Monocular?

[WapitiTalk1]

Anybody use em? I only carry a small pair of 10X binos when I elk hunt (thick country) so am thinking of swapping out for a quality monocular for the little bit I use a magnifying instrument. Anybody use a monocular and have any comments? I know Vortex makes one which is what I'm leaning towards. Thanks.

[JGH]

I'm going to follow this thread. I was thinking the same, really.

I don't like toting a heavy pair of binoculars around for what little glassing I do. The areas I hunt, so far, just don't really lend themselves to sitting-and-glassing.

I've heard the Vortex one is good ... Leica makes one, too.

[>>>---WW---->]

I used to have one years ago. The big problem was a little more eye strain than binoculars and if they were porro prisim, depending on how you held it in your hand, you would have a harder time locating what you wanted to look at.

If I had my choice between a good monocular and a good binocular, I'd pick the binocular EVERY time.

[Swede]

I'm with WW on this one. I have used a monocular, and as far as I am concerned they are a pain. You are not using your binoculars, so you think a monocular would be better? I don't get it. Why don't you use your binos? Are they not very good? Maybe you just need a good pair of binos for your application. The best advice I have is call Elknut1, and invest in something quality. Tell him what kind of terrain you will be hunting. Good luck.

[JGH]

I can't speak for the OP ... but for me, the weight and bulk of binoculars is a problem, and it limits how much I carry them. Additionally, on a horse, I don't like things slung around my neck -- just a safety thing. I won't say I never violate that, but ... the bounce of binos on a horse is a P.I.A.

I was thinking of a monocular just because I could put it in a cargo pocket in pants and I'd be more likely to have it along when I need it.

[Swede]

I know we are all different, but if you do not use your binoculars, I doubt you will use a monocular. I still occasionally will check something quick with my Vortex rangefinder, but for looking around or general glassing the binoculars are far superior. I use mine quite a lot at times. If weight is a major consideration, you can find some good glass that weighs less than one lb. There are some even at 12 oz. Just my thought.

[WapitiTalk1]

I'm with WW on this one. I have used a monocular, and as far as I am concerned they are a pain. You are not using your binoculars, so you think a monocular would be better? I don't get it. Why don't you use your binos? Are they not very good? Maybe you just need a good pair of binos for your application. The best advice I have is call Elknut1, and invest in something quality. Tell him what kind of terrain you will be hunting. Good luck.

Just digging around for what folks who have used them think. My small Nikons and harness work fine but as always, I toy with the idea of trying something new. The monocular has always intrigued me (ease of carry, one focus adjustment) but from what you and WW are saying, they may not be worth the price of admission. Just digging for opinions Thanks guys.

[Ridgernr]

I hunt the same country as Phantom and I only carry a Monocular, Binos are just to big and my monocular, is easy to store in a small pocket within reach.
I don't do alot of glassing as we hunt thick nasty underbrush choked ground, If I see an elk or an elk looking stump I use the Mono to verify reality or just my vivid imagination, otherwise We hunt the area we can see hear and smell for elk up close. If I hunted More open country it would be different, for me my binos stay in the truck or ATV.

[>>>---WW---->]

I suppose if you were to find a good roof prisim monocular and didn't spend as much time behind your glass as I do, you could get by with a monocular. But I don't think you would be happy with the poro prisim style at all. We all have our likes and dislikes.

[Bow4me]

I bought a cheap vortex for this season. I haven't made it to the elk woods with it yet but I like it so far. The reason I wanted to try it was the bulk of binos. And the quickness of the monocular. I'll have a better review in about 3 weeks.

[Indian Summer]

I had a monocular for a little bit. Turned around and eBayed it pretty quick. The problem is the field of view is narrow so you're always searching for whatever it is you are looking for. But the main reason was that since they have a small objective lens they are always dim. I found it to be worthless at first and last light.

If I were you Phantom I'd just go for a set of small compact binos instead if weight or size is the issue.

[WapitiTalk1]

Yikes, that's an old thread popping back up I still have my old compact 10X25s and they're still on elk duty; never did a move towards a compact mono. I did however, decide to spring for a "big" mono a few months ago and grabbed a Vortex spotter from Elknut. Coolest dang thing I've ever seen

[Indian Summer]

Now that's a legit tool! I waited for years to buy one because I didn't want a steeping stone. Finally got a smoking deal on a Swaro from a guy who used to guide for me. In open country it pays for itself. More elk sightings/less footsteps. Love it.

And yep... this is an older thread. That 16 power "monocular" with a 52mm objective would be more accurately called a spotting scope! And a wife that buys things like that for her husband would more accurately be called a good catch!