# Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 (Nikon) and Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 (Leupold) among binoculars. Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 is the cheaper of the two at $249.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $339.95 | $249.99 |
| Brand | Nikon | Leupold |
| Released | 2021 | 2021 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Objective lens (mm) | 42 | 42 |
| Field of view ft 1000yd | 335 | 342 |
| Eye relief (mm) | 19.5 | 15 |
| Weight (oz) | 22.2 | 24.3 |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Prism type | Roof | Abbe-Koenig |

## Key differences

- Magnification: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 8x vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 10x
- Field of view ft 1000yd: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 335 vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 342
- Eye relief (mm): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 19.5 vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 15
- Weight (oz): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 22.2 vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 24.3
- Prism type: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Roof vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 Abbe-Koenig

## What reviewers say

**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.)

**Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42** — Two whitelisted hands-on testers — Field & Stream and GearJunkie — reviewed this exact model (BX-2 Alpine HD 10×42), both recommending it as a strong sub-$300 value with above-average optics, smooth focus, and a rugged, weather-resistant body. Both flag a looseness issue (F&S the diopter, GearJunkie the eyecups); GearJunkie also notes it lacks the hydrophobic lens coating of higher-end Leupolds. No lab-measured numbers were published. (2 sourced reviews.)

## Sources

- Nikon Monarch M5 8x42: https://www.nikonusa.com/p/monarch-m5-8x42/16767/overview (nikonusa.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42: https://www.leupold.com/bx-2-alpine-hd-10x42mm-binocular (leupold.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/binoculars/nikon-monarch-m5-8x42-vs-leupold-bx-2-alpine-hd-10x42/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 ($339.95) vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 ($249.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/binoculars/nikon-monarch-m5-8x42-vs-leupold-bx-2-alpine-hd-10x42/
License: CC BY 4.0.