Help me choose a monocular (1 Viewer)

[Cristina_H]

Hi, friends.

I am looking for a monocular I can chuck in my purse or pocket for casual day-to-day use. I want something discreet, compact, and lightweight that I can use to get a closer look at birds flitting on the trees beside the road whenever I'm out on a walk. I'm willing to invest no more than 150 US dollars on it.

My first option at the moment is Vixen Optics's 6x16 monocular. I like the fact that it is VERY compact (about 8 cm/3 inches long I think) and that it has excellent close focus. I don't know how useful it might be for casual birdwatching, however. I am also considering the Vixen 6x21 although it is above my preferred price range and dimensions -- I've heard good things about it.

My second option is Opticron's TRY Trailfinder 8(10)x25, but I've heard several people say that the focus wheel is too stiff. This was my first option originally but it seems like the stiffness is too much for some people.

Any recommendations?

Edit: I am also looking into the Nikon 7x15, but it looks like you can only get them through EBay nowadays. These ones are also above my price range, however.

 

[kkokkolis]

I don't have experience with the models you say, but having several, from 2x18 Emoscop to 8x30ΜΠ2, I find the Zeiss 6x18 T* with short focus to be the best overall and the fastest to take out and see. It is also small and excellent optically. Since the Vixen resembles it, I think that it will be good for you.
8X21 are bigger and my Opticron Gallerysxope has a stiff focus and so and so optics (I keep it in the car). Docter is excellent also but the eye relief is a problem. 8X30 is very big, Pentax Papilio is preferable for me since it is almost the same weight but a true binocular.
So, I think that 6x16/18 is nice for a monocular and one might step up to a 8x21 binocular for something more powerfull. I used a Leica Trinovid which was very good, but I prefer the Papilio or a 8x30 Nikon Monarch for EDC. Monoculars are used indoors a lot, in classes, theaters, airports, concerts, museums, arcitectural monuments etc, so they don't need much power.

 

[Troubador]

The Zeiss 6x18 T* is excellent for super-close observation but may be beyond your budget.

Lee

 

[Dennis Mau]

I would recommend the Pentax VM 6x21 Monocular because you can hold it in one hand and focus at the same time. It also has good optics and it is $139.

https://www.amazon.com/PENTAX-Monocular-6x21-Magnification-Performance/dp/B08DWHLT66?th=1

 

[ottovonotto]

I am looking for an EDC monocular also.

The Pentax VM 6x21 looks perfect for this - has anybody experience with it and want to share them?

Next to this monocular I found the Hawke Endurance ED mono 8x42, which has a similar size but collects a lot more light.
My questions:
How good is it and what will be the main differences using the Hawke or the Pentax? Will there be a big difference with the picture you're seeing looking through these monoculars?

 

[pluton]

And the Sony 8x25ED...? It's got good reviews

 

[kennykerberos]

I have the Maven CM.1 8x32 monocular that I take with me everywhere. I really like it. We also have a Hawke endurance 8x25 which is more compact but not as bright or crisp as the Maven. Both are great companions on the walks and hikes, as they slide into the pocket rather than hanging around the neck!

 

[RubyRobin]

well, now you all have me wondering about the best option too.

I was looking at the Leica monoxide for a while because 1) Leica, and 2) close focus, but read something about it being a pain to use, keep steady, and I gave up on that idea.

Reading here about the Zeiss 6x18, I was excited again about the prospect of a double duty monocular that, with lower magnification, might be easier to use. A quick google search led to a review that says it isn't waterproof, or even fog proof. That's disappointing and unacceptable for a tool that is justified only as a go-anywhere alternative to larger binos.

The Mavens look interesting (though not capable of double duty with no close focus) - Waterproof and Fogproof, larger objective aperture may(?) make it less annoying to use (more forgiving of shake), though it does look quite large and a 6 mag would make it more appealing. For only $150USD, however, I might give it a try anyway. Would love to see some reviews here of these and others.

 

[Binastro]

I would advise against the Leica monoxide for health reasons.

Regards,
B.

 

[Tringa45]

Reading here about the Zeiss 6x18, I was excited again about the prospect of a double duty monocular that, with lower magnification, might be easier to use. A quick google search led to a review that says it isn't waterproof, or even fog proof. That's disappointing and unacceptable for a tool that is justified only as a go-anywhere alternative to larger binos.

The objective of the Zeiss 6x18 can be extended by 40 mm to give close focus down to about 22 cm, so waterproofing would not be possible.
At this extension the magnification is increased to about 9x. As long as you don't try to focus it in the pouring rain it should not be a problem.
I have had mine for about 20 years, Troubador too I think. Strongly recommended.

John

 

[jring]

I would advise against the Leica monoxide for health reasons.

Regards,
B.

Terrible stuff indeed... you enter a Leica store to see the new Noctivid and without noticing, your wallet and checking account are very dead... and you have bought a full rangefinder setup plus the complete sports optics lineup ;-)

Joachim

 

[RubyRobin]

The objective of the Zeiss 6x18 can be extended by 40 mm to give close focus down to about 22 cm, so waterproofing would not be possible.
At this extension the magnification is increased to about 9x. As long as you don't try to focus it in the pouring rain it should not be a problem.
I have had mine for about 20 years, Troubador too I think. Strongly recommended.

John

That all sounds fine enough for some, and I do love the idea of the close focus, but if I buy a monocular I expect it to be used on a canoe for multi-day river trips if it's a gift, or flooded caves in remote localities if I buy it for myself - waterproof is a must.

 

[pluton]

I buy the Svony 8x25ED and the image is fantástic!!

 

[ottovonotto]

Hello,
I got both: the Pentax and the Hawke.

The focus mechanism of the Pentax was not usable for me - I send it back.
Quality was nice, image was good.
But I don't understand why the Pentax has no "Abdeckkappen" and the bag has no protection for the optics.

The Hawke is nice and feels good.
In the narrow field the image is very good, at far distances it loses the crispness.
But for the price it is very good.

 

[Bob_McBob]

But I don't understand why the Pentax has no "Abdeckkappen" and the bag has no protection for the optics.

I found out many monoculars don't come with caps when I was looking for one earlier this year, but I agree it's particularly baffling for the Pentax since the case doesn't protect the optics.