The binocular thread made me think of monoculars. I've been toying with the idea of purchasing a monocular for a while...just haven't gotten around to it. My wife always brings binos, but they are packed away under her seat when we're on the water. I'd want a monocular for quick access to view campsites or portages. I'd keep it attached to my pfd.

Shopping on line for a monocular: lots of them out there, a bit overwhelming...and a lot of money for some of them. Does anyone have experience with using a monocular and tips for what I would need in purchasing one for use in the Bdub?

Mike

I've been toying with this idea as well. I have compact 10x25 binoculars, but they are a hassle to pry out of my PFD, and I don't like them around my neck. I've been looking at this Celestron.

Celestron Monocular

I tried out a Monocular a couple years ago on a few trips. I made a sling for it and had it around my neck. It was lightweight enough that I could keep in on during portages and small enough that it didn't get in the way of paddeling. Eventually I stopped using it and went back to binoculars because I liked the stereo vision better and I could get more magnification. Your milage may vary, but I recommend and used the Brunton Echo .

I found monocular of almost no use on the water if conditions are not ideal - and if they are ideal I can do with my glasses. Would rather bring binoculars with stabilizer that allow for scouting from far away even in strong winds. Better to carry an extra useful pound than 5 useless ounces.

I like mine. Not so much about weight but, space. Compact.

Solo Vortex

I have a Vortex and I like it. It's easier to stop and put out the monocular than it is to paddle across the lake to check if a campsite is taken or not.

I like the size even though it still feels a little big to me, so I can imagine how large a binocular would feel. I clip mine to my vest while paddling and attach the strap in case it falls off. It's handy to have. I take it hunting as well to find downed ducks or to see the difference between a deer and a log.

Vortex here as well.

Same; Vortex. Carry it in my pfd. Like it a lot. Not great for birding, but sure cut the weight.

I like the small size of monocular’s compared to binoculars. A monocular can fit in my PFD pocket and easily accessible. I use it to see open or taken campsites when traveling. Get a good one with good optics. Cameras, binoculars are a get what you pay for thing. Buy a cheap one and you will regret it.

Thanks everyone for the great feedback!

Based on the input provided, I purchased the Vortex Solo Tactical R/T last night through Cabela's. I should get it middle of next week. I'm excited to give it a try.

I will report my impressions.

Mike

MikeinMpls: "Thanks everyone for the great feedback!


Based on the input provided, I purchased the Vortex Solo Tactical R/T last night through Cabela's. I should get it middle of next week. I'm excited to give it a try.


I will report my impressions.


Mike"

Nice choice. Good glass and great company. In fact I live in between Cabelas and Vortex so you can see where my discretionary outdoor funds are spent!

Would appreciate hearing your thoughts next week. I've never used a monocular but sure like my vortex binos, mostly for hunting but now I may sneak them into the pack for a canoe trip this summer.

I have a Polaris Optics (now appears to be Wingspan) 10 x 42 mono that I like. Waterproof and very reasonable priced-back in 2016 I got it for $54. Of course, now with inflation and supply chain issues, it would probably cost $2,154-if you could find it.

I have the cheaper, Celestron monocular that they sell at REI for $50.00. If I'd have known there was a Vortex monocular I probably would have bought it, but the Celestron seems to do the trick. I keep it in one of the pockets of my PFD and it has saved me lots of paddle strokes with checking out campsites from afar and looking for my trip partner across the lakes. We both paddle solos so we tend to get separated from time to time.

I will say that it's not always easy using a monocular in a canoe when you're trying to keep track of where the wind is pushing you and everything else. Binoculars are only slightly easier in my experience. I guess that's just the nature of what you're trying to do with these devices.