If you’re looking at monoculars, you’ve probably seen specs like 80×100. You might be wondering, is 80×100 good for a monocular? The short answer is: it depends entirely on what you want to use it for. These numbers describe the magnification and objective lens size, but they don’t tell the whole story. Let’s break down what this means for you.
Is 80×100 Good For A Monocular
On paper, an 80×100 monocular sounds incredibly powerful. The “80x” means 80 times magnification, and the “100” means a 100mm objective lens. In theory, this combination promises bright, highly zoomed-in views. However, in real-world use, an 80x monocular presents significant challenges. It requires an extremely steady hand or, more realistically, a heavy-duty tripod to be usable. The high magnification also amplifies heat haze and atmospheric distortion, often resulting in a shaky, blurry image during the day. For most users, this specification is impractical.
Understanding Monocular Numbers: Magnification & Lens Size
Every monocular has a two-number specification, like 8×42 or 10×50. The first number is the magnification. The second number is the diameter of the objective lens in millimeters. This lens gathers light.
- Magnification (e.g., 80x): This tells you how much closer the object appears. 80x makes something look 80 times closer than it does with your naked eye.
- Objective Lens (e.g., 100mm): A larger lens (like 100mm) collects more light. This leads to a brighter image, which is crucial for low-light conditions like dawn or dusk.
The combination is key. A huge 100mm lens can gather plenty of light, but the 80x magnification is often too much to manage effectively.
Practical Problems with 80x Magnification
While powerful, 80x magnification introduces hurdles that affect usability.
- Extreme Shake: At 80x, even the tiniest hand movement is magnified 80 times. The image will jump around so much it’ll be impossible to see details clearly. A very sturdy tripod is not optional—it’s mandatory.
- Narrow Field of View: You see a very small slice of the world. Finding and tracking a bird, boat, or other moving target becomes very difficult.
- Atmospheric Distortion: Heat rising from the ground, air pollution, and humidity create haze. High magnification makes this distortion very noticeable, especially over long distances, blurring the image.
- Eye Strain: Holding your eye in the perfect position (eye relief) for a clear view is tiring at such high power.
When Might an 80×100 Monocular Work?
There are niche scenarios where this setup could be considered. It might be marketed for extreme long-range terrestrial observation of stationary objects, like watching a distant mountain peak or structure from a fixed, stable position. Even then, image quality is highly dependent on the optical glass and coatings used, which are often lower quality in monoculars boasting such extreme specs.
What Magnification is Actually Good for a Monocular?
For handheld use, most people find a magnification between 8x and 12x to be the sweet spot. This range offers a good balance between zoom, image stability, and field of view.
- 8x to 10x: Excellent for general use like hiking, birdwatching, or sports events. They are easy to hold steady, have a wider view, and are generally brighter.
- 12x to 16x: Suitable for more detailed observation, like identifying distant wildlife. A small tripod or monopod can help stabilize these for longer viewing sessions.
Anything above 16x really needs to be paired with a support system for consistent, clear viewing.
Choosing the Right Monocular for You
Forget the maximum magnification hype. Focus on these key factors instead:
- Intended Use: What will you use it for most? (e.g., birding, concerts, travel, stargazing).
- Handheld Stability: Choose 8x or 10x for reliable handheld viewing without a tripod.
- Lens Quality & Coatings: Look for terms like “fully multi-coated” lenses. This reduces glare and increases light transmission for a sharper, brighter image than a larger, poor-quality lens.
- Exit Pupil: Calculate this by dividing the objective lens size by the magnification (e.g., 42/8 = 5.25mm). A larger exit pupil (over 4mm) gives a brighter image, which is helpful in low light.
- Build & Weatherproofing: A rubber armored body provides grip and protection. If you’ll be outdoors, look for waterproof (IPX7) and fog-proof (nitrogen purged) construction.
Common Monocular Specifications Compared
Here’s a quick guide to popular specs and their best uses:
- 8×42: The all-rounder. Great light, steady view, perfect for general outdoor activities.
- 10×50: A bit more power and light gathering. Good for open areas and lower light, but slightly shakier handheld.
- 12×50: Offers more detail for stationary subjects. Benefits from leaning against something or a monopod.
- 80×100 (or similar high-power): Specialized for tripod-only use on stationary targets. Often suffers from optical compromises and is not recommended for beginners or casual users.
FAQs About Monocular Power and Size
Is a higher magnification monocular always better?
No, not at all. Higher magnification makes the image shakier, dimmer, and the field of view narrower. It’s a trade-off, not a straight upgrade.
What does 100mm on a monocular mean?
The 100mm refers to the diameter of the front (objective) lens. A larger lens lets in more light, which can mean a brighter image, but it also makes the monocular much bigger, heavier, and more expensive to produce with good quality glass.
Can you use an 80x monocular without a tripod?
It is practically impossible to use an 80x monocular effectively without a very solid tripod. The image shake will be so severe you won’t be able to see anything clearly.
What is a good monocular for bird watching?
Most birders prefer a monocular in the 8×42 or 10×42 range. These provide a bright image, a wide field of view to track birds in flight, and are easy to hold steady for long periods.
Are expensive monoculars worth it?
For regular use, yes. Higher-priced models typically have better glass, superior coatings, and more durable, weatherproof construction. This translates to a sharper, brighter veiw and a product that lasts for years.
Final Verdict: Should You Get an 80×100 Monocular?
For the vast majority of people, an 80×100 monocular is not a good choice. The extreme magnification creates to many practical problems for handheld use, and the image quality is often disappointing due to optical limitations at that price point. You will likely end up with a bulky, tripod-dependent device that gathers dust.
Instead, invest in a quality monocular with a sensible magnification like 8x or 10x paired with a good-sized objective lens (42mm to 50mm). You’ll get a reliable, bright, and easy-to-use tool that you’ll actually want to take with you on your adventures. Remember, the best optical device is the one you use comfortably and often.