A case for Monoculars

Pros of monoculars

• 1Simplicity of design: Comparing a monocular with a binocular, one will immediately realize that the design is so much simpler. Simplicity has a lot of benefits, which will be pointed out below.
• 2No diopter: In a binocular the two telescopes have to be aligned perfectly (collimation) to prevent distortion of images and headaches to the viewer. This is not a problem with the more expensive ones, but could be the case with cheaper models. Obviously, this problem does not exist in the case of monoculars.
• 3Weatherproofing: The more simple design makes it easier to get them fully water- and fogproof.
• 4Cost: Since monoculars are only half that of a binocular, they cost virtually half of the equivalent binocular. This means that you can buy into technology which you may not be able to afford (or be willing to pay) in the case of a pair of binoculars. Example: A Carl Zeiss 10x25 pocket binoculars will cost you anything from $500 to $700, depending on the particular model, which is virtually double what you pay for a Carl Zeiss 10x25 monocular ($344.50), getting the same quality as the expensive binocular.
• 5Size: Their size and weight are two of their greatest attributes. Any monocular easily fits into any pocket, which places them in direct competition with pocket binoculars. With pocket binoculars the manufacturers are limited by size and weight: A pocket binocular has to be compact enough to fit into a jacket pocket (or even a shirt pocket) and light enough not to be a burden. This is a considerable challenge. They are limited to apertures of 25 mm, since bigger ones will make the instruments too big and too heavy as well. They are actually limited by design as well: With the exception of reverse porro designs by Pentax and Nikon all pocket binoculars are roof prism types; normal porro designs (traditional design) will simply be too bulky to fit into any pocket.
• 6Weight: Since a monocular is merely half of a ordinary binocular in size, that goes for weight as well. They are really lightweight - some weigh even less than 6 ounces. They are so small, they can even fit into something as small as a purse! This means that you can always have a monocular at hand - in particular when you will not be carrying a binocular. For a avid birders this is a must. Wherever you are, if you see a bird and want to identify it quickly, just grab your monocular and get your answer in seconds. Then carry on with what you have been doing as if you have never been distracted!
• 7Since size is no issue at all, they have one huge advantage above all pocket binoculars: The objective lens of a monocular can be as wide as 40 mm and still easily fit into any pocket. The wider lens brings a lot of advantages, among which higher relative brightness.
• 8Inconspicuous:The very design of a monocular makes them very inconspicuous. You can carry one around without people even noticing and use them in the same inconspicuous way - if that's important to you.
• 9Close focus: Some monoculars can focus as close as a few inches! How cool is that! You can use these ones as field microscopes! If you are into real small things like butterflies and other bugs, a monocular with super close focus ability will open a new world to you.