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Monocular - Spotting Scope

  • 14-09-2024 12:42pm
    #1
    karlitob
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,594 ✭✭✭


    hi all


    Always wanted to get myself a good quality monocular (one of my eyes is gammy hence the monocular). I’m not a bird watcher but I love nature and walks and all of that good stuff; or sitting by the sea or even looking at the moon. I wouldn’t mind having a good quality monocular (but I see that there’s a spotting scope also).

    I guess I don’t know what I want and seeking advice or recommendations or brands etc

    I see that the monoculars can be restricted in terms of size so power / magnification might be be great. Quality of some don’t seem great.
    I know the spotting scopes can get quite large but I’m a big lad so happy to hold a medium one if that would give better clarity quality and distance.

    Any help but be welcome. I think I’d be happy to pay between €250 - €350 if that was helpful. But if there was one that was higher but worth it I’d be happy to look at that (pun very much intended)


    thanks in advance



Comments

  • #2
    gzoladz
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,210 ✭✭✭gzoladz


    Hi,

    I think first you would need to decide if you want a monocular (a binocular with just one barrel) or a spotting scope (basically a telescope) or both.

    A scope would give you more reach (x20-x30 on average) what is better for moon or sea watching but it is much bigger and less portable than a monocular. You will also need a tripod. You would not bring a scope just in case you spot something due to its size and weight.

    A monocular will give you x8-x10 magnification, you can just throuw it in your pocket or bag. It is much more versatile too.

    If you really need the magnification of a scope (and you would for sea or moon watching), a scope will be much better. To carry around just in case, for woodland / insects, etc observation, a monocular would be better.

    For that budget you can get a very good monocular, but it may not be enough for a spotting scope (and you need to add the tripod on top of it). Worth looking at the second hand market.

    Re brands, Opticron offers good products for their price. Any of the other known brands i.e. Hawke, Vanguard, etc will do fine too. Best is to try before you buy if you get a chance.



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