trying to decide between binocular or monocular. probably either the vortex solo 8x36 or vortex crossfire 10x42 HD. help me make a decision.use case would be just something fun to have while /out/ and about and maybe even in the city. so smaller size of monocular seems advantageous, but binocs seem easier to hold steady and give a sense of depth.
>>2874092Buy a Sig Zulu HDX. Those are the best. I play with $3500 Swarovskis, and I much prefer the SIGs. I have no reason to buy one, but I really want to.If you get a monocular, get a NOCS Zoom Tube.
>>2874093was thinking about the nocs originally, but people online generally seem to suggest to get a vortex solo instead
I prefer binoculars myself. Less eye strain. These are the ones I take /out/ with me..https://a.co/d/05G7gtPz
If you're a bird-spotter then take both. Swarovskis are amazing if you can afford them - the pinnacle of optical quality for me. Get them second-hand.
what about compact binoculars? best of both worlds?
I prefer binoculars, you're going to use both hands to keep it steady, might as well use both eyes too
i ended up getting compact binos witth 8x zoom. my first impression is that they are pretty good! however, i also think that 8x zoom does not really make much of a difference compared to my normal eye sight. i don't get much more information than my naked eye already does. and at the distance where the binoculars would make a difference e.g. by being able to read a sign, they are usually so shakey that i can't make it out anyway. so i would need a way keep it completely steady.i am gonna test them some more but there is a good chance that i will just get rid of them completely. i think a noticably bigger zoom would be more fun, but i don't see a point in spending that much money and carrying around so much stuff
>>2874918I find 10x to be the sweet spot. Any higher and it becomes hard to keep your target actually in view. Only use higher magnifications if you want to look at stationary objects exclusively. I bought these on Amazon for $40. Work perfectlyhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Y4MNGW8
>>2874092if eurofag, delta optical is a good choice. i have the forest 2 binoculars and i'm pretty happy with them. 10x50, pretty good in dark conditions, compact, rubberized, heavy off course
>>2874092Binoculars always if you can carry the weight, less eye strain. Crossfires are great for the money. I would get the best optics you can afford though. You will feel the difference, especially looking through them for extended periods. Nikon Monarch 7s use to be the gold standard for binos that punch above their price category. If you find a used pair I would get those.
Just ordered some zeiss terra 10x42 binos after a drunken eBay offer I didn't think would be accepted. I've never paid over $50 for binos before so I'm kinda exctied
>>2874918if you're already having trouble stabilizing 8x then 10x or higher will be way worse for you. and 8x is definitely way better than the naked eye. you need to look at some small animals or something to tell the difference. you can see the texture of their fur from like 50yards away, or what a bird has in their mouth.
>>2874144Compacts always trade power for portability.I personally like my digital night visions
>>2874097The Vortex is shit. I've played with both of them, and the Zoom Tube is the only thing worth buying. Vortex is more expensive and has shittier controls.
