I have had the same model in 8 x 42 for several years ( purchased from Optics Planet) My vision is getting to the point that the extra power is appreciated. The size is convenient for carrying or setting in my blind.

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  solid, Smooth controls, Bright glass, rubber coated body, Nikon warranty, Great visibility in low light., Clarity, light transmission, Ease of use and operation, Very clear

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  cheap case, loose eye cup cover, rear lens cap comes off easily, None

These binoculars have exceeded my expectations on clarity and functionality. They are light, easy to adjust and did I already mention the clarity...even at extreme distances is incredible! Comes with a nice case that is soft but substantial in the padding and both front and rear glass covers.

I recently traveled to the Aransas Wildlife Refuge (TX) to see some wintering whooping cranes. I had yet to spot one of these endangered beauties and I had but one chance to see them last week. After researching products at this price point, I purchased the Monarch 5 10x42.

There is an eagle nest near our home with two adults and two young eagles. We bought these binoculars so that we, along with our granddaughters, could see activity in and around the nest. Excellent viewing with this Nikon...we look forward to many years of enjoyment with this purchase.

So far so good. Clarity is exceptional. Only issue - eyecup covers are way too loose to be of any protection. I would rather have tight fitting covers than easy off. Otherwise, like them. Can't wait to use them on the lake to check out the various duck and bird species.

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  Good clarity, easily and quickly adjustable for various focusing lengths.

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  eye cup protection covers, too loose to be of use.

I just got these for my wife, to say she is happy with these is an understatement She broke them in with her first eagle sighting, right after opening the box..!

These binoculars are very well made. They feel good in the hands. Focuses easily. Appear to be very durable for the long haul. They are waterproof and fog proof. They also have a rubberized covering to protect against bumps and scrapes. A great pair of binoculars at an even better price.

• +

  solid, Smooth controls, Bright glass, rubber coated body, Nikon warranty, Great visibility in low light., Clarity, light transmission, Ease of use and operation, Very clear

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  cheap case, loose eye cup cover, rear lens cap comes off easily, None

So happy to have made the choice of the 12x42 over the 10x42. We have a Monarch 10x42 and love them but after 3 days for whale watching in Carmel, CA this week, the difference is well worth the slight increase in weight. Mostly used for wildlife observation.

I owned a pair of Nikon ATB Realtree camo 12x42 for a long time, and hunting one day the focus eye cups broke and the prism inside the binoculars came loose and I was no longer able to focus them. I sent them to Nikon to get fixed and they replaced them with the Nikon Monarch 5 12x42 black.

I have had these binoculars for two weeks and I have found them to be perfect for my needs. They are easy to adjust; the eyeglass capability is fantastic. They are clear and let in lots of light. They are not too heavy, so walking around with them is not a problem.

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  The eyeglass adjustment; ease of adjusting; the clarity and the weight.

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  The caps for the eye pieces do not fit well at all. They appear to be way too large and fall off easily. I leave them home.