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Considering trading in Nikon Monarch ATB for EDIIs

Printed From: OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc.
Category: Other Optics
Forum Name: Binoculars
Forum Description: Anything that requires two eyes to look through it
URL: http://www.opticstalk.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=19953
Printed Date: March/28/2024 at 14:05
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Topic: Considering trading in Nikon Monarch ATB for EDIIs
Posted By: Larry5000
Subject: Considering trading in Nikon Monarch ATB for EDIIs
Date Posted: October/22/2009 at 15:43

I have not seen the Zen Ray EDII's yet, but the reviews have me thinking about making the 20 minute drive down to SWFA to have a look.  I have a relatively new pair of Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42, which I have been pretty pleased with, but my hunting buddy uses Swarovski.  My eyes are not picky or 'optically refined,' but his are noticably better. 

Would the EDII's be noticably better than my Nikons?  Another consideration would be how much they'd give me on trade-in, but I couldn't get the trade-in form to work.

And what I say my eyes are not picky, I'm interested in performance while deer and elk hunting - not so much concerned with discoloration or other technical 'flaws' so long as they do not materially affect my hunting uses.

Thanks in advance for any comments, thoughts or suggestions. 

Nate




Replies:
Posted By: JGRaider
Date Posted: October/22/2009 at 16:19
You'll see a night and day difference between the Monarch and the ED2.  The view through them rivals anything from Europe including your buddy's Swaro, at least my 10x does.  Haven't a clue what used Monarchs are worth. 


Posted By: Klamath
Date Posted: October/22/2009 at 16:44
I echo JGR's comments.  I have the 8x42 Monarch and it is not even close to the ZEN ED 2.  It is still a decent binocular, but outmatched by the ED 2.

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Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron



Posted By: Bitterroot Bulls
Date Posted: October/22/2009 at 17:01
Monarch ATB = Good.
ZEN ED = GREAT!


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-Matt


Posted By: Larry5000
Date Posted: October/23/2009 at 01:04
thanks - pretty much a concensus.
I will say, and maybe I should say it in another thread, I have been pleased with Nikon's customer service.  I couldn't find my receipt but they still gave me warranty service on an issue that was my own fault...


Posted By: SChunter
Date Posted: October/26/2009 at 08:51
I recently sold a pair of ATB's 10x40's (maybe 42) after getting the Zen ED II's --both were purchased from SWFA.  No comparison--EDII's are that much optically better.  As previously stated in earlier threads, the only complaint that I have is the protective covers on the EDII's objective lens don't fit or stay on well during woods use.  But optically, superb for the money! 


Posted By: lucytuma
Date Posted: October/26/2009 at 16:06

I'd keep the Monarch's as a backup or truck/sporting events/bird watching bino.



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"The democracy will cease to exist when you take away from those who are willing to work and give to those who would not." - Thomas Jefferson


Posted By: Klamath
Date Posted: October/26/2009 at 16:32
The Monarch will not seem suitable for even that, although a dedicated bird watcher will think they need a better glass than the average hunter.  I don't think my Monarch has been used for maybe 30 minutes since I got the ZEN ED 2.  The Monarch has some glaring flaws if you go looking for them.  It will be hard not to find them when comparing them to the ZEN.  However the Monarch will probably, like mine, get kept.  There seems to be little demand for used Monarchs.

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Steve
"Everything that can be counted does not necessarily count; everything that counts cannot necessarily be counted". William Bruce Cameron



Posted By: Heavishot
Date Posted: November/30/2009 at 12:15
My experience is EXACTLY as stated by the others.  Replaced my Monarch 8x40 with Zen ED2 7x36. If you like your Nikons you'll love the Zen. I sold my Nikons to a buddy in need of good optics for $100... Probably could have gotten $150 on ebay.



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