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
Other posts related to this:
The Nikon 7294 Monarch III 8×42 Binoculars Review
Easy Steps To Choosing The Right Bird Watching Binoculars
Nikon 7430 Monarch 8x42mm All-Terrain Binoculars