Nikon - 20x56 Monarch 5 Binoculars (Black)

The B&H Binocular Buying Guide

Optimized for long-range use, Nikon's 20x56 Monarch 5 Binoculars are the most powerful binoculars in the Monarch series and received upgrades from the Monarch 3 design to improve image quality with the same focus on comfort and performance the line is known for.

Featuring extralow dispersion glass elements with anti-reflection, fully multicoated optics and highly reflective dielectric-coated and phase-corrected roof prisms, the Monarch 5 produces bright and clear high-contrast images with accurate color rendition and minimal color fringing across the entire field of view. The oversized objectives boost their light-gathering ability and help to offset the dimming of the view that often accompanies powerful optics such as this when observing long-distance subjects—ensuring bright and clear views even in challenging light conditions.

Complementing the optical performance are construction details that make these binoculars durable and comfortable to use. They have a lightweight, reinforced polycarbonate ATB chassis and are protected by rubberized armor that is accented with indented palm rests to give them a secure nonslip grip. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature variations and environmental conditions. A one-piece ocular rainguard covers the eyecups as the binoculars hang around the neck and prevent rain and spraying water from filling them, and the objective lens caps are also tethered to keep them safe from being lost on the forest floor. The combination of high power and large objectives may cause distracting hand shake or arm fatigue when they are held by hand, so Nikon includes an adapter that allows the Monarch binoculars to be easily mounted on a tripod or other support system for hands-free use.

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Todd Vorenkamp

5 years ago

Joseph Albanese

5 years ago

Christopher Witt

4 years ago

User Manual

0.7 MB

Optical Performance

Powerful 20x power is optimized to make detailed observation and identification at extreme distances

Large oversized 56mm objectives maximize light-gathering ability and help to offset the dimming of the view that often accompanies high-power optics when viewing at long range

Roof prism light path ensures optical tubes remain thin for a compact form factor

Extra low-dispersion glass reduces chromatic and spherical aberrations for increased contrast, improved color rendition, and sharpness without distortion across the entire field of view

Phase-corrected prism coatings reduce internal interference to improve light transmission, contrast, and resolution

Anti-reflection fully multicoated optics maximize light transmission across the entire visible spectrum for accurate color rendition and improved contrast and clarity

Highly reflective dielectric prism multilayer coatings boost internal reflection to >99% to maintain image brightness and improve contrast and clarity

173' field of view at 1000 yards

Use and Handling

Closed-bridge configuration provides a solid and stable platform for the internal focusing mechanism

Large slip center focus wheel allows for precise focus control, even while wearing gloves

Right eye dioptric adjustment collar helps to compensate for individual eye prescription

60-72mm interpupillary distance range allows easy use by a wide variety of people

Twist-up/click-stop rubber eyecups for use with or without eyewear

Tripod mountable with optional adapter for hands-free use to eliminate arm fatigue and hand shake

Long 16.4mm eye relief helps to reduce eyestrain and improves viewing comfort

2.8mm exit pupil

Construction Details

Environmentally friendly Eco-Glass is made without lead and arsenic

Lightweight and durable fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate chassis

Chassis material is temperature resistant, preventing the expansion and contraction that is common with metal, which can cause the optical components to move out of alignment over time and prevent sharp focus

Textured protective rubber armoring provides a slip-resistant grip, especially in cold and wet weather

Indents on the sides of the optical tubes are ergonomically placed where the hands naturally fall for a more comfortable feel in the hand and a more secure grip

Nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature changes and environmental conditions

Tripod adapter included for easy mounting onto an array of support systems

Black coloring allows it to remain inconspicuous in all environments

One-piece tethered ocular rainguard protects eyecups from water pooling in them from rain or spraying water when hanging from the neck

Tethered fold-down objective lens caps prevents losing them during observation sessions

Weight: 43 ounces

• Optimized for long-range use, Nikon's 20x56 Monarch 5 Binoculars are the most powerful binoculars in the Monarch series and received upgrades from the Monarch 3 design to improve image quality with the same focus on comfort and performance the line is known for.
Featuring extralow dispersion glass elements with anti-reflection, fully multicoated optics and highly reflective dielectric-coated and phase-corrected roof prisms, the Monarch 5 produces bright and clear high-contrast images with accurate color rendition and minimal color fringing across the entire field of view. The oversized objectives boost their light-gathering ability and help to offset the dimming of the view that often accompanies powerful optics such as this when observing long-distance subjects—ensuring bright and clear views even in challenging light conditions.
Complementing the optical performance are construction details that make these binoculars durable and comfortable to use. They have a lightweight, reinforced polycarbonate ATB chassis and are protected by rubberized armor that is accented with indented palm rests to give them a secure nonslip grip. The optical tubes are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed to be waterproof and resistant to internal fogging when moving through extreme temperature variations and environmental conditions. A one-piece ocular rainguard covers the eyecups as the binoculars hang around the neck and prevent rain and spraying water from filling them, and the objective lens caps are also tethered to keep them safe from being lost on the forest floor. The combination of high power and large objectives may cause distracting hand shake or arm fatigue when they are held by hand, so Nikon includes an adapter that allows the Monarch binoculars to be easily mounted on a tripod or other support system for hands-free use.