Monocular

[KBamhi]

I have a small pair of binoculars in my hiking bag but they are too big and too heavy. Can anyone recommend a good all around monocular for 100.00 or less ?
Thanks, Keith

 

[UffDa]

There aren't really any good monoculars under $100. I have a 8X Tasco monocular that is almost useless except in bright light and is hard to hold steady. You might look at some of the Vortex monoculars, but the higher grade ones weigh almost as much as a small binocular.

Is 10 oz. really to heavy? That's what a Steiner 8x22 Pro Safari weighs.

 

[awh]

i got this one for around $40 - its good in my opinion.

Vanguard Dm-6250 Monocular

 

[Ed Ricketts]

I got one from cabelas...not bad, no problem with steadiness.

 

[boring]

I purchased a cheap one from sportsmans guide and for a while it was good. It is one of the always in focus types. not in focus anymore. wish I had more for ya.

 

[KBamhi]

Thanks guys, I'll check those out.

 

[Win Heger]

ive got a pair of Zen Ray binos that I really like. This mono looks interesting, if I didn't have a Steiner mono I'd get this. A little over your price point, though.

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/monoculars/monohd8x42.html

Win

 

[KBamhi]

Thanks Win, that does look like a good one.

 

[dogstar]

How about this one? I would prefer if it was 8x, not 10x, though.
http://www.telescope.com/Binoculars/Compact-Binoculars/Orion-10x42-Waterproof-Monocular/pc/-1/c/5/sc/66/p/8431.uts

 

[wildmike]

check out binoculars.com. They have a 10-25x40 for less than that and a 7x32 with compass and reticle for a little more still less than $100.00. The one is by Zhummell which makes fairly good optics. The 7x32 or 42 with range reticle and compass I can't remember the brand of.

 

[UffDa]

One mistake a lot of people make, especially Americans, is that they think bigger is better in regards to optics. Most knowledgeable people will tell you that
8X is just about the limit for hand held optics. A large heavy 10X binocular may be usable for people with steady hands, but for a small lightweight monocular,
you would be best served with 8X or less.

I'm sure that someone will comment that they have a 12X binocular that's just fine. All I can say is.....

 

[roughneckrob]

I have a Vortex Solo 8X25. Its a great monocular for about $60. Waterproof and weighs less than 6oz.

 

[BChou-E29]

Definitely not as powerful or clear as the previously recommended optics but I usually bring my Brunton Echo monocular with me whenever I go out. At 2 oz. its definitely lightweight though and super convienient.

 

[squishware]

+ 1 on the Vortex but I have never used really high end optics, so grain of salt is in order. It is sturdy and nitrogen charged waterproof/fogproof.

 

[Infi-del]

I owned one of these vortex 8X25 and it was pretty solid. I would have preferred a little more magnification but it worked nice. Decent optics for 50 bucks too.

Not in your price range but the one I am currently lusting after is the Zeiss 10X25 regardless what "Experts" say, I like a 10 power. And 25mm will gather good light.

 

[Coldwood]

I've just learned to drag around the binocs, deal with the weight. My personal favorite is 7x50, it's the standard for nautical work and also bird watching for me. Satisfactory magnification and light gathering. My wife gave me a Christmas stocking stuffer by Brunton, 7x18, about 3-1/4 inches long, rubber housing, it's cute and pretty good optics for a little telescope.

Edit: I've tried a couple of these historical/nautical looking telescopes, I've not been happy with them; lenses fall out of place, etc.

 

[stormbird]

I have the Zen Ray 10x42 monocular. It is big. I use two hands with my elbows braced. Works fine that way. The optics are first rate, sharp and flat field edge to edge. I own a Takahashi telescope with numerous Tak and Televue eyepieces. So I know what a good image looks like.

I also have a out of production Pentax 8x30 monocular/22x magnifier (B+ optics, very versatile). I once owned the following: a Nikon 15x5 monocular (B+ optics), Zeiss 5x10 Mini Quick (C-, like looking through a blurry straw), Pentax 6x15 monocular/9x magnifier (B+ optics).

A monocular is stressful for extended viewing. Using a eye patch on the other eye helps reduce fatigue. These days I usually carry the Zen Ray in a big pocket. If dressing up or traveling light I carry a set of Nikon 5x15 Titanium binoculars. Tiny in size, outstanding optics, very easy to use for extended periods. The best optics IMO... Nikon Ti binocs, closely followed by the Zen Ray.

If you can wait a day I"ll do a group shot for size comparison.

 

[Scott Free]

Zeiss 5x10 Mini Quick (C-, like looking through a blurry straw)

Really??? Mine is perfectly tack sharp. I think others who have owned them will say likewise. Surely you must have gotten a bad one.

 

[Infi-del]

Zeiss 5x10 Mini Quick (C-, like looking through a blurry straw)

You should send that in and have it looked at. That is highly atypical for a Zeiss optic.

 

[stormbird]

Some pics for comparsion:
The Zen Ray 10x42. I used it again last night. Sharp crater walls along the Moon's terminator. Stars pinpoint sharp. Holds adjustment (not easy to bump out of position). The small binoculars are Nikon 5x15 Titanium shell models. The smallest, best optics I own. Draw back is 5x magnification. Nikon did make a 7x15 model. Other binoculars, Nikon 10x25. Probably close to what you have. Other monocular, Pentax 8x30. Mini Quick was returned to Cabelas the next day. I've looked through a couple of Zeiss products, world class stuff. But, I can only comment about the one (I agree, it must have been defective) example I have owned. Benchmade 710 placed for size, battery too. Edit: in last pic glass/plastic/metal stand is for the Pentax 22x microscope set up. The objective end threads onto the top of the stand. This is the reason to own this item. Magnifier is sharp in focus, has a couple of measurement scales visible when looking through it.