Leica Monovid 8 x 20 Monocular with Leather Case (Black)

I have a nice set of binoculars from a major manufacturer that are very good and while not a true compact are on the small size. Primarily used by the military, no focus requirement and would recommend highly. I do some volunteer work for the local Police Dept. and in a fixed setting or even in a car these are hard to beat. However, I also do foot patrol or there are times I am seated in the car and if the binoculars are not already out it takes some time to pull them out of the bag. I wanted something that would fit in a tactical pants leg pocket and researched the usual suspects in the compact binocular world. To say I was a bit disappointed was an understatement. Many if not most are very poorly made and I noticed a disturbing trend from one major manufacture with an historically very good reputation to use the same case as their higher value binoculares with a slightly different name and downgrade the internals and typically leave off water proofing as a way to reach a lower price point. So buyer beware. In my mind if the binoculars or monocular are not water proof then it is only a matter of time before they fog and or grow green slime inside due to the moisture. Several reviews testify to that even among some prety well known manufacturers. As to price I certainly would not call these cheap yet, they are within $100 or so of a mid priced compact binocular of lesser quality so it seemed fair to me and they should last a lifetime which can't be said of many of the others. Plus they are really water proof not some gimmick advertising word like "splash proof". Translation: Don't get them wet! Don't forget too you are getting a Lecia quality close up lens and a leather carrying/storage case. Additionally, for my use which is a quick look at a liscense plate or for birders a quick look at a hidden bird I find the lack of controls (no adjusting for eye width, opening it from the storage position, no diopter settings and having to make sure the focus is balanced) extremely refreshing and FAST. You can see the object about as quickly as you can get it to your eye. Additionally, it is small enough to palm in the hand and be discrete so as not to arouse a bunch of interst in what you are doing. The focus knob is firm I suspect due to the water proofing but it is certainly very usable and it ensures that the focus does not change as it moves around in my pants pocket for hours at a time. After being spoiled I guess too to some very nice optics over the years I am a bit of a stickler for good optical quality too and these can't be beat. Would highly recommend!

Crisp, clear, compact, so easy to take it with you everywhere and love that it is waterproof. Pricey, yes, but it is so nice to have such a quality instrument. I very much enjoy the close-up lens that easily stores in the carrying case. Speaking of which I like the case design and how the monocular pops up as the lid is opened. It makes access so much easier. The close up lens screws into the case lid inside the case and it is protected. Putting it on a whole new world opens up. It's focal length is very small. Keeping it about 12 inches away from an object it is like having a high power, quality microscope to observe nature. On one walk there was a 1/4" jumping spider on a surface. I put the close-up lens in and the detail and colors of the spider where surprising. To see all the eyes and the greenish fangs was amazing. Yes, this costs more, but I will never have to buy another monocular f in my lifetime. Thanks Leica.

I bought this monocular in 2013. It is the best one on the market. Granted, it is pricey, but you get what you pay for. In this case the optics are wonderful and the design is great. It is solidly built. I love it!! The image is clear from edge to edge. No outer distortion. Focusing is easy. The focus ring is a little stiff at first, but after some use it loosens up. It is compact. The case is nice, but to bulky to fit in a pocket. There is no front objective lens cover, but that is easily corrected. You can go to a sporting goods store and get a rifle scope boot cover. This allows you to leave the carrying case in the car and carry the monocular in your pocket with both lenses covered. I use it mainly for bird watching. Sometimes I get to see deer or other small critters. A great item. It will last. I take it everywhere.

Okay so I splurged but it's really surprising that there are not many 'quality' monocular devices in that medium price range. I'm willing to pay for higher quality (instead of the cheapy $20 models) but they don't really exist. There are a few with large, bulky or funky designs but why put in $200 to a 3-star product. Why not make a simple-to-use, tubular monocular with high quality optics? Well, the only two I could find are the Zeiss 10x25 and the Leica 8x20. Both are known for their excellent optics with perhaps a slight lean toward Leica. Both designs are excellent but I decided to splurge and go for the top-of-the-line model. There isn't much else to say. If you prefer truly high-quality craftsmanship, a buttery-smooth focusing ring and very sharp, edge-to-edge optics then you gotta pay to play. It also comes with a quality leather tubular case. It's has a neat magnetic closure. This model also includes a screw-in lens that converts the monocular for close-up viewing. (I measured 12" here.) It is a shame that Leica doesn't provide a lifetime warranty (it's 3 years, non-transferable) but I can understand their position. I also was expecting the Monovid to be on the heavy side but it's very light. It's only 4oz! The most important point to the device is its optics. The optics are perfect and sharp as a tack. I really can't find any faults in this product. It will last my lifetime and will very likely get passed down for generations to come.

I have medium sized hands and this item fit perfectly with the right amount of tension on the focus knob. Perfect design and superior optics. There is an included lens for short focus. Screws on seamlessly. I would consider this a level above the Zeiss or Specwell/other monoculars. For 8x power scope, you probably will not find much better than the Leica. Ultimately, however, I would typically seek a scope with a bit better value. In other words cheaper. SOME of those cheaper scopes DO fall completely apart after moderate use, tho. These things should last a good ten years with plenty use.