[Kevin Conville]

Yeah I know, monoculars are often considered the Red Headed Stepchild of field optics. I know I felt that way about them for many a year but this thread is an attempt to champion the little bastards... bear with me please.

My frustrations in looking for a very small binocular to carry with me while walking my dog led me to this, so blame can be placed at the feet of compact bin makers. Seriously though, I only like the most expensive pocket bins and really didn't want to pony up what they cost for the limited use they'd see. Lesser bins left me cold and the want of a convenient pocket optics remained, so drum roll, open curtains, queue the lights... I bought a Nikon HG 5x15 Monocular!

My quick appraisal is that it fits the bill. The optics are quite sharp and contrasty, has a 9 degree FOV, easy to focus (turning the eyepiece), and is very light and small. The little Nikon has plenty of eye relief so I can easily see the full FOV with sunglasses on. It weighs a whopping 2 1/2 oz. and hung from it's cord around the neck, or slipped into a shirt pocket, can hardly be noticed.

For my intended use of just getting a quick look at birds in the 'hood and making IDs, it works well. The low 5x power makes holding steady easy and lends a reasonable 3mm exit pupil. The case is made of titanium though it is not rated as waterproof, which I found a bit odd because it's hard to imagine any field optic being easier to make waterproof than a monocular with a screw in eyepiece.

Last, these things aren't cheap. They usually go for about $200. US but Adorama has the 5x versions for $149. I looked at the Zeiss but they're around $300. US for the 6x18 version and I dubbed that being too expensive for this kind of experiment.

Here's a few pics to lend scale and act as eye candy for you optics geeks that don't quite have everything, yet!

[nyatt]

I have the same monocular, and I love that I can stick it a pocket, walk anywhere, and use it whenever I feel like it. Wrapping your hand around it makes it disappear. So small, so light, and a beautiful titanium body that is probably rugged as heck, but beautiful enough to look delicate. Great optics (I have the binocular equivalent, too; never mentioned and under-appreciated!).
On the other end of the spectrum, I have the 20x60 Zeiss Monocular with mechanical stabilization. Pretty cool.

[Kevin Conville]

And so it begins... the monocular people come out from hiding

What is "the binocular equivalent", nyatt?
Where I come from nyatt, a 20x60 monocular is called a spotting scope!

Oh, I forgot to mention that it focuses down to 2'. Part of the monocular sub culture I've recently learned about uses them as museum and gallery optics, and for this it makes particular sense to me.

[nyatt]

Nikon has the titanium body 5x15 and 7x15 binoculars that are essentially the same as the monocular that you and I both own. Very cool, but pricey. Discontinued, I think. Beautifully made, and brilliant optics.
As for the scope, this Zeiss is a hand-held device, and the image stabilization makes it usable that way. I've never seen anyone using a spotting scope by hand... You may have seen the 20x60 binoculars by zeiss. They look like monster "Classics". This looks like a monster "Design Selection" for a cyclops!

[Kevin Conville]

Ok, now I remember them. I guess I never paid too much attention as their small objective size, single hinge, and high cost generally didn't jibe with my idea of small bins. In many ways, they still don't.

[nyatt]

I have had Leica 8x20s, Swarovski 8x20s, I still have Zeiss 8x20 design selections,and I like the image of those little Nikons the best. I was skeptical of the 15mm objectives, but if you ever get a chance to look through them, take the time. They are quite impressive, and have a feel about them like no other.

I always feel like I am being stealthy when I walk about with the little Nikon monocular. The contrast when looking at crows is very impressive.

[John Dracon]

Kevin & Nyatt - guess I'll jump into this discussion. Regarding the 20x60 Zeiss monocular, I had one when they first came out. Great optics and truly amazing, but I was suspect about its ruggedness. Zeiss only guaranteed it for 5 years. So I was talked out of it by a friend. I tend to be a bit rough on my outdoor equipment. Have the Zeiss tiny little monocular 5 power. It is quite a compact piece. It is gaining a following in Montana in an unexpected population. Cowboys riding horses or 4-wheelers.They want something they can stick in the shirt pocket to check out cows, brands, etc., whenever a quick look at something is all they need. Really very useful. I mentioned in an earlier comment on finding the Zeiss 8x30 porro monocular to be very handy. It sticks down my shirt front out of the way, and the optics are very good considering they have older coatings. It is the piece that goes with me on plane trips, or for quick trips around town. I just like its classic look, and the finish is something that just isn't found on any current binocular. I see them on ebay on occasion. John

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by nyatt

I have had Leica 8x20s, Swarovski 8x20s, I still have Zeiss 8x20 design selections,and I like the image of those little Nikons the best. I was skeptical of the 15mm objectives, but if you ever get a chance to look through them, take the time. They are quite impressive, and have a feel about them like no other.

That is interesting, and a bit surprising. Those are certainly some of the best 20mm bins and a 20mm objective has over 75% more area than a 15mm. I would like to give them a try. One thing I see in the little HG monocular is false color at the edges, something I didn't see with the Nikon LXL 8x20s I tried recently. The color doesn't bother me, but surprises me that it's there considering the low mag and tiny objective. They are excellent otherwise.

Nikon USA doesn't list those bins or the HG monoculars, which makes me wonder if they're an endangered species here.

[oleaf]

Kevin,

How do you like the 8x25 prostaff in your fist post? I was thinking of getting one for
trail running and mountain biking. In the store I liked them a lot. How are they longer term?

Liked the light weight.

Cheers

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by John Dracon

Have the Zeiss tiny little monocular 5 power. It is quite a compact piece. It is gaining a following in Montana in an unexpected population. Cowboys riding horses or 4-wheelers.They want something they can stick in the shirt pocket to check out cows, brands, etc., whenever a quick look at something is all they need. Really very useful.

The idea of cowboys using Mini-Quicks, I find amusing. It makes sense though.
I looked at them but just couldn't go there with the 10mm objective and 2mm exit pupil. I wanted a wee bit more optical power than that.

I have to admit John and nyatt to completely ignoring the Zeiss stabilized monoculars and binoculars. They are unique to say the least, and likely not my cup of tea. The sizes of monoculars that make sense for my intended use have 15-20mm objectives, maybe 25.

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by oleaf

How do you like the 8x25 prostaff in your fist post? I was thinking of getting one for trail running and mountain biking. In the store I liked them a lot. How are they longer term?

Liked the light weight.

What I like:
Good ergonomics, comfortable
Large, smooth focus wheel
Large, twist-up eyecups
Quite good optics
Robust feel and build

What I don't like:
Bulky shape for a 25mm bin
Focus action "over damped" for my liking
Poor contrast in mottled light makes it hard to get on a bird

Overall they are quite good and have recommended them often. They are not a pocket bin IMO and are approaching the smaller 32mm bins in bulk. As it turns out I don't use my pair that often as I don't have a clear mission for them, but I like having them around

[fugl]

Originally Posted by John Dracon

I mentioned in an earlier comment on finding the Zeiss 8x30 porro monocular to be very handy. It sticks down my shirt front out of the way, and the optics are very good considering they have older coatings. It is the piece that goes with me on plane trips, or for quick trips around town. I just like its classic look, and the finish is something that just isn't found on any current binocular

I used the Zeiss 8X30B monocular for years as my primary birding glass. I assume this is the same glass you're referring to--it was originally designed as a screw-on tele attachment for one of the old Zeiss reflex cameras. It's a exquisite little thing, beautifully made & optically excellent for its day--very sharp with a flat field--though rather dim by modern standards (at least when compared my alpha 8.5 x 44) & I seldom take it out anymore. One nice feature is that it focuses to within about 5 ft.

[oleaf]

Thanks Kevin,

I'll have to get a pair

Cheers

[Kevin Conville]

Two ends of the birding spectrum. The bins are Fuji 16x70s.

[nyatt]

I'm with the cowboys on this one. This Nikon monocular isn't any bigger than a pack of cigarettes, so pocket carrying and quick access are great.
I have found over the years a preference towards Zeiss and Nikon optics. I own the 8x20 DS, the 7x42 Classics, and the 10x56 Nightowls form Zeiss, and 8x32 SE and 8x42 LX (or HG) Venturer (original brown body). Along with the monster 20x60. I agree that the big scope is most likely challenged from a ruggedness standpoint, but I mainly use it on walks and off my deck. You have to be almost level to use the stabilization, it is big and clunky, but when it works, WOW!
I may be letting the Nightowls go. I obviously have more optics than I need, and how many huge, clunky Zeiss products does one man need? The problem is, when I look through them, I marvel all over again...

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by nyatt

I'm with the cowboys on this one. This Nikon monocular isn't any bigger than a pack of cigarettes, so pocket carrying and quick access are great.
I have found over the years a preference towards Zeiss and Nikon optics.

I agree that the big scope is most likely challenged from a ruggedness standpoint, but I mainly use it on walks and off my deck. You have to be almost level to use the stabilization, it is big and clunky, but when it works, WOW!
I may be letting the Nightowls go. I obviously have more optics than I need, and how many huge, clunky Zeiss products does one man need? The problem is, when I look through them, I marvel all over again...

The little mono that John refers to I believe is the Zeiss Mini Quick which is about the size of a writing pen. See below. I think you make reference to the dual magnification Nikon gizmo that is cigarette pack shaped.

No doubt Zeiss makes, and has made, some optically stunning products over the years. They've even made forays into strange territory where others dare not. It's, at times, their execution that sometimes leaves me scratching my head. It's a funny thing because I've always admired the company, have owned 4 Zeiss camera lenses used on Contax cameras and thought them the best available, but I've never owned a binocular or scope from them. There always seems to be something that is a deal breaker for me.

I like Nikon stuff a lot also. I think they have consistently put out good to great products with an occasional brilliant one.

[nyatt]

No, I was referring to the titanium Nikons. I do own the dual function monocular/ magnifier too, but that is a toy compared to the monocular we both own. Funny, but a set of the titanium Nikon binoculars I was referring to just popped up on Ebay today. No, not mine!

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by nyatt

No, I was referring to the titanium Nikons. I do own the dual function monocular/ magnifier too, but that is a toy compared to the monocular we both own. Funny, but a set of the titanium Nikon binoculars I was referring to just popped up on Ebay today. No, not mine!

My mistake then, though the HG5x15 is considerably smaller than a pack of cigs, as I remember anyhow

I've had the "mini mo" for a few days now and have had it out quite a bit. I find myself surprised out how useful and enjoyable it is to use, far exceeding my expectations. The view is excellent. Given it's limitations, as good as any I've seen. It is extremely handy and quick to use and is very comfortable even for extended viewing, and I think I know why...

My natural inclination is to view with my head turned maybe 15-20 degrees from straight ahead. This is also more comfortable to hold my arm like this and, of course, can only be accomplished with a monocular. Add to this the very wide, low mag. view and it's a joy to use. The only thing missing is using the other eye, but I find even that isn't as much an issue I thought it would be.
I'm very glad I bought this and feel a little like I've discovered a secret.

[Oregon Jim]

That little 5x15 Nikon is very tempting. I really like the idea of the 5x, given the light weight and small objective lens. Do you think it's suitable for use with eyeglasses, given the 15.5 mm of eye relief? My son has one of the Zeiss monoculars, but the eye relief is way too low for me.

Also, does anyone have any experience with this Vortex monocular?

http://www.vortexoptics.com/monocula...8x25-monocular

[nyatt]

I now wear glasses almost all the time, and the Nikon Ti Monocular works great. There is no real eyecup anyway. Just a rubberized eyepiece. It is an impressive view, and weighs next to nothing. I could hang it over my Nightowls and probably not know the difference!

[Oregon Jim]

Kevin: Oops... now I see that you already mentioned the adequate eye relief in your first post. Sorry.

[Kevin Conville]

Jim,
I looked at that Vortex online and just from the specs can tell you it's huge compared the the Nikon. That may or may not matter to you, it does for me.

BTW, my only complaint as mentioned in the OP is that the Nikon isn't waterproof. A major detractor IMO but not a deal breaker. Truth is there are very few small monoculars to choose from. The Vixens (http://www.adorama.com/VX616M.html) looked interesting, on paper, maybe giving up some eye relief, but I'm pretty happy with this silver (titanium) bullet.

[Oregon Jim]

Thanks, Kevin. Actually, I really don't know what it is I want, although I have the thought of further reducing the number of waking hours that I don't have some sort of optical device at the ready. My wife would roll her eyes and call that pathetic, but I know that most all the regulars of this forum would understand.

Interestingly, my son is only so-so on his Zeiss monocular (8x20 I think), and has talked about selling it and going with some compact bins. That surprises me a little, as he spends far more time backpacking than I do, and isn't a birder. I'd think a quality monocular would be ideal.

My next optical purchase is likely to be some 8x32 bins, but I haven't decided on exactly what. Still, thanks for starting this thread. Monoculars are definitely intriguing, and eventually I'll have to get something.

[Kevin Purcell]

Hmmm, did you cause a run on these? Adorama is now "temporarily out of stock".

http://www.adorama.com/NK515M.html

[Kevin Conville]

Originally Posted by Kevin Purcell

Hmmm, did you cause a run on these? Adorama is now "temporarily out of stock".

http://www.adorama.com/NK515M.html

The same notice was posted when I ordered. It took maybe 10 days to arrive to me and as it was some $40. less at Adorama than anywhere else I'd seen it, I figured a bit of a wait wouldn't hurt.