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Binoculars Review: Monarch 5 10x42mm

Nikon’s Monarch line of binoculars are some of the most popular in the world. As you’d expect thanks to their popularity and the Nikon name, they are great binoculars.

If you are looking to upgrade that old pair of binoculars in your truck that only really work through one eye, you will be absolutely amazed by the quality of these binoculars. In optics, you get what you pay for, and that’s especially true in binoculars.

The Monarch line is well made and well respected. Even if you are experienced with binoculars but are looking for a new pair, there is very little to be disappointed in with this line. And, you have several configuration options, so you can get exactly what you need.

Monarchs actually come in three configurations – 8×42, 10×42, and 12×42. We tested the 10×42 Monarch 5, which includes the following specs:

FOV @ 1000m/yds: 96/288
Exit pupil: 4.2 mm
Brightness: 17.6
Eye relief: 18.4 mm
Weight: 21.2 oz

And it has the following features:

Extra-low dispersion glass
Multi-layer coating
Turn and slide rubber eyecups
Waterproof and fog free

The Monarch 5 10×42 is a great mid-range binocular. True, they’re on the higher end of that price range, but they are worth the money if you can make your budget accommodate.

Design

One of the first things you’ll notice right out of the package is that the Monarchs feel well made and sturdy. They are also relatively lightweight for this price point, so you won’t feel like you’re lugging bricks around your neck all day.

The rubber armoring makes it easy to hold. The twist-up eyecups are comfortable, as is the 18mm eye relief. Adjustments are easy to make, and the focus wheel works incredibly well no matter what your hands are covered in.

These are very well made, and designed with the elements in mind. Nikon Monarch 5 binoculars are filled with nitrogen, which makes them completely fogproof. For anyone who has experienced the frustration of lenses that fog up, you will be super impressed by how well this fogproofing works. Additionally, the Monarch 5s are waterproof (for up to 10 minutes at a depth of up to one meter).

Key Users

The Nikon Monarch 5 is very popular with bird watchers, hikers, and hunters. The design features support the needs of those populations. And, the multi-coated lenses mean that the true color comes through. The overall visual quality is outstanding. You’ll see crisp, clear views with great detail.

In-House Comparison

We tested these alongside comparably priced binoculars with similar specs, and the Monarch 5s were the clear winner. The lightweight design gives it a competitive edge, but it really comes down to eye comfort and the stunning quality.

Our Verdict

The Monarch 5 is a great pair of binoculars that will work well for a number of uses. Whether you want to take them hiking to check out wildlife, keep them in your vehicle for your birdwatching excursions, or keep them close on your hunt, they will work wonderfully. We can’t wait to get these back outside for hunting season, or even just to birdwatch. Overall, the Monarch 5 is well worth the money and will last you a long, long time.

Click here to check the current price of the Monarch 5

Telescopes

Best Telescope Accessories of 2019

When you first purchase a telescope, it usually comes with standard optics that don’t immediately require additional optics right off the bat. Compared to cameras, which are regularly updated along with a specific line, telescope manufacturers take greater time to produce new models with different features and capabilities. Particular models will have the same manufacturer, they don’t operate along a particular “line” of products like cameras, binoculars, or other optics do.

All telescopes are made to see the stars, but some have limits as to how far and what they can see. Any two telescopes will differ on power and quality of view based on the size and quality of their optics. However, if you take a good look at two or more telescopes, you’ll probably notice that most have similar mounts, tripods, viewfinders, and so on.

Here are examples of telescope accessories we think you should be familiar with in the case that something breaks or needs replacing.

Eyepieces

Eyepieces are going to be your primary investment. They will determine what you can and cannot see and what the quality of the object will be. Eyepieces can range anywhere from as small as 2.5 mm to greater than 60mm. We know you’ll have a multitude of options to choose from when it comes to eyepieces, and that is why we’ve determined the best eyepieces for amateur astronomers. One thing to be cautious of however is whether or eyepiece is interchangeable across different manufacturers. Most eyepieces are diverse, but there are some made specifically for a particular brand.

Below are eyepieces renowned for their quality and the views they provide for their users:

Celestron 8 to 24mm 1.25 Zoom Eyepiece

It’s no surprise that Celestron tops our list once again. Celestron manufactures some accessories to compliment their already widely popular telescopes. Celestron’s 1.25-inch eyepiece is one such accessory that users have widely applauded. What’s great about this eyepiece that it is compatible with telescopes that accept a 1.25-inch eyepiece, so you don’t have to worry about buying from any specific brand. With a field of view (FOV) of 40-60 degrees, you’ll get crisp images of our moon and even deep sky objects.

Those who wear glasses will have no problem with this eyepiece. It has a folding eyecup which allows people with glasses to lean in close.

Meade Instruments Series 4000 8 to 24-Millimeter 1.25-Inch Zoom Eyepiece

Meade’s version of the 1.25-inch eyepiece is not too dissimilar from Celestron. Apart from a slight price difference, Meade offers a similar, high-quality eyepiece compatible with telescopes that can sport 1.25-inch eyepieces. For quick and easy zooming, Meade is your maker when it comes above average atmospheric filtering and image quality.

There is a small difference with the Celestron eyepiece in that the 24mm setting offers a 55-degree FOV instead of 60. It’s not the largest distance in the world, but if you’re particular about what you want to see, the Meade eyepiece does offer a slightly smaller FOV than Celestron.

Orion 3.0mm Edge-On Planetary Eyepiece

Of the 1.25-inch eyepieces, Orion’s Edge-On takes the cake for the highest power but with overall stats that make it one of the best in our opinion. Not only will you be able to see objects and planets with its wide FOV, but happy customers have reported being able to see the moons of Jupiter and the individual bands that give it its distinctive look.

A 20mm eye relief gives it one of the most comfortable positions for those with glasses.

SVBONY Telescope Lens 0.91″ 23mm Wide Angle 62 Degree Aspheric Eyepiece HD Fully Coated for 1.25″ 31.7mm Astronomic Telescopes

SVBONY is not a well-known optics manufacturer, but in this case, we couldn’t resist placing their 1.25-inch eyepiece on our list. For one, the price is unbeatable. Like Meade and Celestron, it is also compatible with telescopes able to support a 1.25-inch eyepiece.

Surprisingly, it sports a 62-degree FOV, slightly larger than both Celestron and Meade. This difference can mean a great deal depending on what you’re looking for, but this can give you a bigger picture of deep space beyond our moon and solar system.

Mounts

Altazimuth mounts are some of the more common mounts you see on telescopes today. They allow you to maneuver your telescope up and down and side to side. The loss of diagonal or full range of motion doesn’t mean you’ll be losing out when it comes to seeing objects. Advances in digital altazimuth technology have allowed users to better track objects as they move across the sky, something that previously wasn’t available to amateur astronomers.

Meade Instruments Coronado AZS Mount

Meade has constructed one of the simplest altazimuth mounts on the market. For a reasonable price, the Coronado provides smooth and stable controls for sizable telescopes. Also, it comes with an accessory tray—can’t beat that. Since your focus will be on slow and steady movements, the Coronado employs slow motion control cables that will help prevent sudden or sharp movements.

Weighing in at only 7lbs, it is portable and accessible to someone looking to take it beyond their front or backyard.

Orion 10105 VersaGo II Altazimuth Telescope Mount

Orion’s VersaGo II isn’t designed to hold the heaviest of telescopes, but it does the job. A beginner’s or children’s telescope would fit good on this mount; in fact, any telescope less than fifteen pounds is supported by the VersaGo II. Since it is one of the smallest altazimuth mounts on our list, it is also one of the simplest—allowing you to install and remove your telescope with ease.

An accessories tray in the middle of the three legs gives you an accessible place to access interchangeable parts and optics.

Twilight II Heavy-Duty Dual-Head Altazimuth Mount and Tripod

The Twilight II is perhaps the most unusual altazimuth mount because it can carry not one, but two telescopes on each of its primary mounts. In theory, you could use one telescope for normal viewing while the other could be for astrophotography. Although a little pricey, the Twilight II is an excellent investment if you have more than one telescopes with different features.

The Twilight II, understandably, is the heaviest of the mounts. Weighing in close to 25lbs, it’s no wonder it’s able to sport two telescopes at once. However, if you do plan to utilize its dual telescope feature, make sure you have a stable and ample power supply nearby because they will draw large amounts of power.

Equatorial mounts are rarer than altazimuth but not entirely uncommon. Two (advanced) telescopes you’ll find them on are the 80mm TwinStar Silver and the Celestron Advanced VX 8″. You’ll also commonly find them in observatories attached to much larger and powerful telescopes and peering out of the domes that house them.

As far as amateur telescopes go, they are less common but provide a more stable system for tracking moving objects according to Earth’s rotation (some pretty advanced stuff!). They are also going to be much more expensive than altazimuth mounts.

Celestron CG-4 German Equatorial Mount and Tripod

The CG-4 tops our list for the best equatorial mount because of its reliability and sturdiness. With equatorial mounts, the key is adjusting to the rotation of Earth, and to do this correctly, they need to be planted firmly on the ground. Celestron’s CG-4 accomplishes its goal of being strong, sturdy, and versatile as to what you can track as the night progresses.

A German equatorial mount sports counterweights that are perfect for larger telescopes designed for astrophotography or prolonged exposure in the night sky.

Meade LX70 German Equatorial Mount

Meade’s LX70 German mount is similar to Celestron’s CG-4 in design, but on the interior, the differences begin to show. Like Meade’s altazimuth mount, the LX70 features slow motion controls for cool control over the telescope. Everything is right where you need it on the mount including the latitude/elevation controls and the accessory tray.

The LX70 is also the priciest equatorial mount on our list, but on the bright side, you can attach it to any telescope twenty pounds or less. It would be a major bummer if it were only applicable to Meade’s telescopes.

A steel body and frame ensures that everything is strong enough to survive a journey to an excellent location or an accidental tip over.

Orion 9055 Min-EQ Tabletop Equatorial Telescope Mount

The Min-EQ Tabletop mount is exactly as its name suggests. It’s designed for smaller telescopes weighing less than 7lbs. This equatorial mount is ideal for portability where larger mounts might be too bulky or spacious. Campground and raised platforms will be great locations to place the Min-EQ.

Because equatorial mounts are rare and expensive, the Min-EQ is a bargain when it comes to price. The only problem is you probably won’t be able to mount a full-size Celestron or Meade telescope on it. However, if you do have a lighter telescope in your possession, the stability you will get with the Min-EQ will be unparalleled.

Children’s or beginner’s telescopes with less bulk on the primary tube are excellent pieces to fit on the Min-EQ.

Finder Scopes

Finder scopes are a useful addition to a telescope and not meant to be overlooked. Telescopes with motorized or computer tracking systems are rare and expensive, so you’ll usually find yourself using the old point and look method that astronomers have been using for hundreds of years.

Finder scopes usually come in the form of a red dot sight like the ones that appear on firearms. However, these are long lasting and designed to help track far away objects as they move across the sky day or night depending on your telescope’s capabilities. What separates finder scopes from each other is how well it tracks and object and (if it has a red dot sight) if it is easily aligned.

Here are our recommendations for the best finder scopes applicable across different models and brands of telescopes:

Celestron Star Pointer Telescope Finder Scope

Celestron’s star pointer is a fundamental finder scope which has day and night uses thanks to the power provided from its 3V battery. For its size and power, the Star Pointer is easily aligned with any 6-inch or larger telescope.

For a meager price, you’ll get an incredible two-year warranty which is sometimes better than most telescopes that you’ll eventually attach it to. This doesn’t mean you should run wild and tossing it around like a toy, but it will protect the finder scope against most basic accidents or inconsistencies.

Of the finder scopes on our list, the Star Pointer is probably one of the best all-around devices—low price, easy setup, and versatility are all hard to beat.

SVBONY 5×24 Finder Scope

SVBONY’s 5×24 finder scope is a classic design—a throwback to some of the early days of astronomy. This doesn’t detract from its capabilities, however, as the 5×24 has a magnification feature that is unlike most finder scopes.

The 5×24 is designed to give you a level of precision that you just don’t find with other finder scopes. The screws located near the eye port allow for more accurate alignment in combination with its low power magnification. This means that not only will you be almost guaranteed to lock on to an object, but you’ll stay on it and get a proper view.

Due to its versatility and power as a finderscope, the 5×24 may have more success and a more powerful telescope. It’s not pricey, but you wouldn’t put this scope on a children’s telescope that can’t see very far.

Orion 7211 Black 6×30 Right-Angle Correct-Image Finder

Orion’s 6×30 image finder is a lot like SVBONY’s 5×24 in that they both have magnification features, with Orion’s being slightly more powerful. The 6×30 scope is shaped differently than most straight facing scopes in that it is bent upward at the bottom, so you don’t have to squat down to look through a straight one. For those of us that have back problems, we know how much pain that can be!

The 6×30 has a magnifying power of 6x across a 30mm diameter objective as the name suggests. These features are sure to give you a crisp, clean view of your object by way of the 6×30’s tracking and your eyepiece’s viewing power.

Orion 7020 9×50 Illuminated Right-Angle CI Finder Scope

Another Orion scope makes our list, this time the more powerful 9×50 CI finder scope. As the most powerful of the scopes on the list, you’ll get one of the most enhanced looks at the object your tracking compared to all other scopes. Like the 6×30 scope, it too is made at a right angle which circumvents hunching and squatting over. Because of its shape, the 9×50 can be ideally used on a Dobsonian telescope, a type of reflector.

As the most expensive of the scopes, you should invest in this scope if you are looking for the best tracking and best imaging possible from your telescope.

Telrad Finder Sight

Telrad’s finder sight is one of the simpler ones on the market, but its high price will leave you wondering what makes it better than the rest of the scopes on our list. This is because the Telrad is preferred by both amateur and professional astronomers who enjoy “star-hopping” or quickly moving from one star/object to the other in quick succession.

If you plan on viewing as many stars and objects as possible, then you’ll want a scope that can easily adjust to quick change of pace. Other scopes will have to be magnified and readjusted depending on how long and how closely you look at an object.

The price compared to other scopes is going to put some people off, but this doesn’t mean that the Telrad isn’t capable of doing everything normal scopes do without the magnification features.

Filters

A telescope filter is designed to dilute almost every atmospheric anomaly or distortion that might come between you and a celestial object. Some objects are also incredibly bright (like the sun), depending on how close they are and you’ll need a filter to see them.

Gosky Telescope filters set 1.25”

The set of filters that are made by Gosky do just about everything when it comes to filtering out unnecessary light. Sources like street lamps, cities, cars, and aircraft are only some examples of things that could inhibit your ability to see at night. Gosky’s set of filters come in seven different colorations to enable you to see different colored planets, stars, and objects at the utmost quality.

Rifle Scopes

Reviews of the Best Rifle Scopes for 2019

The Best Rifle Scopes Whether you are a hunter, or you just enjoy shooting for sport, you know that choosing a scope for your rifle will be one of the biggest factors in determining how accurately you’ll be able to shoot. A scope allows you to zoom in on your target, and precisely lock in exactly where you want your shot to land.

There are many scopes on the market from many different reputable manufacturers, so choosing the best one is a daunting task. In the end, the scope you choose will largely come down to personal preference and your shooting needs. This guide will help you figure out what the best scope is to suit your (and your rifle’s) needs.

My #1 Recommendation

If I had to pick one scope to recommend above all others, especially on a modest budget, the crown would go to the Vortex Diamondback. Vortex is an incredibly popular brand of sporting optics, and for good reason. Their products are very high quality, and generally are in the mid range in terms of price. I like their 4-12×40 model scope personally, as it allows me to zoom in just far enough while still being able to make close up shots by cranking back the zoom.

Best Rifle Scopes For the Money

Rifle scopes can range from $40 up to thousands of dollars depending on how much one is willing to spend. Depending on what the rifle scope is being used for, you can sometimes get away with or at least get the same results with a cheaper scope that you could do with a higher end one. You should always think about what is economically sound for you to spend on a scope, because a some scopes that are $100 might be all you need, and you can save money by purchasing these scopes instead of getting the highest quality scope that really doesn’t improve your chances anymore than the cheaper one. Below are just a few different scopes that are considered to be the best in their dollar range, but before choosing your scope, you should look at all the details in order to make sure it will provide you with a solution to all of your individual needs.

Best Rifle Scope Under $100

There are a lot of different rifle scopes that you can get for under $100, many of which you probably want to avoid. However the UTG 3-9×32 BugBuster Scope is one of, if not the best in this price range. It offers a lot of quality features, and has a sterling reputation with thousands of online reviews.

Features:

Mildot reticle with both red and green illumination.
Lockable and reset-able turret design.
It comes with 3-9x magnification, and the objective lens is 32 millimeters.
Included with the scope are a 2″ sun shade, quick release rings, and flip cap covers.

While it won’t compare to the Zeiss and Nightforce scopes at the end of this list in terms of optical clarity and quality, this budget scope is perfect for getting the job done with a minimal financial burden.

Best Rifle Scope Under $200

There are a wide variety of scopes in this price range, including many from well known manufacturers, and it was Nikon that won here. For a price tag that is handily under the $200 mark, the Nikon P-223 3-9x40mm is of exceptional quality. It is designed for rifles chambered in .223 (although it would work for many others as well), and it is made by Nikon, which is one of the best rifle scope brands on the market (as well as optics brands in general).

Features:

This scope comes with 3-9x magnification, and it has a large 40 millimeter objective lens.
1/4 MOA tactical style hand adjustable turrets with reset functionality.
BDC 600 reticle designed specifically for .223 caliber rounds.
Nitrogen filled, water and fog proof design.

Also in this price range is the Vortex scope I recommended at the top of the article, which you should really consider (especially if you are shooting something other than .223).

Best Rifle Scope Under $300

This scope price range was a little more difficult to narrow down, but in the end, the best rifle scope for under $300 came out to be the Nikon PROSTAFF 5 BDC 3.5-14×40 Rifle Scope. It offers a variety of different features that makes it stand out more so than the others in this particular price range. The average price of this scope before taxes and shipping is around $279, but of course, that depends on where it is you purchase it from. It could be slightly more or even less if you search for a good deal.

Features:

This rifle comes with 3.5-14x magnification, and it is equipped with a 40 millimeter objective lens.
With this rifle scope, adjustments are made extremely easy thanks to its Spring-Loaded Instant Zero Reset Turrets.
Thanks to being a Nikon product, which is one of the best rifle brands on the market, this scope is optimized to be used with Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology.
This scope makes any rifle superior at long range shooting thanks to Nikon’s patented BDC reticle, which has see through ballistic circles.
Using this scope on your rifle will make bringing the reticle into focus quick and easy with its quick focus eyepiece.

As stated earlier, Nikon is one of the top brands on the market for making high quality rifle scopes, and this particular rifle scope is just one of the mid price range examples of why they made it to the top brand list.

Best Rifle Scope Under $500

This category was a hard choice to make. Out of all the different rifle scopes in this price range, I couldn’t narrow down to just one scope, but I was able to narrow it down to the top two rifle scopes for less than $500.

The Vortex Viper PA 30mm Tube Rifle Scope – Although this brand didn’t make it in the top rifle scope brands, this particular scope could not be overlooked. It is one of the top rifle scopes on the market today. It has a variety of different aspects that make it this way, and it will surely get the job done efficiently and effectively. On average, this scope is generally anywhere from $448 to $461 depending on where you decide to purchase it.

Features:

It comes with a one-piece tube that is 30 millimeters, which makes it easier to store without having to worry about loosing any removable parts.
It is actually made out of aircraft grade aluminum to guarantee it’s sturdiness.
It comes equipped with tall turrets which allows the shooter using it to quickly and easily make any adjustments.
There is also a side knob parallax adjustment for versatility.

Nikon Monarch 3 4-16x50mm Side Focus Rifle Scope – Once again, Nikon makes the top! This variable scope is by far one of the top rifle scopes on the marketplace today price ranged under $500. On average, the Nikon Monarch 3 runs around $418, but that is mainly determined at where you decide to purchase it from, and that is not including any kind of tax or shipping. Nikon does not disappoint with this scope as it has many of the features that Nikon is known for using on their high end scopes.

Features:

The Nikon Monarch 3 comes with 4-16x magnification, and it also comes with a larger than normal objective lens. It’s lens is actually 50 millimeters.
It is renowned because of its Ultra Clear Coat Optical System which allows up to 95% light transmission.
It has a quick focus eyepiece that is meant to allow the shooter to instantly bring their reticle into focus.
It’s best feature is the MONARCH 3 Eye Box Technology which allows for a 4 time zoom range. It also allows for a four inch eye relief.
This scope is optimized to be used with the Nikon’s Spot On Ballistic Match Technology.
Last but not least, it is easily adjusted thanks to its Spring Loaded Instant Zero Reset Turrets.

Top Rifle Scopes For an Unlimited Budget

When money is no object, all the rules of the game completely change. A lot of the scopes over $1000 are made by brands that are not seen at the lower budget products. There is a simple answer as to why that is. When most people think of the best brands, they think about the brands that the majority of people who buy a product actually purchase. That is why the higher end rifle scope brands may vary from the over all best and most popular brands. Seeing as this category in finances is so broad, below are two different rifle scopes that can be considered the best rifle scope for those that have an unlimited budget. You should also consider looking at Schmidt & Bender and Swarovski.

Zeiss Conquest Rifle scopes 5-25×50 Black Rapid Z 1000 – On average, this particular scope runs around $1100. It has a lot of different features, and it is manufactured by Zeiss one of the more popular brands among those that enjoy the high end and expensive rifle scopes. Below are just a few of the many features that makes this rifle scope stick out among all of the other unlimited budget scopes on the market today.

Features:

This scope comes with a 50 millimeter objective lens, and it comes with 5-25 magnification ability.
It is used mainly for hunting anything at long range, including predators, big game, and varmints.
It has a robust, one piece tube that is built to stand some of the worst recoils even on extremely demanding terrains.
For the rifles that have a harsh recoil, this scope has a 3.5 inch eye relief in order to help protect the shooter’s face from the rifle’s recoil.
The Zeiss Conquest rifle scope is one of the most ideal scopes for those that enjoy target shooting on the range.
One of the things that helps this be an ideal scope for long range shooting, it offers precision aiming with accurate holdover and wind-corrected information.
The lenses of this scope are MC multi-coated, and this help by achieving outstanding brightness regardless of low light situations that might arise on the hunt.

Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope 30mm Tube 5.5-22x 56MM Hi-Speed – The Nightforce NXS Rifle Scope is a high speed scope that could not be ignored for the unlimited budget best category. Nightforce is one of the top brands for professional rifle scopes, and that is why it didn’t make the top brand list. Most Nightforce scopes cost way more than the average person would even think about paying for a sports scope for their rifle. This scope generally runs anywhere from $2,250 to $2,500. Generally, the price depends on where one purchases this scope. Below are just a few of the unique features that this scope has to offer someone.

Features:

The NXS Rifle Scope comes with 5.5-22x magnification, and it also has a 56 millimeter objective lens.
It has a 30 millimeter diameter tube.
The eye relief for the NXS Rifle Scope is 3.9 inches.
It has finger adjustable turrets and it has a click adjustment.
The field of view for this scope at 5.5x magnification is 17.5′, and the field of view at 22x magnification is 4.7′ at 100 yards.
The NXS Rifle Scope has a exit pupil diameter of 10.2 to 2.5 millimeters, and the scope weighs around 32 oz.
This scope can be recommended for just about all types of weather, because it is shock proof, water proof, and fog proof.

Types of Scopes

There are a lot of different types of scopes, but they can practically all be placed in two categories. It is important to understand the different types of scopes and the pros and cons to each one before purchasing one. Below are three of the different types of scopes, and they are the most common scopes on the market.

1. Variable Scopes – By far the most common, variable scopes are useful if magnification of the target is needed for a clean shot. With these types of scopes, the shooter can adjust the magnification of the target that they are looking at. These types of scopes come in a variety of magnification variables, and depending on what you are hunting, this could be extremely important. Sniper rifles often use variable scopes, because sniper rifles are used at a much farther distance than a normal hunting rifle.

2. Fixed Scopes – These scopes can be a little less complicated than variable scopes, but they are also only better if people know exactly the specs they need when shooting their gun. You cannot adjust the magnification on fixed scopes like you can on variables. Therefore, these scopes are only recommended in certain occasions and for certain types of firearms.

Night Vision Scopes – These are specialty scopes. They can be combined as a variable scope or a fixed scope. What makes these scopes different is the fact that they are used for shooting at night or at times of day when there is a small amount of light to naturally see the target. They are very expensive and bulky, so before choosing a night vision scope, make sure that you actually need to shoot during low light hours of the day.

How to Choose a Rifle Scope

buying a rifle scope The majority of rifle users want the best scope for their rifle in order to help with whatever it is they are hunting. In the past, the old metallic sights that were placed on rifles were a lot harder to aim with than the newer scopes on the market today. When using a rifle scope, one thing should come to mind: simplicity. The use of a rifle scope has made it a lot easier for the majority of people to be able to line up a kill shot on their target.

When using a rifle scope, all you have to do to get a kill on your target is line up your cross hairs or reticles on the target that you are aiming at. Learning to shoot with a rifle scope is an extremely useful skill. Not only is it easier to line up the gun to your target, but it also magnifies your target, making it easier to tell which part of the target you will actually hit. There are a large number of factors that need to go into thought when choosing the right rifle scope.

Is bigger and more expensive always better?

This can be a tricky question to answer when you are dealing with rifle scopes. The best way to answer this question is this. When you are going to look for your idle rifle scope, you should ask yourself what is it that you are going to be shooting at. In general, if you are a deer hunter, using anything over a 3-9x or 4-12x scope on your rifle would be overkill, and it could actually hinder you in the long run. Those are the average scope sizes for anyone wanting to go hunting, because they offer what is needed for the majority of rifle users.

You also need to figure in what kinds of shots you are planning on having to take. If you know that you are going to be shooting far away at your prey, then you will be using a different scope as opposed to shooting at something closer. This has a lot to deal with having the proper magnification on the scope that you choose in order to be able to perform the hunting that you wish to do.

What do the Numbers on a Scope tell me?

This is a good question to ask. Before you can properly choose a rifle scope, you need to know what the numbers on your scope actually mean. In order to help with this, I am going to reference you to a Nikon P-223 3-9×40 SF rifle scope in order to explain the importance of the numbers on a rifle scope. The numbers when choosing a scope that are important are the 3-9×40.

In this particular number, the 3 means that any image that you look at through this scope will appear three times closer to you than it would to the naked eye. The 9 means the same thing. If the scope that you choose has a 9 like this one it means that you can see your target 9 times closer through the scope than with the naked eye. The last number, in this case the 40, is the objective lens diameter in millimeters. If you see a number like this, these scopes are classified as variable scopes. Basically, you can choose if you want your target to be 3 times magnified up to 9 times magnified. In general, the larger the magnification range, the more that particular scope will cost. This is because the wider the range the more versatile that scope will be.

Why is eye relief and light transmission important when choosing a scope?

A shooter’s age can affect the dilation of their eyes. People who are older will experience smaller dilation than someone of a younger age. An exit pupil is extremely important when choosing your scope. Basically, an exit pupil can be determined by holding a scope out at arms length from you. The small circle of light that appears in the scopes eyepiece when doing this is the exit pupil. The exit pupil is extremely important when thinking about eye relief because the larger the exit pupil is the less important head positioning in relation to the scope becomes.

When talking about eye relief in regards to rifle scopes, eye relief is the distance that your eye can be away from the ocular lens of the scope and still provide a full and clear picture of your target. Currently, four inches is the largest eye relief available for any standard rifle scope. If you are using the rifle correctly, four inches in plenty of distance for your face to be out of the way of any recoil your rifle might do. You should always pay attention to the amount of eye relief and exit pupil that a scope offers before purchasing it.

What should I look for in a scope in regards to the objective lens size?

On most medium variable scopes, the standard object lens size is anywhere from 40 to 44 millimeters. There are objective lenses on the market that are larger, but in most cases these larger lenses are not necessary. As a matter of fact, the larger the objective lens on a rifle scope is, the harder it is to be able to hold your rifle properly. These larger lens also can cause your rifle to be a little less comfortable to shoot due to the fact they can make the rifle feel unbalanced, clumsier, and heavier.

Why is Field of View on a rifle scope so important?

When speaking about rifles, field of view is generally measure at every 100 yards. What this means is the field of view is the amount that you are actually able to see from right to left at a distance through your scope. When adjusting the magnification of your scope, your field of view will be adjusted. In general, if you decrease the magnification of your scope your field of view will actually increase. This is generally more important with variable scopes, because the difference in magnification can change the field of view drastically. For instance, if you are using a 3-12×42 scope, if the magnification is set to 3 then your field of view will be the full 100 yards. However, if your magnification was turned closer to 12, your field of view would actually decrease down to somewhere around 14 to 10 yards.

For more about choosing the top rifle scope, watch the below video:

Best Rifle Scope Brands

revies of rifle scopes Just like any other product, there are a lot of different brands and companies that make rifle scopes, but just like with every other product, there are a number of brands that stick out in the market. Below are a list of the top six brands that make rifle scopes, and they all got on this list for a variety of reasons. Some have created special features that make their scopes better in certain aspects, and some brands have an all around aspect to their products that put them on top.

Leupold

A family owned company since its founding in 1907, Leupold & Stevens is without one of the highest quality optic manufacturers in the world. It’s scopes are used by the United States Marine Corps and Navy SEALs, which definitely is a major vote of confidence in their design and manufacturing. They make everything from simple hunting scopes to the incredibly powerful and adjustable tactical designs used by the military.

Redfield

Redfield was purchased by Leupold & Stevens, Inc. back in April of 2008, but they did not acquire any of Redfield’s capability of repairing their products that were made prior to them buying the company. However, Redfield is still currently one of the top manufacturers of rifle scopes on the market. Their motto is “No Excuses”, and they offer a full lifetime warranty to their customers on all of their non-electronic products like their rifle scopes.

Sightmark

Sightmark was founded back in 2007, and they have steadily been growing in the modern shooting market thanks to their products and rifle scopes. Currently, they are operated out of Mansfield, Texas, and there motto is “Make Your Mark”. They offer a variety of different products that are ranked top of the market, and they are known for making Triple Duty, Ezekiel, and Pinnacle rifle scopes that excel in performance.

Burris

Burris considers themselves specialists when it comes to making rifle scopes. They vow that they only employ the most passionate and knowledgeable engineers to manufacture their products. Burris products are not only used by the occasional hunter or sports shooter, but some of their rifle scopes are used by professionals throughout the entire world. Burris is best known for their scopes having lenses with larger diameters than most of their competitors.

Bushnell

Bushnell is one of the older popular rifle scope manufacturers with their products still on the market. They have been in business for over 65 years, and they pride themselves on providing only the best quality to their customers. The majority of their products are some of the more reliable and affordable hunting products, like rifle scopes on the market to date.

Barska

Barska is currently operated out of Pomona, California, which is on the southern end of California. Their priority products all deal with sport optics, and they are considered to be one of the top brands that puts out rifle scopes on the market today. They actually have a global customer base. They have over 40 countries that they distribute their products too outside of the United States. They even offer products that can be individualized for their corporate customers if needed.

Nikon

Nikon is one of the more well known Sports Optics companies in the world. They have a variety of different products that they create, and they are well known in the hunting industry for both their cutting edge hunting optic rifle scopes. Some of their company strengths include their commitment to innovation, quality, and the performance of their products.

Gift Guides

Unique Gifts for Men in 2019

Sometimes men can be pretty easy to shop for. Whether its a new video game or a complete shaving kit, all the manly things that come mind are usually what they want. However, you can be one of the few people this holiday season that doesn’t adhere to the status quo and instead picks out a unique but special gift for the important men in your life.

Here are some unique gift ideas for men:

Kabob Grilling Sticks

If you’re hinting at a man that you want to see more kabobs at dinner time, then consider specialized kabob grilling baskets that making the cooking process much easier. Nothing beats dad’s or grandpa’s burgers but variety always helps!

Bottle Opener

Unscrewing bottles by hand can be painful and tedious. If bottles are a common item in your household then a wall mounted bottle opener will make a great gift. It works even better when you can mount this opener over a trash can and simply the whole process.

Bath Robe

Ever wanted to feel snug and warm immediately following a shower? You can help bring back the bathrobe trend with a comfortable, plush robe. They’re cheap and easy to maintain so long as you keep in and around the bathroom.

Valet Tray

Men keep a lot of things on them from sunglasses to wallets. If your man is forgetful, consider a valet tray that will keep all valuables and essentials in one place. Think of it as an addition to that stylish suit that keeps them professional.

Money Clip

Sometimes keeping credit cards and cash separate from wallets is a good security measure against thieves and pickpockets. A carbon fiber money clip will keep thin objects together and away from your wallet and avoid all the unnecessary fumbling that comes with a wallet.

Neck Pillow

Whether the flights are long or the man just needs some joint relief, a neck pillow is a perfect gift for a man who’s always traveling. You’ll commonly see these on flights or trips where there’s too much sitting.

Air Sofa

Portable furniture isn’t really a thing, that’s why there are things such as the inflatable sofa. Aside from being extremely comfortable, they’re portable! No more having to adjust pillows or fall off the sides of couches when this thing wraps around you.

Action Camera

For the adventurous outdoorsman, bringing an expensive DSLR camera to capture intimate moments isn’t always logical. That’s why an action camera like the new GoPro HERO 6 Black would be the perfect gift for his next excursion.

Rangefinders

Vortex Optics Ranger Laser Rangefinders Review

If you’re a long-range shooter or a bowhunter, you know how important accurate ranging is to the success of your hunt. If you spend a lot of time up in a tree stand or hunting in high country, calculating an accurate shot angle can be pretty difficult. With a rangefinder, finding true distance and shot precision is much easier.

Concerned about the cost and weight of another piece of equipment to your already-heavy load? Don’t be. Most rangefinders are small and light—and some can even take the place of your binos.

So, if you’re looking for a good rangefinder for yourself or your favorite hunting buddy, check out Vortex Optics’s Ranger line.

Vortex’s old line of Ranger rangefinders was enormously popular, but they’ve done a great job improving the product.

Specs

The Ranger rangefinders come in four options: 1000, 1300, 1500, 1800. As the names suggest, each option is capable of ranging up to that particular number of yardage to reflective material. To a deer, you can expect about half. (Read our full review of the 1000 here)

Each option includes 6X magnification, 17mm of eye relief, and a 22mm objective lens. With these rangefinders, you’ll get 315ft/1000yd linear FOV and 6 degrees of angular FOV. The Ranger rangefinders also boast an accuracy within -/+ 3 yards at 1,000 yards and a max angle reading of +/- 60 degrees.

Prefer to range in meters or yards? It doesn’t matter. The Ranger rangefinders can be set to either setting.

The Ranger rangefinders will also handle cold and hot temps You can expect it to work between 14 and 131 degrees F.

Glass

With excellent glass quality, the Ranger rangefinder provides multi-coated lenses for optimal light transmission. You’ll also get an adjustable diopter that’s easy to use. You count on a precise picture that stands up against even the most expensive rangefinders.

This rangefinder has great low-light capabilities. So, if you’re out while the sun is setting or rising, you’ll be able to get a reading if you’re not too far away.

Construction

Although the body of the Ranger rangefinders is plastic, it’s coated with rubber. The rubber coating feels secure and non-slippery. It’s also serves as great protection for the rangefinder itself. You can feel confident the Ranger rangefinder will survive pretty much anything that happens to it.

The entire thing is waterproof and protected from internal fog. It’s also O-ring sealed, so the operating system will continue to have your back, even in tough conditions.

Each model is threaded for a tripod and comes with a high-quality carrying case for protection and longevity.

These rangefinders require a lithium CR2 battery. However, there is a battery included in the box. The battery cover is sealed and can be opened with a coin.

Portability

The Ranger rangefinders are compact, lightweight, and have a great, ergonomic hand feel. These rangefinders are 3 inches wide, 3.9 inches long, and only weigh 7.7 ounces. None of the models would be a bother to carry around for days at a time.

One really neat feature of the Ranger rangefinders is the adjustable utility clip on the side. The side clip is adjustable and can be mounted on either side or removed completely. Clip it to your pocket, belt, or to your pack for ultra-easy access as soon as you need it.

Ranger rangefinders also come with a lanyard if you prefer to carry around your neck. However you like to take the Ranger with you, it’ll be easy to bring.

Features and usability

The Ranger is easy to use with a quality, intuitive display.

The button closest to your eye is the “measure” button. Press it once to turn on and a second time to measure. That’s it.

The button further away from your eye is the “menu” button. There are three changeable settings. One is the brightness, which is really helpful in low-light conditions. The other settings change the measure between LOS and HCD modes.

The Line of Sight Distance (LOS) provides the straight-line distance to the target. It will also provide the angle.

In Horizontal Component Distance (HCD) mode, the Ranger will measure the distance and the angle and do the math to provide the most accurate yardage for your shot. If you spend a lot of time hunting in elevation or in tree stands, this setting can be enormously helpful.

By holding down the “measure” button, the Vortex Ranger will also “scan.” This scan feature provides continuous readings across a landscape or can track a moving target.

One thing to note about this rangefinder is that it won’t pick up objects under 10 yards.

Vortex VIP warranty

Another great feature of this Ranger rangefinder is that it comes with a lifetime warranty. If something were to happen to it and the optics get fuzzy, Vortex will take care of it—for as long as you have the product.

Rifle Scopes

Bushnell Engage Riflescopes Review

On the hunt for a new riflescope? As a hunter or range shooter, you know how important a quality, easy-to-use scope is to your experience. With so many to choose from, finding the right one can be a difficult choice.

Selection can be even more complicated if you factor in price and quality. Who wants to deal with a cheap, underperforming scope? And who wants to spend half their paycheck on one?

If you’ve been struggling to find the right riflescope, here’s your answer. The Bushnell Engage Riflescopes are high-quality and affordable. They also boast a number of exciting features that will make your next hunt or day on the range a great one.

Construction & Options

The Engage riflescopes were designed to go to work with you. Everything, from the turrets to the lens, is waterproof and built to last. The scope is heavy enough to be stable, but no so heavy it’s not useable for long-range work.

They come in nine configurations, so whether you’re varmiting, game-hunting, or are out on the range, you can find the right model for you.

2-7x 36mm
3-9x 40mm
3-9x 50mm
4-12x 40mm
6-18x 50mm
5-10x 44mm
3-12x 42mm
4-16x 44mm
6-24x 50mm

Find the 30 mm tubes here and the 1″ tubes here.

Optics

The Engage riflescope feature multicoated glass with Bushnell’s new EXO Barrier protective coating, which actively repels water, debris, oil, and fog. Even fingerprints–really! Everything just slides right off. The EXO really helps keep your scope clean and your vision sharp even, with rugged use.

No need to concern yourself about image quality. On each model, you’ll find multiple layers of anti-reflective coating and 90% light transmission. You’ll get great color, amazing resolution, and fantastic details, even well into dusk and even at night. If there’s a light source—even the moon—you’ll get a great picture through this scope.

These riflescopes are also O-ring sealed and nitrogen-purging for full protection against water and fog. You can count on an ultra-clear view, rain or shine. The scope’s blackout interior keeps out any extra reflection. Plus, the adjustments feel clean and work well.

Keep in mind, the diopter doesn’t lock. So, if you may need to make a little mark on your setting in case it gets bumped.

Scope also includes an already-installed Butler Creek pop-open scope cover.

Reticle

Engage riflescopes include Bushnell’s new Deploy MOA reticle. This gives shooters 1-MOA windage and elevation hashmarks and can reach both short and mid-range targets.

Vertical and horizontal crosswires are marked at 1 MOA intervals, and bigger, thicker marks delineate each 5 MOA intervals.

The Bushnell Engage Riflescope offers a huge range of reticle correction. There are 20 MOA of reticle correction possible to the left and right. Above center to low hold, you’ll get 5 MOA of correction, and 30 MOA of correction below center to hold high.

Although the reticle is easy to read and use, the markings may be a little thin. If you’re running out of light, or are have a complicated background, you may lose reticle visibility.

Further, because the reticle is found in the second focal plane, you need to spend the time adjusting the magnification if you’re shooting at long range. The riflescope must be set at its highest magnification to apply the reticle marks correctly.

Bushnell obviously took their time on design. The MOA reticle can be used by hunters and target shooters across multiple calibers. If you’re looking for a scope that provides flexibility—this is the one.

Turrets

The turrets on these Bushnell Engage riflescopes are great. They are marked with very readable numbers with .25 MOA marks between each number. One rotation of the turret gives you 15 MOA of correction. Rotate the turrets as many times as you want, but you’ll eventually get passed the 50 MOA of built-in adjustment.

They also lock; to make an adjustment, pull up and twist. Then, press back down to keep in lock.

Once your scope is sighted, you can set the windage and elevation to zero without using a tool. Just unscrew the top disk. It’s a pretty cool feature! You can do the same to other turrets to return everything back to the original zero.

The side parallax adjustment is also easy to use. Depending on the scope you get, it will adjust all the way down to 10 yards and up to infinity, with graduations at 20, 30, 50, 100, 200, 300, & 500. The short-range parallax adjustments are really nice if you are mounted on a .22, or are hunting in close range.

Value

The Bushnell Engage riflescopes are truly an incredible value. High-quality glass, sturdy construction, and clean design make these riflescopes on par with some of the most expensive on the market.

With their Engage line, Bushnell has proven you don’t need to spend half your paycheck on a ha great scope. It’s also important to remember the Bushnell Engage products come with an Ironclad lifetime warranty—for the scopes, it’s 30 years.

The Bushnell Engage line of products includes binoculars. Read more about them here.

Binoculars

Bushnell Engage Binoculars Review

Looking for a new pair of binos, or need to find a gift for your favorite outdoorsman? You need to check out the Bushnell Engage binoculars. Introduced in 2017, Bushnell’s lineup of Engage Binoculars provides a versatile, affordable option for hunters, bird-watchers, and star-gazers.

Whether you’re looking for a rugged pair to keep on your dashboard, or a sleek option for those long weekend hikes, it’s hard to go wrong with the Bushnell Engage binoculars.

Check out these high-quality features!

What’s in the box:

Bushnell has really stepped up its packaging game, lately. The box is heavy-duty and well-designed. Besides the binoculars themselves, you get an outer storage bag and a smaller, protective bag that also serves as a lens-cleaning cloth.

Alongside the protective bags, Bushnell provides lens covers for both front and back lenses. Both of which are easy to take on and off.

To keep your binoculars close at hand, you’ll also get a padded, branded strap. The strap is durable and comfortable, but can be a little difficult to install.

Construction & chassis:

The sub-frame of these binoculars is magnesium, making the binoculars strong and sturdy, but not ultra-heavy. In fact, these binoculars have just enough heft to make them easy to stabilize, but they’re not so heavy you’ll get tired using them.

The tubes themselves have a great hand-feel. Heavy enough for good stability, but light enough to be super portable. They’re really the perfect size for field use.

On top of the sub-frame, there’s a rubberized coating on the whole thing. This coating helps to keep the binos safe and from sliding around. So, if you need a pair for on dashboard of your pickup, the Bushnell Engage binoculars are a great option.

The rubberized coating and strong sub-frame make these binoculars ultra-durable. Drop them on the ground or in a puddle, and you won’t have to worry about anything breaking, getting scratched, or falling apart. If you’re unlucky, though, Bushnell Engage products come with an Ironclad lifetime warranty—for the binoculars, it’s 20 years.

Each model can also be adapted to a tripod.

Eyecups and diopter:

The eyecups on the Bushnell Engage binoculars are twist up. This feature allows for easy storage and portability. The eyecups are a little on the thin side, but it’s important to remember they’re not meant to be giant field binoculars.

One of the niftiest features of these binoculars is the locking diopter. Understandably, diopters can be a little intimidating and tedious to figure out, but once you have it, you can lock it in place. No need to worry about somebody knocking them over and messing up your focus.

All you have to do is pull up on the diopter to adjust, and then push it back in to lock in. With your personal diopter setting locked in, you’ll have a crystal-clear view, no matter what.

Lenses

The Engage binoculars feature multicoated glass with Bushnell’s new EXO Barrier protective coating, which actively repels water, debris, oil, and fog. Don’t worry about your kiddo’s grubby paws getting your lenses dirty, or scratches on the lenses while you’re out in the field. The EXO really helps keep your binoculars clean and your vision sharp even with rugged use.

Concerned about image quality? Don’t be. The Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Prime Glass feature and dielectric prism coating produce high reflectivity, great color, amazing resolution, and fantastic details, even well into dusk and even at night. Engage Binoculars provide precision viewing in the field, on the trail, or from the cabin porch.

The depth of field on these are great, too. You can keep an eye on what’s happening outside your main target, which is a really nice feature, and an uncommon one.

Engage binoculars are also made with environmentally-friendly, lead-free glass and are fully waterproof.

Model Options

The Bushnell Engage binoculars come in four models:

8 x 42 mm

FOV 142m
eye relief 19mm
weight 23.5oz

10 x 42 mm

FOV 113m
eye relief 18mm
weight 23.5oz

10 x 50 mm

FOV 113m
eye relief 15mm
weight 29.2oz

12 x 50 mm

FOV 93m
eye relief 15mm
weight 29.2 oz

Value

The Bushnell Engage binoculars are truly an incredible value. Their high-quality glass, sturdy construction, and excellent image make these on par with some of the most expensive binos on the market. All the great features roll into a sleek, rugged pair of binoculars that are ready to go to work with you, rain or shine.

With their Engage line, Bushnell has proven you don’t need to spend half your paycheck on a high-quality pair of binoculars. The Bushnell Engage line of products includes riflescopes.

Gift Guides

Best Gifts for Father-in-Laws 2019

Of all the relatives, one’s father-in-law may be the most difficult to shop for. Unless he lives pretty close, you don’t know too much about him. If you’re the husband, you’re doing everything in your power to make sure you don’t get on his bad side! However, we’ve compiled a list of cool and unique gifts that are sure to surprise and delight him this holiday season.

Dart Board

The dartboard is a classic man-cave game that tests patience and accuracy. This one is coated with Kenyan Sisal to withstand repeated impacts of darts over a long period of time.

Shelf/Display Case

If your father-in-law likes to admire his old trophies, pictures, or achievements, consider this large display case. It’s multi-tiered but relatively cheap for its size. It can also double as a bookshelf if he’s a bookworm. Basically, anything small enough to fit on the shelves can be appropriately displayed.

Cheese/Cutlery Board

We all know that dad whose pretty meticulous about showing off his cooking skills. If you want to add style to his list of attributes about food, then consider getting him this bamboo cutlery board. Apart from displaying snacks, it has compartments for spreaders.

Cold Weather Jacket

Each winter season, the price of jackets skyrockets. This cold-weather jacket by Under Armour will keep him warm and stylish whenever it gets chilly. Made of 100% polyester, it’s also a good cardio jacket to take on morning or evening runs.

Fishing Tackle Box

This all in one tackle box is a fisherman’s dream. With all sorts of compartments and large storage space, all your father-in-law’s baits and hooks can be neatly stored and categorized to his liking. It’s also pretty cheap for its size, so don’t miss the chance to grab one while it’s in stock!

Amazon Kindle

While paper books aren’t going out of style anytime soon, repeated trips to the bookstore or online stores can be cumbersome and tedious. The Amazon Kindle allows you to download available ebooks straight from the internet and from the comfort of your home.

Bottle Cutter

If your father-in-law is into beer as much as he is crafting, this bottle cutter is the perfect unique gift for his toolbox. It cuts bottles into smooth and neatly sized portions. Whether you want to create additional glasses or have them for show, the bottle cutter is sure to make an impression.

Drone

Men sure love their toys, so why not add one of the best drones on the market to his toy chest? The DJI Phantom 3 is a renowned drone that’s easy to fly and is equipped with various smart features to simplify the in-flight experience.

Rangefinders

TecTecTec ProWild Hunting Rangefinder Review

One of the top-selling rangefinders for hunting is the TecTecTec ProWild. TecTecTec is one of the newer names in optics and currently they focus only on (budget-friendly) rangefinders for hunting and golf. For hunting, in addition to the ProWild, the brand also offers the ProWild 2 and ProWild S.

Overview of the ProWild

The ProWild is appealing in particular because of its reasonable price. At under $100, the ProWild is a solid yet inexpensive rangefinder that measures up to 540 yards with +/- 1 accuracy.

It’s weather-resistant and lightweight, weighing in at 6.5 ounces. While the display is easy to read, it isn’t illuminated. Using it is very simple, with a two button design that lets you measure speed or distance.

The glass is good for the price — 6x magnification and multilayer coating. The device dimensions are 4″ x 2.8″ x 1.6″.

Overall the ProWild is a decent wallet-friendly option if you’re in the market for a rangefinder. Reviews from buyers and pros are mostly positive, with some reports of defective units out of the box or at the year mark (TecTecTec does have a 2-year warranty on the ProWild). Some hunters have run into issues with reading accuracy, but this should fall under warranty.

The original ProWild is a good starter or even a worthwhile option for hunters who don’t want to spend much on a rangefinder. However, there are two other models in this line that might be worth your attention. Let’s look at those next.

ProWild vs. ProWild S

The ProWild S is the next step up from the ProWild and is about $30 more. The ProWild S has the same basic setup as the ProWild — including max range, glass, and continuous scan mode — but it also has angle compensation which provides both actual distance and true ballistic distance for higher accuracy.

The S looks nearly identical to the original ProWild and features the same weather- and dust-resistant build and quality glass. Early reviewers have found this to be lightweight and accurate.

ProWild vs. ProWild 2

The final rangefinder in TecTecTec’s hunting rangefinder lineup is the ProWild 2. This one is about $50 more than the ProWild but boasts better total accuracy (within .3 yeards instead of 1), advanced technology, and some “high-end components,” as they say, versus the ProWild and the S.

The ProWild 2 also has a different look than the other two — a slightly different body build and a green color instead of camouflage. Essentially, the ProWild 2 is going to give you a better read and feel a bit more like a premium model.

TecTecTec offers a 2-year warranty on all their products and is known for having good customer service. The ProWild series of hunting rangefinders offers three different models at just slightly different price points, so you can definitely find one that will fit within your budget and have the specs you need for the hunt.

We like the ProWild 2 best out of the bunch because it has those additional features and better accuracy for under $150. Even so, each of these are lightweight and easy to use, so there’s really no bad things to say about any of these. TecTecTec is quickly making a name for themselves in the world of hunting optics, and these three rangefinders are good examples of why.

Binoculars

Nikon Monarch Binoculars Reviews & Comparison

Monarch, Nikon’s popular line of binoculars, has a solid reputation for offering quality optics for practically any use. Highly versatile and marked by excellent glass and durable builds, the current lineup features multiple magnification options at price points ranging from $300-$100 for the Monarch 5, Monarch 7, and Monarch HG binoculars.

We reviewed each of the current Monarchs to offer you full reviews on this sought-after series of mid-range and premium binoculars.

Nikon Monarch HG

The Nikon Monarch HG is the latest in Nikon’s monarch line of binoculars. It comes in the 10×42 and 8×42 versions. This version of the Monarch series is the quintessential rugged outdoorsman binoculars. It is constructed of magnesium alloy, a stronger substance and coating to protect against damage from drops and other accidents.

The HG is nearly double the price of the binoculars that preceded it, the Monarch 7. They both have the ED (extra-low dispersion) glass that clears up distortions in imaging and augments the Field flattener lens system. The HG isn’t a vastly different pair of binoculars compared to its predecessors but really ups the ruggedness factor.

Apart from being shielded and coated with anti-fog and moisture material, the HG prides itself on being the best pair of sporting optics out there. Being rugged and during is one thing, but retaining image quality is another.

The focus is still in the center between the eyepieces and takes on a larger shape for increased control and stability.

Field Flattener Lens System

The Monarch HG utilizes the field flattener lens system (FFLS) like the rest of the Monarch line. With most imaging devices including cameras, a notable problem is a dropoff in image quality and color around the edges of an image.

Monarch HG

Monarchs compensate for this problem with the FFLS, clearing up images on the outside to make a complete and colorful viewing experience. Nikon has increased the level of coating for the HG’s internal prisms and lenses, leading to a nearly 92% light transmittance factor. For low-light and unfavorable conditions, the HG is the pair of binos for the job.

Features

The HG employs a 60.3-degree FOV for the 8×42 pair and 62.2 FOV for the 10×42 pair. A two-degree difference doesn’t seem like much but can mean the difference between spotting a rare object or animal at long range. The HG also has a diopter setting that allows you to save your preferred setting in the case that you share these binoculars with another person.

It is rated waterproof above 5m for around ten minutes and fog-proof at altitudes of up to 16,400 feet. These stats showcase just how rugged this pair of binoculars is. That’s not to say that the entire Monarch line is sub-par, but the HG is ideal for harsher conditions where other binoculars might suffer performance issues.

The most recent release of this line is the new 30mm Monarch HGs. These two are more compact than the 42mm binos, and an 8-ounce weight reduction makes them extra portable. Nikon’s Field Flattener Lens System works with a FOV that matches the 42mm—8.3° and 6.9° respectively in the 8×30 and 10×30 models.

Available Magnifications

Nikon Monarch 7

A good pair of binoculars is optically clear, compact enough to be easily carried, and durable enough to withstand unusual conditions. Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars meet all of these criteria. By combining the best in optical technology with a sturdy, well-engineered design, Nikon has made a pair of binoculars that will meet almost any need.

Priced in between the high-end HG and the Monarch 5, the 7 is a great option for anyone looking for a step up from the 5 with a stronger build and wider field of view.

Nikon MONARCH 7 10×42

Features

The Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars feature low dispersion glass, phase correcting roof prisms, and dielectric high reflection prism coatings to make the optical image created for the viewer as clear and true to life as possible. All of these elements combine to make a very high fidelity viewing experience, as well as to ensure that glare or other light phenomena do not compromise the view. In addition, scratch resistant coatings are applied to all exterior lenses to guard against damage. The binoculars are also sealed with o-rings and filled with nitrogen gas to maintain a water-resistant seal that is effective in up to 3 feet of water for up to 10 minutes.

Owing to the durable casing and the many protective features designed to protect the optical components, these binoculars are up for just about anything that may get thrown at them. These are ideal as sporting binoculars and would do well on a nature excursion or in other sporting situations.

Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars are quite good optically. The many glare and refraction reducing features create an image that is clear and not distorted or fuzzy. These same optics also present the viewer with a very true to life representation of color and brightness.

They are also extremely durable, allowing them to be taken on hikes, nature outings, bird watching, or just about any other expedition you may have in mind. The optics produce a very clear and undistorted image that is both bright and colorful. The same features that make the binoculars water resistant also serve to keep it sealed against atmospheric humidity, preventing the lenses from fogging up and producing a blurry image.

Available Magnifications

Nikon Monarch 5

One of our favorite pairs of binoculars happens to be the mid-range 10×42 Monarch 5, which includes the following specs:

Nikon Monarch 5 10×42

FOV @ 1000m/yds: 96/288
Exit pupil: 4.2 mm
Brightness: 17.6
Eye relief: 18.4 mm
Weight: 21.2 oz

And it has the following features:

Extra-low dispersion glass
Multi-layer coating
Turn and slide rubber eyecups
Waterproof and fog free

Features

One of the first things you’ll notice right out of the package is that the Monarch 5s feel well made and sturdy. They are also relatively lightweight for this price point, so you won’t feel like you’re lugging bricks around your neck all day.

The Monarch 5 is a great pair of binoculars that will work well for a number of uses. Whether you want to take them hiking to check out wildlife, keep them in your vehicle for your birdwatching excursions, or keep them close on your hunt, they will work wonderfully. We can’t wait to get these back outside for hunting season, or even just to bird watch. Overall, the Monarch 5 is well worth the money and will last you a long, long time.

Available Magnifications

Nikon Monarch HG vs Monarch 7 vs Monarch 5

There’s a fairly significant price hike between each of the Monarch iterations, so budget tends to be the main factor when it comes to deciding between these Nikon binoculars. However, you might be wondering about differences between them beyond the sticker price, so here’s a quick look at what you get when you pay more.

Build Quality: With each step up, you’ll find a better, more durable build. This is most notable when you get to the Monarch HG, as those are made from magnesium alloy. This ensures an excellent level of durability while being lightweight and compact. There is minimal difference between the 5 and 7 in build, however.
Glass: Similarly, in any line of optics including Nikon Monarchs, a step up in price also equals higher quality glass and higher-tech coatings. For most casual users, the difference in glass isn’t necessary, but it does make a big difference in viewing quality as you compare low-to-mid and premium optics. In the Monarch line, the biggest difference in glass comes between the 5 and the 7.
Specs: When crunching the numbers, each Monarch iteration boasts a slightly better set of specs, such as FOV and radius. This is also related to configurations, too, of course, so definitely check out the specifics on the configuration of the model you’re interested in.
Performance: The factors we’ve previously discussed plus the guts of each option equal better performance as you pay more. For example, the 7 and HG perform better in low light situations than the 5, and you’ll notice a difference between the 7 and HG as well.

The Monarch 5 binoculars offer more options in magnifications, so if you’re searching for a 12×42 or 20×56, the 5 is a good bet.

Overall, we like the Monarch 5 best, primarily because it’s priced well for what it does. Our pick takes into account specs, performance, and price, which is how we came to that decision. The 7 and HG are nice binos, but it’s difficult to justify the price given the quality. Having said that, if the Monarch 7 or Monarch HG fit your budget, you won’t be disappointed by the performance or build. All Monarchs come with Nikon’s lifetime warranty.

Nikon Monarch 3

While this particular model is discontinued, there are still products available through various retailers — and they are often priced under $200, so the Monarch 3 is worth a look. Here’s our review.

Some Key Features

These binoculars are easy to hold with a non-slip surface and are relatively lightweight, yet they are also rugged and durable. Some of the most important features of the Nikon Monarch 3 10 x 42 binoculars include:

Rubber-armored coating so that you can grip them easily without slipping
Lenses that are o-ring sealed to make them waterproof and fogproof
Flip-down lens covers to protect your lenses
Multi-coated lenses so that your image will be bright and clear, not cloudy
Multiple settings for eyecups, which especially assists those who wear glasses
An easy to maneuver focus knob
Silver alloy prism coating, which is high-reflective and thus helps the binoculars to perform well in low light situations

Standard sized binoculars such as these, with a good objective diameter, can be used for a variety of purposes including birdwatching, watching sports or concerts, hunting, or when viewing the landscape while traveling or hiking. Nikon recommends an “exit pupil” specification of 5 mm or larger for most star gazing, and these binoculars fall slightly below that with an exit pupil number of 4.2 mm. It’s still well above the 3 mm mark, however, and thus could be used for at least some general star and planet gazing.

See the Nikon Monarch 3 10×42 here.