Despite the fact that most people are more accustomed to optical equipment such as binoculars, monoculars are very popular today. This product has one function - tracking the selected object, and in this case, the brightness and richness of the picture fade into the background.
If you compare the monocular with binoculars in terms of price component, the benefit here will be obvious. The first can be bought almost half the price. Another important advantage is the small overall dimensions, increased strength and the ability to make covert surveillance. The choice of monoculars on the shelves of tourist and hunting stores is quite large, so you need to carefully approach the purchase of this device. For this reason, we decided to devote our today's review to the best monoculars of 2019. Before proceeding with the analysis of the characteristics of specific models, let's look at the basic qualities that you should pay attention to when buying a monocular. Perhaps this is where we will begin.
Summary of the rating:
Important device features
The basic structure is similar to binoculars and a telescope. The main difference is in overall dimensions and shape. As we have already noted, the monocular is small and compact, but the multiplicity and power are somewhat less. The design provides for three main elements - the lens, the eyepiece itself, as well as the wrapping system of prisms. Such features of the product turn it into a very convenient assistant in case there is a need for a quick inspection of the surrounding area in the absence of the possibility of having more powerful optics with you.
When choosing a device pay close attention to the multiplicity, which indicates the degree of maximum approximation of the object. For example, if there is a 10x marking on the case, then this will mean that an object located a hundred meters from the observer will look the same as if it was 10 meters away. If the focus is adjustable, then the data is indicated by a hyphen.
The second digit of the marking indicates the diameter of the lens. The larger it is, the wider the field of view will be. If the so-called enlightened optics is provided for the monocular, then this will be a significant plus, since glass lenses do not allow all the light to pass through themselves, part of it will be reflected. Because of this, it will not reach the eye in sufficient quantities, because of which objects will be visible much worse. To correct this drawback, manufacturers apply several very thin films to the lens, each of which has its own wavelength. The space between the lenses must be filled with nitrogen or argon - these gases are not able to accumulate water vapor in themselves. This technological solution will not allow the lenses to fog up from the inside in cold or damp weather, as well as during sudden changes in temperature.
The most modern models are equipped with diopter adjustment. Not all people have good eyesight, and the presence of glasses greatly complicates the use of this equipment. The eyepiece incorporates the ability to change diopter characteristics, usually within plus or minus 5D.In reality, the monocular has much more useful properties, we will consider them later, during the analysis of models.
When compiling our rating of the best monoculars of the year, we took into account positive user reviews, as well as the price-quality ratio of the device, so the most expensive designs were not included in this review. Now let's look at some of the most popular models on the market.
Budget segment
4. Pathfinder 10x40 PF-BT-07
The device is perfect for all kinds of observations and orientation in unfamiliar areas. The lens system allows you to get a 10x magnification. The body of the monocular is also made of stainless steel, covered with rubberized compounds, thanks to which it will not slip out of hands or gloves. No dirt or water splash will accumulate on such a surface. It is very convenient to use this equipment, besides it has an attractive and ergonomic design. The monocular occupies a minimum of free space.
The diameter of the lens is 400 mm with a resolution of 126m / 1000m. The dimensions of the device are as follows: 50x50x150 mm with a mass of 240 grams. Together with the equipment there is a special fabric designed for cleaning lenses, in addition, a cover with a reliable mount is provided, allowing you to wear a monocular on the belt. The product proved to be excellent in low light conditions, so many hunters and fishermen use it instead of a night vision device. The lens has an anti-reflective coating, so even on a sunny day you will not succeed in discovering yourself with a sudden sunbeam reflected from the monocular.
Benefits:
- Reasonable cost;
- Compact size and light weight;
- High-quality assembly;
- Good image clarity.
Disadvantages:
- The edges are a bit blurry.
3. Sturman 10 × 40
This is a modern optical equipment with a tenfold magnification. The lens is mounted fast, its diameter is 40 mm. The case is ergonomic, fits well in the palm of any size, thanks to this you can monitor the selected object from any position. You can use this product even at dusk. The presence of enlightened optics allows the maximum amount of light rays to pass, so that it is possible to provide a high level of contrast, and this also applies to low light conditions. The case is quite durable, high-quality optics - not afraid of falls. The monocular is made of rubberized plastic with high cushioning characteristics. Even when falling from a height, the lenses will not be able to shift relative to each other, respectively, the image will not be distorted.
Another advantage of the case is the creation of a reliable system of protection against ingress of moisture and dust. The focusing mechanism is convenient and reliable, it is driven by the rotation of the eyepiece - you can correct the image without breaking away from the observations. The optical scheme is built using the Roof prism system, due to which it is possible to significantly improve the focal length while maintaining the existing overall dimensions. The case ends with a wrapping rubber eyecup, which allows the use of a monocular even for people with glasses. A nylon case with a belt fastening system is supplied with the product - a loop with a Velcro closure.
Benefits:
- Perfectly shown at damp weather and at freezing temperatures;
- Observation can be conducted from almost any position;
- Glasses people are comfortable using the device.
Disadvantages:
- It is problematic to adjust the sharpness.
2. Panda Telescope 20 × 52
It is a fairly original design, which has a 40-fold increase. The device is rich in equipment, in particular, this includes a tripod and a special mount for a smartphone. In addition, a small built-in compass is provided, which allows you not to take a regular compass on a trip. Getting lost with such a device will be quite difficult.The tripod is a tripod with a special mount. It may seem that its level of strength is not too large, but it is quite enough for a monocular. However, it will not be possible to put heavier equipment such as a camera or binoculars - the flexible legs of the structure simply spread out in different directions. A very convenient mount for a smartphone that allows you to take photos of objects located far enough from the observer. It is plastic, it fixes the gadget very reliably.
Image adjustment is double, so you can achieve a perfectly clear picture. The body of the product is rubberized, not afraid of falls. The picture is always very clear, the lenses here are glass, brightened. They let in enough light, so you can use the monocular even at dusk or in cloudy weather. The device is not afraid of moisture and dust.
Benefits:
- Rich equipment;
- Superior build quality
- Good and very clear image;
- The increased diameter of the lens is 52 mm;
- Long service life.
Disadvantages:
- It weighs a lot - about 420 grams.
1. Veber Ultra Sport 10 × 25
This is the best monocular of the year in its price segment. He will be an excellent assistant during outdoor activities - hiking, hunting or fishing. The hull is waterproof, so it can be used even in the immediate vicinity of water bodies or even in a boat. The eyepiece provides diopter adjustment, so it will be comfortable to use for people with rather poor eyesight. As a magnifying element in this design, there is a special optical glass equipped with a hard-to-wash antireflective coating painted in green.
There is also a system of Roof wrapping prisms, which ensures the compactness of the device - it can be carried in a backpack, on a belt and even in a shirt pocket. The kit comes with a special cover that can additionally protect the device from dust or dirt. The monocular is able to provide a tenfold increase with a small lens diameter, which is only 25 mm, the diameter of the exit pupil is the same. Dimensions are 109x35x39 mm, the mass of the device is 80 grams.
Benefits:
- Universality - can be used both outdoors and in urban environments;
- Shock-resistant and moisture-proof rubberized body made of polyvoltaic fiber;
- Good magnification options;
- Insignificant overall dimensions and mass of a product.
Disadvantages:
- Not found.
Middle price segment
3. National Geographic 10 × 25
This gadget has the necessary set of useful qualities that allow you to use it every day. It differs in a very simple device, it does not provide complex moving nodes. The body is made of polycarbonate materials coated with a layer of matte rubber with high anti-slip characteristics. The monocular will not slip out of wet hands or leather gloves. According to users, the design has a long service life, during which all the useful properties of the device will be preserved.
The lens diameter is 25 mm, the monocular has a tenfold increase. The mass is small - together with the packaging the product will weigh 130 grams, without it 74 grams, its overall dimensions are 33x33x113 mm. This makes this monocular one of the most compact in our review. The kit comes with a nylon case and a strap that allows you to wear the product on your wrist. In addition, this model is equipped with a folding eyecup, which allows people who constantly wear glasses to use it. As a magnifying element, VK7 prisms having a multilayer coating are installed here. This allows you to use the device even in the most difficult conditions. You can focus the image using a special ring located on the eyepiece. You can adjust the sharpness on objects at least 4 meters away from the observer.
Benefits:
- Compact overall dimensions;
- Attractive appearance;
- Reliability and durability.
Disadvantages:
- It can be used only during daylight hours.
2. KOMZ MP2 8x30
Outwardly, it very much resembles half of the binoculars, in general the appearance and the principle of operation of this device was developed back in 1983 in the USSR. At first glance, it may seem that the design is rather bulky, but it fits perfectly in the hand. The main element is the Parro prism. The kit comes with a case made of genuine leather, which maintains softness and elasticity even at fairly low temperatures. An antireflection coating on the lenses is present, is ruby and multi-layered. Because of it, a characteristic reddish hue arises, which makes it possible to consider objects located at a considerable distance from the observer. The lens diameter is 30 mm at 8x magnification. The case is made of high quality stainless steel, rubberized.
The design is very durable, it is easy to carry, the lenses will not be scratched due to the presence of a special plastic lining and cover. Focusing is performed by turning the eyepiece - quite conveniently. Extra mechanisms are absent, respectively, dirt will not accumulate in them.
Benefits:
- Very high quality production;
- Good light transmission lens coating;
- The metal case of increased strength;
- Ergonomic shape.
Disadvantages:
- No eyecup.
1. LEVENHUK Wise PLUS 8 × 42
It has lenses that provide eight-fold magnification and good picture clarity. This allows viewing distant objects even better than using a 10x zoom design. The lens is fast, thanks to which everything will be perfectly visible even at dusk. The case of the device is waterproof, so it can be used in snowy or rainy weather, in the immediate vicinity of water bodies. The design allows you to get the perfect image in almost any operating conditions. Optics is made on the basis of VAK 4 - a special glass responsible for the sharpness and brightness of the picture.
The enlightening effect of the lenses is achieved through a multilayer coating. Such a technological solution made it possible to almost completely get rid of light losses inside the product itself. Inside, the structure is filled with nitrogen, which prevents fogging of the optics. Using the monocular is quite convenient - it has a special eye cup made of very soft rubber. It allows you to use the design for people with glasses and at the same time is able to cut off side flashes. The eyecup can be rotated or simply removed. The case is covered with a layer of shockproof rubber, which reliably protects the optical system from various kinds of physical damage. It is very convenient to hold the device in your hands; it will not slip out.
Benefits:
- It can be used in any weather, including in low light conditions;
- The minimum focusing distance is 4 meters;
- It is allowed to operate in the temperature range from -15 to +60 degrees;
- Lifetime Warranty.
Disadvantages:
- The case included in the kit could be made better.
3. BRESSER Nautic 8 × 25 WP
An optical device of small overall dimensions, placed in a waterproof case. In order to make the picture as sharp and sharp as possible, the design is equipped with high-quality multilayer enlightenment. Prisms of the product are made from barium krone BaK4. Thanks to this material, a fairly clear image will be obtained throughout the field of view. The model practically does not take up free space, so it will be convenient to take the monocular with you on a trip, on vacation or on hunting. According to the manufacturer, it will be convenient for sailors to use such a monocular, since its hull is filled with nitrogen from the inside, and accordingly, water vapor will not fit inside the lenses. Another original point is the retractable eye cup, which increases the comfort of use.
The lens diameter is 25 mm, it provides an 8x magnification. A special cloth for wiping the eyepiece is supplied with this product.The case is additionally covered with a special rubber layer, has an ergonomic shape - there are recesses for the fingers, so it will not slip out of the hands. The length of the product is only 11 cm with a mass of 156 grams. A special ring is provided on the eyepiece for high-quality image focusing. It has no backlash, rotates with ease.
Benefits:
- Convenient model with built-in compass and rangefinder;
- Retractable eyecup;
- You can clearly view objects even at dusk.
Disadvantages:
- Case for storage and transportation is not very convenient;
- There is no protective cap on the front lens.
2. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10 × 42 Tactical
Many hunters prefer this particular device for a number of reasons. First of all, with its help it is possible to conduct long-term observation of a moving object in such a way that the eyes will not be tired at all. The design provides an optical stabilizer, so even a strong hand tremor will not affect the final picture quality. The diameter of the lens is 42 mm - this provides the necessary amount of luminous flux for the formation of a juicy and clear picture even in the twilight time of the day. This design is equipped with high-quality BaK4 prisms and toughened ED glass lenses of the highest quality. A similar combination is used in professional optical equipment and allows you to get excellent color resolution.
Clear lenses are provided thanks to Fully Multi - coated (FMC) technology. It represents a large number of microscopic layers both on the lenses and on the prism, which ensures the passage of 99% of the light flux. Overall dimensions are small - 374 grams of weight and 150x80 mm. It will not be possible to use it as an optical sight, however, it is possible to fix weapons on the barrel thanks to the built-in Picattini rail. There is a built-in sighting grid that allows you to determine the distance to the object and correctly calculate the trajectory of the bullet. Accordingly, the time to aim will have to spend much less.
Benefits:
- Special o-rings are provided;
- The body is filled with dry nitrogen;
- Lenses are nano-coated;
- Anti-glare coating;
- High build quality.
Disadvantages:
- Expensive.
1. Hawke Nature Trek Monocular 15 × 50
The best monocular in its price segment. It is intended for use both in urban environments and in nature. The design has a fairly large lens diameter of 50 mm, and it is fast aperture. The maximum magnification is 15x. All these points allow you to get an excellent picture. The optical scheme, at first glance, is a classic - consists of Roof prisms. They are made of VAK 4 glass and are also equipped with an antireflection coating. Using these features, you can observe with a lack of lighting. Such a monocular will be suitable for people who prefer outdoor activities, in particular, long hiking trips. A diopter focusing function is provided.
The case is rubberized, reliably protected from moisture. It has a special socket for mounting on a tripod, and the tripod itself comes with the device. Nitrogen is pumped inside the monocular. The focus adjustment drum is at hand, so you can adjust the image without looking up. The mechanisms work quite smoothly, which allows you to monitor both static and moving objects.
Benefits:
- Small minimum focusing distance - it is only 2.5 meters;
- There is a convenient and compact tripod;
- Optics can be closed with removable or hinged covers.
Disadvantages:
- Decent weight and high cost.
Finally, a useful video
Our review of the best monoculars of the year has come to an end.We tried to collect the maximum possible amount of information for each model so that you can choose the right equipment for yourself, literally without breaking away from our article. If you have any questions, or if you want to clarify certain points related to a particular product, then welcome to comment. We will try to respond as soon as possible to your message.
(2 ratings, average: 5,00 out of 5)
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