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Monoculars

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Sparky View Drop Down
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    Posted: January/17/2021 at 16:02
Since I have a tremor in my right hand I was considering a monocular instead of a pair of binoculars. 

Looking for something with as good glass as I can get for final minutes of legal light and a wide FOV.

Or is a good pair of binoculars going to out perform a good monocular?

Any thoughts?
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/18/2021 at 19:22
I don't have much time with a monocular. But their seem to be some good ones. I have a lot of time with spotting scopes and compared to binoculars, with good ones I can glass all day. That doesn't happen for me when using one eye with a spotter.
Maybe some light weight binoculars would help for one hand use. I'll spend the day with some smaller binos watching the birds and deer tomorrow one handed.

Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2021 at 11:14
I have been watching the critters the last few days with binoculars and one handed. I have been using 10x42 Meopta and 7x42 Zeiss Dialyt. There is some shake and I can do it for short periods of time. I can't say a monocular would be any better, though.

Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/21/2021 at 21:25
Thanks Doug.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2021 at 13:46
My only monoculars are a range finder and a night vision device. I could not use a monocular of their size for regular glassing. 
I spent some more time one handed glassing using the 10x42 Meopta, 7x42 Zeiss and added a 15x80 Steiner. For one handed viewing the 7x42 wins, hands down. The lower magnification helps reduce the effects of movement.


Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2021 at 19:36
Thanks again Doug. I appreciate it.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2021 at 21:51
I have had these several years and like them. The Zeiss monoculars are also ones you should consider.  I don't do well with binoculars but this I like. 


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Urimaginaryfrnd Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/22/2021 at 22:00
https://www.swfa.com/zeiss-8x20-designselection-monocular-1.html?___SID=U


Zeiss 8x20 monocular .... I wouldn't mine having one of these. 

"Always do the right thing, just because it is the right thing to do".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/23/2021 at 16:07
Thanks Wes!
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote koshkin Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2021 at 01:11
Unfortunetely, there aren't a whole lot of high end monoculars with large enough objectives to be good in low light.  

The best compact one is probably the Leica 8x20, and it is amazing for how good it is given the small size, but it is not exactly a low light monster.

Vortex used to make 10x50 and 15x50 monoculars.  10x50 was quite nice in low light, but naturally it is discontinued.  15x50 was a little hard for me to handhold for any length of time.  They do have a 8x32 version that is adequate.

Honestly, the only monocular that I have been using with any regularity is the 7x25 in my Sig LRF and it is surprisingly good, but Leica and Swaro do have better optics in theirs.

Maybe something like this is worth considering?
https://www.swfa.com/leica-7x24-rangemaster-crf-2400-r-rangefinder.html?___SID=U


ILya

There are some compact spotting scopes that can be used as handheld monoculars when equipped with a straight eyepiece, but that is likely larger than what you are looking for.

Sig makes a 10-20x30 stabilized monocular, but I have not seen it.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Sparky Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/24/2021 at 22:18
Thanks ILya! I was considering the Leica 8x20, but I like your idea of using a range finder.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/25/2021 at 08:22
I have been using my Sig Kilo 1400 8x20 LRF for viewing. I can't hold steady with one hand. If a rest against something or use two hands it is acceptable, but not for long. The optics aren't too bad, either.
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CaptRedbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/19/2021 at 14:42
I know it has been a while and you no doubt have made your decision. Yet I thought I would toss my 2 cents in.
I have tried many monocular over the past 60 years and I have never found one that will provide the quality of view that a decent pair of binoculars can. That said, I wondered what you use was for a monocular? Spotting scopes are great but normally need a tripod to get steady views, and I have one that works well, like others have said, with a straight lens. I also own a small spyglass, like the ones used on ships or by my relatives, the pirates. lol That unit is best braced on a tree limb or some part of my vehicle to keep it steady. 
I suppose I have to come back to the "what are you doing with it" question. it is the same question we all ask about binoculars. BTW, a good SLR with a nice zoom lens works good in many situations.
I hope you have found a great solution and that you are glassing at will.

Rev.


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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/19/2021 at 14:54
Hey CaptRedbeard, is that the Whitefish Point Lighthouse?
Doug
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CaptRedbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/19/2021 at 19:01
I wish I knew! It is a stock picture that Opticstalk provided. Very fuzzy. I've got a new one of Pigeon Point lighthouse I will be posting soon. It is one of my favorites.

Never forget your binos.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote CaptRedbeard Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/19/2021 at 19:04
I just looked it up Doug and I think you are correct.
Never forget your binos.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: April/19/2021 at 20:22
I'm down from Whitefish Point. It's a great area with few people.
Doug
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