Do you want a heavy-duty, durable monocular that performs well in all weather conditions (without paying a ton of money?) The Explorer may be the best monocular for bird watching, and I explain why below…
What Makes a Great Bird-Watching Monocular?
By the way, I own this monocular, so I can really speak to how well it works. There are 7 key factors that make me glad I bought it (besides the price, of course).
1. The Monocular Lets You Really Zoom in Wildlife
First of all, this scope provides 12X magnification. Therefore, you can see wildlife from a significant distance as well as close up.
Many less expensive units may only give you 6X or 8X magnification, which limits your bird watching capabilities. The Explorer, on the other hand, allows you to see up to 1,000 yards away.
2. This Scope is Designed for Outdoor Adventures
Second, Wingspan Optics makes this device both waterproof and fog proof. So, if you are kayaking on a lake or sailing on a boat, you don’t have to worry about moisture, mist or water spray impacting your view.
If you plan on using your monocular outdoors a lot, you want to make sure your device has these features.
3. Images are Brighter and Easy to See
Third, the manufacturer uses a superior level of glass in this monocular. Therefore, you get more light when viewing images, which makes them appear clearer and easier to see. “BAK-4 prisms are considered the best type of Porro prism as they are made of superior optical glass to produce clearer images”.
4. You Can Focus Clearly on Wildlife and Birds
Fourth, this scope comes with a larger 50mm lens. Basically, this allows more light and therefore clarity than, for example, a 35mm lens.
However, 50mm lenses typically weigh more and cost more too. For example, this monocular weighs 14 ounces VS 7.8 ounces of the Roxant Pocket Monocular with a 30mm lens.
5. You Can Focus the Lens with Just 1 Hand
Fifth, the unique ergonomic design of this scope allows you to actually focus the lens using only one hand. This convenient feature comes in really handy for the outdoorsman, or the multi-tasker. =)
6. The Explorer Feels Comfortable to Grip
Sixth, I find this birdwatching monocular very comfortable to hold. It has a somewhat soft-feeling exterior that enables you to easily grip the unit without any slipperiness. Plus, the circumference is not too narrow that it cramps up your hand.
I think this encasing also provides more protection than, let’s say, a plastic gadget could crack if you dropped it on a hard surface. Again, this structural design makes it perfect for outdoor wildlife viewing.
7. You Can Attach a Monocular Tripod
Seventh, you can attach a tripod.
Although this package does not include the tripod itself, the base of the scope does have 1/4″ threaded mount for a standard-sized tabletop tripod.
You may never have the need for a tripod, however, they can come in handy for hands-free viewing. (Like having a mini telescope at home!)
Package Includes: Nylon Mesh Carrying Case, Lens Protection Covers and Non-Abrasive Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth.
Specs for Wingspan Optics Monocular:
- Dimensions: 7.7″ Long x 4.4″ Wide x 3.3″ High
- Weight: 14 ounces
- Fog-Proof: Yes
- Waterproof: Yes
- Field of View: 246 Feet at 1,000 Yards Away
- Magnification Power: 12X
- Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Type of Prism: BAK4
- Model #: PE-12501
- Brand: Wingspan Optics
- Get the Wingspan Optics Birdwatching Monocular Here
What I Think About the Explorer Monocular for Watching Birds:
In summary, I really like using this device for spying on animals. In fact, I use it a lot from home because I can see lots of wildlife from my kitchen window.
Having said that, this bird watching monocular does weigh more than other compact handheld scopes.
Therefore, if you want a model that is truly lightweight, I’d suggest comparing a pocket monocular like the Roxant. Lighter-weight units typically have a shorter viewing capacity, but you can cut the weight by almost half. Your arm may thank you. =)
