Monocular or binocular: which is best for me?

There is no denying that binoculars are by far the popular choice when it comes to optics for the outdoors, but we shouldn’t be too quick to write off the monoculars. They certainly have their place in the world of optics and in many cases which we will highlight later on, can actually be the better choice.

ATN has been the market leader in optics for a long time now and for good reason. We are going to look at the best binoculars and monoculars they have on offer and provide you with in-depth knowledge that will help you decide which is the best choice for your outdoor adventure.

Monoculars

An Overview

To lay a case for the monocular we need to first outline how it all works and what specific characteristics should be looked for when deciding on purchasing a monocular.

A monocular is a small compact refracting telescope that allows the user to observe distant objects with one hand. The light enters the monocular lens and passes over the prism lens, which refracts the image and makes them seem closer to the user.

Some may argue that a monocular is simply a small telescope, yet the difference between the two lies in the lenses. Monoculars make use of prism lenses, while telescopes use relay lenses.

With a lower number of lenses and smaller surface area being used to catch the light, it is obvious that monoculars may not perform as well as binoculars and will struggle under certain conditions, but again this is important to know because it will help with the decision-making process.

Parameters

Best Features

As mentioned earlier, the monocular has come a long way in its development with the addition of new features such as:

• Video recording capabilities
• WiFi and Bluetooth connectivity

• Thermal detection
• Black Hot/White Mode
• Ergonomic designs
• Hi-Res display
• Improved eye relief
• Mountings for helmet or bipod
• Enhanced battery life
• Rangefinder capabilities

With all these added features there can be no better examples of just how far the monocular has come and what a powerful tool it can be than the ODIN LT 320 4-8x and the OTS-XLT 160 2.4-10x by ATN.

Pros and Cons of a Monocular?

Pros

1. Lightweight and compact
2. Lower price range than comparable binoculars
3. Can be fitted to headgear
4. Easier use with a single hand in situations where the user may need to carry another object, such as bow hunting
5. Diopter settings within the monocular generally allow for the quicker acquisition and focus of the desired target

Cons

1. Tighter field of view than binoculars
2. Lower range of magnification when compared to binoculars
3. Difficult to steady and keep focus at high magnifications
4. Eye strain on the single eye. Binoculars allow both eyes to adjust and focus, while the monocular can cause strain on a single eye as they re-adjust after use
5. Comfort. Using both hands and eyes with binoculars is a natural process and feels comfortable while it takes some getting used to with monoculars

The Best ATN Monoculars

ATN ODIN LT 320 4-8X

Redefining the boundaries that have confined the monocular since its creation, comes the ODIN LT 320 4-8x by ATN. Simplicity, efficiency, and versatility are all characteristics of the ODIN LT 320 that are neatly packaged into this compact thermal monocular and then expertly finished with the latest technological features that will have every telescope and binocular manufacturer looking over their shoulder.

Features

• ATN Obsidian Core LT
• 4-8x Magnification power

• Thermal detection up to 1,510 yards
• Black Hot / White Mode options
• Ergonomic design
• Hi-Res Display 1280×960
• Head / Helmet mount
• Up to 5 hours runtime on rechargeable battery
• Weather resistant (operating temperature -20℉ to +120℉)

Technical Specifications

ATN OTS-XLT 160 2.5-10X

The OTS-XLT 160 2.5-10X comes in at a lower price tag than its bigger brother the ODIN LT 320 but the affordable price doesn’t mean ATN have lowered the standards and exceptional features that one would expect from their optics.

One could state that the OTS-XLT is simply redesigned and streamlined to suit the needs of the everyday outdoorsman.

Features

• ATN Obsidian Core LT
• 2.5-10x Magnification power
• Thermal detection up to 850 yards
• Black Hot / White Hot / Red Hot Mode options
• Compact and ergonomic design
• Micro-Display 720×540 px
• Video recording at 50fps
• Smart rangefinder
• Ultra-low power consumption with up to 10 hours of battery life
• Weather resistant (operating temperature -4℉ to +131℉)

Technical Specifications

Binoculars

An Overview

The world of binoculars is a fascinating place with an almost endless supply of manufacturers, models, shapes, sizes, capabilities, and features that can satisfy the needs of anyone. Today’s outdoorsmen are extremely spoiled when it comes to choosing a pair of binoculars.

Hence it can make choosing the right pair a little overwhelming, but the easiest way to choose a pair is by understanding the basic principles of binoculars and what features match the type of activity you will be taking part in.

The most obvious attraction to a pair of binoculars is magnification. The ability to bring distant objects closer to the user so they can observe the finer details.

Binoculars are in essence two refracting telescopes mounted side-by-side, providing the user with a three-dimensional image through a parallax that gives the visual cortex the impression of depth.

Binoculars are categorized by specific elements that provide an immediate indication of the binocular’s capabilities. They are magnification and objective diameter and these are expressed in the following way, 7×35, 10×40, 8×32, and so on. Looking at the first description, 7×35, means these particular binoculars have a 7x magnification with an objective diameter of 35mm.

The objective lens number refers to the front lens of the optics. A larger objective lens means more light will enter the binoculars, making for a brighter image. A larger objective lens size generally means a larger set of binoculars.

Parameters

Improved Features

Binoculars have quickly become the complete package when it comes to optics and it seems there is no end to what manufacturers can expertly pile into these compact devices.

• Image Stabilization
• Nitrogen Purging
• Zoom In and Out Function
• Built-In Rangefinder
• Onboard Environmental Sensors
• Video Recording
• WiFi / Bluetooth Connectivity
• Ballistic Information Exchange
• Night Vision
• Thermal Imagery
• Waterproof and Fog Resistant

Pros and Cons of Binoculars?

Pros

1. Higher magnification power when compared to similar monoculars
2. Better stability and ability to focus on a distant object
3. Objective lens through two tubes allows more light to enter the optics
4. Use of both eyes prevents fatigue
5. Wider field of vision than monoculars

Cons

1. Price tag when compared to monoculars of similar capabilities
2. Larger dimension and weight for those concerned about heavy packs
3. Cannot be adapted for tactical headgear
4. Requires both hands, making it awkward for bow hunters

The Best ATN Binoculars

ATN BINOX 4K 4-16X

You hear the term “all-in-one” getting thrown around quite a lot these days and often these all-in-one packages tend to come up short. Well, it seems ATN got it all figured out and is answering the call of the outdoorsman looking for the complete all-in-one pair of binoculars.

ATN’s BINOX 4K 4-16X binoculars have the ideal features to match any scenario, they are put together in such a way that makes using them seamless and straightforward.

Features

• Ultra HD sensor with ultra HD optics
• Day and night vision mode
• Built-in laser rangefinder 1,000 y/m
• IR illuminator
• 4 – 16x magnification
• ATN Radar
• Ballistic information exchange technology
• 4K recording at 120 fps
• Dual stream video capabilities
• Ultra-low power consumption
• Interpupillary Adjustment
• 3D Gyroscope
• 3D Magnetometer

Technical Specifications

ATN BINOX 4T 640 2.5-25X

We mentioned earlier the importance of selecting a pair of binoculars that match the scenario and in some cases, the users just need to see further day or night with the most advanced thermal imagery sensors.

Make no mistakes, the BINOX 4T 640 2.5-25X binoculars are designed for the serious outdoorsman who wants to know every detail of their surroundings, day and night.

Features

• Smart HD thermal binoculars
• Dual Core thermal sensor
• Thermal detection range up to 1,950 yards
• Built-in laser rangefinder 1,000 y/m
• Black Hot/White Hot and Color modes
• IR illuminator
• 2.5 – 25x magnification
• ATN Radar
• Ballistic information exchange technology
• Dual stream video capabilities
• Ultra-low power consumption
• Interpupillary Adjustment
• 3D Gyroscope
• 3D Magnetometer

Technical Specifications