Which Monocular Magnification Is Better?

Understanding monocular magnification

• the specification of a monocular is indicated by two numbers.
• the first number is the magnification power of the monocular; the second is the diameter of the monoculars objective, or front lens.
• these two elements effect how the monocular will perform in different circumstances and also the size of the monocular.

example: a monocular with a specification of 8×25

magnification power

this monocular will have a magnification power of 8, meaning that an object will appear 8 times closer than it would to your unassisted eye.

for example, if you view a buck that stands 50 metres away from you through a 8x42 monocular, it will appear as though it were only 6.25 meters away (50 divided by 8).

monoculars with higher magnification will allow you to see further and in more detail.

the great thing about monoculars is that you get the same power of binoculars with only half of their size.

• for example, in an 8x25 monocular (or binocular) "8x" refers to the magnification power, which means that the image will appear 8 times closer than it does to the naked eye.
• the "25" refers to the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters, which is the lens at the front of the monocular.
• the same rule applies to all other sizes such as a 10x42, 8x42, ...

Higher magnification, field of view, and stability

• decide how much magnification power you need.
• if you want monoculars with higher magnification power, you may go for a monocular with a 9x or a 10x magnification.
• you may opt for higher magnification power if you are experienced with using binoculars, spotting scopes, and monoculars.
• keep in mind that as the magnification power gets higher, your field of view goes down.
• so you may opt for a monocular with lower magnification power if you want a wide field of view.

it's important to note that while a higher magnification can bring objects closer, it can also make the image appear shakier or harder to focus.

• monoculars with higher magnification will allow you to see further and in more detail.
• keep in mind that as the magnification power gets higher, your field of view goes down.
• while a higher magnification can bring objects closer, it can also make the image appear shakier or harder to focus.

8x, 9x, and 10x magnification

• most monoculars have a magnification between 5 and 10.
• 5-8 is great for normal use and will give you a wider field of view, but if you’ll be looking at things really far away, you’ll want to go for 9 or 10 times magnification.
• a good beginner monocular would be 8 times magnification with a 25 millimeter lens.

• i would suggest that you consider the 8x over the 10x because of the greater depth of field it will have, especially on close objects under 70' or so from you.
• your focusing won't be as critical with the 8x.
• their wider field of view will also be handier too.
• and it will also be marginally brighter in low light conditions because of it's slightly larger exit pupil.

the 8x magnification might be insufficient for those needing higher magnification, though a 10x option is available from the same manufacturer.

• yes - but that difference (specifically in the context of birdwatching) would be only the choice between 8x or 10x.
• this is also largely personal preference, and many would still rather 8x in all environments, whereas others would opt for 10x in more open areas.
• handheld birdwatching optics 8x and 10x zoom are the only viable/widely used options.
• any higher magnification than that and you are getting into tripod territory.
• once you get over 10x handheld it’s too shaky for birds.

20x and high-power magnification

• don’t know why you would ever carry something with 20x magnification.
• no birdwatcher on this planet uses 20x binoculars.
• 8x is plenty.

• you will find that 20x magnification is way too shaky without a tripod.
• hence why birdwatchers almost always opt for 8x or 10x zoom binoculars.

monoculars have a much lower magnification than spotting scopes, with the magnification power of monoculars usually being 7x, compared to that of a spotting scope which is usually 20x or higher.

• spotting scopes are an important tool for many backcountry hunters/skiers/etc but require the tripod to be stable enough.
• while some professional guides are quite quick at deploying them, i do not think they are suitable for most birdwatching applications.
• a monocular may seem lighter but with the shakiness, and the loss of fov i think you'd be better off with the tool of the trade-binoculars.

Lens size and brightness

objective lens diameter

the second number used in monocular identification refers to the monoculars objective lens diameter.

the objective lens is the lens at the front of the monocular, furthest away from your eyes, and closest to what you are looking at.

the objective lens diameter of the example monocular is 25mm.

• the diameter of the objective lens largely determines how much light your monocular can gather.
• the larger the objective lens diameter, the more light that the monocular will capture.
• more light means a brighter view, particularly in low-light conditions.
• the downside is that the bigger the lens is the heavier and bulkier your monocular will be.
• users who want to enjoy a wider, sharper and brighter image often opt for lenses that have an objective lens diameter of 30mm or over.

• a larger objective lens diameter generally allows more light to enter the monocular and can result in a brighter image.
• additionally, a larger objective lens can make the monocular or binocular heavier and bulkier.
• so, it's important to choose the right combination of magnification and objective lens diameter that suits your needs and preferences.

Size, portability and magnification

• monoculars are significantly smaller and lighter than spotting scopes.
• monoculars have a much lower magnification than spotting scopes, with the magnification power of monoculars usually being 7x, compared to that of a spotting scope which is usually 20x or higher.

• determine if you want a small or a large monocular.
• an 8 x 25 or 10 x 25 monocular are considered pocket or compact models.
• you can slip a compact monocular in your bag, in your pocket, or keep it in your car.
• larger monoculars that are 9 x 30 or 10 x 42 may require a larger carrying bag and are often set up on a tripod.

• look at the weight of the monocular.
• you may try several different sized monoculars to get a sense of their weight and girth.
• if you are planning to carry the monocular around with you often, you may not want to get a model that is too heavy or bulky.

Trying magnification before choosing

• determine the lens size.
• you may find that monoculars come with a specific magnification power and lens size, such as an 8 x 25, which is a monocular with an 8x magnification and a 25mm lens.
• you may try out several different monoculars with a set magnification power and lens size to get a sense of what you are looking for.

• try out the monocular before you buy it.
• you should go in person to several retailers and try the monoculars yourself before you buy one.
• hold the monocular in your hand to feel its weight and size.
• slip it in your pocket and see how comfortable it feels.
• put the monocular to your eye to make sure the eye relief is a fit for you.

you may try out several different models to get a sense of what will suit your needs. do not be afraid to ask a salesperson to let you hold the monocular and try it out in the store. notice the magnification power and the lens on the monocular. make sure it is a good fit for you.