Monocular, or Binoculars, high power, small size?

kinzli

kinzli

Joined
Oct 2, 2001
Messages
426
Hey folks, I'm looking for a reasonably high power monocular or small binocular (I have 10x25 now but I'd like more zoom). Something that is small enough to fit in my jacket pocket, reasonably durable, and has some zoom ability. I'm not sure what's reasonable but I'd like more than 10x, maybe 20x? Is more possible? Smaller size is important. Image quality is important, but not the first factor. Light gathering ability is not as important, as they will be used in the day time.

Thanks...any ideas?
 
kinzli said:
Something that is small enough to fit in my jacket pocket, reasonably durable, and has some zoom ability. I'm not sure what's reasonable but I'd like more than 10x, maybe 20x? Is more possible?
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Higher mag is always possible, but the image won't be worth looking at if the aperture is too small for it.
You also get a lot of wobble at more than 10x, especially with a lighter optic.
A couple of things that might work for you are

Pentax 12x25 binoculars and the LOMO 14x40 "Captain" monocular.

The binos would fit in a large jacket pocket. They're available in many shops.
The Captain should fit in a jacket pocket, but I've never seen it. You'd probably have to order it online.

I wouldn't go for zoom binoculars. They seem like fun in the store, but they are so notorious for breaking that every binocular repair person seems to recommend against them.
 
High power + small size = poor image quality.
What are your intended uses?

Paul
 
I'm a metal detectorist, so I'm looking to see how beach erosion is changing along a long stretch of beach, from a high point. I also would like to watch other metal detectorists to watch them as they're detecting to see what they're finding. Image quality is not that important...
 
Once you go past 10X, you start to realize how much you shake.
I really can't see any reason why a 12X wouldn't be enough for you.

Paul
 
Hi All-

If you go beyond 12X in the field, you'll want a tripod to prevent the shakes. The power is cool and everything, but the "moving target" makes viewing almost worthless! :)

~ Blue Jays ~
 
It's not going to happen. There's no way you're going to be able to use a hand-held device to see whether someone has picked up a coin or a diamond ring at 100 yards. The most portable solution I can come up with for this application would be a small spotting scope, such as a 20X Leupold, and a photographer's monopod.
 
Below are links to some threads where exactly this has been discussed:

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=308192&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=303878&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=297677&highlight=swarovski

http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/showthread.php?t=228690&highlight=swarovski

Here's the gist of my suggestions:

"1) Scrape up every penny you can possibly beg, borrow or steal, then find an extra $100.

2) Buy one of the big-name brands: (in alphabetical order) Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss.

3) Never buy zoom binoculars.

4) Stay with a 7- or 8-power glass.

5) If size isn't an issue, buy 7 x 50.

6) If size is a *major* issue, buy 8 x 21.

7) Howl once, then enjoy for the rest of your life.

A good shop will have a resolution card which you can use to test the resolving power of various binoculars. If not, borrow a copy of Plaster's "The Ultimate Sniper", copy the one printed in there, then take the copy to the shop. Ask to have the various glasses set up on a tripod and view the target at the maximum available range. Try cheapo glasses too. Prepare to be shocked...

PS: I run Zeiss 7 x 50s and Leica 8 x 21s."

I cannot emphasise too strongly that you should never buy zoom binoculars, and that you should buy quality. You will see far more detail through a pair of 8-power Leicas than you will through a pair of Walmart "Znurffel & Wintchsz 20- to 60-power zooms."

Here's a simple test you may be able to do at home: Find a zoom telescopic sight with a high maximum power; 12 or 20-power. Set it at its highest power, then place the front page of your daily newspaper 25 to 50 yards away. See how much of the print you can read while hand-holding the 'scope. (If you can even spot the paper, which will be dancing round like an epileptic flea on whiz!)

maximus otter
 
8x50 is probably going to be your best bet, but will cost ya as they are usually expensive

We use steiner in the military and I have no complaints
 
Maximus is right(damn, that hurt to say!) :)

Buy quality. No zoom. I have a Zeiss 10x25 monocular, and find that I can't hold it still enough to take advantage of the fine optics. My pet binocs are a sweet pair of Pentax 8x32s. I know, that's not near as good as Leica, Zeiss, etc..., but that's all I can afford right now. These Pentax are pretty good for the money.
 
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