# Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: specs and price compared

A sourced, side-by-side comparison of the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 (Nikon) and Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 (Vortex) among binoculars. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 is the cheaper of the two at $329.99.

## Side by side

| Spec | Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 | Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 |
| --- | --- | --- |
| US price | $339.95 | $329.99 |
| Brand | Nikon | Vortex |
| Released | 2021 | 2019 |
| Magnification | 8x | 10x |
| Objective lens (mm) | 42 | 42 |
| Field of view ft 1000yd | 335 | 330 |
| Eye relief (mm) | 19.5 | 15 |
| Weight (oz) | 22.2 | 21.3 |
| Waterproof | Yes | Yes |
| Prism type | Roof | Roof |

## Key differences

- Magnification: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 8x vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 10x
- Field of view ft 1000yd: Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 335 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 330
- Eye relief (mm): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 19.5 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 15
- Weight (oz): Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 22.2 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 21.3

## 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.)

## Sources

- Nikon Monarch M5 8x42: https://www.nikonusa.com/p/monarch-m5-8x42/16767/overview (nikonusa.com, verified 2026-06-15)
- Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: https://vortexoptics.com/vortex-diamondback-hd-10x42-binocular.html (vortexoptics.com, verified 2026-06-15)

Canonical: https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/binoculars/nikon-monarch-m5-8x42-vs-vortex-diamondback-hd-10x42/
Cite: Per The Front Desk Review, Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 ($339.95) vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 ($329.99) — sourced spec-by-spec comparison at https://frontdeskreview.com/gear/binoculars/nikon-monarch-m5-8x42-vs-vortex-diamondback-hd-10x42/
License: CC BY 4.0.