Monocular vs Binoculars for Birding, Hunting, Hiking, Sports & Travel

[@HardyBunster]

I have had binoculars most of my life but I have just started to use a monocular and really enjoy using it. Easier to carry and less effort all round which means I am more likely to take it with me compared to binoculars. I have the Vortex 8x36 monocular that has a crisper image than some of my older binoculars. 👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Hardy - Thanks for sharing your thoughts - always appreciated

[@patricj951]

Good summary. I have both binoculars and a monocular. Advantage binocular: more comfortable to hold and provides more stable and comfortable view. Advantage monocular: more lightweight and compact. Does not make attention like a binocular when held in the hand. No collimation issues. Personally I find 6x is perfect for monocular. Higher magnification will easy be too shaky.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Patric, thanks for the feedback and yes your observations as to the advantages of each very closely match my experience

[@mcbrite]

Are you talking for supported or unsupported use? Sorry, I don't know anything about them, but I fly paragliders, so I'm looking for a monocular with great zoom to check wind on launch sites and to pass the time during "parawaiting"... 😀 (So I ask because I don't mind using something that needs support. Nothing too crazy, but I'll be using this mostly while sitting or supporting it on a tree, fence, sign-post and so on...)

[@amitzdullnicker2k]

I get along well with an 8x magnification (Leica Monovid 8x20), but everything above gets too shaky, too. 10x magnification is practically useless for me without a stand/tripod.

[@danielxiafei]

You basically answered every question I would love to figure out. Thanks for your efforts.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

No problem! Glad ivwas of help and many thanks for the comment. Much appreciated 👍

[@CaptJaipreetJoshi]

A very honest and candid commentary to weigh the pros and cons of the two viewing equipments. Kudos from India !

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hello - Many thanks for the kind words and feedback. Much appreciated and best wishes from France :-)

[@anthonyfmoss]

As ever Jason, an excellent video comparison. You’re “Mr Binocular” as far as I’m concerned. I look forward to watching and reading more of your work in 2021. Happy Christmas to you and your family. I’m glad the world didn’t end! All the best for next year.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hello Anthony - Firstly, sorry for the late reply - I took a short break from the internet over Christmas. Many thanks for the kind words and feedback, it is very much appreciated and yes.. the world is still turning.. just! Hope you had a good Christmas and have a good New Year.

[@sadrhogollsodia9505]

Was the world suppose to end? Nevermind. I watched the video.

[@vincible12]

Great video, totally agree that the experience of using a pair of binoculars is far more immersive than a monocular despite the relative difference in price when it comes to overall quality, the only thing I'd add as a birdwatcher with quite young children, whereas I prefer my binos, I find using a monocular more secure due to the not quite being able to get "lost in the moment", therefore not entirely diverting my attention from what my kids are doing, especially when we're out near active farmland or wetlands.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Liam, sorry for the late response - just that time of year, but many thanks for the feedback and your insightful information in regards to keeping one eye on the kids! This is something I had not thought of, but can imagine it being an advantage in this type of situation.

[@vincible12]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Don't worry about it! Don't get me wrong, if I could I'd choose a pair of binos everyday, but having that extra hand free just gives me that extra bit of security... Alot easier to carry as well, so I don't end up knocking my son out when I have to pick him up sometimes! 😂

[@Burps___]

When I use my monoculars, I place it on my dominant eye and I do not close my non-dominant eye. 👁 Much less fatiguing. I like monoculars and binoculars. I find a similarly powered monocular more difficult to steady than a binocular, though. Thanks.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Great tip! - This is true and to a point I agree, only sometimes the "information" from the open eye can be distracting depending on the scenario.

[@zero8zero.5one5]

i heard that soldiers are trained to shoot with both eyes opened

[@dragonslayer8812]

I agree

[@detroitpistonsplayoffs]

One huge note that you didn't mention that I am sure someone will appreciate - if you have a lazy eye, get a monocular!! I went my whole life wondering while I always had black rings in my view, no matter how much money I spent, then one day, I finally put 2 and 2 together. I have a slight lazy eye that is only noticeable on certain days lol, so I guess thats why it took so long to realize

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the comment and the very good point. I will try and include this info for others who may be in a similar situation.

[@Busby-di3my]

Only a brief test but noticed keeping both eyes open while focusing the Monocular seemed to help focus quicker. Also the Monocular gave me a slightly different mental focus which I appreciated, I was pleasantly surprised. Great stuff, thanks.

[@vinayaktiwari4383]

mate... Great videos you make ....great narration, short and crisp data points ...easy in decision making! keep up the good work!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Much appreciated!

[@scottforbes0]

As a beginner in birdwatching, I think a monocular is helpful for quickly spotting and counting birds that are a bit too far to see without help, whilst inside my vehicle.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Scott, you are right, monoculars are great for quickly spotting something, then later use the binoculars for getting more enjoyment from the view :-)

[@bobcrawford8728]

Thanks!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Bob - wow thanks very much for the donation - sorry for the delayed reply, it is partly because you are literally the first person who has ever done this for me and so I missed it on my youtube dashboard as I never really look there! Anyway, it is very much appreciated :-)

[@jstrei62]

Thank you for this very objective review and comparison. Lots of reviews on binoculars out there that make them sound incredible and come across more as advertisements for them. Your comments about binoculars being a more immersive experience, and the compact convenience of a monocular stood out as the more striking benefits of each.The immersive experience of using both eyes sells me on using my 8 x 32 binoculars for my hiking most often.

[@ExplorationEverything]

Best tip so far was the small foldable chair or even a seat pad like those used to watch stadium games

[@justin427aex]

Thanks this helped me a lot to understand the difference between the two binoculars and monoculars

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it helped and you are welcome - thanks for the feedback

[@doghunter4097]

Very good video. I use a monocular in urban areas or ligthtweight pack trip, but binoculars of the same dimensions are better for collecting details. Binoculars are dominant in hunting, in sports, birding, astronomy and where we have a stationary position. In a survival situation, a monocular is sufficient to determine the direction of movement, but it cannot compete with binoculars for a more detailed observation of the situation ... Of course, that's just my opinion.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - thanks for your feedback and it is very well put - A monocular is great for its small size and just gathering information, whilst an equivalent binocular is bigger, you get a better view.

[@andrewsnape1705]

I came here for Monovid reviews and ended up buying a walkstool from your man Fraser at Oakwood Optic 😀. Thanks though - great video

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad I could help! 😜 You're very welcome and thanks for the comment, much appreciated 👍

[@bev8200]

Thanks for the review. I’m really looking for something to go into the man purse.

[@emmokaemingk9448]

Thanks for the video. I use my monocular Kite 10x42 ED frequently and I like it very much. In your comment you did not mention the advamtage of a monocular if your eyes are not quit the same. There can be a difference in power and/or the alignment of your eyes could be less then average.(squint).

[@mikesomerset6338]

This review is bang on. Exactly as I see it.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Mike - excellent and thanks for the comment, much appreciated.

[@andersbolinder9392]

I have an opticron 8x30 find it to be handy when you dont want to carry bigger binoculars with you, its okey i guess but not in low light conditions in the forest. handy in kayaking though

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Anders, thanks for the feedback and yes they have their uses for sure, but as with everything, also not ideal in all situations! There is no one size fits all with optics.

[@azmanmohdsalleh6303]

Very detailed and easy to follow explaination. Two thumbs up.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much for the feedback. Very Much appreciated it and the 👍👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

@@reiakristinejimenez4870 Hi - firstly thanks for the feedback and kind words, I very much appreciated it - to be honest I am not sure and my advice would be not to try unless you are 100% sure - perhaps send an email to Celestron, I usually find they are pretty good at getting back to me with questions. Good luck and please do come back and let me know what you find out.

[@mariusjohnsen8430]

Quality stuff. Informative video with a great pacing. Thank you very much for sharing, man! Cheers

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're welcome and thanks for the kind words and feedback, they are very much appreciated 👍

[@anarionpiano]

Unfortunately the website doesn't have an direct links and I wasn't able to find any of the recommended monoculars sold anywhere

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Sorry you could not find it - go to my page on monoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/monoculars/best-monoculars.php - from there each model I test and review has links that will take you to where you can buy in the US, Canada, UK, Europe, Australia and more :-)

[@theprophetez1357]

Due to size and weight issues I carry a small, light weight but powerful enough monocular.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Exactly - that's their main strength - I wish I had been able to be as concise :-)

[@theprophetez1357]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews I have actually been pleased with it and use it pretty much every day. It was well worth the $29 and change which included shipping.

[@taslinliyana6054]

Can you please mention the brand and model name of that binocular?

[@axiomaddict]

A very helpful vid. My needs as I age and still like to travel are simple; I just want to know what the airport marquees, street and restroom signs, some distance away say, so the mono will be my choice. Thanks!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad it was helpful - also please accept my apology for the delayed response, I have been away and then unwell! Anyway, I think you have made a good choice based on your needs. Hopefully, by now you are enjoying them - which ones did you go for?

[@WSCLATER]

I find that a monocular is easier to hold steady. One hand, with the monocular held against the head, is enough for a steady view.

[@kushagrapandey8530]

Sir I wear glasses with a big difference btw my left and right eye prescriptions. So what's preferable?

[@dwightjtaylor]

Gave me much more to consider in making my choice, thanks.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Glad I could help and thanks for the feedback - much appreciated.

[@FreeAimDog]

i bought a cheap binocular from walmart called tasco 16x32 and i dont know if its normal but i can only make 1 side clear, for example i can make the right eye clear and the left one gets blurry when i turn the nob but if i turn it again it makes the right one blurry and left clear. its very annoying and i think im going to take it back and get a monocular instead.

[@Nightzo]

Did you return it and get one that works?

[@ramsey627]

Super video, really informative and engaging.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thank you for the kind words - much appreciated

[@kh2140]

I have an 8x25 monocular and like it better than binoculars because it's more compact and light.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Yes, exactly - those are two of the main advantages a monocular has over binoculars

[@mrblue4718]

Great video and presentation! Thank you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're very welcome and thanks in return for the kind words :-)

[@MrAndrzej5050]

I am looking forward to sample images showing the quality of the image and the effect of the mgnification.

[@weirdshibainu]

Due to yet another concussion I can't use binoculars. I'm glad there are good options for a monocular

[@WR3ND]

Such a niche channel. Awesome. Cheers.

[@ajeetkanda8410]

Perfect hunting and nature watching binoculars

[@michaelkaliski7651]

The best equipment is the stuff you have with you when you need it. So camera phones are better than any SLR camera because you will generally have your phone with you all the time. Monoculars are similarly convenient to carry even if the image is inferior to binoculars. Binoculars with 50mm lenses are probably the ultimate in terms of light gathering and clarity of image at any magnification, but they are fairly bulky and relatively heavy. The ultimate are image stabilised binoculars, but they weigh an absolute ton by comparison to any other system. For a first purchase, buy the best binoculars you can afford. They will last a lifetime. Monoculars and image stabilisation can come afterwards, in that order, but you will never be disappointed by the images from a decent pair of binoculars.

[@procrastinasian86]

Good vid about the comparison. But this might be out of topic but out of curiosity what jacket were you wearing and where can we get one? Anyways, keep up the good work!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - Funny I get asked this quite a lot - It is not really a major brand. I bought it years ago in the UK at a shop called Next - which is what is written on the label it has on the inside.

[@procrastinasian86]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews thanks!!!

[@DaveSnoddy73]

Thanks very good comparison as always

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi David - many thanks for the comment and kind words - much appreciated.

[@escuela4010]

Gracias por el video. Tal como comenta, para la observación o información puntual es mejor el monocular, pero para "vivir" la experiencia es mucho mejor el binocular, pues obtienes una visión casi tridimensional del paisaje, algo imposible con el monocular, donde se perciben mucho mejor los detalles, al menos esa es mi opinión...

[@craigsrck4382]

I had a nightmare after going birding with a monocular, i spotted a rare bird and after i used the monocular i ended with a headache, a sore eye and a perpetual hate for monoculars. And after all that i didnt even identify the bird.....

[@honlingloh8613]

How about a review comparing vintage and modern binoculars of equal current price and another review comparing compact and mid-sized binoculars of equal cost

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - firstly sorry for the late response - just that time of year. Anyway, yes, I do really like your idea for a video and I will look into doing it sometime this year ... I just need to get my hands on a vintage set that has been well looked after - I currently don't have anything on me older than my compact Steiner's from the 1990s!

[@naveenprabhu6810]

Thank you, excellent comparison.

[@Tetter.]

awesome topic, thanks for the great explanation!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the comment and feedback, it is much appreciated :-)

[@claritean]

thanks very much!very helpful and clear. it is basically what I thought, so I get to play a pirate..

[@nmcreation8614]

I love binokuler❤️

[@eugenetillery5499]

Great information.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much

[@taylorindustries]

any tips when holding binoculars to make it stable? i notice my hands shake a bit and its hard to focus on a image cause of the shaking

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi - I will often try and position myself so that I can rest my elbows on something like a table. Also leaning against something like a tree when standing up can help a little.

[@NachalYahu]

For the rythim. Thank u

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

You're welcome 😊

[@nitishroy5833]

Nice video. I was fixed between M and B. Resolved. Thanks. Either 8*40 B or 10*42 M. I am going for B. Is It okay?

[@sarvesh316]

Was that a good decision you think? I'm right now at the same point. Deciding between these two options

[@adamt1564]

Thank you--very helpful analysis!

[@61jc61]

There will be some reason why pirates preferred monocles. Greetings from O'Porto :)

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Jorge, yes for sure :-) It probably mostly has to do with the difficulty and complications of sticking two monoculars together and getting them perfectly aligned and to stay that way.

[@DFP2001]

Very good explaining.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, many thanks for the feedback it is very much appreciated.

[@mikey13b]

Nice video, your reviews are really great! Which monocular would you recommend for use with glasses? I see most on your best monocular page have low eye relief, and looking at the amazon reviews for the Opticron BGA some people said they werent good with glasses. Thanks mate

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Yes, I agree with you I have just tested these Opticron WP Mono 8x3's with glasses, and the 11mm they have is indeed not enough and you do get a restricted view with tunnel vision. Generally larger monos - something like an 8x42 will have longer eye-relief. I see the Opticron 8x42 BGA Monocular www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/monoculars/best-monoculars.php#OpticronBGA has a full 19mm of eye-relief and a Twist-up Eyecup which is excellent.

[@mikey13b]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thanks, the BGAs seem to be all but impossible to find in Australia unfortunately. What are some of the next best monoculars with good eye relief you could recommend? Thanks again

[@miscelaneasmiscelaneas6593]

Excellent video! very instructive. Do you know the Jizmo 8x25 High Definition Monocular? Could you give me your opinion? Thank you.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi thanks for the comment and no sorry I have not heard of that brand before

[@kroneditor9266]

Hi Jason, interesting comparison - thanks! May I ask which country you were filming in?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

HI Kron - I am in France... may I ask why yo ask?

[@t0dd000]

I operate a farm, hunt, hike... I finally ditched the binos for a monocular and man, it is so much easier. It's portable. It's one handed (though small binos can be one handed) and less fiddly. I.e. it's faster. IMHO ... a monocular is just better. I'll never go back to binoculars.

[@stankell3629]

if you follow the astronomy community they will explain that binoculars will give a 1.4 times image brightness advantage over monocular vision plus your brain will give a pseudo 3D effect even at long distances. The 26 mm binoculars you compared would then give a brightness equivalent to 26 x 1.4 or 36 mm monocular.

[@SanveerRamterath]

Hi bud can you explain 66m/8000m

[@Truth-fully.]

Thanks, God bless

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thank you too

[@gurichahal2598]

what are your thoughts about Nikon 12X50 or any of them.... haven't seen one video regards to any of Nikon bins on such a big channel

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Guri - unfortunately Nikon don't send me samples to test, so that is the reason as it is hard for me to comment on binoculars I have not used.

[@gurichahal2598]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews yup no worries thanks for the reply,,

[@birdlady2725]

Can monocular or binoculars be attached to cell phone camera? If so, how is it done?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, Yes absolutely - take a look at my accessories hub which has a section on Digibinning & Camera Adapters which www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-accessories.php - adapters used on binoculars will work just as well, if not better with a monocular

[@JuanPreciado87]

What binoculars do you recommend to me if I want lightness, portability and quality. I want to watch birds and other animals in wide sides. My top budget is 500€. Thanks you!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Juan, at your budget, there is an excellent selection. Take a look at what I feel are some of the Best Value Bird Watching Binoculars that I have tested: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/best-value-bird-watching.php in this guide I have a section of mid-range binoculars between 300 and 500 which should be perfect for you

[@NiC1Z]

I mostly use a monocular, but I kind of miss the depth percetion that binoculars give

[@muhammadishaque1400]

Very nice 👌👌👌 super information 👍👍👍

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks very much for the feedback and kind words. Much appreciated 👍 😊

[@johnkorath3604]

@Best Binocular Reviews ! Can you please do a review of the binoculars manufactured by SOLOGNAC(Decathlon)

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

I can try, but I need them or someone else to send me a pair to review... so will see if I can't reach out to them, but with massive companies like that it is often difficult to get in touch with the right person...

[@johnkorath3604]

No worries 😃

[@1212CRMD]

Nice comment.

[@Sealutions1]

I have problems just seeing thru my minocular....

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, what size and magnification is it? Often a small monocular (or even binocular) with a high power can be hard to use because of the tiny exit pupil it produces (www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/exit-pupil-06/). Here the quality (price) also makes a difference.

[@liefde05]

I guess the actual main reason for a monocular would be due to physical constraints, like an impairment in one eye.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, yes, you are right and a monocular is great for when you really need a small sized instrument.

[@alexmartian3972]

Seems not fair monocular is like 1.5, not 3x cheaper as it is "much easier to manufacture" AND have half optics.

[@jamesledbetter6107]

great video

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks! And thanks for the comment much appreciated.

[@bartjeej]

Very helpful comparison, perfectly timed as I just started wondering about the difference and which to get a week ago. My previous binoculars were a cheap gift, 8x21, shirt pocketable and very light at 178 grams. That was great for the hiking that is my primary use case for binoculars, but the viewing experience was underwhelming to say the least. I am doubting between 8x25 binoculars or an 8x36 monocular. At a similar size and price range (100 euros max), which would you expect to have the more pleasant viewing experience? Still the binoculars?

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi Bart, yes for me the 8x25 binocular will be more immersive and perhaps easier on the eyes, but will not be as good in low light at the 8x36 monocular - hope this helps?

[@bartjeej]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews it does, thanks! I've decided to take a modest hit in size and weight, and go for a Helios Nitrosport 8x34. It won't fit in my shirt pocket but the "binoculars pouch" of my daypack won't hold any additional items even with the tiny 8x21's, so realistically speaking it's only the weight penalty. But your review of the Nitrosport 8x42 sounded very positive about the image quality part, so I'm hopeful that this will translate to the 8x34 as well, minus some 200 grams and some twilight ability.

[@Gugukax]

For those who have amblyopia, a monocular over a binocular is a no-brainer imo.

[@judyhaywood7695]

Nice

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks :-)

[@WSCLATER]

Using a monocular will leave one eye free for a general view.

[@tectorama]

I have no experience of this particular device, but most of the advertised monoculars are no more than childrens toys.

[@Обовсёминеочём-т7с]

Hello! I need your advice to decide which binoculars to buy. I want to buy one of these: 1. Carson 3D Series 10x42 High Definition Binoculars with ED Glass 2. Leupold BX-2 Alpine Binocular 10x42 3. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD 10x42 4. Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 10x42 My main concern is to get an optical device with the best image quality possible (crystal clear, bright and sharp image) in true colors without any yellowish colors. Which of these four binoculars would you recommend? Thank you very much!

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi, thanks for the question, but it is really difficult for me to answer it for you with any sort of certainty or detail that I feel it deserves. This is partly because it is hard to do so in this comments section and partly because I have not used some of the binoculars you are asking about, so I can only speculate as to the image quality. I can do some research for you, but this will obviously take a lot of my time, so in return I ask that you support BBR as a patreon - you can find more details on this on this page: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/questions-answered-binocular-advice/ or you can actually do much of the research yourself, I explain how I do this here in my guide on how to choose between binoculars: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/blog/which-binoculars-to-choose-08/ I hope this helps.

[@Обовсёминеочём-т7с]

@@Bestbinocularsreviews Thank you for the reply. Ok, I plan to buy one of these two: Carson 3D Series 10x42 High Definition Binoculars with ED Glass VANGUARD Endeavor ED 10x42 Binocular I want one that has brighter image in true colors without yellowish colors or warm colors. I want a bright image in true colors. Which of these two binoculars can you recommend? Thank you

[@petitpanierdosier]

Nice intro

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Thanks - and yes, I put a little extra info into this one, so glad you noticed - it was fun to make.. but time consuming!

[@adisyanuar9146]

top.....

[@kevinbradley2941]

I was looking forward to this video but got so pissed off with all the adverts and pushing other products. Such a shame for what could have been a good video. Obviously more interested in making money than educating people.

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hello Kevin - Yes, sorry about that, but the adverts are controlled by KZbin and out of my control. I agree as of late KZbin has been adding too many adverts not only to my videos but everyone's - the balance is not right. I could turn all adverts off, but I do need to eat.

[@RMD147]

your studie is wrong, i can only use one eye at the time

[@richblasky7940]

To much talking t o much drama

[@madar427]

Terrible review. Waste of time.

[@AbdoZaInsert]

Lol how is that even possible ?? He is without a doubt the best “culars” channel out there, honest& straight to the points 👌🏼

[@ibrahimozsarac4905]

Recommend Vortex solo R / t 8x36 gosky titan 12x50 or wingspan optics vingspan titan 12x50

[@LaurineGuisti]

any tips when holding binoculars to make it stable? i notice my hands shake a bit and its hard to focus on a image cause of the shaking

[@Bestbinocularsreviews]

Hi thanks for the question and yes, have you tried resting your elbows on a table or wall. When out on a walk, I will also sometimes lean against a tree. I often find by making the rest of yor body steady it helps reduce the shake in the hands. If it continues to be an issue, consider lower magnification binoculars or image stabilisation ones: www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-stabilization-Y-ImageStabilizationBinoculars.html