Leica recently introduced the Monovid monocular. Monoculars are more compact than binoculars, but you lose stereo vision, which is why birdwatchers tend to shun them. I myself have a very strong director eye and correspondingly poor binocular vision, so this is not such a big deal for me.
The Monovid is supplied with an accessory screw-on close-up lens that reduces the minimum focus distance. This is useful for butterfly or hummingbird watchers, but the arrangement is clumsier than the Minox Makroskop.
The Monovid is essentially half of a pair of Ultravid 8×20 BL binoculars. The barrel is 3-4mm longer to accommodate the threads for the close-up lens, and it has a goiter-like knurled protrusion towards the end for focusing. The eyecup is the same, and can be either pulled out for normal viewing, or left in for eyeglass wearers. This is a far better arrangement than fold-up rubber eyecups. The leather case for the Monovid is quite bulky, and features a screw thread to hold the close-up lens as well as an ingenious ribbon that pulls the monocular out of the case when you flip the lid open. It also has a magnetic catch unlike the Ultravids’ snap button.
Unsurprisingly, the performance is nearly identical, that is to say, stellar. The image is bright (most monoculars are in the 12-15mm aperture range). There is no hint of distortion or chromatic aberration across the field. It is quite sensitive to perfectly centered eye placement, specially when you are wearing eyeglasses, otherwise you will black out.
Sadly, the price is not half that of the binoculars, closer to two thirds. Considering that it is not all that much more compact and you lose stereo vision, if you are considering one, I would recommend the more versatile Ultravid 8×20 BL (or the cheaper BR) instead. Another option to consider is the respected line of Zeiss monoculars (most are more compact than the Monovid, but the 8×20 is nearly the same size and not as well built) or the slower but smaller Nikon “high grade” monocular series (unfortunately the 7×15 has been discontinued, but old new stock is still readily available).
Dear Mr. Majid,
Thanks for your review. I wonder if you ever tried or will try this monovid as a camcorder add on lens? I have a Zeiss 6×18 monocular and recently I tested it on Sony CX 155E. The result was poor comparing normal lenses. But I belive Leica is in better optical quality. But how much better? Can you share us some photo or especially video footage using this monocular? I will decide to buy if I can find any such sample. Thank you very Much.
Murat Ozcelik
P.S.: Here is my test footage: http://vimeo.com/10090789
Hello Mr. Majid,
I realize the above posting is over a year old but I wanted to ask you a couple of questions.
I recently lost a Nikon 5X15 HG monocular. I tried replacing it with new old stock or even a used one but it seems to be unavailable.
Consequently I have been looking at other makes. I have been considering the Monovid. I prefer the shorter Nikon and like the eye relief of 15.8mm. I believe the Monovid measures the eye relief at 15mm.
I was wondering if you know where I can purchase the Nikon 5X15? I was also wondering, if it is an option, if you are planning on selling your Leica Monovid now or in the future.
I am an artist and have been using the monocular for life drawing, in particular portraiture. The monocular certainly aids me in seeing the details of ones’ face.
Any feedback from you would be greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Mario
Unfortunately I don’t know where to get old new stock. Last time I saw one was at Selfridges in London, 2 years ago. And no, my Monovid is not for sale, but they are readily available. You might want to have a look at the Zeiss monoculars, which are more compact.