Monovid minimalist. (1 Viewer)

[Granpoli]

Hello,
I 've see one Monovid 8x20 monocular, cute, minimalist.
I can see the great pocket advantage, is really a pocket instrument..
I like not only the birds, but insects,flowers.. Papillon.. Moon vistas...
In your opinión, he can a good instrument for this purpose?
Thank you.
Gpoli.

 

[John A Roberts]

Hi Granpoli,

Roger Vine has a detailed review of the 8x20 Monovid at: Leica 8x20 Monovid Review
And there's more info at: Leica 8x20 Monovid Review
(While titled the same, they are different links!)


John

 

[KaterinBortle9]

Hi Grandpoli,

The focus adjustment is a two hand operation and is quite stiff. There is a monovid thread about better handling the monovid in the Leica section which is very useful to stabilize it. The eyecup seems to be too small for me when I try using it without glasses and note that with my glasses, distant focus is nearly at the end of the focus range of the monovid. Its better to try it out if possible.

The close focus lens is an interesting addition but the depth of field with it attached to the monovid is extremely shallow. Any slight body shake/movement will easily make you lose focus without any elbow or leaning support.

Despite the issues, it is a very convenient and high quality tool for quick views as I have it on my table to look out the window and on walks while my other optics are in the dry box.

 

[Scott98]

For me, trying a few monoculars made me realize why binoculars are vastly more popular. The monoculars are too hard to hold steady, for one.

 

[takitam]

As much as I like the idea of an extremely portable monocular, I feel zero satisfaction observing nature with just one eye. Not to mention the annoying focusing and increased shakes. Monoculars are not for me.

 

[fazalmajid]

The Nikon 5x15 and 7x15 HG (high grade) monoculars don’t need screwing the accessory lens to switch between regular and close focus, but they don’t focus as close as the Monovid with close-focus attachment. The Minox Makroscope will do the whole range, but is quite bulky.

What others say about handling is true, monoculars are good for a quick glance but uncomfortable for extended viewing due to stability (which is why a lower magnification like 5x helps).

Monoculars are excellent as stand-off loupes for close-viewing, however. I use one to focus my laser engraver, or watch fishes in an aquarium.

 

[Ted Y.]

Use the monocular grasped in the palm.
No (increased) shakes, easy to hold steady, good stability. For me.

 

[KaterinBortle9]

Use the monocular grasped in the palm.
No (increased) shakes, easy to hold steady, good stability. For me.

As Ted Y, said.

Grasped in the palm and have my other hand as a "C" held together, with the index finger resting on my brow to both help stabilize and create an obstruction so that I do not need to squint one eye. I met an old timer who uses a paper clamp on his svbony monocular since it provides a sort of a pistol grip or mini finn stick.

 

[Scott98]

With my Vixen 6x21 I find that wrapping my hand around it - making a fist - then pressing the thumb-side of my fist against my eye socket does a good job of bracing it

 

[Rufus1401]

I’m just about to pull the trigger on getting a Monovid myself.

 

[edwincjones]

I find my Monovid harder to use for birding; as more difficult to locate object, , hold steady and to focus.
With its micro lens it is great for little things like bugs and flowers,
better quality than the popular pentax papillio.

edj

 

[Mac308]

its too bad the Leica isn’t a 7x…

 

[Rg548]

The 8x20 Trins and Ultras ars SO small I really don't see the point.
Just my opinion.