Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-terrain binoculars

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

Watching Birds At Your Bird Feeder With Your Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 Binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars Comments Off

Feb 052010

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

Your Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 binoculars will allow you to see all the colorful birds that stop by your bird feeder. You will really be able to see the feathers, eyes, beaks and wings. Click the link to order your Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 binoculars.

Bird Watching Binoculars-See The Beautiful Sunset With Your Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 binoculars

Bird Watching Binoculars Comments Off

Feb 052010

Create your own video slideshow at animoto.com.

View the beautiful birds at sunset with your Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain Binoculars. Be able to watch them up close as they hunt for food and glide through the air. Click the link to get your pair of Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain Binoculars.

The New NIKON 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars Review

Bird Watching Binoculars 7 Responses »

Feb 042010

The new NIKON 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars with a dielectric high-reflective multicolor prism coating are available. This coating will assure uniform and high transmittance in full visible range for bright and natural color images. When comparing the Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars to the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 All-Terrain Binoculars a slight difference will be noticed when viewing blue objects, but the biggest improvement is the increased brightness of the objects you see. Below is a table showing all the specifications for the new Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars.



	NIKON 7294 Monarch III 8x42 Binoculars
Magnification	8X
Objective Aperture	42 mm
Prism	Roof
Lineal Field of View	330ft/1000 yds (110/1000m)
Angular Field of View (degrees)	6.3
Eye Relief	19.6 mm
Exit Pupil	5.25 mm
Close Focus Distance	8.2 ft (2.5mm)
Central Focus Wheel	Yes
Relative Brightness	28.1
Fully Multi-Coated lens	Yes
Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coating	Yes
Phase Correction	Yes
Eye Cups	Multi-setting click stop eyecups
Weight	21.5 oz (610g)
Length (L x W)	5.7 x 5.20 in (146 x 129 mm)
Waterproof	Yes
Fog Proof	Yes
Warranty	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.

Check my posts- Easy Steps to Choosing the Right Bird Watching Binoculars for helpful ideas on selecting binoculars or for my review of the Nikon 7430 Monarch 8×42 ATB Binoculars.

I recommend the NIKON 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars if you are in the market for a new pair of quality yet affordable binoculars. Click to order your NIKON 7294 Monarch 5 8×42 Binoculars.

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

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