Spyglass reality check

[Moto]

I'm thinking of getting a 25-magnification spyglass to carry in my tank bag. I may have gone mad.

Do any of you do this, or carry binoculars? What do you recommend?

Here's the modestly-priced item on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07MDX7P6N/?coliid=I1W2DGPIYGJC8A&colid=10F9OFTW5XUVK&psc=0&ref_=lv_ov_lig_dp_it

I'm thinking the longer tube will make it easier to stabilize than a short monocular, though the high magnification will mean it will still be a challenge. Also, of course, a spyglass is more compact than binoculars. I'm very fond of binoculars, but almost never take them because of space.

As a bonus I will have a natural conversation piece when I run into gay pirates. Any ideas?

Moto

[Lannis]

I doubt you'll be able to see much through that.   For that price, it's going to be junk optics, plus the light-gathering capability for 25x is going to be very limited with that size objective lens.

Fay and I wanted to make sure we could do some birdwatching on our last trip, so we took a nice pair of Nikon 7x50 compact binoculars, which did VERY well and took up very little room; they rode in the tankbag for easy access.

I'd look for a decent pair of compact binoculars.   What you've linked to is really a kids toy or costume prop ....

Lannis

[jcctx]

I have both an 8x and 10x monocular; $15 or so each. Good quality for the $. Walmart or one of the big box sport stores (it has been years??). Since I only have one working eye I have no need for binoculars (even tho I have 3 pairs)!!!

[Ncdan]

Spend a few bucks and get yourself a good pair of  binoculars, Nikon or Jason and don’t miss out in seeing something great that you may never get the opportunity to see again.

[Rick in WNY]

https://www.amazon.com/Bushnell-Waterproof-Compact-Prism-Binocular/dp/B006U0Z72U/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=bushnell+compact+binoculars&qid=1560361358&s=gateway&sr=8-4

I have a set of these. Much better than the pirates toy and nearly as compact.

[DougG]

Hi Moto,

I have the exact one that you pictured.  It was given to me by one of my kids.  I have it sitting on our coffee table, and it acts as an interesting ornament.  In use however, it has a very narrow field of vision and the image is  quite shaky.  It is more useful if you prop it against a stable surface while viewing.

Be well,
DougG

[rocker59]

I have Nikon compact binoculars that I carry on trips.

[Moto]

DougG,

Thanks for your comments. I was thinking of getting a closer view of things like birds or even far-off mountains or boats than 8-power binoculars provide, recognizing the shaking problem would be there. Completely unusable or just a disappointment for the shakiness, I wonder?

Lannis, I agree about the light-gathering capability.

For those recommending binoculars, I have several sets, including good quality and compact models, but thanks for your ideas.

The spyglass I found and that Doug owns uses coated optics of BAK4 glass, and is constructed with aluminum tubing. Though the price is shockingly low compared to good binoculars, part of the difference must be due to the relative simplicity of a spyglass, which has no prisms, no dual focussing mechanisms, no special castings for the two housings, and no collimation issue to address. It occurs to me that even an eye cup is beside the point for a spyglass, since the thumb and forefinger curl around your eye while they brace the scope against your nose and cheekbone, also blocking out extraneous light. No wonder good binoculars are expensive.

Most of the spyglass purchasers on Amazon indicate it is usable or better -- though Doug is making me more concerned. I guess I would have to brace my elbow on something to get a good view.

Moto