So what are the key differences between:
Monarch Mk 3
Monarch 3
ProStaff 7
I know the new Monarch 3 will replace the the Monarch Mk 3 but can't understand how the new ProStaff 7 fits-in. I also know that Nikon are in a transition phase where product lines are being aesthetically aligned. But some things still don't make sense.
For instance comparing official specs between Monarch Mk 3 (MM3) and ProStaff 7 (PS7) here's all the differences I can find (8x42 models):
- MM3 - dielectric coated
prism, 8.2ft close focussing, 19.5mm eye relief, 5.7 x 5 inches size, 21.5oz weight, $299.95 estimated selling price.
- PS7 - aluminium coated prism, 13.1ft close focussing, 19.3mm eye relief, 6.9 x 5.1 inches size, weight not mentioned but probably higher, estimated selling price not mentioned but perhaps slightly cheaper.
I didn't include the Monarch 3 as it's not on Nikon's official sites and I didn't want to rely on 2nd hand info - either that or I am going blind! However the only differences I have heard are that apparently it features silver-coated prisms. Also apparently it featured a polycarbonate body - as opposed to the MM3 which I believe has a magnesium alloy body. Who knows what the PS7 is made of. The very misty plot thickens!
It's really unclear as to how the Monarch 3 and PS7 will co-exist in terms of differing comsumer needs. Clarification is needed so consumers don't feel slightly peeved especially over the next few months.
Nikon, throw me a bone! I am based in the UK and very recently purchased the MM3 and if either of the other two are better for my specific needs, I can return my current bins to Amazon but not for very long.
Some of my most pressing questions:
- dielectric / silver / aluminium: which prism coatings are better?
- given the PS7 is no doubt bigger and probably heavier than the Monarch 3 (it's certainly bigger than the soon to be outgoing MM3), was this a design compromise in order to achieve a 'better' image of some sort?
Or is the PS7 simply a slightly poorer man's Monarch?
If the resident Nikon rep could detail the spec differences between the three models mentioned, and the thinking behind launching the Monarch 3 alongside the PS7, I would be really grateful.
Ps - I have just seen this thread which talks about some image differences but it doesn't answer all the above questions:
http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=202792
Many thanks,
Atma Singh
Atma,
Just something about mirror coatings.
In theory, dielectric mirrors can produce the highest reflectivity levels across the visible spectrum. However, achieving this is expensive and I would not assume all 'dielectric' models achieve this. Aluminium coatings naturally have a slight blue bias and silver a slight red one, however new 'enhanced' formulas have improved performance, and in some cases approach dielectric levels. So the mirror material may not be a good predictor of final performance, particularly in cheaper models.
In practice the quality of the anti reflective coatings and control of internal reflections and light scatter may be more important than the mirror material in final colour balance and contrast levels.
Some would argue that a neutral transmission spectrum is the 'ideal'. Personally I find a reddish (warm) balance is helpful for bright conditions and blue, early or late in the day. I'm more of a fair weather birder and prefer a warm balance but it's very much an individual choice. Sites like www.allbinos.com record transmission spectra for some pairs, but note that there is quite a bit of discussion on the forum about the accuracy of their measurement.
Sorry if this is of little help. The best advice is to try a lot of pairs if you can and figure out what works for you and the conditions.
Good luck,
David
...and a little more info...the Nikon Monarch Mk 3 was the first introduced out of the three you listed. It was the initial upgrade to the Monarch (Mk II) that has been so popular over the last 6 years or so. The Mk3 was upgraded to dielectric coatings and is typically referred to as the Monarch ATB. I don't believe anything else changed about that design.
So then we have the ProStaff 7. My take on that is basically Nikon upgraded their "low end" offering by adding phasecoating to a lower priced roof (though I think they still have the Trailblazer ATB in the lineup). I am guessing this was done to compete with some of their competitors' offerings...thinking Leupold Acadia, Bushnell Excursion EX, Eagle Optics...etc... Their aluminum prism coating and longer size are the only two major issues where I see them different from the Monarchs.
The Monarch 3 is an interesting model. I think their styling is what primarily separates them from the Monarch ATB...plus the silver prism coating. There will be a slight difference in terms of overall optical performance because of this (higher light transmission with the dielectric coated model) but other variables play just as an important part in the final image. Sometimes I even prefer the color rendition provided by silver coated prism models in comparison to the dielectric ones. It is a personal choice.
For what it is worth if I was looking at these three bins, and I could only go by specs alone, I would probably try the Monarch 3 first because of the styling and silver coated prisms...plus the price is certainly attractive.
The ProStaff 7 definitely looks interesting. Because of its longer length I would expect it to have more aberrations corrected in comparison to either of the Monarch models...assuming all else is equal.
Just my two cents.