Which Is Best: Osprey Scopes Monocular or Binocular?

Today we are going to compare the pros and cons of binoculars when compared to monoculars. The most popular Osprey binoculars are the 10x42 Binoculars and the Osprey Global 8x42 Monocular. Both we find to be useful iin the field but for different reasons. To find which is best for you check out our comparisons below.

Should You Use A Monocular Or Binoculars?

Monoculars are smaller, lighter, and more cost-effective than binoculars. They will fit in your pocket and can offer impressive magnification. Osprey Global has three different Monoculars all for under $100. So what’s the deal with them? Are they as good as the Osprey Binoculars? If you get an Osprey Monocular what are the drawbacks? What other things should you consider when purchasing an Osprey Scope Monocular? And isn’t a monocular the thing the guy from monopoly wears? (No that's a monocle)

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Weight.

If cutting excess weight in your hunting pack is your primary concern then the monocular will win every time. They are quite literally half the weight when compared to Osprey Globals Binocular selection. For example, the Osprey Global 10x42 Binocular weighs in at 26 ounces. On the other hand, the Osprey 8-24 monocular is only 14 ounces making it almost half the weight. It is only 12 ounces lighter but ounces will turn to pounds and pounds turn to pain.

"It is only 12 ounces lighter but ounces will turn to pounds and pounds turn to pain." - every serious hiker

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Size

While the Osprey monoculars and Binoculars are roughly the same length, the binoculars will not fit in most pockets or side nets in packs. This is a key advantage of the Osprey Global monocular range: They will fit easily into quick access nets in your pack and even into tactical pockets in your tactical vest and active pants. This means you can have quick access to your monocular without having anything jangling around your neck.

Wearing something around your neck is fine for short hikes but when trudging for hours on end the more unencumbered you can be the better. So the Osprey Monocular wins when ease of access and ergonomics are considered.

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Speed

Traditionally monoculars can be a little bit fiddly. For example, the 8-24 is a three-step process to zoom in and focus; You extend the body, adjust the zoom ring then rotate the body to focus. The fact that the Osprey Global 8-24 Monocle has such a large magnification range and fits in the palm of your hand is its biggest selling points. Its main drawback is that it lacks speed and simplicity.

That all changed when Osprey released the fixed power 8x42 monocular. While not being as strong at the top end as the 8-2x32 monocular it is extremely fast and easy to use. While many people will still prefer the trusted and true binoculars, there really is very little difference in target acquisition when comparing the Osprey Global 10x42 binocular and the Osprey 8x42 Monocular.

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Clarity

Clarity can change depending on which binoculars or monocular you are using. The 8x42 monocular from Osprey has a 42mm objective so it will have more clarity than both the Osprey 10x26 binoculars and the other monoculars. As we have mentioned previously in these articles, the bigger the objective the more chance you have of increased light transition.

In saying that, the 10x42 binoculars and the Osprey 10-22x50 binoculars both have equal or larger objectives so the light transition will be equal or better BUT you are using both eyes which makes identification and distance estimation a lot easier. So again If clarity is your primary concern you want either binoculars or go to the next step and get a dedicated long-range spotting scope.

The best monocular for crisp clarity and light transition is the Osprey 8x42 monocular due to the fact that it has teh largest objective of the Osprey monocular collection.

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Comfort

Many of us have spent years using binoculars which makes them familiar and when something is second nature it immediately makes them comfortable. As previously mentioned some monoculars like the Osprey 7-17 and the Osprey 8-24 can take a moment to get the hang of. The Osprey 8x42 on the other hand is a life changer as it is comfortable and ergonomic in the hand and a single finger spin aperture wheel means that you can get comfortable very quickly.

In saying that the Osprey 10x42 Binocular has a patented comfort grip coating making it both shockproof AND comfortable to hold. As the saying goes if it isn’t broken then don’t fix it and that applies directly to this situation. The monoculars are more comfortable to carry but the binoculars are superior when it comes to actually viewing your target.

Another thing to consider is eye strain. When using monoculars as a quick glance or preliminary looks at details they will feel almost identical to binoculars. If you have to be looking for extended periods of time; while birdwatching or hunting, then this can create eye strain when one eye is always closed. Using binoculars will be more comfortable for most people and it also makes it easier to judge distances when both eyes are engaged. The clear winner for comfort while in use is Orpey binoculars.

Osprey Scopes Monocular Vs Osprey Binoculars : Best Use

The binocular will always be the best option for an all-rounder. Ideal for birdwatching, safari, or hunting. They are better at judging distances and speed of view pick up. A monocular can fit a lot into a small package so it is ideal for a quick glance style of viewing. This may include navigation while hiking or animal viewing for small periods of time. They may also be better suited for fine detail when size matters. The Osprey 8-24 monocular can see fine detail out to 24 power so for reading tags on cattle or some other quick glance activity monocles are ideal.

Osprey Scopes Monocular VS Osprey Binoculars: Overview

As usual your gear depends on what you are trying to achieve. If you want to keep it light and easy to carry then the monocular will be the obvious choice. If you value comfort and clarity then the Osprey Global 10x42 binocular is going to be hard to fault. In reality both the Osprey Global monocular and binocular selection ahas something to offer no matter what you are looking at. 

I personally use the monocular while hiking and leave the heavy lifting to the Osprey 10x42 when I need something more detailed. If you aren’t sure then the binocular should be your first purchase. If you want to spend less and get a decent bang for your buck then get one of the Osprey monocle 8x42 and you will not be dissapointed.