Celestron 71210 Nature DX 10x25 Monocular, Black

I was shopping for a small, convenient monocular to watch my daughter’s indoor archery, so I really just wanted to be able to determine where her arrows hit on the target. She’s at 18m, so I’m watching from maybe 25m. Also, indoor archery lighting can vary. I have some nice Bushnell binoculars but binocs are bulky and they don’t work very well for me. I finally admitted to myself that I was basically just using one eye. I heavily considered the Vortex 10x25. But then I stumbled onto a “used-like new” deal on this Celestron on Amazon, and figured I’d give it a try. I’m very impressed! The optics are clear and sharp. Lighting variances are not a problem, I can see where the thin arrows hit on the thin markings of a target just fine. The focus adjustment is nice and firm to turn so it stays put when you pick it up again. No constant fiddling with focus. And it’s small and light, but feels substantial and well built. Happy with this purchase.

Only giving it 4 stars because there ARE better glass optics out there, but for this price you cant beat it. You aren't buying a monocular to do the job of your Swarovski binos and this one is compact, fits well, and works even if you are wearing glasses. When you need to identify an animal, object, person or read a sign from a distance on the fly without having to get your full bino kit out - this one does the trick! this one is going to live in the vehicle - great deal!

Look, this is less than 35 bucks and it won't hold a candle against an Opticron that cost $180. But this scope is plenty sharp and performs well in well lit areas. If your goal is to have something small enough to keep in your pocket, this is it. It's light enough to be kept in your shirt pocket, and you'll find yourself in situations where you'll now have a scope when carrying something larger is too inconvenient.

As an amateur astronomer, I was well-acquainted with Celestron's reputation for quality telescopes, and so I was drawn to Celestron when looking for a more portable and waterproof alternative to my excellent (but heavy and unwieldy) 10x50 binoculars. So far, the Celestron monocular has proven an excellent choice. The optics are very good, and while other reviewers are correct about the stiffness of the focusing ring, I consider that to be an asset, because it allows for very fine focusing of the image -- and once focused, it stays focused until you change it! The monocular is very lightweight and hangs so comfortably around my neck that I have to check to see if it is still there! The carrying case comes with a snap to attach it to a belt, but this snap has let go a number of times during hiking, allowing the entire case and monocular to drop to the ground. For this reason I no longer use the case, and put the device in a pocket or hang it around my neck. The 10x lens is probably the maximum allowable for hand-held use, as any shaking of the unit is immediately visible through the lens. Other reviewers have cited this as a negative, but to me, if you want 10x magnification, you better expect to hold it steady! If you know this to be an issue for you, perhaps a 7x or 8x monocular would be a better choice. In conclusion, I have been very satisfied with this monocular and am looking forward to bringing it on paddling trips and on the motor scooter, where its portability will ensure it gets used -- as opposed to the bulky binoculars, which sit in their case in the closet!

I take it hiking for bird and animal watching. Wish it was a bit stronger, but I knew what I was buying.

Not quite what I was hoping for.Very difficult to focus and magnification was too little. I returned this item and bought a 12x56 and I’m much happier.

Got this to replace carrying around binoculars. It’s fast, easy to use, and has a decently clear image with no blur or aberration.Focus ring and eyepiece adjustment is easy.Wish the carrying pouch was more slim and fitted to the monocular, but it’s a standard size so that’s to be expected.Will update if anything breaks

I am so disappointed in this monocular. There is no sharpness or acuity to it and the focusing ring is so tight as to be useless. Requires both bands to adjust. Never Celestron again.