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Main Boards => Gear => Topic started by: gunwharfman on 16:59:20, 14/02/21

Title: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 16:59:20, 14/02/21
A couple of years ago I wrote to the Walking Forum asking for advice about binoculars and monoculars and I learned a lot from the replies.

I didn't actually do anything about it but as I've re-thought that my hoped-for 2021 hiking experience might return I decided to buy one.

I worked out what I want it for and so decided that a cheap monocular (£20 from Amazon and recommended by more than one review site) was the one for me. For £20 worth taking a chance.

I'm assuming that when I hike again I will use it very infrequently, mainly to check if cows are in the field I plan to camp, or to check around to see if anyone's about when I choose my spot for the night.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: wbmkk on 17:54:51, 14/02/21
Funny, many years ago my aunt had a monocular, which my parents found a bit strange.


She explained it was .. far lighter than a pair of binoculars, you could get a much better quality monocular for the same money as an average pair of binoculars and if it got bashed, there was no possibility of two images when the prisms are out of alignment.


Makes perfect sense ... my dad bought one too



Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: pdstsp on 18:37:33, 14/02/21
I'll be interested to hear your views GWM when you've had a chance to use it - please let us know.  I have carried small binoculars in the past but I lent them to one of my offspring and they've not reappeared, so may be in the market.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: veracocha on 19:01:00, 14/02/21
I would rather leave my tent at home than my binoculars when camping. You can sit for hours on a hill just watching walkers topping the surrounding mountains or the deer on Place Fell. Even though I use a lightweight pair with high end glass I do use a harness instead of a neck-strap. For me this adds to the excitement of the day.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:07:40, 14/02/21
I've coped with the 12 months of lockdowns of Covid-19 etc quite well I think but I'm now getting desperate to get out and about. I know I can wait until the clocks change but after that, I'm just not sure?
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: vghikers on 19:40:38, 14/02/21
Quote
...I'm assuming that when I hike again I will use it very infrequently, mainly to check if cows are in the field I plan to camp, or to check around to see if anyone's about when I choose my spot for the night.

Many years ago when we did long 20m+ day walks in the White Peak in winter, we often did the last mile or so in the dark: using our big clunky head torches, the binoculars were invaluable for locating the next stile or signpost on the opposite side of the field.
A monocular sounds interesting especially for only £20.


Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Zizag on 22:06:47, 14/02/21
I had a small pair of binoculars for years .

 
And decided to get a monocular a cheap Eurohike
Weighs 65grams , 8x21  , 1000m distance .
So lightweight and easy to handle good for checking out waymarker signs  ,stiles and ways out of fields also to check if cows are ahead .

Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Ashtons99 on 22:44:13, 15/02/21
Over the years I’ve concluded that with optics the more you spend the more you get. It was when I finally splashed out on some Leica Ultravids I realised how many hours I’d wasted viewing things that could have looked so much better if I’d spent sooner!
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Little Foot on 00:37:51, 16/02/21
Was looking at getting a monocular myself. I saw one in TKMaxx, and nearly bought it but wasn't sure of the reviews. Would like to know what you think GWM, once you get the opportunity to test it out.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 09:57:44, 16/02/21
Problem today. Email from Amazon stating that they have a problem in the shipping process and have now cancelled my order and are refunding my money. First time Amazon has done this to me.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 10:11:04, 16/02/21
I looked up the same monocular on other sites, I've found one at £22 (including postage) and have also found one at £42! I wonder if the seller has got away with the £42 price tag?
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Little Foot on 14:24:09, 16/02/21
That's frustrating for you. Have you tried Aliexpress? Just looking at them now on that site. I reckon I'll have enough time for it to be delivered before lock down ends lol.


What zoom are you looking at?
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 19:00:18, 16/02/21
Zoom? I've no idea, as long as I can see a cow a mile off I'll be happy.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:36:10, 17/02/21
Forgetting the substantial price difference for a moment, there are only two monoculars worth considering.

The sublime Leica Monovid 8x20 or any of the Zeiss models.

When your investing in a tiny optical instrument, optical performance is of utmost importance, and having purchased a monocular five years ago, it goes without saying, you get what you pay for.

Regarding price, you have to spend a lot of money, to justify buying a monocular, as optical quality differs considerably from a decent one, to one that provides a superb image.

You are far better off getting a pair of decent quality compact binoculars, than spending a small amount of money on a budget monocular.

The image quality from a budget monocular will be poor, so poor in fact,  that you will probably not want to use it.


I am saying that, from personal experience, having looked through over nine different models.


Due to their small size, and small magnification, unless the glass used in their construction is of the finest quality, the image will be poor, or at least blurred at the top end of the magnification.

After nearly a year, in comparing the various models, at all price points, i eventually picked up the courage, and blew £345 on a Leica Monovid, from Cleyspy, in East Anglia.

I know, £345 was a high price to pay, far too much for your average person,  but the image quality is razor sharp, and like all Leica instruments, build quality is magnificent.


Due to its tiny size, of only six inches long, it travels with me on most of my walks, simply because its a joy to use and own.

Unless your prepared to spend a lot of money, for optical performance and precision, its far better to buy a 8x20 compact binocular, than buying a cheap monocular.


Unlike the small compact binocular market, where you can spend an affordable amount of money, and achieve great performance, its entirely the opposite when you look at monoculars.


To achieve an acceptable image quality, you unfortunately have to spend a lot, to achieve it.



Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Daveyboy on 12:07:43, 17/02/21
I've never read such utter bull in all my life, the sad part is you actually believe the utter diatribe that you write.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: pdstsp on 12:09:12, 17/02/21
Steady on Daveyboy - no need to be unpleasant  :(
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: pauldawes on 13:04:50, 17/02/21





Unless your prepared to spend a lot of money, for optical performance and precision, its far better to buy a 8x20 compact binocular, than buying a cheap monocular.


Unlike the small compact binocular market, where you can spend an affordable amount of money, and achieve great performance, its entirely the opposite when you look at monoculars.


To achieve an acceptable image quality, you unfortunately have to spend a lot, to achieve it.


Which specific small compact binoculars give “great performance” for an affordable amount?
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Daveyboy on 13:15:28, 17/02/21

The general topic of this thread was in regard to budget monoculars however, once again DA saw this as an oportunity to make the thread all about him and his perceived superior knolwedge rather than to contribute anything meaningful

For a more balanced view of what is currently available across a range of price points you might like to take a look at the following article


https://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/monoculars/best-monoculars-for-birdwatching.php
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: pdstsp on 13:30:24, 17/02/21
You might not agree with DA, but, as I said, I just don't see the need to be so unpleasant.  DA has given his opinion that is all.



Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 15:45:00, 17/02/21
All I know is that I just want something small and light so that I can recognise the shape of a cow and/or to check if anyone is around when I choose to wild camp. From experience I know I will rarely use it so I'm happy to see shapes and movement, if I get any kind of clarity I'll just treat that as a bonus. I think I'll order the £22 version of it later today.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 15:55:52, 17/02/21
Dear Daveyboy

Its perfectly clear that you have no concept, on why the likes of Leica and Zeiss come top of the ratings for anything to do with optics.


Money will be better spent, on an affordable pair of compact binoculars, say a 8x20 magnification.


Stay well clear of a monocular, because they have a very limited capability, and you only have to look at the optics market, to realise there are not many to choose from, because they are not high on the list of most customers.

I spend the best part of a year, testing and considering which monocular to buy, its a very small market, as most people stay well away from them, due to their limited magnification and limited choice.

A monocular is totally different to a pair of binoculars, and the difference in performance between an affordable one, and the Leica or Zeiss is significant.

Just read any of the reviews on monoculars, and unfortunately you have to pay a lot of money to get acceptable quality.

They all have such tiny magnification, that the quality of the optical glass is crucial, and cheap affordable ones, just cannot afford to use Schott glass, or high end optics.

Also, any small compact binoculars, from say, Praktika or Pentax produce great results, and there are many costing not a lot of money.


Their also extremely portable and compact, and take up very little room in your rucsac.


Some will even fit inside your chest pocket, so their size can be ideal for the walker.


When an optical device, has only one barrel to use to focus on the subject, the clarity of view is certainly brought into question when inferior glass is used.


If you do not believe me, then visit a good quality camera shop, and look through a few of them.


Its far less critical with binoculars, which is why a moderately priced compact binocular produced great results.

You only have to look through optical glass produced by either Swarovski or Leica, to realise why they are the chosen optics of professionals.



Their expensive for a reason, because they are the best at what they do, and no argument or criticism here, will change that.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: veracocha on 19:26:20, 17/02/21
You can get decent quality at half the price or even much less than the alpha stuff mentioned above. I do agree, a compact set of ED glass binoculars will be a much better and more used item than a monocular. It isn't just the image that will be of vastly improved, it will be a much easier, relaxed view that immerses you into the picture all day long. I use my 10 x binoculars for looking at butterflies & insects at 6ft as well as the hikers over a mile away. 
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Little Foot on 21:19:37, 17/02/21
So, I take it the monocular costing £2.65 from Aliexpress won't be any good then?  ;D
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 11:35:02, 18/02/21
I forgot to add, using a monocular is not that easy, being a sub miniature telescope.
Its a difficult instrument to hold steady, because of its small dimensions, and when your using one eye to focus on a object, it can be a challenge to keep it steady.

A monocular with average optics, will be a huge disappointment, as the image quality will be lacking any clarity or depth of field, whilst a pair of decent compact binoculars, will provide a clear image.

I suggest a pair of 8x20 magnification  compacts, then you will have an instrument that will be a joy to use, and you do not have to spend the earth on a pair.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 11:59:07, 18/02/21
Your Ali Express suggestion reminds me of the time when I was a 60s student and tried to earn a bit of cash by selling electric central heating systems door to door for a bloke called Charlie Virgin. His daughter hated her surname. I was a complete failure at selling but I do remember him telling me that if he offered to sell a system at a low price, (he would still make his profit within his quote), the potential customers wouldn't believe him. Customers tended to believe that central heating was expensive to install so he usually doubled the price and his customers would then buy.

I bought the cheap setup for my Mum and she loved it! She wouldn't get rid of her coal fire though, she just couldn't cope without a grate to clear out each day. We only persuaded her otherwise when she was 85.

Charlie only ever worked in the afternoons or evenings, in the mornings he stayed in his house and gave his three tropical fish tanks his undivided and loving attention. He was the stereotypical 'Dell boy' totally generous with his money and was great fun to be around.

Like on Ebay there are dozens of cheap monoculars but I have no idea what to look for, so I've ordered the £20 one again from Amazon, they now suggest they have them in stock.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: jimbob on 12:39:18, 18/02/21
GWM have you noticed that on Amazon and Alie express there are a huge number of identical looking things, with the same chinese/English descriptions, but with different company names and widely varied prices.
 It cannot be a coincidence. It seems the same monocular can retail from 10 quid to 300 quid on Amazon.

As for the superiority of Leica etc then that may have been true when they designed and produced their own lenses. A quick search shows they haven't done so for a while now. They admitted recently that they have used a mass manufacturer for some time. It is suspected that they use the same chinese manufacturer as Panasonic and Canon. The experts on testing the actual lenses have pointed at Panasonic, at least insofar as they are the same design, materials and design.

 So in Leica you're probably buying the name nowadays. Though even their mass produced lenses probably go through much stricter quality control than "yakkihakkikino" cheap as chip lenses.

 I have used the zoom on my phone camera a few times to see if I can see something a bit clearer. It is OK but not really as good as a monocular would be by a very long chalk  for your purposes.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: GoneWest on 13:14:26, 18/02/21
...
 I have used the zoom on my phone camera a few times to see if I can see something a bit clearer. It is OK but not really as good as a monocular would be by a very long chalk  for your purposes.

Zooming a phone camera might enable you to see the individual pixels more clearly; the image not so much!
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Daveyboy on 13:34:47, 18/02/21
Despite what DA would have you believe there are a multitude of good quality monoculars availble at all different price points. There is certainly not as big a variety of monoculars as binoculars but that is only because the reduced demand for monoculars and NO OTHER REASON


1)     Monoculars are actually easier to manufacture than binoculars
2)     The same quality of optics are available in Monoculars and their equivilant Binoculars when using the same manufacturer
3)     There is actually a wider range of magnification sizes available in Monoculars than Binoculars given that the former are also used as both gallery scopes by the fine art sector and                      portable field microscopes - and that without even considering spotting scopes, which are also monoculars.


DA's claim that "A monocular with average optics, will be a huge disappointment, as the image quality will be lacking any clarity or depth of field, whilst a pair of decent compact binoculars, will provide a clear image" is absolutely false for the reasons outlined above.  
The smaller the model the lighter the weight, of either type of optic, the harder it is to hold steady because the weight of the unit contributes to how easy it is to steady the unit. I used to use a 8 x 25 model and needed 2 hands to steady the unit but changed to an 8 x 42 because as well as better light gathering abilities the unit was heavier and easy to hold steady with one hand.

 
It stands to reason that a £20 unit, of either type, is never going to match a £100 - £200 unit in terms of clarity or build quality but if you only want it to spot the odd cow/signpost/stile in the distance then why spend more. Conversely if you spend all day, most days using your choice of optic in either a proffesional capacity or as a dedicated birdwatcher then an investment of several hundred pounds for your equipment makes far more sense.  

 
I suspect however that the majority of users of either type of optic lay somewhere in between the 2 ends of the scale and that is why there are an excellent range of both types of optics available and different price points and for DA to claim that only Lecia or Zeiss make decent monoculars is completely non sensical because I can absolutely guarantee you that the like of Opticron, Hawke, Bushnell etc sell vastly more units the both of the aformentioned brands.

 
As the saying goes you pays your money and you takes your choice and if whatever unit you purchase meets your needs then it is the right unit for you - regardless of price  





Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: jimbob on 14:25:35, 18/02/21
Zooming a phone camera might enable you to see the individual pixels more clearly; the image not so much!


like I said not too good. But better than my old eyes.

Have you seen what the latest Huwaeui phone does with their camera in order to get true zoom, they have used the lenses in the camera from top to bottom using leading periscope technology, means you can get more tiny lenses into the physical camera. That uus added to ever more powerful imaging software, which in itself can be updated if better software comes along. Who knows what the future brings, maybe a phone which can just warn you that here are cattle in the field ahead,   long before you get there, and advice on how to divert safely...
..
. Ah, I can but dream.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: veracocha on 14:35:07, 18/02/21
As the saying goes you pays your money and you takes your choice and if whatever unit you purchase meets your needs then it is the right unit for you - regardless of price


There's a saying in the optics world; "the best binocular/monocular is is the one you have with you"
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 14:44:12, 19/02/21
My £20 monocular has arrived, from Amazon, who went from not having any, to having some in the space of 24hrs. Its labelled as an 'UpClose G2 10 x 25) 4" long x 1" wide. Very simple turn focuser, come with its own belt attachment and a strap to secure it to my wrist. I'm sure I'll never use the case but I'll hang onto it for a while. The monocular feels solidly made. For me I'm sure it will do the job, for others maybe not or definitely not?

What a lot of messing about just to spend £20!
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: jimbob on 16:45:41, 19/02/21
Keep us up to date on the cow spotting success or otherwise.

Great thing with Amazon, if you have kept the packaging intact, is that you can send it back after a couple of days trial. 
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Jac on 11:51:05, 20/02/21
There's a saying in the optics world; "the best binocular/monocular is is the one you have with you"


Which is why, years ago, I splashed out on a pair of compact Swarovski bins. Then £250, replacement now over £500.
Small enough for a pocket, good enough to 'compete' with some of the big boys when birdwatching. I love it when a casual 'How nice it is to see the snipe' causes an frantic re-positioning of the expensive telescopes around me.


But - if all I required was the means to spot waymarks, landowners, cows or emergency exits across a field in case the cunning cows had been hiding round the corner - then a cheap monocular would be ideal.


Let's agree on 'horses for courses' :coolsmiley:

Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 13:15:44, 20/02/21
Swarovskis. Yummy, the difference in clarity when your peepers are looking through optical glass of this calibre, is remarkable.

Its just a heck of a shame, that the top three, Zeiss, Leica and Swarovski, charge far too much money for the average person to enjoy the experience.



I still do not regret blowing in excess of £300 on a small optical viewfinder, as the image quality almost justifies the cost, and i know i will have this little Monocular for life.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: ayjay on 16:39:02, 20/02/21
Swarovskis. Yummy, the difference in clarity when your peepers are looking through optical glass of this calibre, is remarkable.

I've only ever looked through one pair of Swaros - it was as though they had a green filter over the lenses, everything had a very green cast - I am slightly red/green colour blind so that may explain my eye/brain reaction to any lens coatings, idk.

I'm still perfectly happy with my old school porros, Swift Audubon 8.5 X 44 ED.

I do find that the view (colours) tends to be a bit washed out through most of the roof prism models that I've looked at, the colour reproduction is spot on with my Swifts.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: veracocha on 16:48:02, 20/02/21
ED glass is a game changer, now the £2-300 Chinese bins can compare to within a few percent of the German stuff at a fraction of the price. Warranty won't be as good.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Peak on 17:06:53, 20/02/21
I have been looking at 8x42 bins for birding and a friend recommended the Hawke Endurance range, very impressive reviews and a lifetime No Excuse warranty. I believe they are also a British company, the Endurance sell for around £200. I used to own a pair of Swarovski 8x42, amazing bins, I regret to this day selling them.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: veracocha on 17:16:40, 20/02/21
I have been looking at 8x42 bins for birding and a friend recommended the Hawke Endurance range, very impressive reviews and a lifetime No Excuse warranty. I believe they are also a British company, the Endurance sell for around £200. I used to own a pair of Swarovski 8x42, amazing bins, I regret to this day selling them.


Hawke produce some excellent bino's. I have owned almost every derivative be it Endurance, Frontier and Sapphire. Those are in order of range, each being slightly better than the former optically. You see a lot of Frontier on the auction site for around £150 and if I were after another pair that's where my money would go. Not British made, used to be Deben as the importer now Hawke Optics who are British. 
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 20:51:05, 25/02/21
Just an update. About a week after getting my monocular I lost it, couldn't find it anywhere!

I turned the house upside down, looked in my car more than once, went though all of my pockets and nothing! What in heavens name did I do with it?

Problem solved today, it was in my garage! Piecing it together I decided to make a round trip to my car a few days ago via my garage (about 75 yds away from our house) first to the garage to leave a couple of items there, then onto my car, 25 yds away to leave a jacket and to put my monocular in the glove pocket.

For some unknown reason I left the monocular in my garage, I have no idea why I did this?
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: richardh1905 on 08:45:00, 26/02/21
I love it when a casual 'How nice it is to see the snipe' causes an frantic re-positioning of the expensive telescopes around me.


I delight in raking an ancient leather bound brass stalker's telescope into a bird hide. :)
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: andrew34 on 04:09:14, 16/09/22
Why don't you consider the binoculars? I think they are better than these.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: richardh1905 on 09:48:21, 16/09/22
I have taken to using my superzoom camera as a telescope on occasion - zooming in on something that I want to inspect, taking the shot, and then looking at it on the camera's screen, when I can zoom in further.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: gunwharfman on 13:22:55, 16/09/22
I have a monocular, I only bought it so I can have a good look around when I make the decision to wild camp. It does the job but other than I never bother with it much.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: ninthace on 13:35:48, 16/09/22
I used to carry a pair of small lightweight bins when I walked in hill country as they were useful for scouting out the route ahead, especially on ridges.  They are not much use where I walk now, with the possible exception of Dartmoor, so they live on the windowsill that affords the best prospect of the bird feeders.
Title: Re: I've ordered a monocular.
Post by: Dyffryn Ardudwy on 17:32:56, 18/09/22
Both Hawke and Diamondback are respected manufacturers of excellent quality binoculars, but whichever model you eventually purchase, you have to visit a good camera shop, that also sell a large selection of binoculars.

The market is simply flooded with so many models, some a lot better than others, costing sometimes less money as well.

Our eyesight is ever so different, some of us wear glasses, and as we age, our eyesight deteriorates, so before anyone blows their hard earned cash on the first thing we like the look of, invest in a decent WH Smiths binocular magazine, and see what's on offer.

Just don't buy the first thing you see, as i can guarantee there will be better binoculars out there, for your eyesight, maybe costing less money.