I use a couple of different monoculars. They work well for me but high magnification models can be hard to hold steady. 8X or 10X seems steadier.

Funny you bring this up I just took out my Steiner 8x22 that I've owned for years. Carried it hiking but age has caught up with me.

Image stabilization? Apparently not. No space for a battery.

I have an ancient, but excellent Leitz Trinovid 7x35 binocular.

ETA: My Trinovid binoculars are properly branded Leitz, rather than Leica. Leitz is the manufacturer; Leicas are cameras made by Leitz. I guess some marketing bustards forced the Leica name onto the Leitz monocular product.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Pipe Smoker,

I've had this monocular for close to 30 years, it has been a part of my EDC for decades. Used to use it a bit when hiking, camping, a little at work. Nowadays, I might use it 3-4 times a year, but it is still handy. But it is very safe to say the Leica one blows mine away.

I'm sure it's very good at ~$699 (B+H Photo).

I've never had their monocular, but I do have a pair of Leica 10x25 BCA binoculars that are about 30 years old. Excellent optics and very compact, the 8x20 BCA is even smaller. I don't know if they still have a lifetime warranty, but mine have been in twice with no charge aside from shipping.

Leica & Steiner is the best of the best in optical glass as far as I know, at least a ways back. I used to hunt where binoculars would be helpful, but I just couldn't afford good glass in that class, but worth it if you need or enjoy that level of optical and light gathering properties. I believe those companies provide glass for medical devices, in opthamalogy I believe, prob in surgery as well.

I think back then I was looking a Leica 8x40 binocular, the price was astronomical, but when you looked through them you understood why.