Monoculars

A very compact lighweight bino is the nikon monarch 7 8x30 or 10x30 just 435 g and good optics well worth a trial

Hi John

The Hummingbird is really good at what it does for its size. It obviously doesn't compete with bins or scope, but we've been more than happy with it as a rucksack standby. Its roughly the same price as the Kowa 501, and both have great reviews. Incidentaly, Uttings are doing the Hummingbird at the moment with a free monopod.
The Kowa 6.5s are very light (535g..the Hummingbird is 590g! ..but the Kowa 501 is only 400g), and easy one handed operation bins. The optics and field of view are stunning. They are dearer than the Hummingbird though, but the performance makes up for it. My wife and I both use Zeiss, me Victorys and her Terra 8x32 EDs. She likes the Kowas so much though that when birding the Terras get left at home now. She loves the light small size, ease of holding and one finger focus, and I have to admit the optics are better than the Terras. 

Hello Nick, 
thanks for replying, the reason I have considered a monocular is down to weight and handling, I have arthritis in my hands mainly the thumbs and I've found holding the Opticron 8 x 42 soon get heavy (although they aren't) and painful. I've been considering getting a midget scope for best part of a year now and put the question to members on Birdforum last year and received plenty of answers, but as yet still not got nothing. I have done lots of research of the mini scopes but its a minefield. As I'm only just getting my head round going out again since Covid arrived I've not been anywhere to test drive any optics. One scope I did really like mainly cos of the weight was the Kowa 501/2. JW suggested the Vortex last year but it is a little bit dearer than I prefer to pay. 

I'll check out the Celestron Hummingbird monocular online, it looks neat and smart. I will still use my bins and old Spacemaster scope (but its too heavy nowadays) and seriously thinking of getting a monopod with feet.

Thanks
John

We have a Celestron Hummingbird ED. Not technically a monocular as such, but its small size and hand held shape offer the same ease of use as a mono I expect. If we are out walking, without the 'birding' head on, it gets put in the wife's rucksack. If we do spot something, it is adequate for a good look at most things. We use a walking pole to steady it, and it has been a handy, light, easy and capable substitute. 
Incidentally, If the reason you are asking about a monocular is because of small size, and you want something for the rucksack or pocket, I have just bought the Kowa BD2 6.5 XDs for my rucksack (they also fit inside my coat pockets). These offer the same 'walk anywhere' ease and compactability we bought the Hummingbird for when not really out birding. The Kowas really do surprise for their size.

Do any members use one, if so can you give any info be it pros and cons?

I've looked at plenty online but having not had or used one before not sure what to do. 

Any info welcome.

John