No matter whether you are someone who likes to use optical devices to gaze at the stars or if you prefer using one to find and track prey while hunting, a monocular can be very useful. The first time you try using one, you will probably get hooked and want to use it all the time.
Unlike binoculars, a monocular is also an excellent device for people with impaired vision in one eye. Today, we are presenting you with a tremendous monocular created by the popular Pentax company. Let’s see what these have on offer.
Pentax 8×42 Monocular
This monocular was released a few years ago but is still very loved by people who need and appreciate excellent optical devices. It provides high quality based on its price, and you definitely can’t go wrong if you buy this monocular.
Who is this monocular for?
This product is for everyone who likes gazing into the distance — whether to spot birds, stars, or prey. Even if you’ve never used a monocular before, or if you have used binoculars instead, this monocular can become an essential part of your equipment. The price is a little higher than similar monoculars, but the quality it provides is astonishing. Also, it has a streamlined design.
What’s included?
First, we should mention that the monocular is packed in an excellent and robust package to prevent it from sustaining any damage during the transport process. In the box, you will get the monocular and a nylon carrying case. Besides that, you will get a short user manual on how to get the most out of this monocular, and two rubber lens covers to keep the lens and eyepiece safe when you are not using it.
Overview of features
This monocular includes a few useful, interesting features. The first thing we would like to mention is that it comes with an extra-low depression (ED) glass. Besides that, it has a slip-resistant rubber in the middle, which makes it hard for this monocular to slip from your hands and fall on the ground, even if it is wet.
Additionally, this rubber adds to the overall protection and durability of this monocular. It also has a twist-up eyecup that is comfortable when using it, and boasts multicoated optics. It is entirely waterproof, so that is something that you won’t have to worry about.
Also, note that it comes with a macro magnifier viewing stand that can serve as a telescope, and also as a microscope. Although it can’t be compared to real telescopes and microscopes, it is still an exciting and useful feature. If you have kids, they may find this to be the best “toy” they have ever used.
How to get the most out of it?
Although using a monocular is a straightforward process, you should always pay attention to the focus wheel. It is a small rotary wheel which is also a part of the monocular and is used to focus objects properly. Basically, if the image is blurry, you should rotate it clockwise when watching distant objects and counter-clockwise when viewing nearer objects. The focus wheel should be used continuously so that you will always have the perfect focus and a clear image.
Pros
- Very nice design
- Waterproof
- High-quality
- Comfortable, rubber eyecups
Cons
- A little bit pricey
Alternatives
If you, for any reason, don’t like this product, we are presenting you with a few great options. You can’t go wrong if you buy any of these monoculars, because they are all very affordable and provide exceptional quality.
Solomark 12×50 Monocular
First, there is a Solomark 12×50 monocular. Not only does it cost almost half the price of the Pentax, it also provides a fantastic image, and you can view very distant objects. It also has rubber armor and is completely waterproof, dust proof, and shock-resistant.
Jizmo 8×25 Monocular
However, you might be interested in the Jizmo monocular. It is an 8×25 monocular, which doesn’t allow you to see objects that are as distant as the other two models, but it is also priced very reasonably, meaning that it is affordable for everyone.
Conclusion
If you have used a monocular before, then you must know how great it can be to search for distant objects. Although it might not sound like much fun, it is an exciting thing to do. Also, if you enjoy outdoor activities like hiking, open-air concerts, hunting, and bird-watching, a monocular is a much more convenient option when compared to binoculars.
In the end, we can conclude that this device is definitely worth the price if we consider the quality it provides. It offers an excellent image, and it has excellent rubber and metal protection. It has all the great features that every monocular should have.
We hope that our Pentax 8×42 Monocular review has helped you decide if you want to buy this monocular — you definitely can’t go wrong. However, if it doesn’t strike your fancy, be sure to check some of the alternatives that we mentioned above.