CloseFocus
Well-known member
I finally got a chance to look through a Monovid last week, and the verdict is mixed. I didn't do an exhaustive test, but it wasn't needed, because the problems were obvious. The biggest problem is that, at 8X, it is simply too difficult to hold steadily. The optics are superb, at least as far as I could tell between the bounces, but then again, there could have been some glaring flaw that I couldn't see because the image simply could not be held steadily.
Leica erred in simply taking the optics from it's 8X20's to make it's monocular. My experience is that 6X is the maximum usable power for something that does not lend itself to image stability anyway. The design and workmanship are excellent, and the look and feel far surpasses any monocular I have ever seen, but, in my opinion, the product is fatally flawed. Add to that the fact that the case is quite large, which defeats the purpose of having a portable piece of optical equipment. I didn't test the close-up lens - I didn't feel comfortable leaning over a display table to screw on an expensive lens, so I can't imagine doing it in the field. Some people may not have the issues I have with the Monovid, but those were my first impressions. For me, spending a little more for the excellent 8x20 Ultravid's makes more sense. I would be interested to hear if anybody has any different thoughts.
Leica erred in simply taking the optics from it's 8X20's to make it's monocular. My experience is that 6X is the maximum usable power for something that does not lend itself to image stability anyway. The design and workmanship are excellent, and the look and feel far surpasses any monocular I have ever seen, but, in my opinion, the product is fatally flawed. Add to that the fact that the case is quite large, which defeats the purpose of having a portable piece of optical equipment. I didn't test the close-up lens - I didn't feel comfortable leaning over a display table to screw on an expensive lens, so I can't imagine doing it in the field. Some people may not have the issues I have with the Monovid, but those were my first impressions. For me, spending a little more for the excellent 8x20 Ultravid's makes more sense. I would be interested to hear if anybody has any different thoughts.