I was skeptical, now i'm pleased with the product, and the service. - Leica Monovid Close-Focus Monocular 8x20 mm w/ Case

I am retired Federal wildlife biologist, and have owned and used many high quality optics scopes and binoculars, including Zeiss, Swaroviski, and now Leica in a monocular which matches or exceeds the other brands. Also these companies do not make a comparable, waterproof, fogproof monocular. I have owned numerous, cheap optics, and am I feel that you have to pay for the best, and these are certainly expensive, and if you are particular about optics, there is no cheap route, other than a lucky garage sale or thrift store purchase. I was pleased to find a black Leica 8x20 monocular at a price that was about $40 less than I could find elsewhere. I was impressed by the Optics Planet website. After I ordered my monocular, with the free 2 day shipping, I was looking forward to soon receiving my product. I decided to check reviews of the company, and after seeing several negative reviews, I tried to cancel my order within an hour, but was not allowed because the order was already being filled. I was nervous, because this is one of the most expensive monoculars available, and good optics are expensive, and I was afraid, I had made a mistake, and was in for a big hassle. I ordered it on a Friday, and was thrilled to see over the weekend that my product had been shipped! The package arrived on Wednesday, the third business day after I ordered. I had received other emails and tracking information. After examining the monocular, I found it is exactly as advertised, it arrived in perfect shape, and the company Optics Planet kept me informed throughout the process.

As far as the monocular itself, it is just what you would expect from Leica. Anyone in the market for a highest quality, waterproof and fogproof monocular will not be disappointed. It is a solid feeling, satisfying tool in hand, and if you are looking to minimize size and weight for convenience or necessity, this is the best I could find. It is not as handy to hold steady as regular binoculars, but if you already have good quality binoculars, this monocular will deliver the same quality optics in an extremely compact product. With the convenience of the small size, I hope to always have it handy, whenever I might want to take a better look at anything. The close focus within a few feet is great when using normal monocular, but the extra lense for close-ups of about 1 foot was a little disappointing. You have to set the focus ring, and then move the monocular, and your head (like using a magnifying glass) to focus on something up close. It is a great magnifying glass, just a little awkward to use. Also the included wrist strap is not of much use, I prefer a neck strap, which is not included. With practice, monocular also serves as a good 8x zoom for your cell phone camera, and using your additional digital zoom with your phone, although it is difficult to hold steady, as zoom increases.