Nikon has expanded its popular Monarch lineup with the introduction of the Nikon Monarch M5 10x50 and Nikon Monarch M5 12x50, two large-objective binoculars designed to deliver serious optical performance without the usual penalty of added bulk. Announced by Nikon Vision Co., Ltd. in Tokyo, the new additions round out the Monarch M5 family, which has been a firm favorite among birders and outdoor enthusiasts since its launch in 2021.
At first glance, 50mm binoculars often signal weight and heft, but Nikon is making a bold claim here. Through refined optical engineering and structural design, the company says these are the lightest binoculars in their class to feature 50mm objective lenses with ED glass. The 10x50 tips the scales at just 640g, while the 12x50 comes in at 650g. For anyone who has spent hours glassing a ridgeline or scanning a shoreline, those grams matter more than the spec sheet might suggest.
The large-diameter objectives are where these binoculars really start to shine. A 50mm front element gathers a significant amount of light, translating into brighter, more detailed views in low-light conditions. Whether you’re watching birds at dawn, tracking wildlife at dusk, or simply enjoying the last light of day across open countryside, that extra light transmission delivers a dynamic, high-resolution image that feels immersive rather than flat.
The 12x50 model, in particular, pushes the experience further with an apparent field of view exceeding 60 degrees. That wide viewing angle gives you a sweeping, almost panoramic perspective, making it easier to follow moving subjects or simply lose yourself in the scene. For stargazers, that expansive field adds another layer of drama, turning a clear night sky into something truly cinematic.
As with the rest of the Monarch M5 series, both models use extra-low dispersion glass to control chromatic aberration and boost contrast. Every lens and prism surface is fully multilayer coated, while dielectric high-reflective multilayer and phase-correction coatings work together to enhance brightness and maintain natural color fidelity. The result is a crisp, high-contrast image that feels clean and true to life, rather than artificially boosted.
Beyond the optics, Nikon has kept real-world usability front and center. The bodies are waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent fogging, with O-ring seals to handle challenging conditions. Long eye relief makes them comfortable for eyeglass wearers, while turn-and-slide rubber eyecups help you quickly find the correct eye position.
Add in rubber armoring for grip and shock resistance, a fiberglass-reinforced polycarbonate body to keep weight down, and optional tripod compatibility, and these new Monarch M5 models position themselves as versatile, serious tools for anyone who takes observation seriously.
Check out our guides to the best binoculars, and to the best compact binoculars
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