Nikon Monarch M5 12x42 specs and field of view
A calculated 3.5 mm exit pupil on the 12x42 Monarch M5 is smaller than the 4.2 mm of the 10x42 in the same series, and the weight is 22.6 oz.
- Field of view
- 267 ftat 1,000 yd
- Eye relief
- 15.1 mm
- Close focus
- 8.2 ft
- Weight
- 22.6 oz
- Exit pupil
- 3.5 mmcalculated
Why pick it
- Lightest of the 4: 22.6 oz
- Focuses as close as 8.2 ft
- ED glass
Who the Monarch M5 12x42 suits
The 22.6 oz body makes 12x power more practical by hand than heavier 50 mm models. Close focus is 8.2 ft, and eye relief is 15.1 mm.
The 267 ft field is narrow, and the 3.5 mm exit pupil gives a dim view at dusk.
Monarch M5 12x42 aside, the most popular models of all sizes are in our best binoculars comparison. Nikon lists it in the $200 to $500 price band, alongside the models in best binoculars under $500.
Monarch M5 12x42 specifications
Monarch M5 12x42 figures as Nikon prints them; rows marked * are calculated from the 12x42 size.
| Magnification | 12x |
|---|---|
| Objective lens | 42 mm |
| Prism type | Roof |
| Field of view | 267 ft at 1,000 yd (89 m at 1,000 m) |
| Angular field of view | 5.1° |
| Apparent field of view | 56.2° |
| Eye relief | 15.1 mm |
| Close focus | 8.2 ft (2.5 m) |
| Eye spacing range | 56 to 72 mm |
| Weight | 22.6 oz (640 g) |
| Length | 5.7 in (145 mm) |
| Width | 5.1 in (129 mm) |
| Extra-low dispersion glass | Yes |
| Fog-proofing gas | Nitrogen |
| Tripod adaptable | Yes |
| Focus system | Center focus |
| Maker list price | $200 to $500 |
| Exit pupil | 3.5 mm * |
| Twilight factor | 22.4 * |
| Relative brightness | 12.3 * |
* Calculated from the size, not printed by the maker.
Monarch M5 12x42 against other 12x42 binoculars
Monarch M5 12x42 shows 267 ft at 1,000 yd, at or above the 267 ft median of the 4 12x42 models in the chart. At 22.6 oz it is at or under the 27 oz median weight for the size.
Monarch M5 12x42 and its nearest rivals
Monarch M5 12x42 next to the 12x42 models closest to it in maker list price, with the best figure in each column in bold.
| Model | Field of view | Eye relief | Close focus | Weight | Exit pupil | Maker list price | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Monarch M5 12x42 | 267 ft | 15.1 mm | 8.2 ft | 22.6 oz | 3.5 mm | $200 to $500 | |
| Maven C.1 12x42 | 262 ft | 15 mm | 5.9 ft | 24.5 oz | 3.5 mm | $500 to $1,000 | |
| Bushnell H2O 12x42 | 267 ft | 14 mm | 18 ft | 31 oz | 3.5 mm | ||
| Swarovski NL Pure 12x42 | 339 ft | 18 mm | 8.5 ft | 29.5 oz | 3.5 mm | over $2,000 | Check price on Amazon |
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Other sizes of the Monarch M5
Nikon makes the Monarch M5 in 5 sizes; a larger front lens adds brightness and weight, and more magnification narrows the view.
| Model | Size | Field of view | Eye relief | Close focus | Weight | Exit pupil | Amazon |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nikon Monarch M5 12x42 | 12x42 | 267 ft | 15.1 mm | 8.2 ft | 22.6 oz | 3.5 mm | |
| Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | 8x42 | 335 ft | 19.5 mm | 8.2 ft | 22.2 oz | 5.3 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Nikon Monarch M5 10x42 | 10x42 | 293 ft | 18.4 mm | 8.2 ft | 22.6 oz | 4.2 mm | |
| Nikon Monarch M5 10x50 | 10x50 | 314 ft | 19.3 mm | 14.8 ft | 22.6 oz | 5 mm | Check price on Amazon |
| Nikon Monarch M5 12x50 | 12x50 | 293 ft | 16.4 mm | 14.8 ft | 22.9 oz | 4.2 mm |
Nikon binoculars
Monarch M5 12x42 questions
Monarch M5 12x42: does it work with glasses?
Monarch M5 12x42 has 15.1 mm of eye relief, under the 16 mm the RSPB advises for people who wear glasses, so the edge of the view may be cut off with glasses on.
Monarch M5 12x42: what does 12x42 mean?
Monarch M5 12x42 magnifies 12 times through 42 mm front lenses, which works out to an exit pupil of 3.5 mm, the width of the beam of light that reaches each eye.
Monarch M5 12x42: can it go on a tripod?
Monarch M5 12x42 is tripod adaptable according to Nikon, so it accepts a binocular tripod adapter.