Monocular vs. Binoculars for the Range

[timberwoofers]

Looking for a recommendation. My thought is preferably a monocular vs. binos for easy carry but I really don't have experience with either so looking for suggestions.

This will be used at the range for 50 and 100 yards to locate shots when using open sights and 1x optics. Would also be nice to have this handy in the woods on hikes. Yes I have a spotting scope/tripod but looking for something light weight/easy to pull out and use.

Not seeing that many people use a monocular at the range, am I missing a reason for this?

I'd like to keep price around $300. I do wear glasses so this may make a difference as to certain models and their eye relief.

Thanks in advance.

[pennstater]

Look at the Hawke Sports Optics ED 8x42 Endurance Monocular. Thinking of one for myself. Left eye dominate, right eye not so hot. Hawke also has one in 10x42. Either one is about $106.

MLC

[Starslinger]

I have a Vortex 10x monocular and it works pretty well. I was only $60 I think. It is easier to carry on a hike than binoculars. I don't really know if binoculars would be better as I only have good eyesight in one eye. But the monocular does work.

[jarhead714]

Vortex makes an 8X monocular with an etched range finder for like 150 bucks.

[Peahi2]

I have a vortex monocular...its lived a useful life. The small size makes it very handy to keep in the bag when I go pistol shooting indoors and outdoors. it lives in that same bag when I'm rifle shooting as well, but obviously isn't so useful for long range, and in those cases, the spotting scope comes out.

Sometimes I wish I brought binoculars along to make it more comfortable looking at targets (instead of closing one eye and squinting through the monocular), but lugging around a binocular case is just one more thing to carry. I've also used some small binoculars from REI at times...they're ok too.

Just buy a reasonably priced vortex monocular...and with that $300 budget, put the rest away in your ammo or future binoculars fund. Your monocular is probably not the call for 100 yards. I know it sucks lugging around the spotting scope.

[FNGGlock]

May sound stupid but why not get a cheap scope with the magnification you need?
They seem to be mass produced and cheaper than other optics. Typically the glass quality is fine to spot at 100yds.

[timberwoofers]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I hadn't really thought of using a cheap scope as a spotter, that actually might work best.

[Dirtlaw]

Thanks for all of the suggestions.

I hadn't really thought of using a cheap scope as a spotter, that actually might work best.

Good idea, but there is the issue of weight. The older you get it does become an issue.

[parap1445]

For the range, a spotting scope is best. The large objective compared to binocs or monocs will allow you to resolve small bullet holes (ie 22 cal) in your target, especially at 100yd. Even a large 10x binocs might not pick them up without a lot of contrast.

For causal walking around, monocs are nice and compact. My Bushnell Legend 10x42 monocular has good enough glass to allow me to see splashes on steel at LR matches out to 800yd or so.

[j1133s]

Looking for a recommendation. My thought is preferably a monocular vs. binos for easy carry but I really don't have experience with either so looking for suggestions.

This will be used at the range for 50 and 100 yards to locate shots when using open sights and 1x optics. Would also be nice to have this handy in the woods on hikes. Yes I have a spotting scope/tripod but looking for something light weight/easy to pull out and use.

Not seeing that many people use a monocular at the range, am I missing a reason for this?

I'd like to keep price around $300. I do wear glasses so this may make a difference as to certain models and their eye relief.

Thanks in advance.

I think the reason you don't see too many use a monocular is because the distance is too far for the typical 8x-10x monocular. I use an 8x monocular for pistol shooting at up to 50 yd; but I like to use 20x at 100 yds with rifles because rifle holes are smaller and I want to see every hole (e.g. holes touching each other, I want to resolve them).

[kcheung2]

The problem with using an unmounted scope as a monocular is that scopes have a 3-4” eye relief & it’s hard to hold a scope that far in front of your eyes while simultaneously trying to point it. Binoculars/monoculars are pressed up against your face so they’re more stable.

[Ewcmr2]

I’ve had a Vortex 8x monocular for years. Compact/light/cheap, easy to throw in backpack.
Recently picked up Leupold bx-4 8x42 binocs. Bigger/heavier/more expensive. I haven’t looked through monocular since binocs arrived. The visual difference is huge, I thought the monocular was good but I had no idea how much more detail was possible to see.
So, for casual looks at stuff while hiking monocular may fit your needs. If you really want to see what’s out there get some good binoculars.

[sonofeugene]

I have a pair exactly like that and I absolutely love them. But I think they are totally inadequate for viewing shot placement at a distance. For that I use a Pentax 20-80 x 80 spotting scope.

[land locked]

I have 10x50? bushnell binoculars that go to range with me everytime. Yes its bigger and heavier, but works for all ranges I usually shoot. I tried a compact monocular and it just doesnt have the distance and comfort. If I was only shooting from the bench or long distance I would invest in a spotting scope.

[theduracellbigd]

Just take your deer hunting rifle with its 3x9 scope on it, that's what I do. Then you get to shoot it as well on range day If not get binoculars 10x55 .