How To Select A Monocular Lens
Having a monocular is a great alternative other than carrying a pair of binoculars. They are significantly more compact, lightweight and portable but they come with only the half of the size of binoculars. The following article talks about how to Select the best monocular lens between your budget and needs.
At first, you need to consider the points below:
- Monocular vs. Spotting Scope
- Good Monocular Power
- Right Lens Size
- Monocular Size and Weight
- Night Vision Monocular
Let’s come straight to the points:
Monocular vs. Spotting Scope
A monocular significantly featured a compact and portable design. Monocular lenses that are bigger generally have more power, larger lenses and wider views are known as spotting scopes. A spotting scope will be notably greater and heavier than a typical monocular which are frequently used for bird watching, hunting, or spotting subjects from a static position. In case require better performance, and you are compatible with the size or weight, then you have the hardly better option than a spotting scope.
Good Monocular Power
The power or magnification are the things that you should consider first when choosing a monocular lens. This device typically has a higher magnification of 6x to 10x which will allow you to see further and in more detail. The monocular with 9x or 10x magnification will usually slightly high priced more than 6x or 8x ones. The good thing is, about this device, that you can get the same power of binoculars, but they are only half of the size of their counterpart.
Right Lens Size
If you look at the specifications of a monocular, you will find two numbers. For instance, 8×25; which means 8x, the first number, denotes its power, and 25mm, the second number, represents the size of its lens.
A monocular comprises with a lens of 20mm to 42mm. With a bigger monocular lens, you can observe see a wider view, and will also result in a better, sharper image while looking through the device. The downside is that the larger the size of the lens is, the heavier and bigger the device will be.
Monocular Size and Weight
On the whole, an 8×25 or 10×25 monocular is considered to be a pocket-size or compact device which will simply be fit in your pocket. They usually come with a small carrying bag. The pocket monocular works as a cool device. They are very portable as it is easy to carry them around everywhere – keeping in the car or in the pocket when climbing. These devices are low-priced and can also serve well.
You will have to keep it in your mind that an 8×25 or 10×25 pocket monocular is very small, so you cannot expect too much performance from it! These tiny monocular have a small lens but can provide a very limited view though they have good power. At first, you will need to detect your subject and later use the monocular in a “point and shoot” style. It is not at all easy to use them since they have a small eyecup. If you want to enjoy a wider, sharper and brighter image, then you should always opt for a 30mm to 42mm monocular.
Night Vision Monocular
If you are planning on buying a monocular in order to use at night or whole darkness, then you should go for a night vision monocular. IR illuminator is built-in these devices which will increase your night vision capability. Having less magnification, you can use them normally to get a better image and off course less fuzzy. These monocular usually come in different sizes, magnification and price range.
This guide helps you to choose a monocular lens that you are looking for.
