Monoculars

[mcmurry]

I know this isn't strictly a gun question but, does anyone have any experience using a monocular? Since I've gone blind in one eye, and I'm in need of replacing my binoculars, it seems more logical to buy a monocular. I've seen a European milsurp and Cabela's has one by Vortex. Just wondering how good they are. I know the view wont be the same as binoculars, but since I don't really have binocular type vision anymore, maybe they will work for me.
Thanks, Richard.

 

[LemmyCaution]

I'm quite fond of my Vortex Solo R/T, even though I still have stereo vision. It's quicker than binoculars, and I never felt that stereo added much to binoculars, anyway. The ranging reticle is nice for hunting, as well.

 

[taliv]

I got the vortex one off a prize table 4 years ago.

It's not a bino and it's not Swarovski glass but it's awesome for what it is. I'd recommend it.

 

[Shanghai McCoy]

I have a Vortex and it is a good piece of equipment.

 

[Liberty1776]

I use one as my eyes have a focusing problem. Works just fine as I can't use binoculars...

 

[FL-NC]

I guess it depends on what you are going to use it for. They are compact and don't have very high magnification- at least the ones I've seen. I used one in sniper training during stalks just to scout ahead (50 meters or less) looking for clear paths to advance while crawling.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Since I have had sight in only one eye since 1955, I have had several "one eyed" devices. The best is the current one, of German manufacture and is capable of 10x magnification. The field of view is good and there is almost no distortion, but the focus control is very touchy. I think I paid about $125 for it about ten years ago.

 

[argartis]

I personally prefer monoculars. I have sight in both eyes but without glasses they are WAY different. (For example: my left glasses lends is roughly 3 times thicker than my right) most New binos have at least one side that is individually adjustable but if I change focal range it always throws one eye off for me. Much simpler, clearer, and quicker to use a momo. If I ever need much greater magnification I have a spotting scope for that.

Sent from my LG-H810 using Tapatalk

 

[Bart B.]

The Brunton Eterna 6X30 may well be the best choice if you want one that's virtually bullet proof and has an excellent image. I've tried several and this one's the only one I've kept.

http://www.lostsoulentertainment.ne...0_by_brunton?gclid=COHsxouZo88CFYllfgodjdkOiw

Excellent optics, rubber coated, nice case and ideal for hand held use.

Any more power than 6 with hand-held monoculars tends to have too much image wiggle for most folks. Binoculars are better in this regard because they've got two points resting on your head for stability and both hands hold them steadier. Visible image wiggle in binoculars and monoculars doubles with the one being twice the power as the other with the same angular viewing spread. I'd rather have a steady razor sharp image at 6X than a scalpel sharp image at 8X. Scalpels are sharper than razors, mechanically, but visually in optics only 1 in 100 can tell the difference.

 

[Steel Horse Rider]

Correction: I checked my monocular tonight and it is a Minox 8x16 so not 10x magnification. I really have not noticed any problems holding it steady as I usually rest a finger or thumb on my cheek or forehead when looking through it. It is very small and when hiking or traveling I usually drape it around my neck inside of my shirt.

 

[entropy]

They are handy that way. I used half of a broken Bushnell 16x25 bino until I left it at the range last year. (No major loss.) At 16x, it looks like you drank a six-pack of Mt. Dew .....

 

[macgrumpy]

I've been using and really like my SIG Sauer Oscar3 10-20x30mm monocular. It's light, bright, clear, and it has electronic stabilization which helps provide for a clearer view at long distance.

 

[jmr40]

I'd seriously consider one but my rangefinder has a 6X optic in it and is smaller than most monoculars. It serves double duty for those times where something small is needed. I can still see much better with a binoculars, especially in low light. But finding quality "small" binoculars is hard. Most of them are 8X or 10X with 22-25mm lenses. With lenses that small 6X is more than enough.

 

[gbran]

If you still have a pair of binocs you like, you can saw them in to and use the half with the adjuster. Looks kind of hoakey, but I have one that works great.

 

[Devonai]

As far as milsurp, I have this one:

http://www.sportsmansguide.com/prod...a-swedish-military-surplus-monocular?a=695545

It's nifty, but due to its age the image is somewhat cloudy. Perhaps another specimen would be better. For the price ($160), I can't say I recommend it.

 

[barnbwt]

Monoculars are most convenient when mounted to a rifle

 

[Tirod]

Barn makes a point - a rifle scope is a monocular.

As for the suggestions so far, cost is a consideration. I got a set of great Leupold binoculars last year, they are made offshore, but the quality is impressive and they use the same construction technique as Steiners by eliminating the heavy aluminum subframe and direct molding the lenses in place, if I have the right idea about it.

Point being, there is really good glass on the market and it's competitive in cost with units that only have one sight line thru a single optical track. Don't feel as if you are limited to just using a monocular, or being restricted to a special hand held unit. Do be aware there is a large market for use in golf, of all things, with precise rangefinders, and those units may be more readily available. They commonly design them for distances out to 500m so it's not like they are inadequate.

 

[ilbob]

I bought a cheap one not real long ago. I think it is 8X. The lens is not real large but it does a better job than I expected given I paid less then $10 for it.

 

[rodregier]

Tasco makes a cheapie 10x25. It's acceptable in full sunlight.

I've also used the Vortex 8x36. It's a nicer product but also focuses closer if you want and works better in reduced lighting conditions.

Vortex also makes a 10x36 variant, probably dimmer in low light.

 

[LemmyCaution]

Monoculars are most convenient when mounted to a rifle

But that convenience can come at the expense of Cooper's Rule 2. In seeking to comply with Cooper's Rule 4, it's better to have a separate optic, which is why I bought the Vortex monocular. I didn't feel good trying to identify what I hoped was a deer moving in the woods with the muzzle coaxial to my optic, since on one occasion what I hoped was a deer turned out to be another hunter.

 

[Mango88]

I've used a Steiner 2311 8x22 Miniscope Monocular for about 20 years. Fits in my shirt pocket and has decent optics. I've used it for hunting, bird watching, scouting properties, and checking out distant highway signs.