monarch binoculars – Your Bird Feeder

The Importance Of Waterproof Binoculars

Jun 052010

Which binoculars will perform well for bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts? Should you buy binoculars that are fog-proof, weatherproof, rainproof, climate-proof, rustproof, spray-proof or waterproof? Here is what you need to know when investing in a good pair of binoculars.

Bird watchers encounter all types of weather conditions. It would be sad to miss that rare bird sighting because your binoculars have fogged-up or moisture has collected in them. The proper sealing of binoculars is one of the most important features of good optics. There are no industry wide standards for the sealing process. Many manufacturers boast fog-proof, weatherproof, rainproof, climate-proof, rustproof, spray-proof, waterproof and many other “certain-proofs”. Some of these words are just alerting the consumer that there was an attempt to seal the binoculars against harsh weather conditions.

Waterproof binoculars are nitrogen gas purged and use O-rings to seal the optics. They protect from rain, leakage and fogging. The waterproofing offers better optics in all weather conditions. Waterproof binoculars ensure clear views in mornings’ heavy dew and during times of elevated humidity. Waterproof binoculars allow you to enjoy events without worrying about the effects of harsh weather conditions. The waterproofing even keeps dust and dirt out. Dirt building up over time in your binoculars will obscure the view.

Buy binoculars that are waterproof! Waterproof means the following two things about the optics.

* Additional protection and maximum measures were taken by the company to seal the binoculars.
* If the seal of a waterproof binocular fails, the warranty by most companies will cover resealing the binoculars.

There are a few basic precautions that bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts need to take to ensure that the optic seal is not damaged.

* Buy a waterproof binocular that is easy to grip and feels comfortable in your hands. This eliminates them slipping and dropping out of your hands which may loosen the seals.
* Always carry and use lens caps and rain guards to protect your binoculars in damp or dusty conditions.
* Get a comfortable and secure binocular harness. A good binocular harness will keep the binoculars close to your body and prevent them from bouncing and banging into things. This jarring could also loosen and effect the binocular seals.
* Be careful where you store your binoculars. When not in use place them in a durable and waterproof case.
* Never leave your binoculars in the car or any other place that has extreme temperature swings. These conditions will put a high amount of stress on the gaskets and seals in your binoculars.

For any birder or outdoor enthusiast waterproof binoculars is a must, even if rarely used in bad weather.

There are many good waterproof binoculars on the market. The waterproof binoculars that I recommend are the Nikon 7294 Monarch 5 or the 7430 Monarch 8×42 waterproof ATB binoculars. These binoculars are waterproof and “if” anything should happen to them the Nikon warranty is superb. The warranty states: “Nikon is dedicated to quality, performance and total customer satisfaction. If your Nikon Binocular, Spotting Scope or Fieldscope requires service or repair not covered by our 25-Year Limited Warranty, Nikon will repair or replace it (even if it was your fault) for just $10, plus return shipping and handling.”

Other posts you may find helpful are: The Nikon 7294 Monarch III Waterproof Binocular Review and Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 ATB Binoculars

Nikon 7294 vs 7430 Binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars 4 Responses »

Apr 032010

Which binoculars should you choose for bird watching? Well, let’s put the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars up against the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars.

The Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars and the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars are similar in many ways. They are both a roof prism binocular. The specs for lineal field of view of 330 ft./1000yds. and angular field of 6.3 are identical for the 7294 and the 7430. Both have the exact eye relief (19.6 mm) and exit pupil (5.25mm) as well as eye cups with the multi-setting click stops. They are alike in their close focus distance of 8.2 ft. and relative brightness of 28.1. These lightweight binoculars are equal in their weight (21.5 oz.) and size (5.7 x 5.0 in.).

So, what is the difference? The major difference is the coating on the prism and lens. The Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars has a full multi-coated lens that highlights brighter and clearer images with less ghosts and blurs. The new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars have a new dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating. The dielectric high-reflective multilayer coating features even crisper images and sharper colors through the binoculars. The coating also allows a much improved low-light performance with the Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars. I love the fact that Nikon is continuously out there improving their binoculars. The full multi-coated lens on the 7430 is a super crisp and bright lens. So you can imagine the superb view that you get on the 7294 with the dielectric high-reflective multi-layer coating.

Another change in the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars is it’s newer body style. The new body furnishes a stronger and more rugged binocular.

The warranty for both binoculars are the same great warranty that Nikon provides. I like Nikon’s warranty because they definitely stand behind their products. It covers damage to the binoculars (even if it’s your fault). Let’s face it, when we are out in the elements anything can happen.

In conclusion, the Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars and the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain binoculars are both great glasses. If I were looking for a new pair of bird watching binoculars I would certainly look at the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 binoculars first.

UPDATE: Nikon has changed the name of the Nikon Monarch ATB III to Nikon Monarch 5