Blind and Visually Impaired Community
↑
14
↓
Monocular Recommendations (self.Blind)
submitted by Otamaboya
TL;DR - Are Specwell/Walters monoculars worth the $150-250 price?
Any folks with low vision using a handheld monocular?
I've used 6x-8x powered monoculars for years for all kinds of situations - watching TV from the couch, getting a closer look at things outside like street signs or crosswalk signs, etc.
I've been buying monoculars from low vision aid stores and notice some significant price differences. I've opted for the cheaper ones that go for $30-50. They do the job, but because of heavy use, tend to break down and need to be replaced about once a year.
I've seen options from Specwell and Walters that go for $150-250. I'm wondering if these pricier brands offer a real advantage. Are they more durable? Do they provide significantly better image quality that's worth the cost?
Here's what I've been buying. Notice there isn't even a brand name: $1
And here's same magnification for way more $$$: $1
Any folks with low vision using a handheld monocular?
I've used 6x-8x powered monoculars for years for all kinds of situations - watching TV from the couch, getting a closer look at things outside like street signs or crosswalk signs, etc.
I've been buying monoculars from low vision aid stores and notice some significant price differences. I've opted for the cheaper ones that go for $30-50. They do the job, but because of heavy use, tend to break down and need to be replaced about once a year.
I've seen options from Specwell and Walters that go for $150-250. I'm wondering if these pricier brands offer a real advantage. Are they more durable? Do they provide significantly better image quality that's worth the cost?
Here's what I've been buying. Notice there isn't even a brand name: $1
And here's same magnification for way more $$$: $1
SqornshellousZ 3 points 1y ago
B&L(Early Specwell) 8x30 I purchaed in 1994 for $240 CAD + tax. It was f'n expensive then, but I don't regret it. Replaced the lanyard twice since.
bdevel 3 points 1y ago
I have a Nikon 5x15. It's one of my most treasured possessions. https://imaging.nikon.com/lineup/sportoptics/binoculars/elegant/hg_x15/index.htm
Otamaboya [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Looks nice! The 7x15 might be a good option for me. How long have you had yours/how heavily do you use it?
bdevel 3 points 1y ago
I've had it years and always keep it in the case. Use it for birding, boating, or baseball games. It can focus on things that about arms length away, maybe 2.5 feet. It comes with a neck lanyard. It's not heavy but it's not cheap feeling. You'll probably appreciate the fine optics over the cheap scopes. You know your vision better that I do, but I would recommend the 5x over the 7x. Sounds like you are mostly using it to view things near by. The extra magnification makes things shake and harder to view, especially if you are trying to read.
itsaname123456789 3 points 1y ago
I got my dad a Gosky 12X55 ($180 CAD).
It is bigger than the ones you posted but that second lens diameter (55) is so important to him to let in more light. For my dad, the brightness was #1 and the magnification was #2 in order of importance.
Every time I talk with him he mentions how much he is using it and the difference it made vs his 10X30 that he was using before. He's been using it pretty heavily for a year or so without problems.
I ordered it direct to his place and because of the pandemic I haven't visited. I haven't tried it myself so Im sorry I cant tell you any more from first hand experience.
It is bigger than the ones you posted but that second lens diameter (55) is so important to him to let in more light. For my dad, the brightness was #1 and the magnification was #2 in order of importance.
Every time I talk with him he mentions how much he is using it and the difference it made vs his 10X30 that he was using before. He's been using it pretty heavily for a year or so without problems.
I ordered it direct to his place and because of the pandemic I haven't visited. I haven't tried it myself so Im sorry I cant tell you any more from first hand experience.
Otamaboya [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That's helpful, thanks! I was never too clear on the second number, but that makes sense.
itsaname123456789 1 points 1y ago
Cheers and good luck!
vwlsmssng 2 points 1y ago
I know someone who uses Eschenbach monoculars and magnifiers
https://www.eschenbach.com/
Like this one for wide view https://www.eschenbach.com/products/telescopes-keplerian-microlux-telescope-4294-413.asp
And this one for more distant objects https://www.eschenbach.com/products/telescopes-keplerian-microlux-telescope-4294-618.asp
These models have a mechanism that keeps the optics covered until you squeeze and release the monocular from the outer shell, the squeeze to close again.
These are issued by the NHS in the UK to people who are assessed as needing them.
https://www.eschenbach.com/
Like this one for wide view https://www.eschenbach.com/products/telescopes-keplerian-microlux-telescope-4294-413.asp
And this one for more distant objects https://www.eschenbach.com/products/telescopes-keplerian-microlux-telescope-4294-618.asp
These models have a mechanism that keeps the optics covered until you squeeze and release the monocular from the outer shell, the squeeze to close again.
These are issued by the NHS in the UK to people who are assessed as needing them.
Jabez77 2 points 1y ago
Am monocular and have never heard of these. Do you feel this tool helps you?
Otamaboya [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Yes it's very helpful for my situation. I am extremely near sighted. The monocular takes me from my normal 20/400 to about 20/60. Of course that's with a very narrow field. It easily fits in my pocket so I can quickly grab it when I need to get a closer look at something. And I'll use it at home watching TV and at the movies. The one I linked to at LS&S works great, but usually wears out and breaks after a while just from heavy use and the occasional drop.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
This nonprofit website is run by volunteers.
Please contribute if you can. Thank you!
Our mission is to provide everyone with access to large-
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
scale community websites for the good of humanity.
Without ads, without tracking, without greed.
©2023 HumbleCat Inc • HumbleCat is a 501(c)3 nonprofit based in Michigan, USA.