I learned the value of a monocular on a two week trip with a very experienced fellow several years back. I suppose it could be employed for viewing wildlife but my partner used it a for prospecting campsites.

See a bare spot of ground across the lake? Give it a peek........is it occupied? That question can be answered as well. This handy little gadget saved us considerable paddling time on several occasions.

I had at first thought it was a heavy object to lug about......but later in the year I recieved one as a gift (having expressed admiration for the device earlier) from said partner. It was identical to what he used and the first surprise was how light it was. Anyway.........these store nicely (I wear mine on my "Batman Belt") and can be quite handy.

I bought the REI monocular a few weeks ago. It's extremely light but I've found a bit shaky if handheld over 10X. I haven't used it in the field yet but I bought it mainly for checking on campsites as well. I think it will be very useful and it's small enough to wear on my belt like you do which I really like. Having it be handy will be great while paddling.

I bring my 10x25 monocular most trips. I use it for locating empty campsite or if some wildlife I want to see. Very handy little tool.

I have carried an 8 x 25 monocular for years in my life vest. Bought it for like $9 at Mills Fleet Farm 15 years ago give or take. Makes checking out possible campsite or Big Foot sightings easier.

I am interested in one for its utility, if it's small and light enough and inexpensive.

What brand/model are you using and what's the weight/size?

Thanks.

You can get a Tasco 10 x 25 at Fleet Farm for $9.88. I'm sure you could find one of similar performance elsewhere if you don't have a store near you. Or buy one online.


Fleet Farm

Great idea. I quit taking binoculars years ago because of the bulk. This gizmo is now on my "want" list.

Just when I thought I had everything I needed/wanted. Ahh well.

Boonie, this is what I bought.
It's small and very light. Great for doing macro viewing also. Acts like a microscope of sorts.
monocular

I like to keep a monocular in one of the top pockets on my PFD. I bought a cheap waterproof one from Amazon. I lose them too easily to buy an expensive one. Bright colors are nice for noticing them.

The thought of a monocular has always appealed to me, but I have never broken down and bought one. I think I'll have to add one to my household...maybe 2.

I have a Polaris Optics Ranger 10 x 42 that I received as a gift. Wonderful toy, about 50 bucks on Amazon.

quote SevenofNine: "You can get a Tasco 10 x 25 at Fleet Farm for $9.88. I'm sure you could find one of similar performance elsewhere if you don't have a store near you. Or buy one online.



Fleet Farm "

Is this waterproof/submersible? I like the idea of stashing this in my pocket but my pockets rarely stay dry on travel days.

Used to bring a monocular for years, this one infact: Brunton Monocular = but no more. While I found it great for quick glimpses, I found myself pining for my 10x24 Nikon Binoculars: I have the older version of this one
Not bulky, attaches to my belt, and I can see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Waterproof too.

Too each their own.

quote Minnesotian: "
Used to bring a monocular for years, this one infact: Brunton Monocular = but no more. While I found it great for quick glimpses, I found myself pining for my 10x24 Nikon Binoculars: I have the older version of this one
Not bulky, attaches to my belt, and I can see the moons of Jupiter and the rings of Saturn. Waterproof too.


Too each their own. "

Those look nice. Curious; do you wear glasses, and if so, do the Nikons work with your glasses on? I just find it easier to keep my glasses on with a mono for some reason.

Ya, I have glasses. I can use those binos with glasses for a quick glance, but for a more in depth look I slide them out of the way.

quote boonie: "I am interested in one for its utility, if it's small and light enough and inexpensive.


What brand/model are you using and what's the weight/size?


Thanks."

You are welcome to borrow mine this fall... It's from REI and is waterproof.

To be honest, I can never figure out how to get anything in focus. Maybe it's my eyesight.

Thanks, BWP, but the more I think about one, the more convinced I am I wouldn't use it enough to make it worth the "fiddle factor". I have a small pair of binoculars (~10 oz.) I used to take, but leave home now for a lot of reasons - I wear glasses and focusing is awkward, I really don't use them much, and now can more easily use the optical zoom on my P & S camera for the same purpose.

quote mc2mens: " "

Hooooogan!

I do not own one but being a "cheese head" just wanted to mention my current favorite optics Vortex Solo Monocular. I use their scopes and like em lot's!

butthead

quote Frenchy19: "I have a Polaris Optics Ranger 10 x 42 that I received as a gift. Wonderful toy, about 50 bucks on Amazon."

Just picked one up on Ebay for 34 bucks...brand new.