Contemplating a monocular....anyone out there use them and if so what brand & reason for use?

Looking at the Zeiss as it is supposed to have high optics and is very light weight...other brands and suggestions are welcome

Edited by Trailmouse on 04/12/2010 12:00:35 MDT.

I use a monocular for route spotting. It is the fourth arm of my navigation equipment,( map, compass, altimeter, monocular, GPS) I use a Solus WD820. It is 20mm lense 8 times magnification. Weighs 45 grams and is a tiny prismatic thing. It costs about £13. I originally bought something for about the same price in Jessops 18 x 7 but this is lighter with better optics. http://www.claritas-online.co.uk/products/monoculars.htm

I have a Brunton Echo I picked up from REI, and it's nice enough. I wouldn't say it's a precision piece of optical equipment though - the focal plane is slightly off on mine. Otherwise its light, bright, compact and inexpensive.

I heart my 2 oz Brunton Lite-Tech™ 8x22 Waterproof Monocular. Used on many a backcountry packrafting adventure for spotting both water features and charismatic megafauna. $22 at nrsweb.com in the USA.

I use the REI Z13 10-30 x 25 Monocular ($49.50).

I looked at the Brunton Echo Pocket Scope 7x18 (29.00).

My wife liked the zoom ability. This macro/micro feature has a real learning curve on when to use the barrel slide for macro-super macro feature, and the zoom (distance).

The focus to use either macro or micro feature also takes some learning. However, once figured out, it is nice. Not sure if I would use the macro feature unless looking for tics or slivers.

The weight is a little high also, but does cut down on the bulk over a compact binocular, and stores easy in pants or other pocket.

Hi Christopher
I would suggest that you at least try a monocular first as it is very different to a binocular in the way it handles.
Personally I am not able to find the subject quick enough with one of them.
Having said that, I have a Zeiss 8x20 that I could sell you. I take Pay Pal.
Send me a PM if interested.
Franco

I have carried a Bushnell monocular on all my backpacking trips since 1976. I find it a very useful item.

Mine is 8x20 also. I think you will find that is a standard compact size.
--B.G.--

Thanks for all the feedback....

I was/am seriously considering the Zeiss 5x10 T MiniQuick Monocular (it's small, light, and has good bright optics - looked through it at a used to be Sportsman's Warehouse).

I'll see if there is a place to view (REI possibly) the Brunton Echo and Bushnell model as though not as small or light as the Zeiss - they're considerably cheaper.

This is the smallest/lightest REAL monocular i could find a few years ago. It's been great and does what it is supposed to do. Not bad for 1 ounce and $22.43!

http://www.gofastandlight.com/Golden-Eye-8X-Monocular/productinfo/O-ATN-GOLD/

Edited by bigfoot2 on 04/12/2010 18:51:42 MDT.

I use the one Matthew uses. Works great. 8 x 10 magnification. Optics are clean and clear and it actually weights 23 grams on my scale ( about 0.8 oz). I don't think you can find anything lighter with decent optics. I was surprised with the quality of the image and the size and weight means I don't have to think about taking it along. Just travels in my pocket so it's very handy. I have key chain fobs that are bigger than this. The one minor drawback is that you generally need reasonably good light to use it given the 10mm opening.
- Mark

Edited by markhurd on 04/12/2010 19:56:32 MDT.

Thanks for all the insight/comments....with reviews expressing good optics and it being especially compact and light, I'll give the Golden-Eye-8X Monocular a try - why not for $25 :-).

Thanks again

My dad has a 8x20 Zeiss monocular which I have coveted all my life. I have to make do with the 12x mag on the EVF of my canon S2IS camera.

Let me just repeat what has been said and what the reviews the web will say….this is a precision instrument and worth the cost. I’ve carried my 8x20 Zeiss monocular for over 20 years and found it to perform excellent in ALL TYPES OF LIGHT.
Specifications
Magnification 8x/10x
Objective Lens Diameter 20 mm
Field of View 345 feet/1000 yards
Eye Relief 16 mm
Close Focus 9.8 feet
Monocular Weight 2.5ounces (80.8grams)
Length 4.0 inches
Weatherproofing Waterproof