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 is a 12-power binocular with 42 mm objectives and central focus. It uses ED (extra-low dispersion) glass. The body is nitrogen-filled and fogproof, and Nikon rates it waterproof down to 3.3 ft (about 1 m). The figures that matter when choosing: a real field of view of 5.1 degrees (267 ft at 1,000 yards), 15.1 mm of eye relief, a 3.5 mm exit pupil and a close focus distance of 8.2 ft (about 2.5 m). It weighs 640.6 g (22.6 oz) and the body measures 5.7 x 5.1 in (about 14.5 x 13.0 cm).
Our take
Buy it if you want a light, sealed 12x with a wide view for its power, and you mostly glass in daylight. Skip it if you watch at dusk and dawn. The 3.5 mm exit pupil is small for a 42 mm objective at 12x, so expect a dimmer image than you would get from a lower-power glass. That is its main limit.
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 |