Swarovski SLC 10x42 vs Nikon Monarch HG 8x42

[@daniellemeacham3884]

I thoroughly enjoyed my time spent in Stavanger. You have a beautiful area. I carried my binos with me and used them all the time.

[@havana335]

I loved your review, I have the Nikon HG in the 8 power, I totally agree with you, much better than the 10 power. These binos are incredible, the sharpness and contrast are exceptional.

[@chiraagshah269]

Excellent, thorough review. I loved your extra remarks regarding if the binoculars were the same price and about 10x vs 8x magnification. Very helpful.

[@zpc751]

SLC now made in Austria by Khales, I had an SLC 10,x42 for 5 years, so sharp, brilliant and vision in the dusk excellent, built very strong. Is better than HG that I try together the SLC when I buy it. SLC is an High level binocular, HG is a middle high level. SLC is close to EL model

[@jasonmcintosh2632]

Thx for a great review. I have a Monarch 10x42 HG and love it. I haven't compared it to a 8x42 yet, but I appreciate your comments about 8x vs 10x.

[@adilhbk1]

The review is applicable to Monarch HG 10x too :)

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

Less hand shake effect, wider field of view, brighter picture, better eye relief and lower weight are common refrains from binocular aficionados who commonly advocate the many advantages of 8x over 10x magnification.

[@georgetaylor5433]

Thanks for a very Honest review. I'm a Nikon fan.

[@bebopkirby]

For me personally the return in investment for the top European alpha binoculars just isn’t there, when compared to what is coming out of the Far East. It’s like paying extra for a German luxury car over say a Acura or Lexus. More about making a statement. As a birder for over the last 40 years + l use to see a lot of people with European binoculars (me included), particularly Zeiss and a some Leica. Today other than the occasional Swarovski, very rarely. The payback for the cost just isn’t there anymore, those Nikons are a perfect example. Great review.

[@Aleksandr.Dmitriyevich]

Excellent review. Thank you!

[@tebe3240]

Your 8x42 will be brighter because of the exit pupil and I don’t think the SLC have field flattening lenses , Thanks for the review !!!

[@SHmusic_forever]

I have the Nikon Monarch HG 8*42 and DDoptics EDXhr 10*42 similar priced. The magnification on the DDoptics is higher and narrarower than the Nikon with sharply defined edging, but because of the sharpness on the Nikon i feel I have the same reach visibly only wider. I must say the Nikon Monarch HG is a great set of binoculars. The only time they have disappointed was under dusk and dimmer conditions. But hey you pay between 800-1000 $ i dont you think you can blame the Nikon for that. The Nikon is good for astro too i shows pointy stars with nice colour and because of the field flatning viewing the stars looks good with a little bit of depth and 3D effect with an even image.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Does the slightly lower brightness/transmission of the HG negatively effect it for stargazing compared to the Conquest HD?

[@SHmusic_forever]

@@MattH-wg7ou Since i dont have the Conquest HD 10x42" and i can't really answer that. But with the Nikon Monarch HG 8*42 when i said it disappointed me is a bit unprecise, because when i think back at the situation i dont think the transmission was the problem i think it was x8 magnification that lead to the let down. Thats not a fair judgment because what i was looking was really a long range target and x8 is not made for that. Stargazing wise i would say that the HG x8 could reach a status of high regard if you have dark skies without light pollution.

[@seasterl]

Excellent review! Thanks very much! You helped me make my decision.

[@robertculepa7523]

Mam nikon monarch hg 10x42 jest naprawdę super polecam

[@helthuismartin]

The Meopta MeoPro Air HD ED fluorite beats them both.It has the same image quality and build quality for only 700 Euros.

[@sadikant6975]

Swarovsky SLC 10X42 👍🎯💚

[@wildlife351]

How about monarch m7 10x42 (i'm in wildlife photography since 3 years with 200-500 f5.6 and nikon d750 - just to have something for comparison if it is comparable)

[@u5T30]

Hi Mohammad, Thank you for the very in-depth and balanced review. If I ever decide to upgrade my binoculars it will be to the Monarch HG. Happy birding!

[@adilhbk1]

Thanx a lot for ur appreciation :)

[@natureme2392]

Thank you for sharing these binoculars comparison. Man you're still young. Isn't warranty of Nikon Monarch hg 2 years?

[@adilhbk1]

I think 5 yrs.

[@tehrihumbert876]

Nice test and speech, buddy, as i was wondering which will be soon my next binauculars.... and i never thought of Nikon... so thx for the idea ! Curious to know if you checked the famous Leica Trinovid which could have found a place in your test, and at a good price too. Cheers.

[@rajeshrajendran336]

I think Nikon Monarch HG is Nitrogen filled and Swarovski is filled with Nitrogen or Argon ? No discussion in that particular aspect . . . . Kindly discuss that in comment . . . ! ! !

[@sfomann]

I wonder if you tried the Monarch 7 and compared it with HG. The M7 is less then half the price and within my budget of US$300-400. I am specifically looking at 8x30 or 8x32x for my all in one hiking and travel friendly binocular.

[@stevensonline8695]

I had the Monarch 7 8x42 before I got the Monarch HG 8x42. The HG has a wider field of view and is a little sharper and has less colour fringing. However, the Monarch 7 is still a great binocular. By the way, if it suits your budget, the Swarovski 8x25 Pocket CL is a great compact binocular priced a little less than the Monarch HG. Its not great in low light but it is very portable.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@stevensonline8695 The HG has the cachet of ‘Made in Japan’ 🇯🇵. For casual users, the M7 is all the binocular one would ever need. But, for those with more sophisticated tastes, a more serious budget, the HG is the premium option. Like everything in life, it comes down to one’s own expectations and budget. Luckily, since the HG purchase price is not staggering, the HG becomes more attractive once you consider the HG proposition more…

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@stevensonline8695 Please, consider making a M7 vs HG comparison video! Many thanks in advance. 🇯🇵

[@stevensonline8695]

@@user-kc1tf7zm3b I'm afraid I no longer have the M7 to offer a side-by-side comparison. My comparison on the above comment was meant to be concise; I have yet to make any videos for KZbin. By the way, I would agree that for most users, the M7 is all the binocular one would need. However, I recently had the opportunity to compare the Monarch HG with the new Swarovski NL Pure and it blew the HG out of the water.

[@user-kc1tf7zm3b]

@@stevensonline8695 The mid-level July 2012 Monarch 7 has been succeeded by the September 2021 Monarch M7, which has a relatively modest price of $490. Nikon did publish a Monarch M7 press release back in September. With the Swarovski NL Pure 8x42 having a very serious US street price of $3000, this is only for the most discerning and demanding users, who are often professionals. Would you seriously consider the NL Pure? Or, does the HG have enough performance to satisfy your needs for the foreseeable future? The $980 HG was released in July 2016, so one would think the HG has a good deal of time left to still be current.

[@Felixtheelix]

Great review and thanks for showing two great binoculars. I‘m debating between the monarch hg 8x42 and the Zeiss conquest 8x42 - why didn’t you think about the conquest? It has a full rubberized body, close focus of about 1.5m and seems like a strong competitor in this class. You brought me more towards the monarch but the conquest is still in mind.

[@adilhbk1]

Yeah its is no doubt, Zeiss conquest is fully rubberized, lotutec coation, very bright, sharp image but its eye pieces r problem.. They r short, so people basically order long ones sumtimes free sumtimes with added cost of better eye relief. There is also "bean effect" that is dark or obstruction on edges, i mean they not are wide for everyone, After sume time eye pieces dnt rotate correctly to 1 2 and 3 position.. they become get free on rotation...One user mentioned though myself neva heard that before... That after 5 years white grey dust comin out of Conquest. HG has brilliant image quality, 660 gms light weighted, amazing FOV, smooth precise focus wheel like Zeiss and its a beauty to hold. Only Binocular in its class which beats it is Swarovski SLC 8x42 not 10x42 by a very narrow margin of 1% or may 2%, very slight difference but even then HG has its pros and 40% lower price is huge factor. If someone asks me which Binocular to buy Blindly for Image quality.. Ill recommend SLC 8x42 100% and Monarch HG 98%. Conquest 98% For price to quality ratio and ergonomics ill say HG 100%. For strength of casing I'll say SLC 100%, ZEISS 98%, TRINOVID 98%, HG 95%. If you are bird watcher go for HG, If Hunter.. Hunting in an extremely wet, rough, difficult terrain.. Go for SLC, Conquest, Trinovid depending on budget, Though Monarch is equally strong but not fully rubberized like rest

[@ianf2441]

I hand a conquest, build quality is a problem eyepiece kept falling out. Marks on the inside of the binoculars, like it’s been missed. Yesterday went in and now got the monarch hg 8x42. Zeiss terra 2020 edition seem to better from what i looked at last week.

[@iankuc6827]

The zeiss Conquest HD are a fantastic £600 pair of binoculars which was there original price when first introduced.

[@wallacerickmanii]

Another issue with the Conquest HD is the rubber armor chalk issue. It doesn’t seem to affect everyone’s but there’s a strong percentage it does. Including mine. I store mine in completely climate controlled conditions (I monitor temp and humidity in the room because of the guitars in there). However, every time I pull the Zeiss out the entire binocular: housing, eyecups, and lens covers (objective and ocular) are chalky white color that makes them look terrible and (to me) gives them a texture issue until it’s cleaned off. There is debate, at least on the forums, as to what it actually is. Some say that it’s all natural rubber and that it is slowly degrading (which I don’t think is the case), others say it’s natural substances that will come out over time with no ill effect, and others still say that it is the substance applied to insure that they don’t stick to the mold when formed. That seems to be the broader consensus among those in the know. Yes, it can be cleaned off fairly easily. But if yours do it, it will just reform in time. I’ve heard people defend them by saying all these different brands do the same. This is the only binocular I’ve ever had that does it. I own up and down the Nikon range, Swarovski SLC, Opticrons, Bushnell, Vortex, and two other Zeiss models. None of them have ever done it. It may not be a deal breaker to some, but I thought it worth bringing up. And, frankly, I feel like it is a stupid problem to have with $1,000ish binoculars.

[@d.l.1157]

I have just returned the Nikon Monarch 5 8x42 in order to optimize my view to an alpha type binocular. Have watched a few of your reviews now and have also subscribed, so as not to miss your upcoming reviews. My primary use is on birding, viewing from shore ocean views & also while boating. My question is which power would be better for these activities 8x42 or 10x42, along with best binocular in the price range of $1000 to 1,500. Located in south west Florida which is extremely hot & humid most of the year. Thanks so much for your input.

[@adilhbk1]

You should go for Swarovski SLC 8x42, Its is actually 1-2% less than alpha glass if you wanna spend 1300-1500 USD. No flaw except plastic focus knob. With 10x42 u may have issues with stability, also ull lose on FOV, brightness for a fraction of zoom. If you wanna keep it till 1000 USD, Conquest, HG, Razor, Trinovid will be best. Price to Quality no one beats Monarch HG and nothing to complain with it.

[@d.l.1157]

@@adilhbk1 I was thinking of the EL, although it costs a bit more

[@d.l.1157]

@@adilhbk1 So if I was to pick between the Monarch HG & the SLC, Which would you prefer & why?

[@adilhbk1]

@@d.l.1157 You can go for it. But a very less difference with SLC, Field flattening is there if u like. Some dislike bcoz they miss the 3D effect.

[@adilhbk1]

@@d.l.1157 I own both. HG - Sharp Image, colour & contrast. Huge FOV, Light Weight. Design, Eyecups, Focus knob Body.. piece of art.40-50% less price. SLC - Almost Alpha Image quality, (clarity of glass is approx. 3-5% more than HG) fully rubberized, No complaint in body except plastic & hard focus knob. Swarovski's superb warranty. Bottomline If u wanna spend 1000 $ approx go with HG, 1500 $ go with SLC, you wont regret either. Above Comparison of both in 8x42.

[@Abc-nb9yt]

SLC more strong durability I got one aftre 6 years is like new, I got repaired the foscus whell system in warranty in just 2 weeks later is recive the slc back repaired.

[@JK-ug7rm]

Did the field flattener make a difference?

[@adilhbk1]

Flattener has pros and cons both.. At Night its really good to watch night sky since stars are clear on edges but during daytime the 3D effect which u get from a premium bino is reduced. Its in general with Field Flattening irrespective of brand Monarch HG, Swaro EL etc.

[@Abc-nb9yt]

the better binocular you find only in the worst conditions of light....

[@razapata666]

Do u prefer a 8x binocular over a 10x for birding?

[@aditichaturvedi2437]

hi sir plz advise me, which one should i purchase nikon EDG 10X42 or Nikon HG 10X42

[@adilhbk1]

Both are excellent Binoculars, Ofcourse EDG is better and of the best in the world but so is the price. May i know your purpose?

[@aditichaturvedi2437]

@@adilhbk1 sir like tracking in mountains

[@adilhbk1]

@@aditichaturvedi2437 Nikon HG would be good and perhaps best at given price point, EDG is expensive and one of the best.. Since ur a female and u want it for mountain tracking i would recommend u an 8x32..If price is not a concern u can check Swaro EL 8x32, Zeiss SF 8x32 etc. Benefits would be less weight, stability, wider FOV than 10x, a lil more brightness too.

[@commonsense5709]

I really like the Kowa Genesis Prominar XD with fluorite glass in 10x33.

[@iqrarkhan21]

sir is this binocular available in Pakistan i want to buy ?

[@adilhbk1]

I am from India in Norway right now. So available in both countries

[@JK-ug7rm]

Vortex Razor?

[@adilhbk1]

Sorry Bro, Neva tried :)

[@wjun0131]

LOL you are kidding right?

[@adilhbk1]

@@wjun0131 I tried Razor a week back, brilliant binos but heavy.

[@wjun0131]

@@adilhbk1 I meant Vortex doesn't make anything comparable to a Swaro.

[@commonsense5709]

Much better off buying a Japan or USA made Maven B series line instead. I bought a Maven B5 instead of the Vortex Razor UHD and never regretted my decision for a far superior quality brand.

[@roldo5902]

I would always go with swaro......

[@adilhbk1]

Yes it a superb binocular, people have brand loyalty. I too own it and love it as much as my MHG or Zeiss.

[@MattH-wg7ou]

Wish I could stretch to an SLC, instead considering Conquest HD.

[@vinaynagdev03]

Swarovski made in ??

[@adilhbk1]

Austria

[@yunsuiwuyue]

卖我一个呗

[@yunsuiwuyue]

给我一个

[@Abc-nb9yt]

.