Nikon
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
$339.95Cheaper
Released 2021
Best Binoculars · head-to-head
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 is cheaper at $339.95. Every spec and price links to its source.
Athlon
Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42
$374.99
Released 2019
Which is better: the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 or Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42?
The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 is the cheaper at $339.95. The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Prices verified at capture; live price may differ.
Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $339.95 | $374.99 |
| Brand | Nikon | Athlon |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |
| Magnification | 8x | 8x |
| Objective lens (mm) | 42 | 42 |
| Field of view ft 1000yd | 335 | 426 |
| Eye relief (mm) | 19.5 | 17.2 |
| Weight (oz) | 22.2 | 23.3 |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Prism type | Roof | Roof |
| Release | 2021 | 2019 |
Sources — Nikon Monarch M5 8x42: nikonusa.com (verified 2026-06-15). Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42: athlonoptics.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 and Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- Field of view ft 1000yd: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 335 vs Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 426
- Eye relief (mm): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 19.5 vs Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 17.2
- Weight (oz): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 22.2 vs Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 23.3
What reviewers say
Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
Only one whitelisted tester, GearJunkie, published hands-on review prose for this exact model. GearJunkie field-tested the Monarch M5 8x42 (tracking hummingbirds in flight, plus rainy/windy beach conditions) and named it best for birdwatching, praising its lightweight waterproof/fogproof build, all-condition clarity, and secure rubber grip, while faulting only its average close-focus range. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)
Praised: Lightweight, durable, waterproof and fogproof build; Crisp, clear imagery in all lighting conditions; Rubber casing keeps a secure grip in rain and wind.
Flagged: Average close range of focus (the reviewer's only stated complaint).
Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42
No sourced tester review yet.