Nikon Action (8x40) Binocular

I compared the excellent Nikon Monarch 8x42 with the Action 8x40, and couldn't really see a difference in optical quality. I compared distant details, dim objects, colour and peripheral vision. Both very bright and clear. The Action has a wider field of view (8 degrees versus 6 degrees). The Monarch is slightly lighter (610 g versus 745 g) and smaller. Both are rubber-armoured and very comfortable to hold. The only substantial edge of the Monarch (aside from waterproofing and compact roof prism) is the twist-up eye cup for eyeglass wearers (versus the fold-down rubber eye-cup of excellent quality for the Action). But at one-third the price, I got two Action binoculars (8x40 and 16x50) for less than one Monarch.

Update: The Action has a glare in bright light, such as looking at a bright moon against a black sky, or facing sunlight. I wasn't able to compare this with the Monarch, but I would assume this would be similar, as its higher price is due mainly to waterproofing and a roof prism design. The new Action EX series has twist-up eye-cups and waterproofing for about twice the price (versus three times for the Monarch).