brown and white, but that was it! Weight... The MGH is lightweight binocular. I didn't realize it until just now but it's the lightest 8X42 I own or have ever owned. There is at least 3 possible reason why I can't see much optical (except glare) difference with M7 and alpha bins.

At the given prices I think the Nikon HG wins hands down. At cost non-issue the SLC is clearly the best as it should be at ~2x the cost. I don't think the SLC's price gives you 2x more bino than the HG. 10% more might even be a stretch...maybe... This means that the prisms are cheaper to make and yet will perform at the same level as high end and much more expensive roof prisms. Given the low price point relative to the EDG, it could be argued that the Monarch HG's 'performance per pound' is higher than its costlier cousin and I think Nikon is on to a winner here. I like it – from every aspect. So it stands to reason that the absolute perfect pair of binoculars for each of these extreme scenarios will be somewhat different. Extra-low dispersion (ED) glass corrects chromatic aberration that causes colour fringing and realises a contrast-rich and high-resolution image

Nikon Premier LX 8x20 Binoculars

Apparent angle of view of Hawke APO 10x42 is 2.9% larger than Nikon MHG 10x42 (FoV x magnification).

Objective lens caps are integrated to prevent loss. Interchangeable objective rubber rings without caps are included and can be switched according to applications. Observers without eyeglasses with deep set eyes might notice problems (shadows, kidney beans) due to the rather large eyecups of the Hawke APO.

Best Porro Prism

According to allbinos.com, very optimistic (beautified) information about the real angle of vision is often written in data sheets. Without a tripod with rotation angle scale or a self-built attachment/support of the binoculars at eye level and tape measure for a measurement of the field of view at close range and extrapolation to 1000 m I cannot measure the real angle of view. To compare binoculars from time to time, I do not buy additional equipment. (Anyway, I find the more than 3 degrees more apparent angles of view according to ISO of the Hawke APO 10x42 to the Nikon MHG 8x42 impressive when comparing). A test under and next to low-lying morning sun behind some clouds, i.e. very diffuse light, shows hardly any differences. Despite numerous attempts, only an easily correctable, crescent-shaped glare occurs almost without any flashes of bright reflections when panning. Due to the larger exit pupils, the Nikon MHG 8x42 can be corrected less often and more easily than the Hawke APO 10x42. Whilst 8x42's have become popular, a 7x42 like this is a more classic birding configuration and here's why: Nikon's established Monarch range saw two new models join the armoury in the latter half of last year: the 8x42 HG and the 10x42 HG. Described as the most advanced models in the history of Monarch binoculars, the HGs represent a significant upgrade to the range, differing from the others in their superior optical performance and handling.

At 145 m at 1,000 m, the field of view is admirably wide, although I was not able to see its full width with the eyecups at maximum extension. However, the image remains nicely sharp to the very edges of the field at all extension settings. The field-flattener system employed ensures there is also minimal field curvature at the edges.The prisms have also been phase corrected and have multilayer coatings of the best, very highly-reflective dielectric material, meaning more light gets transmitted and in the right way for the brightest, highest quality views possible. In my extreme conditions compared to birdwatchers, the large circular arcs from the street light suggest they are reflections from the insides of the round tubes. First off the slightly lower power means that in many cases you are most often rewarded with a wider field of view and this is most certainly the case with the 7x42 Nikon EDG as it measures a massive 419 ft wide at a distance of 1000 yards away. As far as I know since the introduction of Phase Coatings on Roof Prism binoculars Nikon never made a 32mm Roof Prism binocular that was not in their "Top of the Line." In other words an "Alpha." Their Monarch line of binoculars had 36mm offerings that sold well and most recently Nikon offered Monarch 30mm binoculars but Nikon has never offered 32mm roof prisms in these lower price ranges. Their first Roof Prism 32mm Alphas were in the HG (for High Grade) series and they were followed by the EDG series. Aside from throwing them into my nearest gravel pit to test the waterproofing, I opted for a more modest testing regime for the 8x42. This is one of those binoculars with which I was instantly comfortable. The magnesium alloy chassis lends low weight and the relative compactness adds to the ease and comfort of handling, while the subtle contouring of the rubber body armour facilitates holding.