Vortex vs Nikon Binoculars: A detailed comparison of Nikon Monarch 7 and Vortex Viper HD 10×42. Find out which one reigns supreme for your viewing needs.
Gone are the days when binoculars were specified for military and secret agents; today, we need them in all fields. Whether you love watching a soccer game on the weekends or have planned to get on the Alaska cruise this summer, having binoculars will always boost your excitement. Once you decide to buy binoculars, the competition in the optics market will startle you. From the binoculars for kids to those for stargazers, there are a plethora of options.
To relieve you from the stress of getting excellent binoculars for a dear-to-your-heart activity, here is an elaborated comparison of Nikon Monarch 7 and Vortex Viper HD binoculars.
Vortex Optics which hails down from Wisconsin is undoubtedly a well-trusted contemporary optics brand; whereas Nikon is a Japan-based optics brand considered as the master in the binoculars market. So, read on to find out which one should you go for!
Nikon Monarch 7 vs Vortex Viper HD – pros and cons
Neither Vortex nor Nikon should be ignored, these two top the optic brands. But still, like every other product viper HD and Monarch 7 have both pros and cons. Let’s shortlist them first:
Nikon Monarch 7 Pros
- Wide FOV
- Comfortable eye-relief distance
- Phase correction prism coating
- Lightweight
- Compact
- ED lens glass
If you are interested in Nikon Monarch 7, you can check more details and customer reviews on Amazon here.
- The MONARCH 7 10×42 provides an exceptionally wide field of view that makes it easy to find your subject.
- Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer Prism Coatings are applied to all lenses and prism coatings to provide high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.
Nikon Monarch 7 Cons
- Expensive
- Wider close-focus distance
Vortex Viper HD Pros
- Lockable diopter for the right eye
- XR anti-reflective lens coating
- Argon purged
- High-end binos
- Full-size yet compact
- Comfortable chest harness
If you are interested in Vortex Viper HD, you can check more details and customer reviews on Amazon here.
- 10x magnification and 42mm objective lenses, the Viper HD binoculars have an advanced high density optical system with enhanced anti-reflective lens coating for stunning image quality and top tier light transmission.
- Dielectric, multi-layer prism coatings provide bright, clear, color-accurate images. Coating on roof prism models enhances resolution and contrast.
Vortex Viper HD Cons
- Heavier
- Expensive
Nikon Monarch 7 or Vortex Viper HD – Where to Use
All activities require different specifications; some demand for ergonomic design, while others need large lenses. Here’s a detailed description of the favourite activities of binocular lovers:
Hunting
According to the U.S. Department of Interior, approximately 40% population of the country participates in hunting, fishing, and other wildlife activities annually.
It is understandable from the figure that why the hunters hold the largest share in the optics market. They are always on the outlook for sturdy, crisp, robust and ergonomic binoculars which cover a wide area as well.
Luckily, both Vortex Viper and Nikon Monarch have ergonomic and robust designs. But when we consider covering a wide area, Nikon Monarch has a superior place.
With its 351ft wide FOV, hunters can successfully chase and hunt their prey; thanks to its compact design, they won’t lose their grip from the binoculars either.
Winner: Nikon Monarch 7
Birdwatching
While talking about the figures, how can we ignore the 60 million U.S. citizens who hold birdwatching as a dear hobby? Yes, despite being a lesser-popular hobby now, birding will become one of the favourite hobbies/passions soon. You must’ve heard the buzz about ecotourism, no?
So, what do birders need?
A firm grip, full-size lenses, and bright imagery which doesn’t leave their eyes red. In this category, the winner is Vortex Viper HD. It is a high-end binocular whose multicoated lenses will show you vivid imagery.
Additionally, the XR anti-reflective prism coating enhances the image details, and when we combine these features with argon purging, it becomes an all-in-one package for birders.
Winner: Vortex Viper HD
Ocean viewing
Oceans hold mysteries; the mighty waves, high and low tides, those rare seabirds, and small patches of land in between the deep blue water, all attract us.
Inviting your friends over and planning a cruise trip, it will be more exciting than it sounds (trust me). And when you decide to pull off this exotic trip, do not forget your companion, the binocular.
Ocean viewers must ensure that their binoculars do not lose focus when the water underneath the ship is rude. Fortunately, the central focusing wheel and locking diopter of the vortex viper HD Binos are the perfect fit for ocean viewers.
Moreover, the chest harness is nothing less than a guardian angel. You can tie your vortex binoculars around your chest and become carefree while pulling the fishing net out of the water.
Winner: Vortex Viper HD
Concert going
Bringing on the fun side is always on our hit list. I am sure no one would like to miss Drake’s concert. And when you attend his show, make sure your binoculars are in your bag before leaving your home. But, which binoculars will be best for concerts? Well, that’s a little tricky.
For concerts (and other fuzzy events), a binocular should have a smooth zoom, high magnification, and excellent grip.
Vortex Viper HD offers a 10x magnification along with XR anti-reflective prism coating and rubber armour. When the concert hall is all caught up, and there are lights everywhere, you will not miss the sight of your favourite artist.
Winner: Vortex Viper HD
Also Read: Zeiss Terra ED vs Nikon Monarch 7 comparison
Vortex Viper HD or Nikon Monarch 7 – Comparing Features
After comparing them on the scale of different activities, it’s time to evaluate which binocular has better built, design, reliability, and robustness. So, without any further ado, let’s delve into more details.
FOV
No matter which activity you are interested in, when you see a vast area in one glance, the feeling is matchless. Amongst these two binoculars, Nikon Monarch 7 10×42 has wider FOV ranging up to 351ft. This FOV is excellent for hunters, wildlife viewers, and sports fanatics alike.
Winner: Nikon Monarch 7
Weight
Binoculars must be lightweight and handy so that you can enjoy your ventures without burdening yourself.
Here, Nikon Monarch 7 is 23.6oz., while Vortex Viper HD is 24.9oz. In rough-tough situations, this small difference might also become problematic.
However, since the vortex binocular has a supportive chest harness, this one ounce will not affect you.
Winner: Tie
Image stability
The dust particles present in the way of light rub against the surface of lenses, and with time, the image becomes blurred. But the fully multicoated lenses of vortex viper HD and its XR anti-reflective outer coating minimize the chances of such distortions. As a result, the images are always bright, well-defined, and aberration-free.
Similarly, when you are constantly moving, you might miss your target. But in this vortex binocular, you can lock the view of your right eye with the locking diopter. This locking diopter works fine during the prolonged missions as well.
Winner: Vortex Viper HD
Magnification
Both binoculars have 10x magnification, which goes well with all outdoor and indoor activities.
When we combine this magnification with a wide field of view of both pairs and their large lenses, the combination becomes impressive.
Whether you get Nikon Monarch 7 or vortex viper HD, your ventures will become more comfortable, safer and delightful.
Winner: Tie
Lens coating
Again, Vortex Viper has the upper hand in the lens coating category. Its anti-reflective coating produces bright yet clear imagery.
Those who are sensitive to light or avoid extra brightness, like seeing mild imagery, which is both bright and soothing. Although Nikon binoculars have multicoated lenses, there are chances of chromatic distortion in it.
Winner: Vortex Viper HD
Focus type
These two pairs have central focusing wheels placed at the exact indent with thumbs. Whether you are moving, or are interested to see a close image; roll over your thumb, and the image will become more coherent and close to reality.
Winner: Tie
Weatherproofing
Lenses are susceptible to moisture, and if water gets trapped inside them, you’ll have to open and clean them thoroughly.
However, Vortex has already solved this issue by making this argon purged, and O-ring sealed vortex viper binocular. This binocular can survive all the rough-tough conditions. Ocean viewers and wildlife hunters must prefer argon purged binocular.
Similarly, shock resistance is mandatory for those who love going out and do not miss any desert safari. There is a durable rubber armour of Nikon binocular which ensures that even if it collides with a hard surface, the lenses are intact.
Winner: Tie
Vortex Viper HD vs Nikon Monarch – Cost and Value Comparison
After knowing all the features, price holds the deciding authority. Whether you invest in a binocular or not, it depends solely on your budget. Let’s make the decision easier for you:
Although new in the market, the vortex viper HD binocular is a bit expensive. It’s a mid-priced bino and is going to rightly serve your money. The brilliant features these binocular offers justify the reason behind this price. If you are an enthusiast for binoculars, vortex viper is the way to go.
But, if you want to save a few dollars, the Nikon Monarch is cheaper than vortex viper. The difference is not big enough, but the people like me who count every penny they spend should consider Nikon Monarch 7.
Vortex Viper HD vs Nikon Monarch 7 Summary
As you can see, vortex viper HD 10×42 binocular is the winner of most categories; my vote will go for it. Despite being expensive and new, its features are great and suitable for all ventures. Be it sports or hunting; vortex viper must be in your wish list.
Or if you like saving money but still want to enjoy the superb features a binocular can offer; go the master-of-its-trait, Nikon Monarch 7 10×42 binocular.
Be smart, buy smartly!
An optics enthusiast – I love bird watching as well as wildlife. Originally from South Africa, I moved to the UK at a young age. I love reviewing the latest binoculars as well as traveling. I work as a comms consultant during the day. My plan is to travel across the world so building up to that goal.
Last update on 2024-12-23 at 09:48 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
