Nikon Monarch 7 ATB vs Vortex Viper HD

I recently purchased Nikon Monarch HG binoculars. Other Nikon products I've purchased in the past made me comfortable buying again, but the reasons I went for the HGs are because they are made in Japan and have field flatteners.

Usually around $250 for solid optics and good warranty. But also I like the Nikon Monarch M5 or M7 (Check REI or B&H Photo for possible deals).

I've been interested in observing and identifying birds most of my life, but have recently decided to pursue the avocation more intensively and needed a better pair of binoculars. This is the first set of binos I've ever purchased that cost over about $100, and the difference is impressive. These have excellent field of view, no discernible chromatic distortion and are a joy to use.

I found it difficult to see thru these binoculars. The field of view is small with blurry edges. The view improves if the eye cups are resting on my eyelids, but that leaves smears on the lenses. I tried it with the eye cups extended but then needed to press more firmly into my eye sockets, and still get smears when my eyes are close enough

I wear glasses with a low distance prescription, but haven't needed them when using these binoculars, although the eye piece adjustment for glasses does work well. I love the strap and case, they feel very sturdy, and the binoculars themselves definitely have a very solid weight to them. I'm mostly using them for birding and watching wildlife, but they're great for sporting events as well! Overall a great investment to my growing collection of outdoor gear.

Next I bought a vortex viper hd 8x42 and was very pleased. I sold it because I wanted something lighter and bought the Nikon monarch HG 8x42. The HG is great, lightweight and for about 800$ it’s pretty decent.