My pair of Nikon monarch binoculars were bought for me about four months ago by my wife, and straightaway I fell in love with them. I wanted a good pair to use for birdwatching. I've spent quite a bit of time researching different models to make sure my wife bought me the ones I really wanted. These binoculars have a really nice feel, they weighed only 699 g, and are extremely well-balanced. I've dropped them several times without damaging them.

I recently took them with me when I went on safari in Kenya. They were excellent for viewing animals at a distance from the safety of our jeep. Without these binoculars the trip would not have been half as good. The optic quality of the Nikon monarch binoculars is so good that I could pick out the features on people's faces in a distant village when I was looking into the sun.

My father in-law, has been bird watching for 30 years and he thinks they are the best thing since sliced bread. I have been invited along with him much more since I bought them. The quality is fantastic for the price you pay . You could easily spend over $2,000 on a pair of top class Nikons but if you broke them or lose them it would really break you. With my Monarchs I wouldn't loose too much sleep if anything happened to them.

Another other thing is that the way technology is moving the $2,000 optics will be $500 within about 5 years.

I had the opportunity to use my Nikon monarch binoculars to look at a lunar eclipse last month, they gave me an excellent view of the moon in shadow. A group of friends got together to enjoy the occasion, between us we had three different pairs of binoculars, but my Nikon's were by far the best! Unfortunately for me this meant I had to share them all night.

The majority of Nikon binoculars are waterproof as standard, they also excellent for proof lenses, and of the best piece of equipment you can get for their price. The monarch range have an extended eye relief option which is great for anybody who will be using them for extended periods of time, or wears glasses while looking through them.

The Nikon monarch binoculars are past all my tests with flying colours over and over, I don't think I'll ever be switching to a different model - just upgrading these! Highly recommend!