This little device is a real treasure--a telescope that fits in your pocket! It's extremely small and lightweight. Its craftsmanship is superb: aesthetically pleasing and ergonomic. It also has an excellent carrying case, with a sturdy belt loop. The optical tube itself has a handy and unobtrusive wrist strap, and the lens covers remain attached to the monocular even after they are removed, and yet they do not get in the way--which is perfect for me, since I tend to lose little things like black lens covers in the darkness. i would be annoyed if i had to stow the lens covers away in my pockets or some other place--who knows if i would find them again?

The monocular's huge field of view, high-quality optics, and generous aperture are great for the brightest and largest deep sky objects (which are among some of the best). On clear, dark nights, I've even been able to spot several galaxies with my little hand-scope (M 51, NGC 253, M 101, M81, M82). When i'm done observing, I can quickly and easily put the lens caps back on (since they remain attached to the optical tube) and slide the monocular back into its case, which can either sit comfortably in my pocket or connect securely to my belt with its reliable loop.

My favorite part, though: the eye guard *extends*, so that i can easily look through the monocular with my glasses on, eliminating the problem of astigmatism and thus giving me a perfectly clear view of the stars.

I couldn't ask for anything more from this product. I believe this is the best monocular for astronomy on the market. (Posted on 12/30/11)

I bought the 8x42 as a tool to carry on daily hikes where something powerful and easy to tote is important.

Optics and image quality are very, very good. I have concerns about the carry case and objective lens cap. The case seems a bit flimsy and the unit bounces around on my belt while hiking. The objective lens cap, while outfitted with a rubber-band-like tether, simply falls of the monocular. This happen while taking the thing out of the case, while holding the unit, and while putting it back into the case. I'll have to find another solution -- duct tape or superglue or something. I don't know. (Posted on 6/15/11)

Very nice monocular: light and fogproof. (Posted on 6/13/11)

Very nice monocular: light and fogproof. (Posted on 6/13/11)

Les bons monoculaires a grand diametres sont rares et chers.
Je trouve celui très bon et lumineux avec un prix intéressant .
Il est tres compact et facile a emporter raison de mon choix mais j'aurais préféré avoir une enveloppe caoutchouc de protection comme sur vos jumelles.
J'espère ne pas avoir de problème car il n'y a pas de distributeur en France,et c'est bien dommage car votre optique se vendrais surement . (Posted on 6/4/11)

We got the monocular for my 92-year-old wheelchair-bound Mom, who has vision in only one eye. It's lightweight and easy for her to hold, though way too hard for her to focus. The lens cap is not satisfactory and it would be helpful if the case were longer (stretch?) so we don't have to refocus every time it's put away and got out again. She is able to see distant objects clearly and it has improved her quality of life so this was a great investment. (Posted on 3/17/11)

I got to take my monocular out hunting finally. Its view is really good and is large enough to hold steadily. the downside is the pouch is filmsy and useless for belt carry also the objective cover's tether is tooo loose and it falls off when open. So I really like this monocular but the accessories are poor at best (Posted on 3/14/11)

OK! I got the Zen Ray 8x42 HD Monocular. Had a chance to compare to my Zeiss 8x20 monocular and my Zeiss 8x20 Victory binoculars. First, I will answer my own question. Yes, the Zen Ray is a keeper.
After opening the box I started examing the monocular and I would say it is typical Zen Ray quality meaning pretty good. The adjustable eyecups have a little slop in them just like their binoculars ,the case is pretty nice although I don't think it is real leather and there is a short wrist strap attached to the monocular that is removable with a clip. Zen Ray should make the strap longer so you can put it around your neck and put a hole through the case so the strap can slide through it and not get lost. You hear me Charles! They could make a longer strap that clips to the one they have now on the monocular. Why oh why can't Zen Ray make lens cover that FIT! Why are they so sdhjhhvd loose? These are the same way as their binoculars almost falling off when you pull the monocular out of the case. BIG PIA! The focus was smooth and for once not too hard. Now for the good part.
As is typical of Zen Ray binoculars they have superb optics for the money. This thing is exactly like one-half of a Zen Ray 8x43HD binocular in other words excellent. I compared it the Zeiss monocular and compact binoculars at sunset and the optics are WAY better than the smaller Zeiss monocular and I almost prefer the Zen Ray monocular over the $450.00 Zeiss 8x20 Victory binoculars. It is sharper at the edge and had excellent glare control which was better than either Zeiss and was incredibly sharp on-axis. It has all the optical advantages of a regular 8x42 high quality binocular including great ER and easy eye placement in a compact light(11oz) waterproof and dustproof package for $125.00. If you have never used a monocular they are amazingly quick to get up to your eye because you don't have to worry about IPD or getting the concentric circles just right like you do in a binocular.If you have never tried a monocular give this one a try. It would work quite well for a compact light alternative to compact binoculars and you just might find you like it better. Now if Zen Ray can get a longer strap on it and get some lens caps that fit it would make it that much sweeter. You hear me Charles.
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Dennis (Posted on 9/17/10)