smokey
2A TEACHER
- Jan 31, 2008
- 31,556
The social unrest stuff has me thinking about the utility of monoculars. I've been in situations where I'm on one street, and see some kind of commotion happening a block away, but can't make it out in detail. It seems like if you have the option of quickly grabbing a monocular out of a pocket/bag, you could get some situational awareness you otherwise wouldn't have with naked eyes. Aside from that, it could just be cool to have for hikes and things like concerts/games. I do have some questions though.
What are the main advantages/disadvantages to using a monocular instead of a compact set of traditional binoculars?
I've read a eye relief of at least 15 mm is needed for using them with glasses. Any glasses wearers have any input on special considerations for spectacles?
Magnification...what's "the best" for general situational awareness inside of about 200 yards? In normal binoculars, it seems like things get a little shaky above 10x. With a monocular, is 8x about a sweet spot, or 10x?
what are some good monoculars in different price ranges? <$50, $50-100, $100-200, $200-300 etc.
Annnnd does anyone have experience with the vortex solo monoculars. In specific, I'm looking at the 8x25 vs the 8x36....10x36 if shakiness/15mm eye relief isn't a big deal. It seems like with glasses, the 8x36 would be a winner for the 18mm eye relief and better overall optic quality from working with physics instead of against it. You also get a pocket clip that seems useful with the x36.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DMJ81Y
for now, I've bought this cheap little pos...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RBG7W52
...just to play around with the utility of carrying a monocular in different situations. If it seems like it gives some benefits, I'll probably snag something like the vortex 8x36 later
What are the main advantages/disadvantages to using a monocular instead of a compact set of traditional binoculars?
I've read a eye relief of at least 15 mm is needed for using them with glasses. Any glasses wearers have any input on special considerations for spectacles?
Magnification...what's "the best" for general situational awareness inside of about 200 yards? In normal binoculars, it seems like things get a little shaky above 10x. With a monocular, is 8x about a sweet spot, or 10x?
what are some good monoculars in different price ranges? <$50, $50-100, $100-200, $200-300 etc.
Annnnd does anyone have experience with the vortex solo monoculars. In specific, I'm looking at the 8x25 vs the 8x36....10x36 if shakiness/15mm eye relief isn't a big deal. It seems like with glasses, the 8x36 would be a winner for the 18mm eye relief and better overall optic quality from working with physics instead of against it. You also get a pocket clip that seems useful with the x36.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003DMJ81Y
for now, I've bought this cheap little pos...
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00RBG7W52
...just to play around with the utility of carrying a monocular in different situations. If it seems like it gives some benefits, I'll probably snag something like the vortex 8x36 later