Visionary ZM-X 7 – 21 X 25 ‘Ultra Close Focusing’, Illusion 7 X 35

I’ve previously written/reviewed a selection of monoculars and binoculars from specialist optical company Optical Hardware and I remember then being impressed by the quality of product. This time around I was allowed to pick and mix from their expansive range and chose to highlight three monoculars I feel many will find useful.

UP CLOSE

First up is the Visionary ZM-X 7 – 21 X 25 ‘Ultra-Close’ Focusing zoom - both the zoom and focus ring operate smoothly and the fast focus ocular has a ‘turn-down’ rubber eye-cup – ideal for spectacle wearers. A useful feature is it’s designed so the front section of the outer casing can slide forward along the ‘distance- marked’ body tube. Allowing you to ‘inspect’ objects at very close range (approximately 30cm) and still use the magnification range. This makes it very handy for checking pellets, potential damaged areas of your combo - breech seals and such like. Measuring 4 5/8” closed and 5 3⁄4” fully extended the rubber-armoured body casing has an outer diameter of 1 1⁄4” plus a stainless steel lanyard point. In normal use (closed) it can focus from infinity right down to 0.5m. For quick field ‘observation’ and close up magnification this is very versatile and couldn’t be easier to use.

ILLUSION

Next up is the Illusion 7 X 35, ‘Illusion’ being the name given to the division of company products including binoculars, telescopes, monoculars and accessories that are ‘un-branded.’ All are available ‘off-the-shelf’ for companies to purchase and ‘rebrand’ accordingly. There also available for any individual to purchase direct!

All monoculars in this range follow a familiar offset eye-piece to objective lens design and the rubber- armoured casing measures 5 1⁄4 X 2 6/8” at the widest point. It has an integral elongated lanyard hole and a small square shape protruding pillar that’s threaded for tripod mounting. The eye-piece extends away from the main body casing and has a rubberised outer ridged focus adjuster.

Despite appearances the unit feels good in the hand and is easy to use one-handed – the body cupped/ held in the palm of your hand, while adjusting the focus ring using your thumb and forefinger. This is one of three various fixed magnification models in the range that can be bought with or without a mini-tripod.

FINALLY!

Last but not least is the top of the range Visionary VM-Z 10 – 30 X 50

The ‘VM-Z’ has a fast focus ocular a generously sized zoom ring with ‘dot grip’ rubberised outer for ease of use and the focus dial is positioned just forward of this on top of the unit

PRICES: from £34.99
CONTACT: Optical Hardware, 01226 203 275 for nearest stockists www.optical hardware.co.uk

FOR: Build quality, ease of use, zoom and focus rings operate smoothly, keenly priced
AGAINST: Not a lot
VERDICT: Visit the website as they have a comprehensive range of all things optical