I was going to get a pair of compacts - the Ultravids seem very nice to me...
However, a 40mm objective monocular is equally (well almost) as 'pocketable' as a pair of compacts and gives a bigger, brighter image. Niether have ideal ergonomics compared with 'full size' bins but both have a 'pocketability' factor. Now I am in a bit of a quandry. Anybody out there using a monocular occasional bird ID?
Generally, I don't think you get as good of a "picture" with a monocular as you do with binoculars. However, my mopst often used optic is the little Zeiss 5x10 monocular that is always in my shirt pocket. I use it for a number of things other than looking at birds. I use it so much that I would feel lost without it.UOTE=ChrisSearle]I was going to get a pair of compacts - the Ultravids seem very nice to me...
However, a 40mm objective monocular is equally (well almost) as 'pocketable' as a pair of compacts and gives a bigger, brighter image. Niether have ideal ergonomics compared with 'full size' bins but both have a 'pocketability' factor. Now I am in a bit of a quandry. Anybody out there using a monocular occasional bird ID?[/QUOTE]
I tried a monocular thinking it would be ideal for shoving in my rucksack when I was off doing other things, but very quickly abandonded it - focusing it seemed incredibly slow compared to a focus wheel and it gave such a narrow 2 dimensional view compared to bins, oh and handling felt horrible to me. Having said all this I wouldn't want to put you off trying if you can borrow one before purchase - it may suit you.