What are monoculars and what are they?

A monocular is an optical device designed for remote observation by enlarging images. The device fits easily in the palm of your hand, and only one eye is attracted to viewing. It is a handy mobile tool that comes in handy when traveling, traveling and fishing.

The monocular will be a real help in hiking trips to new places. It is indispensable for hunting and fishing. However, binoculars and a telescope perform the same functions, so first you need to figure out in what cases these devices are used.

• Spyglass - useful for people who expect a high magnification ratio from an optical device in combination with compactness and light weight. At the same time, this device has an impressive length, therefore it is not always convenient for travel.

• Binoculars - will help travelers who value the level of comfort for the organs of vision and a wide viewing angle. Of the shortcomings, only the heaviness of the instrument is distinguished.

• Monocular - optimal for people who need enhanced optical characteristics with a modest size of the device. The monocular is very compact, it can fit in a handbag, a backpack and even in a pocket, while having a minimum weight.

Buying a monocular will be the best choice for long journeys. Such a device can be taken with you on a hike in nature, as well as on a city excursion. The only drawback of the instrument is its low magnification ratio compared to binoculars and a telescope.

Monoculars have the following characteristics.

• Increase - one of the most important properties of the device. The magnification factor is 6-50 times, for typical instruments this parameter corresponds to 10. For example: a bird flying at a distance of 1 km will be seen as if it is flying 100 meters from the observer.
• Wide viewing angle - depends on the lens diameter. The bigger it is, the better. This property will come in handy even in the theater.
• Lens enlightenment - allows you to more clearly transmit the picture at dusk or when the lighting is off due to a special coating that improves the image quality.
• Optical stabilizer - neutralizes picture shake. This is a very useful option, but it is found mostly in expensive models. For budget monoculars, you can purchase a tripod that also handles the problem of jitter easily.
• Inert gases between lenses - such an addition prevents the monoculars from fogging during temperature changes or in wet weather. This design feature allows the device to withstand even the most extreme conditions.
• Impact resistance Is a quality that is necessary in any situation. Truly irreplaceable when hiking and traveling.

Compared to binoculars, the monocular has significant advantages.

• One hand always remains free. At first glance, this may not seem so important. But if you have to hold a golf club or carabiner at the same time, then this advantage will not be difficult to appreciate.
• One-eye focus calibration is useful for people who have diopter differences. In such a situation, the monocular allows you to achieve a clear picture, which is extremely problematic in the case of a dual focus.
• Compared to binoculars, the monocular is more mobile. It is small and takes up little space in your suitcase. If desired, you can carry it in your pocket or bag.

Modern manufacturers offer a wide range of monoculars. On sale you can find digital, ultra-powerful devices, devices with a rangefinder, as well as with a laser pointer. In this case, there are several parameters, according to which all monoculars are divided into a number of groups.

This parameter shows how much larger the object will appear when viewed with a monocular. When choosing a suitable model, it makes no sense to chase the maximum numbers. Do not forget that the closer you zoom in, the more the picture shakes. Therefore, if you are not going to use a tripod together with the monocular, then it is better to stay at the middle values ​​of the approximation.

• 4x-8x. This type of optical device is optimal for attending sports games, performances, concerts and outdoor walks when there is no need for maximum zoom. This multiplicity is optimal if buildings, plants or people are often included in the viewing circle. When the device has a high magnification, such interference interferes with observation and irritates the eyes.

• 10x. Universal multiplicity, the so-called golden mean. Suitable for fishermen, hunters and naturalists. These devices combine noticeable magnification with a good viewing angle.

• 12x. Ideal for fishermen, hunters and travelers looking at objects on rough terrain. A high degree of approximation allows you to see in detail birds and animals located at a considerable distance, or an architectural element located at a considerable height.

• > 12x. Such a monocular is suitable for long-term remote observation. However, you can only work with it with a tripod.

The performance of any optical instrument depends a lot on the way the lenses are placed. Depending on this, all modern monoculars are conventionally divided into two varieties.

• Porro (PORRO prisms). Such an optical device is convenient to use and belongs to simple budget models. However, against the background of such advantages, there is also a significant disadvantage, namely, dimensions. The lens and eyepiece in such devices are located on different axes, and therefore, the optics take up much more space in the luggage.

• Roof (prism ROOF). More advanced technology that is in the greatest demand. In such devices, the eyepiece and objective are located on a single axis - this allows the manufacture of devices in the smallest possible size. Such models are especially popular among bird watchers, climbers and extreme sportsmen.

All monoculars on sale differ in their cost. Let's take a closer look at the best models in each price segment.

Sales leaders in the segment up to 2 thousand rubles. are the following appliances.

• Tasco 10x25 monocular. The comfortable model weighs only 71 g and is 114 mm long. Due to its small dimensions, the device fits in a purse and even in a pocket. The optical magnification parameter corresponds to 10. Roof prisms provide a detailed picture. Objective diameter - 25 mm, minimum focusing distance - 6 m. The monocular has retractable eyecups. The body is made of rubberized plastic and grips well in the hand. The set includes a cover.

• Pathfinder 10x40. A versatile model that you can take with you on a fishing trip and use when observing birds. Optics will be useful when visiting theaters and while playing golf. The magnification is tenfold, the lens size is 40 mm. The design provides good light transmission parameters, gives a clear picture even at dusk. Weight - 245 g. The body is metal, rubberized. Rubber eyecups are provided, there is an option to protect against dust and moisture. The set includes a case.

• Levenhuk LabZZ MC4. A pocket-sized device that will be indispensable during sightseeing trips to different cities and countries. The design is ergonomic, the model fits comfortably in the hand and allows you to accurately focus on the subject under study. Metal body with rubberized stripes. This makes the tool non-slip. The magnification is 8x, the field of view is 113 m per kilometer. The lens width is 42 mm. This model can be used by people with visual impairments, since the device gives a correction in the range of 4 diopters. Sold with a cover.

• Navigator 22x32. One of the best budget models. Usually cheap monoculars have a maximum magnification of 12 times, this model magnifies 22 times. Objective lens diameter - 32 mm. Model height - 4 cm, length - 13 cm, weight - only 200 g. The product is suitable for different situations, can be used by both adults and children. The only drawback is the lack of protection from water. However, the low price completely neutralizes this disadvantage.

In the range from 2 to 10 thousand rubles. the most popular are the following models.

• KOMZ MP 16x52. Russian-made optical device. The magnification parameters correspond to 15, the lens diameter is 52 mm. The prism provides a wide angle of view and good contrast even in the evening hours. The device has a rangefinder grid. The design is durable, reliable, solid. The device is suitable for hunters. The set includes a lace and a cover. However, such a device weighs a lot - 500 g, so it can be inconvenient to carry it in your hands on long trips.

• Veber 8x42 WP with compass. Pocket monocular for long walks, travel, fishing and hunting. The enlargement is 8-fold, the size of the optics is 42 mm. Width of the device - 6 cm, length - 15 cm. Weight - 300 g. Due to the longitudinal stripes on the outside, a good grip is ensured.

• Olympus Monocular i. Nice eyepiece giving 10x magnification, objective lens diameter 16mm. At a distance of 1 km, the field of view is 140 m. It shows objects less than a meter in size best of all. Allows you to move from distant objects to nearby ones and vice versa. At the same time, the device is lightweight and compact, weighs only 70 g. Provides good light transmission, the lenses are filled with gas to protect against fogging. Additionally, a water cover is provided. The kit includes a carrier and a storage tube.

• Bresser Zoomar 8-25x25. A powerful optical device, the magnification parameter ranges from 8 to 25 with a lens diameter of only 25 mm. Lenses keep the picture sharp in any weather. It is possible to switch the zoom from far to close to half a meter. The manufacturer recommends this device for daytime observation, in which case maximum contrast can be achieved. The case is aluminum, rubberized. Protection against dirt and dust is provided. Folding eyecup.

Top models costing over 10 thousand rubles.

• Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10x42. The optics of this company are recognized as one of the highest quality in the world. It gives a clear and rich image without visible distortions. It can work even in low light conditions, allowing the maximum amount of light to pass through. It is easy to hold such a monocular with your hands and manipulate the focusing ring for a long time. Approximation tenfold with a lens diameter of 42 mm. Weight - 375 g. The design is reliable and durable. Provides protection against weather conditions and accidental drops.

• BNISE DL-JF-521 Monocular 8x40. The Chinese company BNISE has been manufacturing high quality optics for over two decades. The company's products are mainly represented in Japan, Germany and the USA. The monocular is optimal for observing nature at night at a distance of up to 200 m. It is used during navigation and during search and rescue operations. Allows you to record video with voice and take photos, connects to the TV. Provides 8x digital and 5x optical zoom. Provides a rangefinder regulator. Professional design, complete set of accessories.

• Zeiss Monocular 8x20 T. The optics of the highest quality, provide brightness and contrast of the picture, clarity and a large field of view. It's more of a mini telescope. 8x zoom, lens only 20mm. Provides rich color reproduction at any time of the day. Provides anti-reflective coating, diopter adjustment. The body is non-slip, protected from water, dust and mechanical damage. Optimal for hunters and anglers.

When buying a monocular, you should take into account its main characteristics. It largely depends on them in what conditions the device will show itself best. In conclusion, we offer you professional advice to help you choose the right optics. Active and passive models. Passive devices are devices that function only in good light conditions. If you have to observe the object in the evening and at night, it is better to give preference to active devices with infrared illumination.

Lens size - the color power of the device depends on this parameter. The smaller the lens, the less high-quality the picture will turn out, but the mass of such devices is low.Therefore, when choosing a device, you need to decide which criterion is more critical for you - mobility or increased multiplicity. Hunters consider the golden mean models with a lens diameter of 45-50 mm.

Optical stabilization. A device with a stabilizer is very expensive, but the resulting picture does not shake, even if you zoom in 25-30 times. Ideal if you are unable to set up a tripod while working. Diopter adjustment. When the monocular is purchased for use by several people with different visual acuity, diopter adjustment will be required. A similar device can easily level up to 5 diopters.

Rangefinder reticle - this criterion is important for military personnel and hunters. After checking the data of the monoculars and performing several calculations, using a special scale, they can determine the distance to the object of observation. Degree of protection. Moisture resistance, protection against dust, shockproof characteristics - they all have more or less weight, depending on the operating conditions of the device.

Material. Models with a metal case with rubberized inserts are of the highest quality. This not only protects the optical part, but also prevents slipping out. When choosing monoculars, consider the price. If you are planning to buy a budget model, do not expect a high magnification ratio from it, such characteristics will cost much more. Pay attention to the manufacturer. Most appreciated are German and Japanese optics, which are distinguished by their durability and reliability.

And finally, before buying, make sure of the quality of the prismatic device. To do this, do a little experiment and try to read the inscriptions on nearby buildings.