63 replies to this topic

[lancing]

I am not sure if this is the right place to ask but does anyone have any particular recommendations for a good astronomy monocular?

 

Thanks!

[RichA]

I am not sure if this is the right place to ask but does anyone have any particular recommendations for a good astronomy monocular?

 

Thanks!

Do they even make such a thing?  Most monoculars in the binocular world are junk, the internet is awash in them at about $20-$40.  There are high quality units from Zeiss and Leitz, but they are too aperture-limited for astronomy.  Beyond that, you end up in spotting scopes.  Celestron's Hummingbird 50mm spotter is tiny and from most accounts, provides very good image quality.  They make a 50mm and 56mm version.

 

https://www.atlantic...NRrM6fJ5sByy5dU

[zombie1210]

I have a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 that's not bad for the night sky. It's even got a tripod mounting hole on the bottom of it. I've spent a few hours with it after dark. It does ok. 

[lancing]

I have a Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 that's not bad for the night sky. It's even got a tripod mounting hole on the bottom of it. I've spent a few hours with it after dark. It does ok. 

Thanks, I'll check it out!

[sevenofnine]

Look at the Gosky offerings. I have the 10x50 and it's very good in both optical and build quality. There are several other models. Some have ED glass too  

 

https://www.amazon.c...e904010ad0&th=1.

[lancing]

Look at the Gosky offerings. I have the 10x50 and it's very good in both optical and build quality. There are several other models. Some have ED glass too  

 

https://www.amazon.c...e904010ad0&th=1.

Thanks will check those out too. Probably going to try and grab something during the boxing day sales.

[Terra Nova]

Edit: I just looked at the OP’s footer and see that they already have an 80mm apo so I’ll address my comment to others who may not have a telescope and just have binoculars.

 

I always say, the best monocular for astronomy is a telescope. Just get a nice, small, shortish refractor. A scope with ED optics is preferable but you can have an awful lot of fun with a simple achromat like the ST80. Want to spend a bit more and get some real quality, then think about an AT72EDII from our sponsor (Astronomics); you’ll get a 5 pound scope with an F6 FPL-53 and Lanthanum-mated doublet objective. Getting a real scope will give you expandability and versatility you will never find in a monocular (or even a spotting scope).

 

https://www.astronom...fpl-53-f-6.html

 

https://www.telescop...2160/p/9946.uts

Edited by Terra Nova, 22 December 2022 - 09:00 PM.

[sevenofnine]

The Gosky 10x50 monocular was on an Amazon Flash Sale when I bought it. For $70 I figured it was worth the risk. Very pleasantly surprised   The armored scope fits nicely in your hand with an index finger focuser. The optical coatings look good to me and it's even waterproof. There's a 1/4-20 thread so it can be mounted on a monopod or tripod. There's even a decent soft case and a padded hand strap. Do I sound like a salesman...you bet I was 

[zombie1210]

Edit: I just looked at the OP’s footer and see that they already have an 80mm apo so I’ll address my comment to others who may not have a telescope and just have binoculars.

 

I always say, the best monocular for astronomy is a telescope. Just get a nice, small, shortish refractor. A scope with ED optics is preferable but you can have an awful lot of fun with a simple achromat like the ST80. Want to spend a bit more and get some real quality, then think about an AT72EDII from our sponsor (Astronomics); you’ll get a 5 pound scope with an F6 FPL-53 and Lanthanum-mated doublet objective. Getting a real scope will give you expandability and versatility you will never find in a monocular (or even a spotting scope).

 

https://www.astronom...fpl-53-f-6.html

 

https://www.telescop...2160/p/9946.uts

Doesn't fit in a pocket very well.

[RichA]

Doesn't fit in a pocket very well.

Neither does half of an 8x50 binocular, unless you have big pockets. 

[lancing]

Doesn't fit in a pocket very well.

Yah, the main reason I want one is something ultra portable I can just throw in a jacket and use anywhere. If I want to take images or do detailed visual on a mount I've already got all the gear for that.

[Tamiji Homma]

I have a few monoculars.  It isn't exclusively for astronomy but it is useful you want to see something

when naked eye isn't enough to see.

 

I used to carry Nikon 5x15 but I upgraded to Goto 5x18, aperture fever

 

 

Tammy

[zombie1210]

Yah, the main reason I want one is something ultra portable I can just throw in a jacket and use anywhere. If I want to take images or do detailed visual on a mount I've already got all the gear for that.

I would not go any higher than 8x. Monoculars are a lot harder to hold still than binoculars. Simply because you don't have as many "contact points" with your face and forehead to help stabilize them. 

[zombie1210]

And consider a monopod. A lightweight monopod works wonders for stability. Even just a stick can help. 

[Chuck2]

Bought these on coupon sale at Harbor Freight 10 years ago.

1. Very portable, easy to hold, sharp images, great contrast, perfect hiking companion in Yellowstone, etc.
2. Astronomy, 10x50mm brings reasonable magnification and resolution, under dark skies resolves the wispy claw like arms extending from M42 Orion, no CA on the moon, Jupiter’s moons resolve easily, no glare from Jupiter.
3. Add a solar filter to triple your fun!

 

Attached Thumbnails

• 
• 
• 
• 

[Dr. Megabyte]

The SVbony 8x32 and 10x32 ED Monoculars get lots of good mention in this thread: https://www.cloudyni...r#entry11995450

 

I own one of the 10x32 ED models and it was so much better than my Orion 10x42 monocular, I sold my Orion!!

[lancing]

The SVbony 8x32 and 10x32 ED Monoculars get lots of good mention in this thread: https://www.cloudyni...r#entry11995450

 

I own one of the 10x32 ED models and it was so much better than my Orion 10x42 monocular, I sold my Orion!!

Thanks. I've actually had pretty good luck with Svbony gear so far.

 

Seriously thinking about this one right now:

 

https://www.amazon.c...r,aps,82&sr=8-7

[Dr. Megabyte]

Thanks. I've actually had pretty good luck with Svbony gear so far.

 

Seriously thinking about this one right now:

 

https://www.amazon.c...r,aps,82&sr=8-7

That is the model I own. I consider it pretty good in the size / performance ratio.  You can save $50 over amazon by buying it direct from svbony: https://www.svbony.com/sv36/#F9329D

[sevenofnine]

lancing...In my experience, any optic good for night sky viewing needs a large objective to gather enough light. It also needs enough power to magnify the small objects. A small shirt pocket monocular with a small objective will be fine for daytime...not so hot at night. Your original post asked about an astronomy monocular? 

[Terra Nova]

Yah, the main reason I want one is something ultra portable I can just throw in a jacket and use anywhere. If I want to take images or do detailed visual on a mount I've already got all the gear for that.

I guess the closest thing I’ve come to that was my Stellarvue Little Rascal 50 mm RACI scope.

Attached Thumbnails

• 

[lancing]

lancing...In my experience, any optic good for night sky viewing needs a large objective to gather enough light. It also needs enough power to magnify the small objects. A small shirt pocket monocular with a small objective will be fine for daytime...not so hot at night. Your original post asked about an astronomy monocular? 

Yup, ideally something portable I can take out that would enhance my ability to see in the night sky if I happen to be going out for a walk or something.

 

I don't need anything larger as I already have an 8" SCT and 80mm refractor.

[RichA]

lancing...In my experience, any optic good for night sky viewing needs a large objective to gather enough light. It also needs enough power to magnify the small objects. A small shirt pocket monocular with a small objective will be fine for daytime...not so hot at night. Your original post asked about an astronomy monocular? 

Pretty much.  You can't see anything of planets with a hand-held 8-10x scope and objectives of 50mm or below really don't show much in the way of deepsky objects except maybe some larger open clusters under dark skies.  That leaves the moon and the sun.  Monoculars are mainly for terrestrial objects.

[sevenofnine]

I use the Gosky 10x50 monocular at night when I'm guiding my Dob with it's laser finder. It's very useful that way   

[Scott99]

I always say, the best monocular for astronomy is a telescope.

What is a monocular?  A telescope.   When you're small they call you "monocular"....AFAIK these are apo refractors

 

The optics on the 5x15 Nikon one are very nice.

Edited by Scott99, 23 December 2022 - 03:05 PM.

[theskywatcher]

You want something small enough for your pocket - I get it.  I have the Orion 8x25 ED monocular and it is really good, with of course its small objective lens.  It costs about $100.  I keep it on a neck lanyard but it easily fits in a shirt pocket.  Its end caps are the same size on both ends - a bonus.  I also have an old Zeiss 8x30 B monocular that I had professionally cleaned on the inside, to eliminate a slight yellow haze.  The Orion is almost as good as the Zeiss.  The Orion is a cylinder shape and is perfect for your pocket.  If you go up to something in the 30 mm range or bigger, it will obviously not fit in a pocket as well as this Orion.  Due to its shape, I recommend the Orion over the Zeiss.

 

I have a few other monoculars including one that is Japanese made and is 8x24.  The Orion is much better than that one even with only one mm more of objective lens.  Obviously better coatings.  The Orion gives me a brighter view of the night sky.

 

For its small size, I am very happy with the views looking at the night sky.  You already have other bigger optics.  This is one you will like having in your pocket.  Far better than just looking up while taking a walk, with no optic.

Attached Thumbnails

•