Since we had the hard freeze that destroyed bird viewing opportunities this year, I went to canada for my viewing. I noticed that allot of my fellow bird viewers were using Nikon ATB Monarchs of various sizes (32s, 36s and larger). The prices seemed high when they mention what they paid.
So then I came back to the USA and Nikon Monarchs can be had here for $179-279 plus shipping for the sizes from 8x32 up to I think 12x42. This seems pretty inexpensive for a first class binocular. Admittedly I have not been looking at binocular pricing for 4 months, but is Nikon also closing out this series or certain sizes of Monarchs?
We only get a devestating hard freeze like we did this year once every 75 years so I don't exppect next year to be a total loss. Once the blossoms and fruit are healthy here, the birds and insects flock here in droves. When visitors come we like to rent out binoculars and we often sell them. Getting a few items that are close-outs but of excellent quality makes sense for our inventory.
But if Nikon is just converting production to China and prices are going to keep getting even lower for a while, it would make sense to wait until next year before buying any Monarchs because they might even be cheaper by then. If anyone knows what is what with Nikon Monarchs please let me know.
All Monarchs were made in China at least the last 5-10 years. I paid 250 for my 42mm pair.
The Nikon Monarch rifle scopes are gone, they use ProMaster and other names now.
[QUOTE=ksbird/foxranch;1023097]Nikon Monarchs can be had here for $179-279 plus shipping for the sizes from 8x32 up to I think 12x42. This seems pretty inexpensive for a first class binocular. Admittedly I have not been looking at binocular pricing for 4 months, but is Nikon also closing out this series or certain sizes of Monarchs? [/QUOTE]
My thoughts:
Those prices seem low--the 8x36 usually goes for ~$250--unless they are for refurbs.
The Monarchs are quite functional, but they aren't first class binos.
I doubt these are being phased out or replaced. The x36 models are fairly new and the x36 and x42 Monarchs sell well.
--AP