Alpen vs. Nikon Binocs

[mmgrode]

Hey lads(and ladies),
     I am now in the process of looking at or, more specifically through, several pairs of binoculars, reading reviews and other's experiences with their hunting glass. I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two considering my price limit(about $300); Nikon Monarch 10X42, and Alpen Ridge 10X42. I've heard good things about both and was looking for a little input from the Gang.  Thanks for any help and opinions on either of these binoculars would be much appreciated.  Cheers, Matt

[J-dog]

I have had a pair of Nikons although not the ones you are looking at, but they were a good pair of binos. A return trip from Africa found them destroyed though they lasted a good 5-6 years. Alpens?? I was looking at these but bought Zeiss 8x40s instead, never lookin back either they are awesome. Just now getting back into the house though after the wife blew up!

Luck

Jason

[swp]

I have the 10x42 Nikon Monarchs and like them alot. My best advice is to try them both at the same time and look into as many dark/shaded spots as possible to see what each can show you that you can't see with the other. My nikons were almost as good as Swaro's when I did this and for $ I couldn't see spending it for what little I gained with the Swaro's. Everyone's eyes are different so use the info you get here as a starting point and not as a desicion maker.

[Dakota Kid]

SWP gave great advice, try them side by side and see which ones your eyes like better.  Best if done near dusk and not in the bright sunshine, that is when you will be able to separate them.  I have not compared the Nikons to the Alpens, but I do have a pair of the Monarch 10x42 and like them alot.  When I purchased mine I compared the Nikons, with Swaro, Zeiss, and Steiners.  There was a noticable difference in the Quality with Zeiss being the best for my eyes.  Swaros were a close second with the Nikons third.  I decided on the Nikons for the fact I could by almost four pairs for the price of the Swaros.  To reitterate my rambling post and point, campare them side by side at dusk if at all possible.

Dakota Kid

[mmgrode]

Thanks fellas!  I am just looking for anyone else's experiences with these two brands, bad or good. Customer service, workmanship, warranty and how they fulfill it, and impressions of overall quality are what I'm looking for.  Anyone else have any opinions?  Cheers, Matt

[meathead]

I have a pair of monarch 10 x 42 that I like alot.  I have had to have them worked on twice.  The repairs were not covered under warrenty either time, but they only charge $10 for any repair, so you can't hardly go wrong.

[jchunt4ever]

Well I have no experience with either of these binos, but purchased a new pair about a year ago abd went with a pair of Leupold Wind River Katmai. Through my eyes in the store comparison, the Leupolds were clearer and brighter than the Nikons, and even with a smaller objective. And the weight and size of them is another big plus. If you shop around enough you can even find them for under $300. I got mine, for less than $200 because they were a display model.