Nikon Monarch M5 vs Monarch M7 in 8x42

Field of view

The Monarch M7 leads here by a wide margin. Nikon prints 435 ft at 1,000 yd, or 8.3 degrees, for the M7. The Monarch M5 prints 335 ft, or 6.4 degrees.

Among the 75 models of this size with a field figure, the M7 sits in place 4 and the M5 in place 71. The median for the size is 393 ft, so the M7 is wider than the typical 8x42 and the M5 is narrower. The field of view guide explains how to read these figures.

Eye relief and glasses

The M5 leads on eye relief with 19.5 mm. The M7 gives 17.1 mm. The RSPB says eyeglass wearers should look for at least 16 mm, and both models clear that line.

The median eye relief for 8x42 binoculars is 18 mm, so the M5 sits above the middle and the M7 just under it. Audubon says binoculars made for birders offer 15 to 20 mm. Both models fall inside that span, and the M5 is close to the top of it. Wearers who want spare room can compare them with the binoculars for glasses wearers list.

Brightness at dusk

The two models tie. Dividing the 42 mm objective by 8x magnification gives an exit pupil of 5.3 mm for each. Each also has a twilight factor that works out to 18.3 and a relative brightness that works out to 27.6. These figures come from the 8x magnification and 42 mm objective, which both models share.

Nikon defines exit pupil as the objective diameter divided by magnification and says a larger exit pupil gives a brighter view in dim light. With identical sizes, the figures give no reason to pick either model for dusk. Check the exit pupil of other sizes with the exit pupil calculator.

Close focus

Close focus is equal at 8.2 ft on both models. The median for the size is 6.6 ft, so neither model suits very near subjects such as insects at arm's length.

If butterflies and close flowers matter, look at models with a shorter printed distance. For subjects farther off, the shared figure of 8.2 ft is no handicap.

Weight and handling

The M5 weighs 22.2 oz and the M7 weighs 23.6 oz. The median weight for the size is 24.2 oz, so both come in under the middle, and the M5 is the lighter of the pair.

Both have center focus, roof prisms, a tripod adapter fitting and an eye spacing range of 56 to 72 mm, so the handling basics match. Check the binocular harness page if you plan long days on foot.

Build and optics

The makers' documents list the same build on both models: ED glass, roof prisms, nitrogen filling and O-ring seals. Both are listed as waterproof to 1 m (3.3 ft) for 10 minutes. Nikon says ED glass reduces chromatic aberration to a remarkable degree.

Nikon also says binoculars of this kind should not be used underwater. The waterproof and fogproof guide covers what these seals mean. The shared list of features means the price band difference, $200 to $500 for the M5 against $500 to $1,000 for the M7, is not explained by anything in this table of figures. The M7's wider view is the visible difference.

Monarch M5 8x42 or Monarch M7 8x42

The Monarch M7 wins on view width with 435 ft against 335 ft. The Monarch M5 wins on eye relief at 19.5 mm and on weight at 22.2 oz. Brightness and close focus are equal, so the choice rests on those three figures and the price band.