Whitby Gear 8x21 Compact Monocular and 8x42 Monocular

For long-distance viewing people generally reach for binoculars but there is an alternative with some distinct advantages of its own. A monocular, as the name suggests, is a single-eye optical device much like a small telescope and Whitby & Co. offers two models.

Because you’re using just one eye with a monocular, there is no need for a dioptre adjustment for the second eye, like on a pair of binoculars. Focusing is much faster and easier, which is very useful if you’re tracking game on the move. Also, because only one eye is looking through the lens, you can simultaneously keep your other eye on your surroundings, much like using a scope on a rifle. As there is only one tube on a monocular, they are also much lighter than comparable binoculars, at around half the weight.

Whitby Gear 8x21 Compact Monocular

This is a very small and lightweight unit, measuring just 90 x 30mm and weighing only 66-grams. It fits inside the smallest of pockets, even a shirt pocket, or can be worn around the neck using the lanyard supplied. It also has a black nylon carry case to protect it when not in use. There is an adjustable eyecup and focusing is extremely fast, requiring just a small twist of the eyepiece. For such a small and well-priced item, the light gathering, and clarity of view is really surprising. This item now lives conveniently in my pocket permanently.

8x42 Monocular

This much larger unit measures 160 x 60mm and weighs 352-grams, and it feels very strong and sturdy in the hand. It features an adjustable eye cup, lens caps, soft black nylon case, and hand strap.

Instead of focusing by twisting the main body of the monocular, there is a knob on the side of the tube which rotates extremely smoothly and allows you to get things very clearly focused, quickly. The lens cap on the objective end is attached to the monocular so it cannot get lost and the cap on the eyepiece can be attached to the hand strap to keep it safe. The hand strap connector can be unscrewed from the side of the monocular to expose a standard-sized mounting thread for a tripod, which is very handy if you are stationary and want to go totally hands-free.

The light-gathering ability of the monocular is again surprisingly good and the image quality is also much better than expected.

Conclusion

Both monoculars are really handy, light, and portable, plus represent great value for money. If you’re scoping out a potential new shoot, and carrying a minimal amount of gear, they are a great choice. Being able to keep the other eye on the landscape means you can pick up any movement outside the field of view of the monocular and then zoom in on it by bringing it into the view of the lens.