Dang, this has been too hard. The more I read the more I struggle w/ what to pick but my return period at SWFA is about to expire and I need to pick something. Reminder, I bought the Leupold Pinnacles and find the brightness very disappointing, so much so, I am going to soak up $35+ dollars in shipping (back forth and new ones back) plus, they charge 10-15% restocking fee. I never expected to be disappointed w/ the Pinnacles so wasn't worried about the return policy but if I spend equal or more money ($400), they won't charge a restock fee. If I buy something lesser, like the Monarchs, they will charge the fee on the difference, so not a killer but in the end, $50 in shipping and restocking fees starts to hurt.
Anyway, my previous post on brightness contained lots of terrific comments including some about "why not get a porro for brightness" and other related comments. I own two pairs of Porros that I think are fantastic and they are extremely bright. Few have heard of them but they are mid 90's 8x42's Simmons Presidential w/ fully multi BAK4, waterproof, etc. I have used them for 13-14 yrs and think they are fantastic. The reason I am in the market is simply "want" not need and at this point, I already pulled the trigger and have a credit to spend at swfa. I don't need or want another porro, I'd like a roof with consideration toward brightness and weight.
I have narrowed it down to new Monarch 8x42's or Bushness Legend Ultra HD 8x42 (appx same price) or Zen 8x42 ED2. My biggest hesitation w/ Zen's (same price as the Pinnacles I'm returning) is weight, so I considered the 7x36 but worry the "brightness" my be less than a 8x42 monarch even though exit pupil is the same. Not sure what else I am giving up on the 7x36 but they have similar wt to monarchs whereas 8x42 zen is 27oz, about 5-6 oz more than competing 8x42's.
Any thoughts on these options? I read "bear..." comment on the 7x36 ED2 ZR vs. the Monarchs and that pushed me back to the Nikon but everyone has their own opinion...i'm a bit torn but need to make a call...
Your expectations are pretty high and any of these may not suit your particular tastes. You absolutely must try these first if you want to be satisfied. I wouldn't buy from anyone without an excellent return policy because there are so many competitors out there. In fact, I'd work with your vendor to make an exception if you return the item in excellent condition as a competitive gesture.
Since you ask, I'll at least throw in my thoughts.
New Monarch - I was incredibly unimpressed with the original Monarch - it had good performance but not distinctive in any way (except maybe when it was first released). Good value for the money at the time but later on it was easily surpassed. New model with its fancy coatings, etc, I will defer to current users. However, I think it is a case of "paying for a name" which makes it not the best value.
8x42HD - this is the dark horse of the bunch. Look very carefully at the reviews here. You might decide this is a very good option if priced competitively.
7x36 ED - the big - little binocular. The comments here speak for themselves. You might also want to see the less than complimentary opinions of it, such as those that suggest edge sharpness is poor, etc, but overall it's a great value and the owner is an active participant here. How many others care that much?
If this is an "all around", I'd go 8x42 HD due to aperture and magnification. If this is an elective model, then the 7x36 has a place.
Just to make your life a bit more complicated than necessary, I will suggest 8x42 ZRS HD. I have their 10x equivalent and very happy with it. If I were you, I will order it with one of the ED2 binoculars from zen-ray.com. FWIW, they don't have stocking fee if you return one of them.