Nikon Monarch HG vs Swarovski EL 10x42

[Echo]

Hi there,

I currently have Nikon Monarch HG 10x42. They are great glass but I often consider upgrading to alpha glass and wonder how much better it truly is. So, my question is whether anyone’s directly compared the Monarch HG to the Swarovski EL swarovision?

If so, are the ELs much better or only incrementally better?

 

[Tahoe1305]

biggest difference is edge to edge clarity. That in theory makes FOV better. I’ve compared and don’t think center resolution is much if any better.

The color on swaros is a tad different/better as well but that’s more a personal preference.

They are an upgrade. Problem is used HGs have fallen off a bit in value. $1k more or nearly 3x the cost may be a rough proposition.

 

[Echo]

biggest difference is edge to edge clarity. That in theory makes FOV better. I’ve compared and don’t think center resolution is much if any better.

The color on swaros is a tad different/better as well but that’s more a personal preference.

They are an upgrade. Problem is used HGs have fallen off a bit in value. $1k more or nearly 3x the cost may be a rough proposition.

Thanks, Tahoe. Once again, I appreciate your optics feedback!

 

[TTT]

It’s an upgrade to Swaro EL, though with some caveats.
1. Monarch HG is not quite the Nikon EDG or original HG, which are very close to the EL. Edge sharpness isn’t quite there, as well as chromatic aberration.
In hunting aplication, these differences may not be that significant to many people.
2. Light transmission - EL is better than Monarch HG in challenging light at dawn.
3. Build & Ergonomics - I prefer Swarovski. It feels more robust than the Monarch HG, though I like the focuser on Monarch HG a bit better.
4. Customer service - No experience with Nikon bino. OK with camera lens. Swarovski has been great, even with used equipment.
5. Cost - Big jump from Monarch to Swaroski EL, but with better resale value.

 

[OldPete]

I can not speak to the Swaros but I recently picked up a pair of the Monarch HGs. Previously I had the Vortex Vipers HDs. I was absolutely blown away with the difference between the two. The more vivid color contrast, brighter image, better edge to edge clarity, far better low light performance, improved ergos, lighter weight, almost everything about it blew the vipers out of the water. Even my wife who has much less of a trained eye saw the stark differences. I really didn't have any complaints with the vipers before but now I couldn't imagine going back to them.

 

[Archer2]

Hi there,

I currently have Nikon Monarch HG 10x42. They are great glass but I often consider upgrading to alpha glass and wonder how much better it truly is. So, my question is whether anyone’s directly compared the Monarch HG to the Swarovski EL swarovision?

If so, are the ELs much better or only incrementally better?

Just go straight to the Swaro NL’s and you won’t have to worry about how it compares to the Nikon because you will have the best glass available! I do not regret buying my NL’s at all. Completely worth it

 

[Echo]

Just go straight to the Swaro NL’s and you won’t have to worry about how it compares to the Nikon because you will have the best glass available! I do not regret buying my NL’s at all. Completely worth it

True….from everything I’ve read, the NL’s are the best of the best.

 

[OldPete]

Another consideration may be that to go to the ELs you will be losing about 30ft FOV at 1000yards. That's pretty substantial. I think unless you were going all the way up to the NL pures you would be paying more for tradeoffs that aren't entirely worth it. Stick with the HGs. They are great!

 

[Archer2]

You should seriously consider these. Buyer is great, I’ve bought multiple things from him before. https://www.longrangehunting.com/threads/swarovski-nl-pure-10x42mm-as-new.374919/

 

[hobbler]

It’s an upgrade to Swaro EL, though with some caveats.
1. Monarch HG is not quite the Nikon EDG or original HG, which are very close to the EL. Edge sharpness isn’t quite there, as well as chromatic aberration.
In hunting aplication, these differences may not be that significant to many people.
2. Light transmission - EL is better than Monarch HG in challenging light at dawn.
3. Build & Ergonomics - I prefer Swarovski. It feels more robust than the Monarch HG, though I like the focuser on Monarch HG a bit better.
4. Customer service - No experience with Nikon bino. OK with camera lens. Swarovski has been great, even with used equipment.
5. Cost - Big jump from Monarch to Swaroski EL, but with better resale value.

Was looking to upgrade hunting binos to a used Monarch HG or similar. You think the old HG DCF is a good option? I can’t find hardly anything on it.

 

[johnw3474]

I would want to know how old you are. I have Monarch HGs and was sitting in a ground blind with a buddy that had the ELs. What appeared to be a very big white tail buck stepped out at 450sh across an ag field at dusk. The camp manages bucks well and we were trying to make a determination. I could not see better with his than I could with mine... but I am also in my 30s (I do have contacts for that is worth). I have heard guys in their 50/60s say they can tell a huge difference in the ultra high end glass though. I definitely didn't think it was worth me upgrading after that experience.

 

[Echo]

Was looking to upgrade hunting binos to a used Monarch HG or similar. You think the old HG DCF is a good option? I can’t find hardly anything on it.

I actually have a pair of HGs that I’m going to sell, just haven’t gotten around to posting it yet. I ended up upgrading to the ELs and sent my Monarch HGs in to Nikon for service on the diopter switch, which was gritty, before posting them for sale.

They ended up sending me back a brand new pair. If you’re interested, feel free to DM me and we can discuss.

 

[Agross]

So what’s your conclusion, response to your original post? Not being a smartass, genuine question

 

[Echo]

I think it’s too early to tell….i haven’t spent enough time behind the ELs yet and would like to actually get them out glassing some terrain in first and last light.

That said, the use I’ve had so far, they do seem a bit sharper than the Nikons - not a ton. But, for me, the biggest win is the ergonomics. The Nikons never seemed to fit me too well - I always had to play with the eyecups to get the right focus for my eyes. I don’t have that issue with the ELs, so the comfort level is much higher for my eyes. Which makes a big difference for long glassing sessions.

 

[Bugger]

I actually have a pair of HGs that I’m going to sell, just haven’t gotten around to posting it yet. I ended up upgrading to the ELs and sent my Monarch HGs in to Nikon for service on the diopter switch, which was gritty, before posting them for sale.

They ended up sending me back a brand new pair. If you’re interested, feel free to DM me and we can discuss.

How was your experience with Nikon CS? Sounds like it worked out well in the end with a new bino, but just curious if you had any issues that people usually bring up about Nikon (past warranty period, no receipt, second owner type stuff).

 

[hobbler]

I actually have a pair of HGs that I’m going to sell, just haven’t gotten around to posting it yet. I ended up upgrading to the ELs and sent my Monarch HGs in to Nikon for service on the diopter switch, which was gritty, before posting them for sale.

They ended up sending me back a brand new pair. If you’re interested, feel free to DM me and we can discuss.

Would be interested but you could probably get more for new ones than I want to pay. Looking for something 5-600. Wife and kids put a limit on the budget.

John, am 30 with good eyes.

 

[Echo]

Shockingly, it was really good. And simple. I just filled out the online warranty form, shipped them in, and received the new pair about 3 weeks later. No questions asked. It was all pretty simple.

How was your experience with Nikon CS? Sounds like it worked out well in the end with a new bino, but just curious if you had any issues that people usually bring up about Nikon (past warranty period, no receipt, second owner type stuff).

 

[Bugger]

Shockingly, it was really good. And simple. I just filled out the online warranty form, shipped them in, and received the new pair about 3 weeks later. No questions asked. It was all pretty simple.

That’s good to hear they’re at least supportive of their current models! Thanks

 

[Wrench]

How was your experience with Nikon CS? Sounds like it worked out well in the end with a new bino, but just curious if you had any issues that people usually bring up about Nikon (past warranty period, no receipt, second owner type stuff).

I roached a pair of edg's and they sent me a new set of edg2's in a few days.