Binoculars/Monoculars - Kayak Fishing Adventures on Big Water’s Edge

RockyRaab · 05-06-2012, 03:19 PM

Trust me on this (I've written professionally about optics)...

You want compact binos with no more than 8X and an objective lens of 20-30. More power and you won't be able to hold them still while on waves. The objective lens has nothing to do with "wide view" but only with light gathering. Unless you go out at night, 8x30 is more than enough. You can find a gazillion compact models of 10x24 or so - and they'll be okay, but you'll have a tough time holding your interest item in the frame. A compact 7x24 would be MUCH better.

A monocular offers NO depth perception, and forces you to squint the "off" eye, which is very tiresome after more than a few seconds.

oneyedeer · 05-07-2012, 08:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RockyRaab

Trust me on this (I've written professionally about optics)...

You want compact binos with no more than 8X and an objective lens of 20-30. More power and you won't be able to hold them still while on waves. The objective lens has nothing to do with "wide view" but only with light gathering. Unless you go out at night, 8x30 is more than enough. You can find a gazillion compact models of 10x24 or so - and they'll be okay, but you'll have a tough time holding your interest item in the frame. A compact 7x24 would be MUCH better.

A monocular offers NO depth perception, and forces you to squint the "off" eye, which is very tiresome after more than a few seconds.

any models and make recommendations?

RockyRaab · 05-07-2012, 11:58 AM

I'm not current on new models, but I've always found Pentax optics to be a very good value for the money.

I haven't personally tested these three compacts (all 8x25mm) but they were reviewed by a trusted colleague of mine. Any one of them would be a good choice.

Leupold Rogue (about $85)

Nikon Travelite VI (about $70)

Olympus Tracker PCI (about $80)

T-Rex · 05-07-2012, 12:31 PM

If you're going to use them on the water, you should seriously consider somthing with image stabilization -- it makes a huge difference. Gyro is best but expensive, gyro assisted is good and electronic image stabilization is a lot better than nothing. Fujinon, Nikon and Cannon are all good. You can find Cannon 10x30 image stabilized on eBay in the $300-400 range.

I've got a compact 8x24 Bushnell H2O and a 7x50 Nikon. The Nikon gives much brighter, sharper image and works much better in low light conditions. Granted the Nikon's better quality, but a bigger diameter objective lens (50 vs 24mm) gathers a lot more light and works better at dawn, dusk and low light days. The difference is pretty noticeable even on overcast days. I bought the Bushnesll for the kayak and wish I'd spent more to get something with image stabilization.

Whatever you get, make sure it's completely waterproof and nitrogen filled. Otherwise, you'll have issues on the water.

05-07-2012, 12:31 PM	#4
T-Rex Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Rancho Santa Margarita Posts: 770	If you're going to use them on the water, you should seriously consider somthing with image stabilization -- it makes a huge difference. Gyro is best but expensive, gyro assisted is good and electronic image stabilization is a lot better than nothing. Fujinon, Nikon and Cannon are all good. You can find Cannon 10x30 image stabilized on eBay in the $300-400 range. I've got a compact 8x24 Bushnell H2O and a 7x50 Nikon. The Nikon gives much brighter, sharper image and works much better in low light conditions. Granted the Nikon's better quality, but a bigger diameter objective lens (50 vs 24mm) gathers a lot more light and works better at dawn, dusk and low light days. The difference is pretty noticeable even on overcast days. I bought the Bushnesll for the kayak and wish I'd spent more to get something with image stabilization. Whatever you get, make sure it's completely waterproof and nitrogen filled. Otherwise, you'll have issues on the water. __________________

05-06-2012, 03:19 PM	#1
RockyRaab Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 138	Trust me on this (I've written professionally about optics)... You want compact binos with no more than 8X and an objective lens of 20-30. More power and you won't be able to hold them still while on waves. The objective lens has nothing to do with "wide view" but only with light gathering. Unless you go out at night, 8x30 is more than enough. You can find a gazillion compact models of 10x24 or so - and they'll be okay, but you'll have a tough time holding your interest item in the frame. A compact 7x24 would be MUCH better. A monocular offers NO depth perception, and forces you to squint the "off" eye, which is very tiresome after more than a few seconds.

05-07-2012, 11:58 AM	#3
RockyRaab Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2012 Location: Utah Posts: 138	I'm not current on new models, but I've always found Pentax optics to be a very good value for the money. I haven't personally tested these three compacts (all 8x25mm) but they were reviewed by a trusted colleague of mine. Any one of them would be a good choice. Leupold Rogue (about $85) Nikon Travelite VI (about $70) Olympus Tracker PCI (about $80)