scopes
The changes were made to make things easier for folks like yourself and myself but I get asked that question a lot. The PROSTAFF 5 is most like the Buckmaster of old. It does have improved coatings on all glass surfaces and all can be ordered with a Custom Turret from Nikon too.The MONARCH 3 is the same MONARCH lens coatings as previous and one inch tube. The MONARCH 5 and 7 are higher quality glass and coatings then the 3 and the 5x zoom on the 5 and 30mm tubes on the 7's are big changes. I can tell the difference between my MONARCH 3 and 5. The 5 picture seems to really pop with clarity and brightness. I have yet to lay my hands on a MONARCH 7 even though I have 30mm rings just waiting for one.
I hope this info helps?
A reminder, I do not work directly for Nikon, I do freelance PR/Shooting Event's for Nikon. Lots of great new stuff coming in the next year as well. I am fortunate that when guy's asking for something special in an optic I can send that info along to those that actually make the new product decisions.