Leica monovid monocular - Leica Monovid Close-Focus Monocular 8x20 mm w/ Case

I had been eyeing this monocular for awhile now and recently decided to buy it despite its high cost. I was looking for a high quality optic that was small and light and that could fit in my shirt pocket with a lightweight neck strap around my neck. I have had it for a few weeks now and have had some time to use it in different scenarios such as sight seeing, traveling, hiking and hunting. Let me first say that I am fortunate to own a few high end binoculars including a Leica 10x50 Ultravid and a Zeiss Victory 8x20 compact. It is against these binos that I compaired the monocular. The monovid is lightweight and very clear and worked suprisingly well in low light. The adjustment wheel is smooth and easy to use and the eye relief worked well with or without eyeglasses. Since its a monocular, the field of view is compromised compared to a pair of binoculars. It is expensive. I can accept that given the quality but it doesn't come with a neck strap or front lens cover. You have to buy those separately. These should be included at this price. That being said this tiny optic is impressive and exhibits a very high build quality with excellent optics. I did buy the Leica neck strap and a front lens cover. The lens cover was from Butler Creek. Designed for a small scope, get size 02A, it fits perfectly, although you have to take it off to get the monovid back in its case. It comes with a pretty cool magnifying lens that works really well. Overall I am happy with this little unit. Whether or not this item is worthwhile for you to purchase really depends on what you want to do. I use optics for a variety of purposes and don't think I could get by with just one. For example, when I go hunting I will sit looking through my Ultravids for extended periods of time. The Monovid wouldn't be good for that. That being said I went into a wooded thicket the other day and the Monovid came along so I could scan the forest looking for deer standing motionless. It worked great for that. It's also great for route finding for the hiker or bringing things in closer when traveling. I recommend the product as it is excellent. Whether it will serve your purpose you will have to weigh your needs.