Nikon MONARCH M5 12x42 binoculars
- Brand:
- Nikon
- Part no:
- 16769
Image: nikonusa.com
Where to buy
Specifications
- Magnification
- 12 x
- Objective
- 42 mm
- Waterproof
- Waterproof
- Focus
- Centre
- Fogproof
- Yes
- Weight
- 640.6 g
The Nikon MONARCH M5 12x42 (model 16769) is a 12x binocular with a 42mm front objective. It uses ED (extra-low dispersion) glass, and the body is nitrogen filled and fogproof. The maker rates it waterproof down to 3.3 ft. The figures that matter when choosing: a field of view of 267 ft at 1,000 yards (about 89 m at 1,000 m), a close focus distance of 8.2 ft, and 15.1 mm of eye relief. Focus is central, with a single knob for both barrels. It weighs 22.6 oz (640.6 g). The maker lists no image stabilisation, built-in compass, rangefinder reticle or flotation, so treat it as a straightforward optical glass.
Our take
This suits a sailor who wants a 12x glass with ED optics and a sealed, fogproof body for wet days outdoors. If you wear glasses, check the 15.1 mm eye relief against your own eyes. It lists no compass, rangefinder reticle or stabilisation, and at 22.6 oz it is not a light glass, so buyers who need those features should look elsewhere.
From our buying guide
Steiner calls 7x the marine standard. Higher magnification narrows the field of view and makes the image more sensitive to hand shake.
Check before you buy:
- The water rating comes with its depth and time, since ratings vary widely between makers.
- The maker says what floats, the body or only a strap, since some make no flotation claim at all.
- A stabilised pair has a water rating you're happy with, since not every one carries a waterproof rating.
Other versions
| Photo | Version and size | Price and link |
|---|---|---|
 | Nikon MONARCH M5 10x42 Binoculars (16768) Magnification: 10 x · Objective: 42 mm · Waterproof: Waterproof | View on Amazonpaid link |
 | Nikon Monarch M5 10x42 ED Binoculars 16768 Magnification: 10 x · Objective: 42 mm | View on Amazonpaid link |
 | Nikon MONARCH M5 12x42 Binoculars Magnification: 12 x · Objective: 42 mm · Waterproof: Waterproof | View on Amazonpaid link |
 | Nikon Monarch M5 12x42 Binoculars 16769 Magnification: 12 x · Objective: 42 mm · Waterproof: Waterproof | View on Amazonpaid link |
 | Nikon MONARCH M5 8x42 binoculars Magnification: 8 x · Objective: 42 mm · Waterproof: Waterproof | View on Amazonpaid link |
 | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars 16767 Magnification: 8 x · Objective: 42 mm | View on Amazonpaid link |