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Where premium quality meets exceptional value. ZEISS Conquest HDX.

Which monocular? (1 Viewer)

J

JohnnyScience

Member
Looking to get a high quality monocular that is very durable, waterproof & high quality glass and also black. I do like that hardened rubberized armor that I've seen some binoculars have such as my Minox BD 8x32.

I'd prefer to get as small of a monocular as possible so I'm really considering the Vortex 10x25. I also really like the magnification & smaller diameter combo of this one the best. But it's green and might be bulky for its actual size and I'm not sure of the quality of the glass? Upside is I can find I can find it for $55 online.

http://www.vortexoptics.com/product/vortex-solo-10x25-monocular

But going a little bit bigger I'm really considering the Opticron 8x30 or 8x32 to get the black color I want. Seems this one is around $190 so I would hope the glass is a lot better. Also looks like it would be less bulky compared to the Vortex.

http://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/wp_mono.html

What are my options?

There is a Zeiss monocular but I do it think its "durable" or water proof like the other 2 is it? And it's over $300 I think.

Any other monocular that fits my criteria?
 
Johnny you don't actually say what you want to use the monoc for.

I have used a Zeiss 6x18 close focus monoc for years for really close-up work on insects and stuff in pools. It is grey and black, uses a draw tube for focusing and works really well. Don't be put off by the 6x mag as for close up when you focus on shorter distances the mag increases to about 9x and closest distance.

Zeiss do several monocs but none of them are of the 'half a pair of bins' sort.

Leica do a nice one but it needs a supplementary lens to do really close work.

Lee
 
JohnnyScience,
Asahi Pentax has made an 8x30 monocular with roof prism and a special close-up lens, which can be removed. The binocular can only be found as a used item, but it was a very good instrument.
Gijs
 
Johnny,

I have tried the Opticron 8x32 you referenced and was satisfied with the optical quality it provided.

After reading your post the only criteria is really pulled from it was size. You want a small one with good optical quality. What about price range? What about close focusing ability? That question that Troubador mentioned about your intended usage would help with the suggestions offered.

I have used the Zeiss 6x18 and walked away very impressed with the image quality considering how small an objective size it utilizes. If small size and good image quality are your primary criteria then I would have a hard time not recommending it.

I have also tried some of the full-sized 8x models from Zen Ray and Opticron. I didn't find anything objectionable about any of them and actually enjoyed using them more than I expected.
 
Looking for a long distance monoscope, not up close work.

I have a pair of 8x32 binos so I think I'd be comfortable with a little more magnification of the 10x25's I'm seeking.

Price range is up to $300, but I don't really see the need to go up that high since Zeiss doesn't offer a waterproof option. The $55 Vortex 10x25 is at the top of the list based on all specs & pricing.

Hope that helps everyone's responses.

Thanks.
 
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And I do see some mention they have "roof prizims" as in the case of the Vortex, what is that exactly & is that the best for monoculars? (i.e. don't bother getting a monocular with OUT a roof prizim?")
 
I have tried the 8x25 vortex and while I am a huge Vortex fan, I didn't like it. The focus was way too stiff and the optics weren't great. I actually bought this vanguard which has an easier focus (turn the body), and similar optics (ie not that great but for $30 in a pinch it is fine). Don't believe the review that said there is no distortion, as it does have fuzzy edges and some curvature. http://www.amazon.com/Vanguard-DM-6...1364937600&sr=8-1&keywords=vanguard+monocular

something a little larger that has good reviews, but I have not tried is Zen-Ray http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/monoculars/monohd8x42.html

I hope this helps. Todd
 
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Johnny,

I would have some reservations about purchasing a 10x25 monocular. Keep in mind my monocular usage is fairly limited. I have tried several models and I do own a very inexpensive 7x18 monocular that I use as a booster for binocular evaluation.

Having said that, and with the understanding that I do have some experience with 10x25binoculars I would have reservations about using a monocular with such a small exit pupil and particularly one at that price point. With binoculars you can use either your brow or the bridge of your nose to balance and steady the optic. Using a monocular is a bit more difficult. I would think you would want a binocular that has a 4 or 5 mm exit pupil (an 8x32 or 8x40 for example) so that actual usage of the monocular is comforting and fairly relaxed.

Second, to answer your question about the roof prism.... Most of the monoculars you will find on the market are of the roof prism design. All of the ones you listed are roof prisms. There are porro prism monoculars available (though I have little experience with them). They have that distinctive "dog leg" shape to them. Almost like a "Z" shape if you it makes it easier to visualize.

Lastly, I would think the Opticron 8x32 to offer better optical performance compared to the Vortex for a few reasons. One is the previously mentioned larger exit pupil. Second, the slightly higher price point should yield slightly better quality control and quality of materials.

The Zen Ray referenced above is also very good and I would have no problem recommending it. I haven't tried Rick's Bushnell Legend Ultra. I didn't even know they made an Ultra monocular but I would expect it to be good considering the Ultra binoculars' performance level.
 
I've got an Orion 10x42 monocular that I really like. The main reason I got it was because it will focus to about 20 inches. The Bushnell will only focus to about 6 feet.

It is waterproof and the optics are pretty decent. The main focus is a bit stiff but since it is a focus ring that is around the whole barrel it is easy to get a good grip to twist. There is a separate fine focus back near the eyepiece.

The eyepiece twists in and out for glasses wearers.

I have used 20-25mm objective monoculars before which are fine on bright sunny days but for if your under the tree canopy or in deep shade they are pretty dim. For my purposes having the 42mm objective and the extra brightness it provides is worth the size and weight penalty.

It has a tripod mount. I mount it frequently on a mini-ball head on my monopod/walking stick.

It sells for about $60. It doesn't come with lens covers so you'll have to sort out something yourself.

All in all I am very pleased with it.
 
I have the Zeiss 6x18. I did a little research before buying it and narrowed it down between the Nikon 5x15 and the Zeiss. I bought the Zeiss because I could not find the Nikon. The ring focus instead of draw tube focus seemed simpler to use on the Nikon.

The Zeiss has good optics and the size is great. Even in the case it fits easily in a pocket, and can be used anywhere. It is nice for lunch breaks and traveling.

It did take awhile to get used to the draw tube focus but it gets easier with use. The close focus is excellent and comes in handy for many things other than birding.

The only negative thing I have to say about it is: It is priced high. Yet with that said, I kept it.

I hope that helps.
 
I personally prefer the Docter 8x21. It looks weird, but I find it easier zu hold than one of the "normal" monoculars once you get used to it, and the optics are great.

Hermann
 
Hermann said:
I personally prefer the Docter 8x21. It looks weird, but I find it easier zu hold than one of the "normal" monoculars once you get used to it, and the optics are great.

Hermann
Click to expand...

It is a wonderful little thing and probably the only porro monocular still in production.
In its earlier CZJ incarnation, it could be tricked out with various auxiliary lenses to make a field loupe of considerable power.
Your caveat about 'once you get used to it' should be engraved on the box it is sold in. The learning curve is steep.
 
etudiant said:
It is a wonderful little thing and probably the only porro monocular still in production.
In its earlier CZJ incarnation, it could be tricked out with various auxiliary lenses to make a field loupe of considerable power.
Your caveat about 'once you get used to it' should be engraved on the box it is sold in. The learning curve is steep.
Click to expand...

I've got a full set of those auxiliary lenses you mentioned and the small table-top tripod Zeiss Jena once made for the Turmon. It's a really nice toy and possibly the oldest Zeiss still in production, albeit under a different name now, dating back to 1924. Albrecht Köhler has some information about the early Turmons on his website (http://www.akoehler.de/). Fascinating stuff.

I actually find holding the Turmon easier than holding one of these short, thin tubes of other monoculars. Also, the optics of the latest Doctor 8x21's is in my opinion better than that of most smallish monoculars on the market, and that includes the offerings of Zeiss and Nikon.

Hermann
 
I have the Vortex 8x25 Solo. I like its rather large FOV (378 ft) for 25mm objective, fast focus and solid construction. I think it can take a lot of abuse. It is very light and fits my small hand well. The optics quality is pretty good for mine, sweet spot may be up to 60% with very gradual soft image after that. A little bit of pincushion near the edge but not very noticeable. Some CA but doesn't bother me. I think it is a good monocular for around 50 bucks.

The only drawbacks are that the minimum focus distance is a little far, which around 16ft, and stiff focusing ring, which many owners complaint about |=@| I managed to make the focusing ring loosen up and turns smoothly by twisting it back and forth for many times, perhaps up to few hundreds times. Now I could focus it with just my index finger. :t:

Here are few reviews for the Vortex:

http://www.opticsreviewer.com/vortex-solo-monocular.html

http://www.wolfs.es/vortex solo 8x25 monocular compared 8x36 English pictures.htm

http://www.binocularreviews.org/2012/02/vortex-solo-8x25-monocular.html
 
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