Binocular vs Monocular

[SayGudday]

Gudday! Need to replace some binoculars and are considering monocular. ANyone have any opinions on that?

[svcambria]

Did yer put an eye out, laddie, durin' Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Michael

[SayGudday]

Originally Posted by svcambria

Did yer put an eye out, laddie, durin' Talk Like a Pirate Day?

Michael

Lol, no, just thought a monocular might be more convenient to slip into a pocket vs bulky binoculars. Didn't know if the monoculars were inferior for some reason.

[Vasco]

Monoculars are difficult to zero in on whatever you're trying to look at.

[Bash]

Originally Posted by SayGudday

Lol, no, just thought a monocular might be more convenient to slip into a pocket vs bulky binoculars. Didn't know if the monoculars were inferior for some reason.

On a boat, the bulk of binoculars is not a problem. The reason we use such bulky binoculars is that they collect light better. This makes all the difference in the world at dawn or dusk.

No monocular will have the field of view of binoculars. This makes monoculars significantly less useful when scanning the horizon looking for navigation aids or other boats.

Don't make the mistake of trying to purchase binoculars that will serve you well both on the boat and off. I have two expensive (>$1,000 and guaranteed for life) pairs of binoculars, one for the boat and the other for my field work. The 7x50s on the boat are built like tanks and don't have a central focus mechanism because I use them for distance only, especially given their large depth of field. The 10x25s are ultra compact. While I would never consider slipping them in my pocket, I often wear them around my neck anywhere from eight to ten hours per day. I would never dream of doing this with my 7x50s.

[barnakiel]

Binocs are a waste of time if you have only one eye.

b.

[goboatingnow]

monooculars have little or no advantage

Dave

[Juniper]

It also depends on if you can focus both eyes into binocs, I can't well I just use one side of the binocs, when I replace it it will be with a spotting scope,

[denverd0n]

Originally Posted by Juniper

It also depends on if you can focus both eyes into binocs, I can't well I just use one side of the binocs, when I replace it it will be with a spotting scope,

Are you saying that your two eyes are so different that you cannot focus both of them in your binoculars? Only one or the other?

If so, you need to get a good set of binoculars with individually focusing eye pieces. My eyes are different enough that I require binocs like that. They are readily available, and generally better quality than the binocs with only the single, center focus.

[rusky]

We have both. I prefer an old 10X telescopic sight. I keep both eyes open.

[svHyLyte]

In your deliberations, you might find the KVH Datascope of interest.

FWIW...

[nwdiver]

Binoculars are easier to hold and see through on a moving boat, a little pocket pair are fine for reading numbers on a buoy close in and a big pair for spotting things a long way off. I have and use both. 7 by 50 (with compass) and 8 by 25, both are Nikon not too expensive, the little one s are cheap and I like the compass on the big ones.

[SayGudday]

Wanted to fill y'all in on what I finally decided on. Meet the Vanguard Mariner Waterproof Binocular (Marine Binoculars). 7x50. Anti fog. Waterproof. Compass. Compass light. Range finder. Floating neck strap. Very pleased with these. Let me know if you have any questions. And thanks again to everyone for all their help and input. Oh, and I'm glad I stll have two eyes ;P

[SayGudday]

Update: It's been over a year since I have had these binoculars and I thought you might appreciate and update. These things are GREAT. I couldn't be happier with these and really consider them to be the best piece of equipment I have on board. HIGHLY recommend.

[rtbates]

I have and have used both..

BINOC for sure and STABILIZED...The difference is night and day between stabilized and not...

I also have both type binocs on board. I use the non-stabilized as a real world example of why they (stab) are worth every penny...