The 10X version of these binoculars, the Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars (*est. $300) are ranked higher at the Cornell Lab review than any other 10X binoculars in this price range. Though the eye relief is only 15.5mm, they're very light for 10x42 binoculars (21.1 ounces). The main drawback for the increased magnification is a slight loss of brightness and image quality. They're not as bright as the Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars, and the Cornell Lab review rates their image quality a bit lower. A review at Optics4Birding.com reports some chromatic aberration (color separation) when viewing high-contrast objects in bright light, but the same review finds the focusing very smooth and easy and calls the Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars an excellent value. In a Field and Stream review of hunting binoculars, Dave Hurteau says the Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 binoculars offer "very good optics at a very low price."

Although reviews say the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 are the best full-size binoculars in this price range, we found good reviews for several other binoculars. Cornell Lab's Ken Rosenberg compares the roof-prism Swift Ultra-Lite 8x42 binoculars (*est. $300) to the very similar Nikon Monarch 8x42, saying "the Ultra Lites provided a slightly crisper, more contrasty, and brighter image than the Monarchs, and they brought out more of the colors on a drake Mallard in evening light." The Swift binoculars could also focus down to 5 feet, 4 inches, which is closer than the Monarch binoculars. However, at 25 ounces, the Swift binoculars weigh almost four ounces more than the Nikon binoculars. For all-day use, experts say small weight differences can make a big difference in fatigue.

The Leupold Wind River Pinnacle 8x42 binoculars (*est. $400) focus as close as 6.6 feet, but that's their main advantage over the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars, which cost a hundred dollars less. Also, despite eye relief of 17.8mm, the Leupold Wind River Pinnacles get mixed reviews from eyeglass wearers. The Cornell Lab review gives them the highest "eyeglass-friendliness" rating, but several other reviews warn that they're not comfortable for anyone who wears glasses. If you wear glasses and are considering these, it would be a good idea to try them out first.
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The Cornell Lab review recommends the Celestron Noble 8x42 binoculars (*est. $250) ranking them just under the Leupold Wind River Pinnacle binoculars, but also far under the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 binoculars that cost just $50 more. The only reason to prefer them to the Nikon Monarch binoculars might be that the Celestron Noble's 341-foot field of view is a bit wider and that they focus down to 6 feet, 1 inch. All the Celestron Noble binoculars offer a lifetime, non-transferable warranty. Like the Nikon binoculars, they also add accident protection (at $25 per repair, including return shipping).

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