Monoculars?

J

jeffreyliu838

Joined
Oct 7, 2007
Messages
332
I think these things are pretty cool to have. Could anyone recommend me one? I'd prefer not to spend over 30 bucks.

Thanks.
 
jeffreyliu838 said:
I think these things are pretty cool to have. Could anyone recommend me one? I'd prefer not to spend over 30 bucks.

Thanks.
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Big-5 Sporting Goods is usually running sales on the brands they carry. Their own brand, "Rugged Gear," makes an 8x and 10x. You can usually find them on sale for around $10. I hope this helps you.:thumbup:
 
Unless you MUST have something incredibly light and compact, I have never found a monocular that compares favorably to even a modest set of binoculars. At least for my friends and me, the ability to use both eyes makes an enormous difference in the details we can make out at distance. And Big 5 usually has some cheap compact binos for around $30.

My recommendation is to compare the cheap monocular with several sets of cheap binos and see whether the same holds true for you.

DancesWithKnives
 
Monoculars are fine if you only have one eye.
For your $30 buy a cheap pair of binoculars. Without stating the obvious, they will be twice as good as a monocular, but at $30, you get what you pay for.
Better still, save your money, put it in a piggy bank and buy yourself a quality set of binoculars somewhere down the road. (Nikon, Steiner, or *gasp* Leica or Zeiss).

You won't regret it in the long term.
 
Agreed. I was thinking of suggesting saving up money for some Nikon Travelites (but was trying not to wander farther off topic than I already had). I believe some Travelite models can still be had under $100 at discounters and they offer very good optics.

I believe that Smoky Mountain Knife Works has some incredibly cheap monoculars if you want to spend the least possible on the experiment.

DancesWithKnives
 
DWK2 said:
Unless you MUST have something incredibly light and compact, I have never found a monocular that compares favorably to even a modest set of binoculars.
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Same here. I carried a monocular for some time but gave up because I just didn't use it - it was basically a gimmick. I plan on buying a light pair of binos, like this 10x25 Nikon Trailbalzer:

489611.jpg


90 bucks and only 9.9 oz /280.67 g.​
 
If you buy a really cheap monocular, you get nothing. But if you buy a decent monocular, you can have a handy spotting scope that you will carry when even small binocular will get left home. I have an 8x22 Tasco monocular for years that simply goes everywhere I do.

I got a Minox Macroscope that gets left home more often, unless I have some kind of bag with me, but I will match the Minox's performance against any cheap or mid-price binos.
 
The handy things about a monocular are that they're small and easy to carry and store, and that, used backwards, they turn into a nifty microscope. I use my little Zeiss as a microscope more than as a telescope.
 
I have two Eagle brand monoculars from Optics Planet (link).

$30, and they work well. Nothing gimmicky about them. One stays in my man purse that rides in the vehicle, and another in the kitchen for general spying.

maxpeditionEDC005.jpg
 
I've played with the little Zeiss pen-size monocular and like the fact that it can be used as a makeshift microscope. If I were doing ultralight, long-distance backcountry travel where weight/space was a lot more critical than regular lens use, I'd consider it. However, I have some Minolta 8 x 20 binos that weigh less than 6 oz., with case, and fold to an extremely compact size. One of my hunting buddies has a 7 x 35 Bushnell monocular that weighs more than 6 oz. and I can't see half as well through that as through my Minoltas.

Some people may get better results from monoculars than I do and I don't think monoculars are without a place in the outdoors. However, my personal experience suggests that there are good reasons why evolution has generally favored organisms with binocular vision. [And yes, I realize there are many reasons for that in addition to long-distance acuity.]

DancesWithKnives
 
If weight and size are big issues, I doubt that any binoculars will be better then a monoculars.
 
Jeffrey didn't ask if we thought something was "better" than a monocular. He asked which monocular under $30 was best. :)
 
Haha, yeah. I own a pair of bino's already. Some sort of russian surplus ones that my brother gave me. I kinda want a monocular just for fun. Maybe for some people watching disturbia style.

Is durability an issue with sub 30 mono's? I think that might be the most important thing since I'm kinda clumsy with stuff like this.

Thanks.
 
Most discount stores have them for around $10. They are not perfect,but they are darn sure good. I have a Simmons 10x, that has been hanging from the rear view mirror of my car for 15 years. I paid about $15. It is always there. Try hanging binoculars from your mirror. If i am driving and see something, i can grab it by the lanyard and have it to my eye by the time the car stops. I have spotted many deer, turkey, bobcats,coyotes and babes, that would have been missed if i had to stop and then fish in the back seat for the binoculars. and yes i do carry binoculars in my car also (Nikon "Action EX" 8x40). Yes the binocs are better, SOMETIMES. The minocular is handier. always THERE. I can carry it with me when i don't think i need it, but it's there if i do. Grab one! and spot some wildlife!
 
I have a few cheapie monoculars. I have had bad luck with some good luck with others. My favorites are the Brunton Echo, Brunton Echo Lite and Alpen. Prices range between $15-$30. I may be wrong here but I think Jack Bauer used the Brunton Echo in one the seasons of 24. If it's good enough for Jack...just kidding, the season premiere was on last night.
 
It's no where near your price range but the Leica Monovid is an awesome little optic. Clear and powerful and very portable. My budy has one and I keep trying to trade him things for it but he's not moving on it. I'm gonna get one one day.
 
I carry (not all the time) a Brunton Echo. It does the job, but sometimes you really just want the ability to use both eyes, so i'd suggest a compact pair of binoculars. Oh, BAK4 over BK7.
 
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