Vortex Viper HD 10×42 vs Nikon Monarch 7- Who Wins!

The Vortex Viper HD 10×42 vs Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars comparison is a tight one. These two binoculars though from the different manufacturers have close similarities. The Vortex Viper HD is made by an American based company that outsources its manufacturing to Asia.

All binoculars coming from Vortex have a lifetime warranty. So it is safe to say that the Viper HD 10×42 binocular is also having the same warranty.

However, the Nikon Monarch 7 10×42 binocular is made by the famous and respected Japanese Nikon corporation which celebrated its 100th birthday in 2017. That is not a small accomplishment. Nikon started in around 1917 when three small optical companies in Japan merged to form a single parent company.  Their headquarters is based in Tokyo. Today, they are all over the world.

Nikon binoculars and scopes come with a lifetime warranty as well. So the Monarch 7 10×42 binoculars are also covered in this warranty. Which makes it really a great thing because, any “defects in material or workmanship” are found, Nikon will either repair or replace the binoculars at their expense.

Vortex Viper HD 10×42 vs Nikon Monarch 7 Binoculars- Specs Compared

Preview
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42
Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10x42 Binocular (Black)
Name
Vortex Viper HD 10x42
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42
Magnification
10x
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
42 mm
Field of View
341.0' @ 1000 yd / 113.2 m @ 1000 m
351.0' @ 1000 yd / 116.5 m @ 1000 m
Eye Relief
17 mm
16.5 mm
Focus Type
Center
Center
Exit Pupil Diameter
4.2 mm
4.2 mm
Weatherproof
Fully Weatherproof
Fully Weatherproof
Min. Focus Distance
6.5' / 2 m
8.2' / 2.5 m
Tripod Mount
Yes (Adapter Optional)
Yes (Adapter Optional)
Weight
24.9 oz / 705.9 g
23.3 oz / 660.0 g
Dimensions
5.6 x 4.9" / 142.2 x 124.5 mm
5.6 x 5.1" / 14.2 x 13.0 cm
Lens Coatings
XR fully multi-coated lenses
Fully multi-coated lenses
Prism Coatings
Phase Corrected Roof Prisms
Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer and phase correction Coatings
Preview
Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism Binoculars 10x42
Name
Vortex Viper HD 10x42
Magnification
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
Field of View
341.0' @ 1000 yd / 113.2 m @ 1000 m
Eye Relief
17 mm
Focus Type
Center
Exit Pupil Diameter
4.2 mm
Weatherproof
Fully Weatherproof
Min. Focus Distance
6.5' / 2 m
Tripod Mount
Yes (Adapter Optional)
Weight
24.9 oz / 705.9 g
Dimensions
5.6 x 4.9" / 142.2 x 124.5 mm
Lens Coatings
XR fully multi-coated lenses
Prism Coatings
Phase Corrected Roof Prisms
Preview
Nikon 7549 MONARCH 7 10x42 Binocular (Black)
Name
Nikon Monarch 7 10x42
Magnification
10x
Objective Lens Diameter
42 mm
Field of View
351.0' @ 1000 yd / 116.5 m @ 1000 m
Eye Relief
16.5 mm
Focus Type
Center
Exit Pupil Diameter
4.2 mm
Weatherproof
Fully Weatherproof
Min. Focus Distance
8.2' / 2.5 m
Tripod Mount
Yes (Adapter Optional)
Weight
23.3 oz / 660.0 g
Dimensions
5.6 x 5.1" / 14.2 x 13.0 cm
Lens Coatings
Fully multi-coated lenses
Prism Coatings
Dielectric High-Reflective Multilayer and phase correction Coatings

Optical Performance

These two binoculars have very close specifications making them have similar optical performances. However, according to users’ comparison of the depth of view, the Nikon Monarch 7 seemed to have a significantly greater depth of view than the Vortex Viper HD at a specific distance away. This gives the Monarch 7  an upper hand in that regard.

The two binoculars didn’t also seem to show much difference in terms of resolution of details and color viewed. The Vortex Viper HD is a high-end, full- size yet a  compact binocular that is suitable for hunting, birding, travel and other activities.

With its XR anti-reflective lens coatings, it has the ability to deliver great resolution and clarity even in low light conditions.

On the other hand, the Nikon Monarch 7 binocular features a durable rubber-armored coating making it comfortable to hold. Also, its lenses and prisms are dielectric high-reflective multi-layer coated to ensure you get high-contrast images and accurate color reproduction.

The field of view for the Viper HD and the Monarch 7 are 341.0′ @ 1000 yd and 351.0′ @ 1000 yd respectively. Making the Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars slightly wider in the field of view than the Vortex Viper HD binoculars. With regards to the usability of the field of view, the Monarch 7 has a broader field of view as well.

When subjected to low and strong light viewing, they both gave brighter images just that the monarch according to some users appeared a bit brighter than the Viper HD binoculars.

Per customer service, although they are very similar in many ways, Vortex seems to have speedy service than Nikon according to some users.

Price

Per dollar comparison, the Monarch 7 binocular is cheaper than the Vortex Viper HD binocular. Even though both are below $500, the Monarch 7 10×42 binoculars which are Amazon Choice, is around $440 while the Vortex Viper is around is shy of just $2 to be $500. Making the Viper about 60 dollars high than the Monarch. The question is, is there enough justification for the extra cash?.

These prices were quoted around the time of writing this review and are subject to change.

Weight and Dimensions

The Viper weighs slightly higher than the Monarch 7. The Vortex Viper weighs 705.9 g while the Nikon Monarch 7 weighs 660.0 g. The difference in weight is about 45 g. Lightweight is always better. Even though both are relatively lightweight, but the Monarch has an advantage over the Viper HD.

If weight is of concern to you, you might find the Monarch advantageous. In terms of dimensions, the Viper looks a bit smaller than the Monarch. But the difference is not that noticeable.

You may also want to check out my recent comparisons of the:

Vortex Viper HD vs the Diamondback Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 7 vs Zeiss Terra ED Binoculars

Body Construction/Chassis

Both are ergonomically designed for easy handling. The Vortex Viper HD has a compact, impact-resistant polycarbonate rubber armored chassis and it also has a coating of what they call ArmorTek coating, which reduces the wear on the binoculars over time and protects them from the smudging with fingerprints and sweat

The chassis for the Nikon Monarch is made of polycarbonate with fiberglass reinforcement according to a source who works at Nikon. It makes this perhaps one of the lightest 42mm binoculars without yielding quality in its construction or optics at this price point. The durable rubber-armored coating makes is comfortable to hold and rugged enough to stand any condition.

Final Verdict

Both binoculars are strong from both optical performance and construction perspective and will serve you for different activities range. They are strong, compact and lightweight as well.

If you are the type that is concern about the money, then the Nikon Monarch 7 binoculars will be favorable to you. It has a better field of view, which will enable you to see more action at once than if you were to have a narrower field of view. It also has a depth of view which is better than the Viper HD binoculars. Price-wise, the Monarch 7 is cheaper as well.

The Viper is also good in its own right, they have better customer service and awesome warranty. If these factors move you more, then you might want to go for the Viper HD. Because the features that I mentioned above that I think makes the Monarch 7 better, might not be appealing to you.

Now its your turn!

1 thought on “Vortex Viper HD 10×42 vs Nikon Monarch 7- Who Wins!”

  1. In other words, there’s no good reason to get the Vortex. Warranty is identical, and all other things are either better or the same on the Nikon. With the Vortex you’d be practically getting an inferior product for more money, knowing you’ll get better customer support should you ever need it.

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