Hi, I am still looking for some new bins and had the opportunity to try the Opticron HR-WP 8x42 and 10x42 and I thought they were superb. A week or so later I tried the Nikon Monarch 8x42 which I also liked a lot. I could not test them side by side so my question is, which of these two are better optically? I would welcome any opinions comparing these.. I know the Nikons cost a little more and I have no preference for porros or roofs, also I am not bothered about the size or weight. Thanks, Dave
[quote=TMG555;1290551]Hi, I am still looking for some new bins and had the opportunity to try the Opticron HR-WP 8x42 and 10x42 and I thought they were superb. A week or so later I tried the Nikon Monarch 8x42 which I also liked a lot. I could not test them side by side so my question is, which of these two are better optically? I would welcome any opinions comparing these.. I know the Nikons cost a little more and I have no preference for porros or roofs, also I am not bothered about the size or weight. Thanks, Dave[/quote]I have a pair of the HR WP 8x42 and while I can't specifically compare them to the Monarch, I've compared them to lots of other roofs and they beat all but the top 3. In fact sometimes, when I'm being brave, I wonder if any roof, however good and however expensive, can really stand comparison with a top-class porro. For optical quality, you can't beat the HR WP without paying a lot more. Even if you think the discontinued Nikon EII and SE are better (and they may be - I've never tried them), they're still more expensive and have those 19th century foldy gutta-percha eyeflap things.
Michael