Multitool.org Forum
Outdoor Section => The Outdoor and Survival Forum => Topic started by: magentus on April 15, 2015, 11:59:11 AM
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I love my little Russian monocular. It's so portable it comes out with me everywhere in my rucksack.
The name rubbed off years ago so I can't remember the maker so if anyone has any info on it I'll be grateful.
(http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/magentus2112/flat161212245_zps449137ef.jpg)
(http://i923.photobucket.com/albums/ad80/magentus2112/flat161212244_zps332e2780.jpg)
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I love my little Russian made mini monocular...I must have gifted at least half a dozen :tu:
it even came with the instruction sheet which is in the background here...
(https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/v/t1.0-9/10175033_10152333258877295_5237000440622187058_n.jpg?oh=4bb64043407c3dba8323b1db143082e6&oe=55DDF367)
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Nice one Dr!
That is tiny. I remeber seeing it in a previous post but I can't recall whether the attached ring is a mod or stock.
Great size though. :salute:
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I love monoculars. I've been using this Simmons for 15 years now, and it fits in a pocket so nice. It goes along even when compact binoculars get left behind. But that's why I love small gear, it goes when other stuff gets left home. The smaller the better as far as I', concerned as long as the item still functions at it's intended task.
(https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2932/14660643921_f09db5ffc1_c.jpg)
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Nice kit cbl. Is that a derringer too?
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Nice kit cbl. Is that a derringer too?
Its a NAA (North American Arms). 5 shots of .22. They come in .22 short, long, and magnum.
They make all sorts of little guns.
http://northamericanarms.com/firearms.html
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Nice kit cbl. Is that a derringer too?
Its a NAA (North American Arms). 5 shots of .22. They come in .22 short, long, and magnum.
They make all sorts of little guns.
http://northamericanarms.com/firearms.html
Correct!
As I said, I like small. I wish I had a nicle for every time I needed something when I was younger, but it was at home because I didn't want to lug it around. As I got older, I got a little smarter, and started to get small pieces of gear that had no real reason to be left behind. Now my criteria for things are, it has to fit comfortable in a pocket. If I need a belt holster or sheath, or it has to go in a pack, forget it. Maybe a hold over from my ultra light backpacking days.
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I've got a Brunton 7x18 that is my go-to monocular. http://www.brunton.com/products/echo-pocket-scope-green
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Oh yes!! :ahhh
I love monoculars, got a box full of 'em in the loft. I'll get them down in the morning and post a few pictures. :cheers:
In fact can I add other optics too?
I got a great selection of binoculars, and the odd spotting scope or two
;)
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After the fire, a buddy gave me this Winchester 8X21...pretty handy.
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Oh yes!! :ahhh
I love monoculars, got a box full of 'em in the loft. I'll get them down in the morning and post a few pictures. :cheers:
In fact can I add other optics too?
I got a great selection of binoculars, and the odd spotting scope or two
;)
I was wondering when you would do it. Go on!
Here are mine. A Soviet 8x30 I used a lot during travels (now I always take the Pentax Papilio 6,5x21 with me) on the right. On the left the little dynamite, Stellarvue F50W Right Angle Correct Image Finder/Mini Spotting scope. It works at f/4 with most eyepieces, here with a Televue Ethos 13mm, but I usually load on it the Explore Scientific 68 24mm (shown), Televue Nagler T4 12mm, Televue Delos 10 and 6mm, Televue Radian 8 and 5mm or the Baader Hyperion Zoom 24-8mm (also with Orion Shorty Plus Barlow). Thus I get 8.5x to 50x, 6mm to 1mm exit pupil and up to 100 degrees of field of view. On the telescope I use the included 23mm Crosshair Reticle eyepiece it came with. I keep it on a Celestron Quick Release mount because I avoid the procedure of rough aligning it everytime I unmount it and mount it.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/04/24/9759aa6bbdc51313fbfdef4451b8afa5.jpg)
Sooner or later I'm going to buy a Minox Macroscope 8x25.
(http://media.a.cdnify.io/jackets/jackets_resizer_xlarge/18/188701_1.jpg)
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Sorry for the long delay in posting pics - it has to be done stealthily >:D
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The 3 leica's I have
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Astro Bin's
Plus a couple of super sharp vintage bins
Don't be fooled by their appearance, every time I look through these it takes my breath away - fabulous glass :drool: those Prinz Micro 12x50's are so bright!! 8), the smaller ones (GreenKat) are astoundingly crisp ....stunning!!
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There are a couple others that I can't seem to find, I've deliberately left out my 2 refractors due to the setting up time, I've got a Swift 77mm 831 reportedly fitted with Takahashi optics plus a 1200mm Towa. Both with original stands. Problem is my local council has recently changed all our street lights - my home is now heavily light polluted, so I don't see when my scopes will ever come out again - still....another heirloom for my son :facepalm:
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So just a couple then, eh?
:o
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Holy smurf :ahhh
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Nice tosh!!! :2tu:
You should post your astro bins and scopes over in the Astronomy thread!
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,58378.0.html
and look here...
http://forum.multitool.org/index.php/topic,59123.0.html
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Oh how about binoculars? I have my simple, cheap, monoculture, but today we were out garage sale hopping, and I saw a little case for $3, it said bushnell on it so fig it was just the case, so I was going to talk it down but then I picked it up and it was heavy, hmm can't be.. Sure enough they were in there, and like new. I couldn't pass them up, they work it brings everything closer and clear, so for $3 I had to grab them, only thing is I have no clue about them besides use them if I want to see far stuff closer.. The only thing on them was bushnell 10x25.
The only thing I could find close to them was, Bushnell PermaFocus 8x25 Focus Free Compact Binoculars, and for $45, anyone know anything on them? Sure I got a good deal only paying $3 for something $45, but are they good? Of course there bushnell, but?
JR
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/d24540dba8aa35e7aefeae9f610a9876_zpslzskf2i1.jpg)
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I actually sold off about a dozen or more optics around a year ago.
Still hanker after a few I don't have, namely Leica Trinovid 12x50's. Nikon 8x32SE and Canon IS "L" series Binoculars. Also fancied trying the Fuji's
I did try out the new ultravids from Leica a few years back but found they hurt my eyes, the contrast was way too high. The Leica 7x42's Marine pictured above are so easy on the eyes. The resolving power at dusk is sensational.......but the 12x50 Trinovids (that I don't yet have) supposedly have the highest twilight factor of all the Leica binoculars. The occulars were supposedly completely redesigned and required the use of some very exotic ( :ahhh read expensive) glass to be specifically developed. I once tried a pair in the shop....... :drool: I had to catch my breath, the clarity had to be seen to be believed.
I had a quick peep through some Zeiss too ! Although they were not comfortable (for me) the glass in them is just staggeringly good. I can vividly remember focusing on a nearby telegraph pole and the resolving power of the optics was so high I could actually see all the detail on the ants climbing the pole. Once you've peered through good glass nothing else can compare.
But as we all know, there's never any spare cash once this place takes hold :facepalm:
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My modest collection in a bad picture.....
Nikon 10X70 HP IF
Nikon 7X50 Tropical
Canadian Military Issue 7X50 (Pentax Marine)
Steiner Military 7x50 M22 US Army Issue
Basuch & Lomb 7x26 Custom
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My modest collection in a bad picture.....
Nikon 10X70 HP IF
Nikon 7X50 Tropical
Canadian Military Issue 7X50 (Pentax Marine)
Steiner Military 7x50 M22 US Army Issue
Basuch & Lomb 7x26 Custom
Very nice :tu:
I really like the sound of those 10x70's - didn't know nikon did that one.
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Very eye catching both collections. I prefer a 5-3mm exit pupil myself. 7mm won't do much after the 40s.
The red dot and yellow square are very catchy, aren't they?
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One thing that surprised me about those 10X70's is the amount of light they gather from a dark sky....after looking through them a little while, lower them and you can still see the two bright field circles against the dark sky. Probably a common occurrence with big binos but the Nikons were my first experience with this.
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One thing that surprised me about those 10X70's is the amount of light they gather from a dark sky....after looking through them a little while, lower them and you can still see the two bright field circles against the dark sky. Probably a common occurrence with big binos but the Nikons were my first experience with this.
How are you holding those 10x70's?
I know last year I was hand holding my 11x80's using my elbows on anything remotely stationary :facepalm:
Twice I've began building a counter weighted parallelogram mount. First out of hardwood when I was working in the joinery shop but it's still not finished and then began getting all the materials together again where I work now (engineering firm) using 2x1 aluminium box section. I ordered both 9&10mm brass tubing for the M8 bolts to run inside as a makeshift bearing. Also got a sheet of 3mm PTFE Teflon again to ensure minimal friction on all moving parts, sourced the steel bars and plates for the counterweights. All that remains is to actually build them, just never seem to find the time.
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Parallelograms are a hassle. I had one made from wood and I donated it (it was donated to me also). For sticking in certain areas of the sky's zenith (like Lyra and Cygnus during summer) I tried this.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/eecd451b8725c65398eab59ed1b7da4f.jpg)
But binoculars with diagonals are the answer really. Thankfully the best comes lower on the south, the Sagittarius and the milky way around it. The IS is sufficient for that.
When I had my 15x70,I used the diagonal technique described by G. Seronik. With right hand catch left tube which rests on hand's back. Left hand drives and focuses.
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One thing that surprised me about those 10X70's is the amount of light they gather from a dark sky....after looking through them a little while, lower them and you can still see the two bright field circles against the dark sky. Probably a common occurrence with big binos but the Nikons were my first experience with this.
How are you holding those 10x70's?
I know last year I was hand holding my 11x80's using my elbows on anything remotely stationary :facepalm:
Twice I've began building a counter weighted parallelogram mount. First out of hardwood when I was working in the joinery shop but it's still not finished and then began getting all the materials together again where I work now (engineering firm) using 2x1 aluminium box section. I ordered both 9&10mm brass tubing for the M8 bolts to run inside as a makeshift bearing. Also got a sheet of 3mm PTFE Teflon again to ensure minimal friction on all moving parts, sourced the steel bars and plates for the counterweights. All that remains is to actually build them, just never seem to find the time.
Back when I was younger (and healthier), I could decently handhold them with my elbows braced on my chest but not now. I had bought the dedicated Nikon binocular mount with these and now I face the area of the sky to observe, attach the binos to my tripod (extended at its tallest), sit in a chair and lean the tripod over toward me. The front (single) leg of the tripod folds back and the other two, along with me holding the binos to my face, make three points of stability. I keep the center post adjustment slightly loose and I can scan a good area of the sky in front of me by leaning (right/left) and leveling via the center post.
Sounds complicated the way I explained but just put it on the tripod and lean it over against you....pretty stable for what it is and it didn't cost anything as I already had the tripods for my cameras.
Added: I forgot that I would also mount a Leica Heavy Duty Ball Head to the tripod, giving even more flexibility of adjustment.
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Parallelograms are a hassle. I had one made from wood and I donated it (it was donated to me also). For sticking in certain areas of the sky's zenith (like Lyra and Cygnus during summer) I tried this.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/05/03/eecd451b8725c65398eab59ed1b7da4f.jpg)
But binoculars with diagonals are the answer really. Thankfully the best comes lower on the south, the Sagittarius and the milky way around it. The IS is sufficient for that.
When I had my 15x70,I used the diagonal technique described by G. Seronik. With right hand catch left tube which rests on hand's back. Left hand drives and focuses.
That is a good setup!!! :cheers: :cheers:
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I need to explain that my reason for wanting the parallelogram was so that my young son (7yr) can also use any of my optics (Not the Leica's :ahhh)
The main appeal of the parallelogram is that it can be set up with counterweights to move effortlessly in almost any direction whilst still delivering rock solid stabilty when locked off.
The idea of a boom on the tripod was my original intention until I discovered the parallelograms. For my own use with differing heights it seems to be my best option. I did intend to complete both.......and I will just as soon as I find the time.
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@kkokkolis
I always assumed that canon strongly advised against using their IS system on tripods?
Do you have to have yours turned off?, why the need for a tripod when IS is available?
Doesn't it take a while for the boom to settle when making adjustments?
Nice tripod by the way, I'm guessing that's the manfrotto with built in optional horizontal capabilities.
Also, when you say diagonal are you referring to the 45degree angled bins? I bought a pair of those 3yrs ago, couldn't get on with them at all and the individual ocular focusing sent me crazy, I always felt the need to tweak, thus setting the wobbles off yet again. Needless to say I quickly sold them on.
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Finally a decent pic....
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Yes, Manfrotto with Novoflex MagicBall head.
The Canons are great optically, sharp to the edge (which my Zeiss isn't) and with wide AFOV. So it is good as any binocular and better than most without IS (I only can imagine what the L glass will be. Their price is almost equal but 18x50 beats 10x42 when steady, no matter what glass).
But even with IS the tripod helps because IS equalizes the small movements, such as hand tremor less than 0.8 degrees if I remember right. Bigger amplitude movements are there and a tripod can eliminate them. The tremor from focusing is minimal with the Manfrotto (I use it for greater load and magnifications) and it is less than 0.8 degrees, so the IS can work that out.
Of course most if the time I use them unmounted.
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Your binoculars lit up a flame in me. Particularly those Nikons (the 70s) and the Leicas. Although I'm fully covered with my 3 well thought and carefully selected pairs I catch myself looking at specifications, stores and classifieds. Help!
I can't blame you only. Spring came and shallows fly like Spitfires hunting Bf 109s all over Piraeus skies. Among them the seagulls fly calmly like bombers. Pigeons mate and sparrows play their year long survival games. The sea is full of life day and night, from huge cargo boats and liners to sailboats, yaghts and fishing vessels. Every Saturday we are expecting fireworks. And the skies are clear (but not tonight). If there are a thousand ways to experience and see all that, I would like to try them all!
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You really have a beautiful view off your deck and a wonderful way of expressing yourself. :2tu:
Those Nikon 10X70's are amazing bins. For night skies, the Astroluxe are better on the edges due to the additional flat field element but these HP IF's do not disappoint. Daytime use is amazing as well.... crisp, with superb depth to the views...a joy. I wish you could see the view through them.
I had some (can't remember the brand) 11X80's before these and was disappointed, sent them back...too big, center focus, not water proof and just an average unimpressive daytime view.
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
Due to the lettering I assume its Russian, if you google "msp 7x25" you will find it (I think) sadly the site is in Polish, so all I can read is USSR :P
Dummy me, its of course MSP 7x25, google that and you will find info!
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
Due to the lettering I assume its Russian, if you google "msp 7x25" you will find it (I think) sadly the site is in Polish, so all I can read is USSR :P
Dummy me, its of course MSP 7x25, google that and you will find info!
The Manufacturer (the logo on top) reads ZOMZ (http://www.zomzplus.ru/) (Read as 3OM3), probably, I think, maybe...
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
Due to the lettering I assume its Russian, if you google "msp 7x25" you will find it (I think) sadly the site is in Polish, so all I can read is USSR :P
Dummy me, its of course MSP 7x25, google that and you will find info!
The Manufacturer (the logo on top) reads ZOMZ (http://www.zomzplus.ru/) (Read as 3OM3), probably, I think, maybe...
Dude, you are awesome, with this information I found it: HERE (http://rostov-na-domu.ru/good/binokli-i-zritelnye-truby/monokulyar-zomz-msp-7h25)
QED
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
Due to the lettering I assume its Russian, if you google "msp 7x25" you will find it (I think) sadly the site is in Polish, so all I can read is USSR :P
Dummy me, its of course MSP 7x25, google that and you will find info!
The Manufacturer (the logo on top) reads ZOMZ (http://www.zomzplus.ru/) (Read as 3OM3), probably, I think, maybe...
Dude, you are awesome, with this information I found it: HERE (http://rostov-na-domu.ru/good/binokli-i-zritelnye-truby/monokulyar-zomz-msp-7h25)
QED
:D
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Can anyone shed any light on the brand of my monocular from this pic please?
Due to the lettering I assume its Russian, if you google "msp 7x25" you will find it (I think) sadly the site is in Polish, so all I can read is USSR :P
Dummy me, its of course MSP 7x25, google that and you will find info!
The Manufacturer (the logo on top) reads ZOMZ (http://www.zomzplus.ru/) (Read as 3OM3), probably, I think, maybe...
Dude, you are awesome, with this information I found it: HERE (http://rostov-na-domu.ru/good/binokli-i-zritelnye-truby/monokulyar-zomz-msp-7h25)
QED
:D
I knew learning Russian in St. Petersburg was not wasted time... only a wasted liver :P
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Thanks - That's the one - you are brilliant! :salute:
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I should get a google-fu black-belt merit badge for this :D
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The 3 leica's I have
I don't intend to make such a collection, in fact I don't need another binocular or monocular. But, you know, it is like SAKs. Not needing one doesn't mean that you don't want one. There are three possibilities.
1. Another Canon IS, preferably the 10x42L but since I find the regular glass perfect at 18x, the 12x36 or even 10x30 might be good for me.
2. A classic porro 10x50. This could be strictly astronomical and since I wouldn't find a Fujinon FMT or Nikon SE in Greece and uswd with shipping (if I find one) it would cost me over 600€ without being able to test collimation and such, I think that a BA8 with big prisms and individual focus would be nice. But if I get the 1. I could skip that, handheld it would be better than 2.
3. A smaller all around binocular. That's why I'm asking you. The best smaller pair is the Zeiss Conquest HT 8x32, according to ALL reviews. I own already a Zeiss Terra 8x42 so I am thinking if I should check the 10x32. I see your Leicas, 7x42 and 10x32. How is to go for 10x at 3mm exit pupil? Wouldn't the Canon 10x30 be better with the IS? The Conquest 8x32 has 8 degrees FOV. That's a nice widefield, I could use that. I could complement the powerful 18x50 with a wider and lighter bino, or rotate it with my Pentax-Papilio 6,5x21 or take it when hiking or biking (I used the Terra like that last year, but during daytime a 32 would be equal and takes up less space and the Conquest is better than the Terra and much better than the Papilio. So, how did you use your two Leicas? How do you decide which one to take with you?
I'm not asking at BirdForum because they will suggest to buy a Victory and a Swarovision and a Trinovid, test them and keep the best of them. If I could do that I could buy a car instead. No, it will be probably a Conquest, but 8x32 or 10x32?
Opinion?
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No reply, so I went for the Canons 12x36. Now I have to wait for these also.
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I'm sorry, I didn't see this earlier. The Canons are a fine choice I'm sure!
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A family photo.
(http://www.cloudynights.com/uploads/monthly_05_2015/post-88854-0-76908000-1432577413_thumb.jpg)
Canon 18x50 IS UD AW 3.7* Porro II
Canon 12x36 II IS 5* Porro II
Zeiss Terra 8x42 7.1* ED Schmidt Pechan DCF
Asahi Pentax Type 561 8x30 7.5* ZCF
Pentax Papilio 6,5x21 7.5* UCF
Next will be the Zeiss Conquest 8x32 HD, or the Terra 8x32ED, according to financial situation.
Hopefully I'll get a Fujinon FMT-SX or Nikon SE someday. If not, the Canons will do.
I had the 12x36 for the weekend on the boat to and from Syros island. Magic! Once I feared a silver seagull would bite me and I bent instictivelly, just to realise that he was over 15 meters away.
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And a little OCD.
(http://www.cloudynights.com/uploads/monthly_05_2015/post-88854-0-06892600-1432585244.jpg)
x axis: magnifications, 2x to 20x
y axis: exit pupils, 2mm to 7mm
data: apertures
vertical zone: handheld use limit, magnification
horizontal zone: handheld use limit, weight/ size
Lower left quadrant: easier handheld use.
Other quadrants: mounting preferable to mandatory
Oval areas: binoculars of typical uses
Purpose: to help me choose future binoculars. It's easily seen that I am covered in general uses but I don't have pure opera and astronomy pairs.
You can use the graph too. Try to stay inside a particular oval area and project on the x and y axis the suitable magnification and aperture. Notice that areas cover certain exit pupils, according to use.
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No reply, so I went for the Canons 12x36. Now I have to wait for these also.
Sorry kkokkolis, I've only just seen your post....Doh!! :twak: I don't get much free time at the minute.
I note I'm late for the party. But I'll give my answer to your question.
8x32 or 10x32?? If I'm honest, I sometimes wish I'd gone for the 8x32 simply because as you rightly say the 3.2mm exit pupil on the 10x32's is a little small when light levels begin to fall. But, and it's a BIG "BUT" I'm comparing these with the 7x42's which are quite simply outstanding, delivering a fantastically bright image with enormous depth of field and a wide field of view. But if I could still keep my 7x42's then I'd definately still buy the 10x32's again. If it had to be just the one pair I'd settle for the 8x32's Trinovids.
But then again, I might switch and go for the venerable Nikon 8x32 SE with their superlative optics. Supposedly "The" finest glass available :drool: if you can live with old fashioned Porro's that is. I've read that the Porro design actually gives better 3D views due to the wider spacing of the lens barrels when compared to the modern Roofprism.
I used the 10x32's a few weeks ago. The lenses and coatings and optic alignment really do come into their own at dusk. The ability to see deep into the shadows at twilight is incredible. But still not as good as the 7x42's.
I think the Canon IS line is amazing - hopefully someday I'll join the club!!
But my biggest worry is that I imagine their sheer complexity will mean that they may not be as robust as the Trinovids. It's the main reason I invested in them.
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It's never too late. I'm still interested. In fact, after buying the Canon 12x36 IS and using it during my trip to Syros (wonderful experience) I felt how nice it is to have always a pair with you. That's one of the main benefits of biinoculars over telescopes, portability. But, although the Canon is small it is a bit heavy and wide as a Porro. Also it isn't sealed and the electronics make it look vulnerable.
I EDC the Pentax Papilio for almost a year and use them for everything. They have no competitor in short focus but they are just 21mm and far from Alphas. Their magnification is low and they show glare more than any other binocular I own. They are sharp to the edge (really) but they do that with orthoscopic eyepieces (Pentax Orthoscopics are almost as famous as the Zeiss Abbe ones) which are narrow, something irrelevant for microscopy but for macroscopy they feel like tunnel vision.
The Zeiss Terra are very good and I can carry them for trips but they are far from EDC. So I think I could buy a 30mm. My Pentax 561 are of old technology with poor eye relief and wide. I wouldn't get Porros for EDC, even if they would be the Nikons SE, because their shape makes it difficult to fit them in a bag and usually they arent sealed. I used the Terra under rain yesterday, something you shouldn't do with Porros.
So it is a 32mm and as you like Leica I like Zeiss (I would like Leica of course if I could have tried one, that's sure).
8x is easier to use, steadier and brighter, at 4mm exit pupil.
But then another 8x? I have 3.
10x would give me more magnification options and the 10x32 would feel different than the 8x42.
But then another 3mm exit pupil? I have 3 (two are IS and 1 is low magnification).
Then it should be Terra or make the move to Conquest at double the price? I like to find the best value and as Terra was equal to the 2800$ Nikon EDG according to Cornell Lab Review of 2013, the Conquest was equal or better to any of the Alphas which cost 2-3 times more. Look at the graph (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/Page.aspx?pid=2675) and the top picks (http://www.allaboutbirds.org/bbimages/lb/2013/autumn/bins/Binocular_Review_top_picks.pdf).
Once I say let's take the Terra and done with it (but 8x or 10x?) and afterwards I say that when you get the best you only cry once for your money and there's no remorse afterwards. But I can't spend 800-900 euros and think that I should have bought the 10x instead of the 8x or vice versa.
Afterall, many of my telescope eyepieces cost as much as the Terra or even more (and the Terra has two very nice eyepieces itself, and let's don't forget the objectives and focuser etc) and one costs as much as the Conquest (the Ethos). I paid for them but I use now my binoculars much more than any of my eyepieces. It's a few times each year against every day. Why not spend more? :ahhh
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Whenever we go on holidays or out for the day, my GOTO pair is the humble Helios Mistral 8x32 that I picked up of ebay several years ago for £40.
Of course they are not in Leica or Zeiss territory, but they are modern, small, light, waterproof, nitrogen purged, Bak 4, phase coated roofprisms. In short they offer a very sensible option. If I lose them or my son drops them or whatever it doesn't matter. And because of that I seem to use them all the time.
Like others have posted the higher you go with optics you come across the "diminishing returns" theory.
Leica and Zeiss are fabulous - no mistake about it. Just like Ferrari and Lamborghini are. But they'd be next to useless as a daily commute.
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The Zeiss Terra is in the third segment of binoculars hierarchy. Relatively cheap but still with Zeiss optics. That's why I go back and forth between Terra and Conquest. It's double the cost but maybe just 10% benefit.
Look at the curve in the Cornell review. It goes upwards fast and then it has a plateau. At 400 you get the best value, twice as good as the 100 and equal to 10% worse than the 1500-2500. That's why Monarchs and Terras are the best sellers (according to Eagle Optics sales).
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The Zeiss Terra is in the third segment of binoculars hierarchy. Relatively cheap but still with Zeiss optics. That's why I go back and forth between Terra and Conquest. It's double the cost but maybe just 10% benefit.
Look at the curve in the Cornell review. It goes upwards fast and then it has a plateau. At 400 you get the best value, twice as good as the 100 and equal to 10% worse than the 1500-2500. That's why Monarchs and Terras are the best sellers (according to Eagle Optics sales).
Just curious, does that review factor in build quality/materials? I like instruments which last, that are overbuilt to weather life's little mishaps like bouncing around in a jeep or getting caught a thunderstorm. I'm willing to pay extra for waterproof/milspec binos. My immediate/extended family and friends have had tons of lesser bins and marvel at the quality of mine...they also nearly faint when they find out the price of them.
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Yes, they consider build quality. Zeiss and Leica are of the best quality always, no matter what product they produce.
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Picked up this little guy for a few bucks. Not high quality but since this thread I had to have one. Now you guys got me looking at stuff I really didnt think I needed :whistle:
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Is it usable? My worst buy was a pair of Vivitar "binoculars" from a New York Super Market. It was the Sukhot holiday and Adorama was closed but I had to buy something. They had them for 9$ . How silly. A good toy for children would cost 50€ at the time in Greece, how could they make binoculars for 9$? But I said "what's 9$? and I made my worst buy of any kind ever. I should have bought 9 hotdogs (which had Greek sausages by the way, Nikas brand!).
(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1zTUMdwwTRM/UEJ7_Q2ydxI/AAAAAAAAAIg/C32OhP0WKIg/s1600/nikasR.jpg)
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Yes, they consider build quality. Zeiss and Leica are of the best quality always, no matter what product they produce.
I agree. I used Zeiss/Leitz photo gear for many years and still have my some of my Nikon/Leica stuff. Nikon makes superlative products too. Tough stuff.
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@ Kkokkolis
They are usable for a couple hundred feet which is decent for my bad eyesight. I am studying this thread however with great interest.
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@ Kkokkolis
They are usable for a couple hundred feet which is decent for my bad eyesight. I am studying this thread however with great interest.
Hey, it's Marlboro branded so you can pair it with a Marley SAK!!! 8) :D
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New binocular, Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42
It's upside down, silly iPhone!
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Wow!!! Great glass!!! Congrats :2tu:
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Wow, that's freaky, I just found mine today so I put it in my bag and then this subject pops up!
JR
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Reposting for OCD relief (pics were upside down).
The Zeiss Conquest is a great binocular. I would quantify it as 20% better than the Terra (others exagerate) but it costs 2-3 times more (in Europe 2.2x and in the US up to 3x).
I like the different specifications Tosh has with his Leicas, 7x42 and 10x32. It isn't easy to sell my Terra in Greece, so I think I'm going to keep it for a guest binocular and buy another Terra (or Conquest, according to funds), 8x32 or 10x32.
Maybe it's because I had to year eyeglasses since 12 years old and even with those things are a bit unfocused, I like optics a lot. I zoom and focus and feel I have a superpower of vision. And since my 20+ years old Zeiss eyeglasses are the only ones I never broke (I broke a lot of pairs playing basketball and handball, even one in volleyball, and that made me defensive in sports) and their coatings are still like new, so I have a sweet spot for Zeiss.
The second pic is before the Conquest, during summer when I tested my terrestrial optics for resolution with an USAF 1951 target. The higher the magnification, the better the resolution. Conguest has a hair of better resolution than the Terra, but it has less colour and other aberrations.
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Initially, I had the distinct impression this thread was about MONoculars...
Alas! I was erring... :facepalm:
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Are you sure you don't just see them double? What did you have at the pub?
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And another true monocular, which I like a lot for the prize and particularly the zoom function and corsair fushion, a KOMZ Zenika 8-24x40 from Russia. Bought for just 30 €.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/02/aab14878671c8401fe58d3bb5f67084d.jpg)
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(http://wallnen.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/07/Minions-07-HD-Wallpaper.jpg)
:D :D
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Everybody still takes his pieshare from mythology and history that originated on these soils and waters pfrsantos.
(https://mrsmanginosgreekmythology.wikispaces.com/file/view/odysseus.jpg/318178094/odysseus.jpg)
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I cleaned my 3T Zenica, found two caps from my surplus optics accessories box, and a cord to hang it from my neck or shoulder. Its optics have great geometry and color (after all it is a long focus achromat with simple - Kellner or Orthoscopic- eyepiece, a 40/400 f/10 with 50 and a moving element (a Smythe lens?) that acts as an up to x3 Barlow. But the simple coatings and old Soviet technology (according to serial number it was made during 1989 in Kazan, the same CCCP last year my MΠ2 was made, they are still made there by a company now named KOMZ) make it less sharp than my Zeiss and Canons, as I saw tonight on the Messier objects of Sagittarius and yesterday on Hyades and Pleiades.
But it is great for shipspotting.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/10/03/a0da4dcb1d5964ef90d3790de594044f.jpg)
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A new EDC Monocular, the Docter Analytik Jena 8x21 C, with +1, +2, +5 & +10 dioptres add on lenses for 8x/100cm, 8x/50cm, 10x/20cm & 20x 10cm telescopic loupe convertion.
This is a folding porro prism monocular invented by Zeiss and marketed since 1924 (!!!) as the Zeiss Turmon (with around 10 add on lenses up to 32x and a microscope stand). After the war Carl Zeiss Jena (the DDR Zeiss) continued, until it merged with Zeiss Optiks again anf the Jena plant was sold to Docter. He changed little and mainly the coatings which are modern. Result: a great monocular with sharpness and brightness comparable to the Zeiss, Leica, Vixen and Nikon 300€-400€ roof monoculars.
It was copied insanely, first by Russians and then by Chinese. The monocular that opened this thread is one of the Soviet copies. Urban legend has Stasi agents using it. It really fits inside the palm of your hand and stabilizes when you push the hanf on the eyebrow.
I also bought a Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 ED which I EDC, I'll take a new pic of terrestrial optics anf I will update my EDC thread at a later time.
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/07/4d7dc9729ed913d82dd8a424f6b66251.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/11/07/1e8926e5cdda98ce2bccdb4692a07fef.jpg)
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Very cool!!!!
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I have one from SILVA, it must be a re-branded BRUNTON Echo Pocket Scope.
It's OK, in fact quite decent for the money, I could do with something better though.
This is another one of those threads that are just killing me! Carry on, please :tu:
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This Brunton has an apparent field of view of 25 degrees, real soda straw. Similar Zeiss and Nikon monoculars have 40 degrees, the Docter and Minox and Leica 50. 40 is not bad, precious orthoscopics have so and Plossls have 50. But when you are used to the realm of Ethos (100), Naglers (82) or Delos (72) all monoculars feel claustrophobic. Each of these eyepieces weights 6 or more times the weight of the Docter and their size dwarfs it. And no monocular worths against a similar binocular. Binoculars are more stable, give a stereoscopic view, brain picks up the best from each eye and superimposes images. They also have a far greater selection. And most are around 60 degrees that look as if they were more because of binocular vision.
The reasons to use a monocular are size, portability, zooming (nightmare in binoculars) and simplicity. People with just one worthy eye might prefer them also.
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Great post mate :cheers:
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Here's a couple crappy pics of the one I picked up for like $6, it ain't the best but it helps you see further away and clear, lol.
JR
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v196/mrssabrina/2956bb333c1860a6dd5fd2b77efb4083_zpsmjbre9zu.jpg)
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You won't accuse me for my natural envy of Tosh's panoramic optics picture, I'm a buff for such things and this is subconscious, I can't help it. So, after several attempts, I present here my (almost, I guess, at least I hope so) picture of my complete terrestrial/portable optics picture, excluding tripods, mounts, bigger telescopes, eyepieces and other accessories.
Front Row: My Fieldscope/Solar Scope/Rich Field Telescope: William Optics Zenithstar 66ED Petzval Refractor 66/400 f/6.1 with RDF and Baader Hyperion Zoom II 24-8mm (16.67x-50x)
Second Row, Center: My vintages: 1989 CCCP (KOM3) ΜΠ2 8x30 Porro Monocular, a classic Zeiss Soviet copy and my tourist monocular for decades, 1989 CCCP 3T Zenica 8-24x40 Telescopic Fieldscope, my pirate scope and Asahi Pentax Type 561 8x30, another classic Zeiss copy, this time from Japan.
Second Row, Flanks: My EDC binoculars: Nikon Monarch 7 ED 8x30 for a lightweight allaround capability on the left and Pentax Papilio 6,5x21, the close focus speSmurfpillst.
Third Row: The workhorses: Zeiss Conquest HD 8x42, my current workhorse and Zeiss Terra 8x42 ED, former workhorse and guest binocular
Fourth Row, Center: The EDC micros: The Analytik Jena Docter 8x21 C Folding Porro Monocular with +1, +2, +5 & +10 dioptres lenses (8x/100cm, 8x/50cm, 10x/20cm & 20x/10cm) and Belomo Triplet 10x21 loupe, MTO coin for reference
Fourth Row, Flanks: A borrowed Nikon Action CF 12x50 that is going to be replaced by some 10x (Canon IS 10x42 preferably) on the left and a beater Lidl Bresser 10x50
Fifth Row: The boulders: Canon 18x50 IS UD AW and Canon 12x36 II IS for astronomy and long range terrestrial use.
That's it. Enough with optics, I need some SAKs and Multitools healing experience now.
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Wow!! Very nice :drool:
I hold you personally responsible for the 3 optics that have arrived over the past few weeks :D
Couldn't resist the GreenKat 10x50 monocular
But neither did the gorgeous GreenKat Mini Refractor escape my attention.
Then yesterday at work I spotted a complete 1200mm / 80mm f15 Topic Refractor (Towa 339) including original wooden case and complete with everything since the day it was sold over 40yrs ago.... Yep...couldn't resist. Did the 120 mile 3hr round trip to collect it last night - arrived home at 10pm. Up this morning at 5am to get into work early to give me time to start my latest project.......
A mobile telescope pier that I hope will take both telescope and binoculars.
Got home from work earlier and began cutting all the Steel. I hope to begin welding tomorrow.
Before you ask...No, I can't weld but I fully intend to have a good go! :drink:
Clear skies my friend :cheers:
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Here's my mobile pier in its first stages....
Braked swivel castors will go under the steel channel. Lugs will be welded onto the brace bars ready for screw jacks to be made and fitted.
Also the main pier will be braced off the base.
I'm undecided on the Top section. Most simply use 2 steel plates seperated by 4 threaded bars to allow access to remove the scope mount. I've simply cut an additional piece the same width as the 120mm box section. I'm not convinced, so I'll weld up the base and work out the top when I get there.
Wish me luck!
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Good luck!
Wouldn't a tubular pier have less vibrations?
That Towa must be a planet killer.
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Good luck!
Wouldn't a tubular pier have less vibrations?
That Towa must be a planet killer.
Why would that be?
I didn't have a choice - it was just scrap steel they were throwing at work - so I asked if I could have it.We do have some heavy steel tube, but there is little if any wastage. Like most companies today - stock is purchased with minimal wastage.
I'm starting to wonder now if the square box section will work or not. I considered filling it with sand to dampen any vibrations.
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Dry sand or lead pellets. Wait, it will be unliftable. Dry sand is OK.
They also use a kind of foam (polystyrene?) that hardens as a rock but is very lightweight.
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You'll see two more incoming monoculars soon. Both are very interesting, the German is vintage and very flexible and the Japanese is promising.
I don't remember the last time I bought a SAK.
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You'll see two more incoming monoculars soon. Both are very interesting, the German is vintage and very flexible and the Japanese is promising.
I don't remember the last time I bought a SAK.
Looking forward to seeing these when they arrive. I'm like you, I haven't bought hardly any MT's or SAKs for the past few months.
My mobile pier is coming on......slowly :facepalm:
After you mentioned the vibration issue I decided to brace the entire post. Plus add extra large screw jacks for stability as well as the castors when they arrive. The reason it's taking so long is partly due to my work place getting fed up with me constantly asking for more materials :whistle:
Good new is I think I've now got all my steel bits. Just done a dry fit to check if there's anything glariously missing before I start welding it together.
I'm going to paint it Off White when it's finally completed.
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Now it looks firm like a Sumo wrestler.
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I received today my tiny original Arthur Siebert EMOscop!
The attached pic is from eBay but that's the one I bought pictured there. I'm going to take new pics soon.
The two other pics are from submin.com
For your understanding, I quote http://www.submin.com. Both Gerald from submin.com and Urlich from http://www.monocular.info/ helped me with my purchase of this special vintage optic (now discontinued and alive as a Haverhills Chinese copy).
(http://www.submin.com/binocular/collection/seibert/emoskop/emoskop.jpg)
EMO-OPTIK Arthur Seibert Emoskop
The Emoskop is a combined telescope, magnifier and microscope only 42mm long in a close fitting cylindrical leather case (in brown or black).
Arthur Seibert ( 1906- 1980) was Ernst Leitz lens designer from 1920 to 1947. In 1948 Seibert left Leitz and undertook the task of designing a subminiature lens for the Minox camera. Arthur Seibert was a great optics designer, his most famous designs were the five element Pentar lens of Minox II and the COMPLAN lens for Minox III/IIIs/B, and early Minox C. The Pentar and COMPLAN are still two of the sharpest subminiature lens-- in fact the sharpest of any commercial photographic lens”.
In 1951, Arthur Seibert formed his own optics company, EMO-OPTIK in Wetzlar, West Germany. Many EMO's products are masterpieces of optical design, for example:
Highly corrected EMO Wetzlar 5x Macromax loupe
Emoskop : this marvel is a telescope, a microscope and three magnifier in a pocket package only 50mm long. It is the optical equivalent of a Swiss Army knife.
Octoskop : A combination loupe with eight magnifications: 2x 4x 6x 10 x 14x 18x 20x 28 x .
An Emoskop in an all plastic construction has been made in China. Some Emoskops came with an accessory stand for use as a microscope.
The three parts are combined to give a telescope of 2.5x, magnifications of 5x, 10x,15x and a microscope of 25x and 30x.
The top and middle pieces (see photograph above) are combined to give an adjustable 2.5x telescope.
The middle piece is a 5x magnifier.
The bottom piece (far right) is a 10x magnifier.
Middle and bottom combine to give 15x magnification.
All three combine to give 25x microscope. By pulling the ocular out of the objective tube magnifications between 25x and 30x can be obtained. The ocular is itself a x5 magnifier when viewed through the tube.
When used as a microscope the working distance is 24mm from the object.
25x 42mm
30x 57mm
When used as a telescope 2.5x/teleloupe 3x
Infinity 34mm
30cm 50mm
When used as a Loupe
5x 25mm
10x 9mm
15x 32mm
(http://www.submin.com/binocular/manuals/seibert/emoskop_german.jpg)
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A really amazing instrument!!! :2tu:
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Love the the leather case!
JR
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This is my Emoscop, with similar optics and MTO coin for reference. See how small it is? It is very sharp and capable for its size though. 3x for a monocular seems little but it isn't, since I use it for things I can see but I can't focus on in order to read letters on them. As a microscope or loupe on the other hand it is unbeatable. Apparent field of view is restricted, about 30 degrees (it is Galillean after all) but true field of view is about 10 degrees, so you can see 10 degrees with your central vision (high resolution) and it cuts all peripheral vision, but you have the other eye for that, if you keep it open. And all that from an optic the size of a thimble, designed from an man who worked for Leitz (Leica) and Minox (the spy cameras of the vintage espionage films) and made in Wetzlar, Germany.
My case specimen is made from black leather, with the patina of time but still functional and adorable.
Belomo triplet loupe and Docter monocular are designed by Zeiss, perhaps in the same city of optics, Wetzlar, but built in former Zeiss factories in Jena and Minsk. Belomo still makes lenses for Zeiss microscopes, if that says something. The best part is that these optics, because of their size, can be EDCed and cost much less than standard apperture optics from the same manufacturers. Emoscop has an aperture of 18mm as a monocular (standard sizes are 16-21mm) and 13mm as a microscop. Used with a gigher magnification loupe it provides more microscopic magnification. So a 20x loupe would give 50x-60x. But my experience says, 5x for nature, 10x for gems, 15-30x for artifacts (money, stamps etc). It covers them all!
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(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/04/3d8ccefd6fdd1bc05eaca6f4c2eb4e53.jpg)
(http://images.tapatalk-cdn.com/15/12/04/bc818820661223e61c11a2cd5f9e2819.jpg)
This is the Opticron Gallery Scope 8x20.
It is bigger than the Docter and close to its optical quality, with just a little more field if view and eye relief. What's nice with that scope is its extreme close focus without the need for an additional lens. It goes down to 30cm. There is an additional 3x lens though, integrated to a transparent skirt that converts it to a 24x field microscope. Overall I find the Docter more charming but this could be a beater scope (not that it is a cheap one) that can be used faster (thus without a case, although it came with a case. Even myself I find EDCing 3 monoculars (and a binocular) a little over the top, so I have to choose which one would be more useful.
The fact is that none of these has the great eye relief and ease of use of the Zeiss 6x18 a friend has. All three together cost less than the Zeiss.
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Gosh KK, you have really superlative optics my friend!!! :cheers: The vintage stuff is so awesome!
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I like optics. I could say that according to a hypothetical Brechtian Glaskauf, optics are not just glass. They give the man what wings or snorkels give, a superhuman power to exceed his limits.
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This is my Emoscop, with similar optics and MTO coin for reference. See how small it is? It is very sharp and capable for its size though. 3x for a monocular seems little but it isn't, since I use it for things I can see but I can't focus on in order to read letters on them. As a microscope or loupe on the other hand it is unbeatable. Apparent field of view is restricted, about 30 degrees (it is Galillean after all) but true field of view is about 10 degrees, so you can see 10 degrees with your central vision (high resolution) and it cuts all peripheral vision, but you have the other eye for that, if you keep it open. And all that from an optic the size of a thimble, designed from an man who worked for Leitz (Leica) and Minox (the spy cameras of the vintage espionage films) and made in Wetzlar, Germany.
My case specimen is made from black leather, with the patina of time but still functional and adorable.
Hmmm, when I go on MTo I expect to be tempted by multtools, but now I have just purchased an (I think) original Emoskop "EMO Seibert Wetzlar" (as if I didn't know already, MTo and eBay is a dangerous combination :facepalm: ), so I guess I'll see what I think of it when it arrives from the US :D
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It is an optical multitool. You can check your knives condition with that.
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Congratulations kkokkolis, that opticron is lovely. I think it's the same model as mine - I can't check because all mine are back in the loft......my wardrobe is full...........of multi tools :facepalm:
But I'm pretty certain that when I received mine (I'm sure it was this model :think: ) the "View" wasn't quite right. So decided to remove the whole optical train and clean them :ahhh
It was then that I noticed two convex lenses facing each other. I remembered a little about optical light paths through convex and concave lenses. So decided to try a different sequence.
After reassembly I peered through and was simply blown away by the detail. Mine has a ridiculous short focus and the clarity....so sharp it almost a cuts your eyeballs.
Without a doubt optics are just as adictive as MT's in my view.
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According to your pics it is the same. I also received the same brown pouch with it.
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(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160106/567e9e05c6a30161305aa4be91575a4e.jpg)
A gentleman's choice, a real alpha, Leica Ultravid 8x20.
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So I would love to get a monocular. What is a good model that will not break the bank.
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What's your budget and operational requirements?
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What's your budget and operational requirements?
200 or less US Dollars. Will use it to spot man sized targets out to about 600 meters.
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Then a 8x20 will work. Minox Macroscope 8x25, Vixen/Opticron 8x20 and Docter 8x21 C, all cost 125-165€ and maybe less in the states. The Docter, although the cheapest, it's also made in Germany and served during two World Wars and a Cold War (they say Sasi agents used it, it is so conceivable!).
None is waterproof. If you need waterproofness then a Nautical model (Bresser, Celestron, Omegon, Minox) 7 or 8x42. They are bigger and contain a compass.
But binoculars are better because they give the perception of depth. For general military use 8x30s have been used for a century. Bigger models are used by artillery, navy etc, but a Nikon Monarch 7 8x30 ED would be your best friend. Waterproof and armored amd can be used with glasses, in contrast with all under 200 monoculars.
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Yeah they have to be waterproof.
The reason I thought a mono would be good is because I have issues with two lenses in binos lining up so as to make one clear picture.
Could be an operator issue I guess.
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Then you will need a monocular like this: http://www.optcorp.com/celestron-8x42-cavalry-monocular.html
(http://www.optcorp.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/c/e/ce-71215.jpeg)
It is made for hunting and military use, waterproof and armored, with good night performance.
Why is it so much cheaper than the smaller 8x20s? Because it is Chinese (most of the others are German or Japanese) and of inferior optical quality. But that doesn't bother a hunter or a soldier, since he is going to use the sweet spot of the binocular (the center 50%) where it will perform closely to much more expensive optics (most of the differences are at the edges).
It might be that you can't align the binocular images because you never tried a good binocular. Cheap binoculars are usually miscolimated. Another possibility is that you didn't adjust properly the interpupillary distance.
Among the best binoculars for military use are considered these: http://www.astroshop.eu/docter-binoculars-7x40-b/p,11637
(http://nimax-img.de/Produktbilder/zoom/11637_1/DOCTER-Binoculars-7x40-B.jpg)
Very expensive and an old design, but they are considered indestructible.
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I am sure I did not adjust the interpupilary distance seeing as I do not know what it is.
I suppose the binos could have been cheap. They are whatever the Army issues out. I have a pair around here somewhere I will take a picture of.
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I am sure I did not adjust the interpupilary distance seeing as I do not know what it is.
I suppose the binos could have been cheap. They are whatever the Army issues out. I have a pair around here somewhere I will take a picture of.
They used to issue great ones...Steiners.
These are the newer style M-22's
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I am sure I did not adjust the interpupilary distance seeing as I do not know what it is.
I suppose the binos could have been cheap. They are whatever the Army issues out. I have a pair around here somewhere I will take a picture of.
They used to issue great ones...Steiners.
These are the newer style M-22's
Used them many times.
I am going to need them back SG. As it turns out I am the US Army's Rep in charge of getting old stuff back.
You have my address.
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I am sure I did not adjust the interpupilary distance seeing as I do not know what it is.
I suppose the binos could have been cheap. They are whatever the Army issues out. I have a pair around here somewhere I will take a picture of.
They used to issue great ones...Steiners.
These are the newer style M-22's
Used them many times.
I am going to need them back SG. As it turns out I am the US Army's Rep in charge of getting old stuff back.
You have my address.
:rofl: I think Fujinon makes an M22 for y'all now as well.
http://www.armslist.com/posts/218724/hampton-roads-virginia-hunting-for-sale--m22-fujinon-sniper-binoculars-7x50
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I am sure I did not adjust the interpupilary distance seeing as I do not know what it is.
I suppose the binos could have been cheap. They are whatever the Army issues out. I have a pair around here somewhere I will take a picture of.
They used to issue great ones...Steiners.
These are the newer style M-22's
Used them many times.
I am going to need them back SG. As it turns out I am the US Army's Rep in charge of getting old stuff back.
You have my address.
:rofl: I think Fujinon makes an M22 for y'all now as well.
http://www.armslist.com/posts/218724/hampton-roads-virginia-hunting-for-sale--m22-fujinon-sniper-binoculars-7x50
Yep. We actually have both these and the older green ones still.
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Used mine for the first time today,, my wife got transferred to a diff room in the hospital last night so when I went in to see her today the view was amazing from the 4th floor, but I didn't know what this one building was off in the distance and I couldn't read what the sign said, so, I had my pack on me, and I took out my cheap monocular to check it out, focused on in to find out its a rehab! But hey they work!
JR
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I know I'll be sorry I asked, but what's the use of a monocular?
Or at least, why a monocular?
I have a cheap binoculars that I've use perhaps 3 times, used one of those big game scopes for the first time last year, looking at Oryx and other game out on the plain from camp was great fun..............but the prices are scary.....
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I know I'll be sorry I asked, but what's the use of a monocular?
Or at least, why a monocular?
I have a cheap binoculars that I've use perhaps 3 times, used one of those big game scopes for the first time last year, looking at Oryx and other game out on the plain from camp was great fun..............but the prices are scary.....
Well in my case it's half the size and tucks away nice.
JR
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So just a minimalist binocular? :rofl:
I've never seen one used locally so I'm intrigued, have seen them for sale so I assume people do use them.
Yup yup, the dangers of MTO.......all it takes is pretty little thing in a leather case and me wants my Precious :ahhh
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So just a minimalist binocular? :rofl:
I've never seen one used locally so I'm intrigued, have seen them for sale so I assume people do use them.
Yup yup, the dangers of MTO.......all it takes is pretty little thing in a leather case and me wants my Precious :ahhh
Yes, just cut in half.. It does all the same just only one eye besides two. And yes very dangerous on the wallet! lol..
JR
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Did we ever narrow down a good model of monocular for me that don't cost to much?
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Minox Macroscope 8x25, Vixen/Opticron 8x20 and Docter 8x21 C, all cost 125-165€
These are the best affordable monoculars with functionality. The Leica 8x20 and Zeiss 6x18 are better but they are very expensive and the Docter is really close.
There are cheaper chinese options but they have poor roof prisms and they lack eye relief. If you want to try one and you have big cargo pants, try this: https://www.optcorp.com/celestron-8x42-cavalry-monocular.html
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Awesome, thanks.
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I picked this up years ago at a second hand shop
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20160304/cc5f9226c9a0a34ce0dc1aec08a6c556.jpg)
Don't know anything about it other than it was made in Japan. I haven't used it much, but it is fun to watch wildlife from a distance on occasion.
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Thought I'll show some of mine too, as I just made new pictures of them today.
KOMZ Monoculars (8x30, 10x40 and 12x45)
(https://abload.de/img/antt015gqsj0.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/antt014lasf1.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/mono0011csei.jpg)
KOMZ BPZ5 8x30 (it should actually be a BPO but it seems they do not take their designations too seriously..)
(https://abload.de/img/antt01791sgf.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/antt016svsh4.jpg)
KOMZ BPO s 7x30 (B7x30) old and new version
(https://abload.de/img/bpos7x30002jusm0.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/bpos7x30001wxsk4.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/bpos7x30004pusae.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/bpos7x30003kisn1.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/bpos7x30ok002jfsrg.jpg)
Chinese 62-8WYJ - 8x30
(https://abload.de/img/antt019ois02.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/antt018o6ss6.jpg)
Swarovski 6x30 Habicht
(https://abload.de/img/antt021yfs5j.jpg)
(https://abload.de/img/antt020uksd1.jpg)
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Well it is a monocular, limited uses though.
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161127/917e1f3c0e4933a4d3f9ee14985e45df.jpg)
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Here's mine, a 8x20 Zenith Trilux 6.5° With extra short focus. I got it from my father who couldn't seem to find any use for it. It feels really nice and all of that but the focus part makes it hard to find a real use for it, it seems to be in the 20 cm to 10 m range.
(https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/58245811/Multitool.org%20-%20Pictures/20161202_222728-2064x1161.jpg)
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42, this is a GalleryScope, it should focus in eternity also. Doesn't it?
Daark, excellent collection. How old is the Habicht? I see you like classic Zeiss type porros.
Today, I made transparent stands for my Emoscop and Docter. I used a small disometric cup, a 100ml bottle of VG and a ln Urobox. The Emoscop is made to focus on the table, perfect for flat things like stamps. The Docter is telescopic and focusable. With 5 diopters (10x) I focus under the screen on my mineral collection. With 10 diopters (20x) I focus on the table. The Emoscop stand fits in my optics EDC box (where I also keep a Belomo 10x and my USB key).
The Opticron GalleryScope is inside my car's armrest room now. I use it to read roadsigns from distance (not while driving ofcourse).
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161225/dbe8c8a2a35f88c6ba815d070c26d8d4.jpg)
(http://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20161225/c272e1a82da110c9b167bfe5b7484802.jpg)
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42, this is a GalleryScope, it should focus in eternity also. Doesn't it?
Daark, excellent collection. How old is the Habicht? I see you like classic Zeiss type porros.
Today, I made transparent stands for my Emoscop and Docter. I used a small disometric cup, a 100ml bottle of VG and a ln Urobox. The Emoscop is made to focus on the table, perfect for flat things like stamps. The Docter is telescopic and focusable. With 5 diopters (10x) I focus under the screen on my mineral collection. With 10 diopters (20x) I focus on the table. The Emoscop stand fits in my optics EDC box (where I also keep a Belomo 10x and my USB key).
The Opticron GalleryScope is inside my car's armrest room now. I use it to read roadsigns from distance (not while driving ofcourse).
Maybe that is true, I find it hard to use with glasses so maybe I haven't tried it out enough.
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Some lovely stuff here gents. :cheers:
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Update:
1. A new hot babe is coming from Germany
2. The Seibert Emoscop doubles as a booster for other monocular and binoculars. 2.5x15 it is, so it boosts from 8x to 20x, from 10x to 25x, from 12x to 30x and from 18x to 45x. You need a tripod to use those magnifications. Nowhere you may find that information, I just discovered that myself, by experimenting. I am thrilled, because the Zeiss 3x12 booster shown below costs 400€ to do the same thing and much less other things than the Emoscop.
(https://nimax-img.de/Produktbilder/zoom/5240_1/ZEISS-3x12-monocular-magnification-attachment-for-binoculars.jpg)
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What would it do to my ×45 Monocular? :dd:
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112.5x, too much for the atmosphere limit of ~50-60x. Your monocular is close to the limit, no booster needed.
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It's a small telescope to be precise...
Picked it up recently at an optician's closing sale at 90% discount.
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A picture will be appreciated.
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Will do when I get home! :salute:
(2 hours max)
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Low light pics.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180901/8ff0037ec0baafc92e1ed136e704f403.jpg)
Variable zoom 15 - 45x
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180901/7a05a0b469e533cf36703ea45ddcdc93.jpg)
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180901/7d686b694e2a60e578d0519dc66333ab.jpg)
Comes with original box and carrying case. Sadly without the original tripod.
The pricetag is still on the box, but I removed it from the telescope.
It was €100 back in 1999-2000 but never got sold.
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Nice! That’s like a pirate monocular or spotting scope. 45x is too much for 40mm, I suggest you stick to 15x most of the time and go up to 20-25x during day and 30-40x at night. Mine is 8-24x40.
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Spotted the exact same telescope at a flea market today.
Seller wanted €5 but it was covered in glue from stickers and the large lens was scratched (which wasn't very visible when looking through it though)
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Still, 5€ is peanuts.
What does it say on the sticker?
Fabrique à Belgique?
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Nono,
Made in Japan.
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And I payed 10 for my NIB one...
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Oh! SBS are Japanese rebranded optics in France. Now they are selling Vixen Optics. This comes from the ‘80s or ‘90s perhaps. It says “Coated”, today’s standard is Fully Multicoated.
Can you measure the eye relief and apparent field of view, approximately?
Japanese Optics for 10€ is a steal.
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The what and the what? :D
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Oh, my!
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FOV in degrees?
No clue... it alters with zooming ofcourse...
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So, it has a moving Smythe lens inside.
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*blinks eyes rapidly*
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The same optician also sold me this collapsable 30x30 telescope.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180902/d495d930f0c2773d158754ce1c036c76.jpg)
The smaller lens shows in the fact that images appear darker through this one compared to the zoomable telescope.
Getting an image sharp is done by altering the extension (distance between both lenses).
Made in Japan, costed €10 as well.
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Fun fact: the collapsable one joined me on my trip to normandy and worked great in the sunny outdoors during hikes along beaches and grasslands.
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They are overpowered, so they produce a small exit pupil of 1mm or below. That means the image is dark, the contrast is low, vibrations are great and you see floaters from your eyes. The zoomable at 15x gives an ep of 2.67mm and that's adequate .
You lucky people of Central Europe, I always loved your flea markets. I've been in Adwerpen, Amsterdam, Copenhagen, Berlin etc, but being able to visit them weekly or daily gives you more opportunities..
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Alot of visits before anything decent pops up though...
Like nearly never a SAK.
Today's market had 200 sellers, not a single SAK there...
And yes, that is my main reason for visits :D
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Here it is, in the middle. Zeiss Conquest Mono 6x18 T* with Schmidt Pechan prism, 30cm Macro (9x) and 6.84* FOV.
Much better eye relief all than the rest and easiest to focus (still, both hands but one hand is feasible with training). Perhaps that will be my daily helper from now on.
I'll take a new family photo with all handheld monoculars soon.
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Here they are. It’s crazy how small the Docter 8x21 is (a 100 years old design) and even crazier how small the Seibert (a 60 years old design). The Zeiss has the best eyepiece and coatings, the notorius Phantom*. It’s finally a BT*P* model. The casing is fiberglass and plastic, so it looks like a toy (to the effect add the “Design Selection” looks of the ‘90s, it’s like the “Dynasty” culture of Optics). But this makes it light. The draw tube design makes it the easiest to use. It has the best leather case I have seen, second place goes to Docter (it reminds the leather pouch of Wenger SAKs). Seibert is leather too, the others faux. The Opticron (Japan) is very well designed and built. It does the job but in a slightly darker way than the German pieces. I’ll keep it in a car. In the second photo we see the Macro configuration.
So, Zeiss and Opticron do the same job exactly, but Zeiss is better in every aspect, not much but it is. Docter does the same in its special way and Seibert is a miracle of another kind, more a microscope than a telescope (but a perfect stealth focusing aid).
All other monoculars that count are variations on these designs (the most indigenous is the Minox Macroscope).
Now, should I EDC the Zeiss or the Docter?
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I just carry them both. The Opticron stays in the car, the Docter, Seibert and Belomo form a “microscopy” package and the more convenient Zeiss stays reachable in my backpack beside the rest. It’s equal to the Docter and marginally better than the Opticron (costing more than the two combined), but it has the better eye relief (I can use it with eyeglasses) and the faster macro focusing. The Docter diopter elements can be used with the Zeiss too, although they don’t click in place.
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180930/73fb9f76c29d05b34814f1f2635351d7.jpg)
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My monocular - a Vortex 8 power. It is always in my pack on my mountain bike. It is clearer than my binocular.
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Update:
1. A new hot babe is coming from Germany
2. The Seibert Emoscop doubles as a booster for other monocular and binoculars. 2.5x15 it is, so it boosts from 8x to 20x, from 10x to 25x, from 12x to 30x and from 18x to 45x. You need a tripod to use those magnifications. Nowhere you may find that information, I just discovered that myself, by experimenting. I am thrilled, because the Zeiss 3x12 booster shown below costs 400€ to do the same thing and much less other things than the Emoscop.
(https://nimax-img.de/Produktbilder/zoom/5240_1/ZEISS-3x12-monocular-magnification-attachment-for-binoculars.jpg)
I just wanted to say that you just got me to pick an Emoscop up, the more recent production I believe.
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Let’s see your Emoskop then!
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Let’s see your Emoskop then!
I totally forgot about this topic until now but they seem to have multiplied since I first posted about getting one. The first I got was the cheaper, partially plastic one and I almost instantly realised I would want one in only metal. Picked up the Haverhill version but have not sold the first I bought because I'm using the pouch from that one The Haverhill pouch doesn't seem to fit the transparent riser. I should get on making one myself I think.
(https://drive.google.com/uc?export=view&id=1ikerNLlA637V_fvsiqsjkcIC4QSFRKP_)
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The what and the what? :D
(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/JovialPlumpArgentineruddyduck-size_restricted.gif)
:D :D :D :D
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(https://thumbs.gfycat.com/JovialPlumpArgentineruddyduck-size_restricted.gif)
:D :D :D :D
Over.2.years.ago (-_-)
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Over.2.years.ago (-_-)
Timing is everything!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
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Anyway, since then, both my binoculars died on me, and the one monocular is too overpowered with a too narrow view, while the other is too large to carry conveniently.
I'm in dire need of something new/else...
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Timing is everything!
:rofl: :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
:iagree: :rofl:
Some very nice optics in here :cheers: Closest I come to one of these is a small domed magnifying glass that is made from synthetic sapphire that I carry in my wallet :D