Which binoc Nikon Monarch or Leupold Cascades?

[nel]

Vortex is the company. Check them out at eagle Optics.

[DesertDude]

Nikon......25yr no fault Wty...... Love my Monarch's

[DJT]

Leupold, almost without question the customer service and warantee are bar none.  I had a rilfe scope that i bought on a 375 H&H Mag that i bought second hand and was about 15 years old before they used the click system inside the turrets (so adjustments were just held with friction and they started to slip a bit with heavy use) i sent them the scope to tighten and i got a brand new scope in the mail a week later.  One of those experiences you do not soon forget.  Also for those who care Leupold is an american company that actually makes their stuff here too i believe.

[swp]

I prefer the monarchs myself, compared them with Swaro's and although the Swaro's were a little sharper in low light they weren't that much sharper for the extra money.

[Jim Moore]

I have some Swaros (8X30,s) and like them very much.  Won them at an RMEF raffle.  That said, I've looked through many pairs of binos and have bought two more pairs, Nikon Monarchs.  Haven't looked through the Leo's, but plan on buying their scopes soon.  

I think the biggest tell on bino's is how they look "edge to edge". The monarchs were pretty sharp for the price.  If you are looking top glass in low light situations, I'd go 10 X's. If you are glassing lots of open range in the heat, 8X's.

[GrayRhino]

I bought the Nikon Monarch 8x42's and I'm glad I did.  I compared them with other more expensive brands and the Nikon's were nearly just as good.  I've used them extensively  and I'm satisfied.

[John Scifres]

I'm not infatuated with the roof prism style binocs so I bought the Mesa Wind River 8x42s.  I really like them.  I got Bass Pro to match the best online price I found.

As a side note, I believe it is wrong to "fondle" the goods at a higher overhead brick-n-mortar store with the sole intention to buy online from a discounter.  Talk to them.  They will come closer to the online store if you ask.