Product Comparison: Nikon Monarch HG (16028) vs Swarovski Optik EL


General Specifications
Brand
Nikon
Swarovski Optik
Model
Monarch HG (16028)
EL
Origin
China
Austria
About the Product
The new MONARCH HG was built from the ground up to achieve class-ruling optical performance, unrivaled ruggedness and exceptional handling. From eyecups to objective lenses, the new patriarch of the flagship MONARCH family pushes binocular performance to higher levels through design, technology and 20 years of MONARCH ATB-building experience.
EL 42 binoculars combine size, weight, and optical performance to give the perfect product. They are multipurpose and reliable, suitable for use both during the day and at twilight. Nature lovers appreciate the unique close-up setting of 1.5 m and the rapid, precise focusing mechanism.
Key Specs
Magnification Power
10 x
10 x
Prism Type
Roof
Roof
Lens Diameter
42 mm
42 mm
Exit Pupil Diameter
4.2 mm
4.2 mm
Eye Relief
0.6 in.
0.78 in.
What customers say about "Key Specs"
Nikon Monarch HG (16028) 10X42 Binocular, Black
  • These bins are light but still feel pretty solid.
  • They definitely have better resolution/sharpness over the Kowa's and Monarch 5's.
  • Clear quality, great feel, great field of view, i am very pleased with this purchase.
  • Don't waste your time on these they are cheap construction.
  • The eyepiece cover is a harder plastic that, while functional, seems a bit out of place and doesn’t slide on and off very well.
Swarovski Optik EL Binocular, 10x42 mm
  • I find, though, that the greater magnification and detail make possible more rapid identification of birds that I see fleetingly.
  • The slightly reduced field of view and the slightly increased need for a steadier hand are not that noticeable to me. But the increased magnification is very nice.
  • I got the 10x magnification and have no trouble holding them steady.
  • The clarity is absolutely the finest I've seen to date.
  • I am not disappointed. I went with the 10 power for slightly better distance viewing and ID of raptors.
Size & Weight
Color
Black
Green
Height
5.7 in.
6.3 in.
Width
5.2 in.
5.2 in.
Depth
2.5 in.
2.4 in.
Weight
24 oz.
29.6 oz.
Features
Field of View
362 ft/1000 yds
336 ft/1000 yds
Shortest Focusing Distance
6.6 ft.
4.9 ft.
Field of View (degrees)
6.9 °
6.4 °
Interpupillary Distance
2.2 - 2.9 in.
2.2 - 2.9 in.
Extras
Nikon’s ED Glass Lenses, Waterproof, Fogproof, Wide FOV
New EL with Swarovision Technology, Field Flattener Lenses, Long Eye Relief, HD lenses minimize color fringing, Improved viewing comfort, SWAROBRIGHT trademark technologie, SWAROCLEAN trademark technologie
Light Transmission
90 %
Included Accesories
Field bag pro, Eyepiece cover, Objective lens cover, Lift carrying strap pro
Dioptric Compensation
-7/+5
What customers say about "Features"
Nikon Monarch HG (16028) 10X42 Binocular, Black
  • The binoculars are waterproof for precipitation, I have been using for a year now and no problems.
  • The eye cups are a work of art, in my opinion
  • The grip on the focus wheel is a nice grippy rubber.
  • The diopter adjustment works bad.
  • Reflection/flare is a bit of a pet peeve of mine, and seems to be a weak point of many binoculars.
Swarovski Optik EL Binocular, 10x42 mm
  • And the clarity and brightness all the way to the edge of the field is exceptional. My eyesight is very different in each eye and these have the best, largest and most positive diopter adjustment I have ever used.
  • The ability to focus down to 5 feet allows study of the smallest details of the birds coming to our feeders.
  • Very easy to adjust focus and quickly. I just think these Bin's are great.
  • The field of view is wide and without distortion at the edge.
  • The field of view is a bit narrower, so it is a little more difficult to get on the bird, particularly when it is nearby. I find, though, that the greater magnification and detail make possible more rapid identification of birds that I see fleetingly.
Other Information
Manufacturer
MSRP
899.95 $
Warranty / Certifications
Manufacturer Warranty
10 year(s)
Other reviews