monocular or bins??? (1 Viewer)

[christianbirder]

ok folks.. now I know the standard advice...

but here's my thinking.

I have only seen 2 starters in monoculars

opticron dba and dba oasis.

I am very right eye dominant spectacle wearer. I am on a fairly tight budget and can usually get a loan of my dads scope if I am going anywhere exciting.

dba 8*42 will give me good light gathering good eye relief very light weight, compared to similar bins.

An extra 89£ for a 2.5* UTA (perhaps at a later date) will give me up to 20*42 which should be quite good in broad daylight.

so for a budget of £125.00 does anyone want to tell me not to be so stupid and that I'd be much better getting some bins from warehouse express?

IF ANYONE HAS EXPERIENCE OF THE OPTICRON MONOCULARS OR EQIVALENT BINS I'D L:IKE TO KNOW.

You're such a friendly lot I know you'll confuse me with conflicting opinions. But hey its early march with weather like january... so give me a headache.

Jon

 

[John P]

so for a budget of £125.00

Jon

The Opticron website lists the 8X42 DBA monocular at £249 and the 2.5 converter at £99.

Not sure where you get a total of £125.00 from.

 

[christianbirder]

The Opticron website lists the 8X42 DBA monocular at £249 and the 2.5 converter at £99.

Not sure where you get a total of £125.00 from.

Sorry for misleading.

Not intending to buy the UTA immediately.

And would be looking at the dba (not oasis)

 

[Chris Oates]

You might very well be onto a good thing with the monocular - I don't however know what sort of birdwatching you do - I rarely watch birds with my 8.5x bins as the distances are too great so I always use my Mighty midget II scope.
For your total outlay I'd think about getting a straight MM II - fits in your pocket, light as a feather, has a bigger objective than your monocular and with the zoom has greater range than the monocular plus UTA.
I have a grippa case which adds a handhold just like a video camera - I also have the UTA and I'm not sure how that would work handheld on a monocular - you are at 20x mag holding a tube twice as long and the focusing gadget has moved away from your face - I can only use it with the scope on a tripod as I need to hold my eye away from the eyepiece to see the image - I can't rest it against my face.
The UTA degrades the image (naturally) and I only use it for ID at extreme distance - I wouldn't want to look through it for hours.

 

[pduxon]

Jon

I think the confusion is you mean BGA not DBA. They do a BGA and DBA monocular.

You can also buy a tripod mount as well so you could attach to a shoulder pod or lightweight tripod.

The kit costs £239 for UTA and monocular plus £32 for the tripod mount. I would have thought that a pair of Opticron Taiga bins and either an IS 50 or MMII and shoulderpod would have been a better bet.

 

[Sc0tty]

Jon,

I tried the Opticron dba monoculars at the Rutland Water Birdfair last August and I couldn't get on with them at all. They are optically fine, but trying to hold them steady while focussing is a nightmare. I suppose they are OK for occasional use but not for birding.

Hope that helps.

Rich

 

[christianbirder]

well folks thanks for your help
in the end i got the £99.00 nikon sportster 8*36 from warehouse express arrived today. I think they'll do!

 

[baxter wolfe]

Jon,

I tried the Opticron dba monoculars at the Rutland Water Birdfair last August and I couldn't get on with them at all. They are optically fine, but trying to hold them steady while focussing is a nightmare. I suppose they are OK for occasional use but not for birding.

Rich

Because I'm blind in one eye I've considered getting a monocular.

Why was it hard to get steady focus with the Opticron dba monoculars? They're 8x42 aren't they?

Are monoculars as good as binoculars if you only need one lens or is it not that simple?

 

[trashbird]

Because I'm blind in one eye I've considered getting a monocular.

Why was it hard to get steady focus with the Opticron dba monoculars? They're 8x42 aren't they?

Are monoculars as good as binoculars if you only need one lens or is it not that simple?

The usual method for focussing a monocular is twisting the eyepiece or drawing the tube in and out. Either way, it's hard to keep a bird in your view when you have to focus this way -- and if the bird is moving, it's even harder. Optically, monocs can be just as good as binocs, though for the two-eyed, binocular vision provides more detail. It must seem kind of dumb for someone who can only use one eye to get a binocular, but it's the steadiest fastest-focussing method. On a tripod at high powers, however, most of use monoculars, which is of course what a spotting scope is. Some spotting scopes like the Bushnell Spacemaster 50 (and the identical Opticron Mighty Midget) are small enough to be handheld at the lowest powers. They even have a special scope "glove" to facilitate this. The field of view is, however, only about half of what you get on a binocular, and the close focus isn't very close.

 

[lucznik]

Because I'm blind in one eye I've considered getting a monocular.

Why was it hard to get steady focus with the Opticron dba monoculars? They're 8x42 aren't they?

Are monoculars as good as binoculars if you only need one lens or is it not that simple?

I think you are absolutely correct that, since you are blind in one eye, a monocular (or small spotting scope) is the way to go.

Leupold makes a 10-20x40 compact Gold Ring spotting scope that might just be the ticket for you. It is extremely small and light, easily fitting into a jacket pocket. It also comes with a neck strap that provides a suprisingly comfortable means of packing it around. Using the attachable hand strap this scope is very readily hand-held at 10x and bracing against a pack or a tree or something else allows for reasonably solid use at the higher mags. Of course, a tripod is always an option for the ultimate in stability. I have used mine (hand held mind you) to track birds in flight with good success. Focusing is done by virtue of a dial on the side of the unit, which is deceptively easy to use.

Oh yeah, and the optics on this little unit are quite superb; bright, clear, contrasty, sharp, and really just lovely. (Obviously, it is not as bright as a full-size 60-80+mm spotting scope, but at 10x it's 40mm OL provides as much light as any comparable full size binocular and it remains acceptably bright throughout its higher magnification range - especially if you are using it to serve the same purposes that are generally covered by a binocular.)

 

[Sc0tty]

Because I'm blind in one eye I've considered getting a monocular.

Why was it hard to get steady focus with the Opticron dba monoculars? They're 8x42 aren't they?

Are monoculars as good as binoculars if you only need one lens or is it not that simple?

The monoculars are focussed using the mid-section of the body of the monocular, so I found them hard to keep steady while focussing. Have a look at the opticron website and you'll see what I mean.

You need to try them yourself to see what you think.

 

[trashbird]

I was wrong about close focus on the Bushnell Spacemaster 50mm. It's 11 ft. And the FOV is pretty good at 15x -- 113 ft.@1000 yds. I tried it at a local sporting goods store and it seemed good, especially at 15x. But the eye relief rapidly gets very unusable for an eyeglasses wearer anywhere above 15x. The price is quite attractive.

The Leupold GR 10-20x40mm looks very intriguing, Lucznik. There was also one of these at this store but I didn't try it. I need to get back there and do so. The close focus is like 6 ft. And the FOV is about 200 ft.@1000 yds for 10x. Not great for a binocular, but spacious for a zoom scope. I could see how if someone wanted one optic that covered all birding situations, both for close-in and decent long-distance views, this scope would be the best candidate currently available. I would wear it around my neck and carry a collapsible monopod for steadier views.

The price is also quite attractive. $300 at EO.

 

[lucznik]

The Leupold GR 10-20x40mm looks very intriguing, Lucznik... I could see how if someone wanted one optic that covered all birding situations, both for close-in and decent long-distance views, this scope would be the best candidate currently available. I would wear it around my neck and carry a collapsible monopod for steadier views.

The price is also quite attractive. $300 at EO.

I haven't quite made up my mind yet (and won't until later this year when I get a chance to really try it out under extended field conditions) but, I can see where I might eventually opt to carry a good mini binocular and this spotting scope as my only optics on extended hiking/camping trips and just leave my full size binos at home or in the car. I believe the mini bino would serve more than adequately in most situations and then, if I wanted/needed a better or closer view, I could switch to this little spotter.

The part where I'm not sure if it will work comes when I sit on the side of a hill glassing for long stretches at a time. I've never tried to do this with a mini binocular before but, I have been told that it is less comfortable than with a full size (and I don't doubt this claim to be true.) I also know that long glassing through a spotting scope (for a person who has the use of both eyes) also tends to result in uncomfortable eye strain - regardless of the quality of the scope. So, my idea may not work.

Regardless, this is a very nice little spotting scope and is the one I take with me whenever I am going to be doing any significant walking or hiking. My big B&L scope just seems to stay at home (or at best in camp) as it is too uncomfortable to drag around for any length of time or distance. The one thing I haven't figured out how to do with it is digi-scoping though, admittedly I haven't spent much time trying.

BTW: Leupold also makes a GR compact in the 15-30x50mm range if you prefer the extra magnification and OL size. However, this one would probably be quite a bit harder to use hand-held. It also would be too big, even for a jacket pocket so, it wouldn't serve as well as a binocular replacement for the gentleman who is blind in one eye.

 

[trashbird]

About the mini-binoc idea, Lucznik, it depnds on how mini is the mini. I recently bought a Nikon 8x20 LX L, one of four of the best compact bins you can buy. I tried it for a couple of weeks and finally returned it. It has the best optics I have ever owned, but for everyday birding, I found it difficult to use. The main problem was the 2.5mm exit pupil. It just required so much shifting around and fussing to stay on target. And the eye relief was a little short for me. If I was going to have it as a secondary bin -- for backpacking, short jaunts, etc., it would be fine. But I can't afford both the Nikon *and* a new full-size binoc that I also want. So the Nikon had to go and I now own a Swift Ultra-Lite 8x42 roof. What the Swift gives up optically to the Nikon, which is noticable, is more than made up for by the Swift's ease of use, it's brighter image, it's larger exit pupil -- I bring the binoc up to my eyes and bang! there is the image. But this is another story for another post. I think I have finally found "the one" with the Swift.

I also own a B&L Custom Compact 7x26, and this is the only compact bin I have ever found comfortable to use for extended birdwatching. It has a large enough exit pupil -- about the same as an 8x30 -- that makes for an easy view. Unfortunately it's not waterproof and it is not particularly robust. I've had to get it collimated just about yearly.

One binoc that has always appealed to me is the Swift Eaglet 7x36. I have seen them but never tried one out. They are very small and compact and waterproof and robust looking. According to Swift's website, they are now phase coated. Maybe this would be a "mini" enough binocular for you. I have found the 7x to be nice when I am carrying a scope and need to use my binoc one-handed -- less shake.

So many options...

 

[lucznik]

So many options...

Isn't that the truth!!

Actually, I am hoping to get the Nikon LXL though, I would likely opt for the 10x25. The Leica Ultravid is also VERY nice but, I'm having a hard time justifying its price, which is over $200 more than the Nikon. I have a fair amount of experience using compacts and really like them. In fact, I don't ever go anywhere without one in my pocket. However, my usage of compacts generally revolves around briefly looking at something I have already noticed with the "naked eye." Glassing for long lengths of time is another story alltogether and I'll just have to try it. If it doesn't pan out, (and there's a good chance it won't) I'll still keep the Nikon as the replacement for my current "go-everywhere" compact, the 8x25 Pentax DCF MC II.

Actually, the real trick is in convincing my wife to let me spend the $$$.

 

[baxter wolfe]

Leupold makes a 10-20x40 compact Gold Ring spotting scope that might just be the ticket for you. It is extremely small and light, easily fitting into a jacket pocket. It also comes with a neck strap that provides a suprisingly comfortable means of packing it around. Using the attachable hand strap this scope is very readily hand-held at 10x and bracing against a pack or a tree or something else allows for reasonably solid use at the higher mags. Of course, a tripod is always an option for the ultimate in stability. I have used mine (hand held mind you) to track birds in flight with good success. Focusing is done by virtue of a dial on the side of the unit, which is deceptively easy to use.

Oh yeah, and the optics on this little unit are quite superb; bright, clear, contrasty, sharp, and really just lovely. (Obviously, it is not as bright as a full-size 60-80+mm spotting scope, but at 10x it's 40mm OL provides as much light as any comparable full size binocular and it remains acceptably bright throughout its higher magnification range - especially if you are using it to serve the same purposes that are generally covered by a binocular.)

The Leupold 10-20x40 compact Gold Ring spotting scope sounds interesting. What do others think? In Saudi Arabia I'm not in a position to test and try different products. I'll have to take my chances based on theory and reviews.

 

[hinnark]

The Leupold 10-20x40 compact Gold Ring spotting scope sounds interesting. What do others think? In Saudi Arabia I'm not in a position to test and try different products. I'll have to take my chances based on theory and reviews.

Baxter and Jon,

the best monoculars available nowadays are made by Zeiss. The 20x60S image stabilized one is a class of its own of course also in respect of the price. But this is discontinued since 1 or 2 years now. The small monoculars of the Zeiss Mono DesignSelection series have very good optics. They are also very compact (they really fit into every pocket) and lightweight. Also, when it comes to close focus capacities these Monos are hard to beat. In general I would recommend to choose a monocular of lesser magnification than you can hold steady with binoculars because it´s most of the time a bit more difficult to avoid shaking with only one barrel in the hand. I would recommend the 6x18 Mono made by Zeiss because 6x is still a useful magnification and in addition, it´s also useable reversed as a very good loupe with even higher magnification than 6x. There´s a tiny leather case available for those which I recommend to order anyway.
Another suggestion for a very good monocular constructed with a porro prism is the 8 x 21 C Mono by the German manufactorer Docter: http://www.docter-germany.com/front...36&PHPSESSID=ee224433c70c848ab380e51eba4b75d5
Note: This is the original construction where all Japanese porro monos were copied from. Docter is the successor of former Carl Zeiss Jena company from the former GDR. The optics made by Docter are known by unfortunately only few experts (marketing is obviously not one of their strong points) for very high quality optics with reasonable prices. They have also very customer friendly warranties and services. They are definitely worth to take a look at.

Steve

 

[baxter wolfe]

I bought the 8x42 Opticron DBA monocular from East of England Binocular Centre. I'm very impressed with them at this initial stage. The optics are fine and - so far - they seem as user-friendly as bins (as I said before I'm blind in one eye). I'll know for sure after I've used them more.

Although I don't wear glasses, the adjustable eyecup allows me to use the monoculars while wearing sunglasses. This is often necessary in Africa where the sun can be very harsh.

Even if some minor disadvantages do become evident I still think the gamble has paid off because the monocular is so compact. I really didn't want the unnecessary bulk of the twin lenses.

BTW, it cost me £202 including postage to Saudi Arabia and excluding VAT. EEBC were excellent.