Nikon
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42
$339.95
Released 2021
Best Binoculars · head-to-head
Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 vs Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42
A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 is cheaper at $329.99. Every spec and price links to its source.
Vortex
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42
$329.99Cheaper
Released 2019
Which is better: the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 or Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42?
The Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 wins 1 of the 1 specs we compare head to head; the other wins 0. The Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 is the cheaper at $329.99. The Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42 both leads on specs and costs less — the straightforward pick.
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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 | 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 |
| Release | 2021 | 2019 |
Sources — Nikon Monarch M5 8x42: nikonusa.com (verified 2026-06-15). Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42: vortexoptics.com (verified 2026-06-15).
What's the difference between the Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 and Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42?
Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (4 of 7). Matching specs are omitted.
- 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
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).
Vortex Diamondback HD 10x42
No sourced tester review yet.