Nikon
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
$339.95
Released 2021
Best Binoculars · head-to-head
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 is cheaper at $249.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Leupold
Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42
$249.99Cheaper
Released 2021
Which is better: the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 or Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42?
The Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 is the cheaper at $249.99. Get the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 for the stronger spec sheet, the Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 to spend less.
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Full spec sheet
✓ marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.
| Spec | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42 |
|---|---|---|
| US price | $339.95 | $249.99 MSRP per leupold.com |
| 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 |
| Release | 2021 | 2021 |
Sources — Nikon Monarch M5 8x42: nikonusa.com (verified 2026-06-15). Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42: leupold.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 and Leupold BX-2 Alpine HD 10x42?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (5 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
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).
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, 2 lab-tested.)
Praised: Above-average optical/image quality and strong value for a sub-$300 binocular; Smooth focus wheel and comfortable ergonomics; Rugged, weather-resistant body.
Flagged: Eyecups/diopter too loose to reliably hold their setting; Slightly slick exterior finish; No hydrophobic lens coating; not as sharp as higher-end Leupolds.