All,

I'm looking for a lightweight, good quality, rugged, waterproof monocular for wildlife-spotting in the park.  I'd welcome input from anyone with specific experience with such a product.

Thanks!

Jimbo   8-)

I have this one. I use it at the firearm range or hiking.
It's not 100% waterproof as in being submerged but plenty good for rainy days.

If you want 100% waterproof be prepared to pay big bucks.

For the price you can try it in humid Fla and decide if it's good enough for a canoe trip?

  (You need to Login or Register

Thanks, ST.

I'm probably going to try to hold out for an exceptional deal on one that's fully waterproof (or, more likely, put one on my "wish list" for my next birthday or Christmas).

I have cheap, clunky binoculars that I seldom bother to carry.  I also have anultra-compact set of binoculars (also cheap) that are marginally worth carrying. 

I'm in no hurry.  It's my "hearing" that's gone downhill, not my eyesight. A monocular will be a luxury piece of gear when the right one comes my way.

Jimbo  8-)

Jimbo wrote on Mar 6^th, 2025 at 8:55am:

Thanks, ST. I'm probably going to try to hold out for an exceptional deal on one that's fully waterproof (or, more likely, put one on my "wish list" for my next birthday or Christmas). I have cheap, clunky binoculars that I seldom bother to carry.  I also have anultra-compact set of binoculars (also cheap) that are marginally worth carrying.  I'm in no hurry.  It's my "hearing" that's gone downhill, not my eyesight. A monocular will be a luxury piece of gear when the right one comes my way. Jimbo  8-)

The difference is considerable for the top of the line fully 100% waterproof.

This is the cream of the crop. Better be real nice to Mrs Santa  ;) ;D



  (You need to Login or Register

  Vortex makes good rifle scopes. There monocular might be a good compromise? Has a built in range finder so you can see how far away those Pollyhumpers are  ;D

  (You need to Login or Register

ST,

Was thinking more along the lines of NOCS Provisions Field Monocular (@$125) OR, if I was feeling really rich, maybe Bushnell's Legend 10 x 42 Ultra HD Monocular (@$175, on sale).  Both are fully waterproof.  Bushnell has the strong reputation, so it's tempting. 

Alas, I'm cheap, so I'll hold out a while longer for a possible deal.

Jimbo  8-)

Jimbo wrote on Mar 6^th, 2025 at 4:03pm:

ST, Was thinking more along the lines of NOCS Provisions Field Monocular (@$125) OR, if I was feeling really rich, maybe Bushnell's Legend 10 x 42 Ultra HD Monocular (@$175, on sale).  Both are fully waterproof.  Bushnell has the strong reputation, so it's tempting.  Alas, I'm cheap, so I'll hold out a while longer for a possible deal. Jimbo  8-)

If you find it on E-Bay and the price is to good to be true, it probably is  ;) ;D

ST, I found that out the hard way a couple years back!  Name brand boots were Chinese knock-offs that fell apart after a couple days in the park.

Never again!

Jimbo  8-)

PS. I'm now leaning towards binoculars.  Maybe these: Nocs Provisions Field Issue Compact 8x32 Waterproof Binoculars, Shockproof, Fogproof, 8X Magnification, Bak4 Prism, Multi-Coated Lenses for Adults & Kids, Bird Watching, Hunting & Wildlife Viewing   (You need to Login or Register

Jimbo  8-)

Jimbo wrote on Mar 7^th, 2025 at 1:43pm:

ST, I found that out the hard way a couple years back!  Name brand boots were Chinese knock-offs that fell apart after a couple days in the park. Never again! Jimbo  8-)

I knew you'd know what I was referencing  ;D
I've done it too. I bought a "wool" anorak for a price that was to good too.

The pictures/description made it sound like a steal.
Turned out it was made in China. The "wool" was actually just some-kind of synthetic they "fuzzed" up.

I actually was pretty well made and looked fit well.
But it was just a glorified hooded sweatshirt.
Gave it to a lady friend who is always cold.

Jimbo wrote on Mar 7^th, 2025 at 1:47pm:

PS. I'm now leaning towards binoculars.  Maybe these: Nocs Provisions Field Issue Compact 8x32 Waterproof Binoculars, Shockproof, Fogproof, 8X Magnification, Bak4 Prism, Multi-Coated Lenses for Adults & Kids, Bird Watching, Hunting & Wildlife Viewing   (You need to Login or Register Jimbo  8-)

I think you'd like binoculars over monocular for any long term viewing. Much more comfortable.

I have a pair of Simmons 8 x 25 compact ones I like very much. They don't make them anymore, at least not like mine.

Having the 8 x power I would suggest for about the same price/weight according to Amazon, I'd get the 10 x 32. Field of view is a little less at 1000 yds but mo power is mo better as long as everything else is the same.  ;) ;D