East of England Binocular Centre
Telephone: 01522 807991
Mail Order Only Optical Specialists
Mail Order Only Optical Specialists
Illusion Monoculars
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The Illusion 20x50 monocular is an excellent all round instrument. With a decent field of view, tripod socket and rubber covering this monocular is a very versatile and handy piece of equipment.
This instrument is favoured by aircraft enthusiasts, it is ideal for any application when an easy to carry high powered monocular is required. The tripod socket also makes it very useful to look at static objects, such as birds nests, when tripod mounted. The Illusion monocular gives a brighter image than most binoculars of the same size, due to the slightly larger prism arrangement. Supplied with a strap, case and a 1 year guarantee. Stock Availability: Discontinued, details shown for reference purposes only. Price shown includes VAT and shipping for this item to: Great Britain Northern Ireland British Commonwealth Countries U. S. A. Other countries shipping is charged at cost, email for details. This page updated: 01 December 2017 |
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Accessories for Illusion Monocular
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Gerhard 22/04/2006 19:06:12 | What is the minimum focal distance?
Is it suitable for bird watching at close range? Thanks. |
eebc - Chris 23/04/2006 13:10:29 | The manufacturers do not specify a minimum focusing distance.
Having just look through one, I would say it is about 35feet. For watching birds at close range, I would look for something like an 8x or 10x. Opticron make some suitable monoculars, have a look at: Opticron 8x30 Opticron 8x42 Opticron 10x42 |
David 27/03/2008 13:25:16 | How suitable is this monocular for birdwatching? |
eebc - Chris 27/03/2008 13:46:14 | We have sold quite a lot to birdwatchers.
Whilst not as good as a full sized spotting scope, many users carry them simply because they are so easy to carry and use. They are a nice instrument, not too heavy just enough magnification not to always need a tripod. |
Berwick 16/04/2008 14:34:43 | The Illusion Monocular 20x50 - it says decent field of view , but doesn t give the figure. What actually is the field of view of this one, so I can compare with others? I m interested in a mono for birdwatching. Thanks. |
eebc - Chris 16/04/2008 15:03:34 | The manufacturers do not specify the field of view and we have no accurate way of measuring it.
When we were trying the Illusion monoculars, it was easy to find the targets we were looking for (unlike many 20x50 binoculars/monoculars), so to us they have a decent field of view. We currently have them in stock, if you are anywhere near Lincoln, please feel free to call in and try one. |
berwick 16/04/2008 16:51:28 | Thanks, that s helpful. It sounds great for birdwatching - the RSPB recommend 20x 60mm so this one seems really good. Trouble is the minimum focussing distance is 35 feet; Do you know of a monocular with around 20x and 50-60mm that focuses closer than 35ft? And around this price! |
eebc - Chris. 17/04/2008 16:35:53 | The only items we sell that would fit the bill (except the actual bill!) would be the Swift Reliant or the Kowa TS502, both of which are much more expensive.
We have sold a few 20x50 monoculars over the years, and thinking back, none of them focused particularly close. I have just had a look through one, focusing is probably more like 25-30feet. |
David E 26/08/2008 10:26:16 | Not been bird watching for long. I have 8 x 40 porro type binolulars which are great for woodland birds, close focus range at 18 - 20ft is enough and pretty good in low light.
I now need something with more magnification for open water/wader spotting. Here the distance is usually much greater, and picking out the details in the birds more difficult. Being in open water, then low light level and fast movement won t be such an issue (as with woodlands), so I guess 20x50 monocular would be OK. Am I on the right track of thinking ? (I might call in) |
eebc - Chris. 26/08/2008 11:30:53 | Yes, you are on the right track. We have sold a number of these to people who need more magnification, but do not want to use a spotting scope.
The 20x50 monocular would be better for birds that are a longer distance away. The field of view is not as large as most 8x40 binoculars, but since the subject is further away it should not be a problem. The brightness of the image will probably be similar to your binoculars, the magnification is more, but the objective lens allows more light through. We (nearly) always have them in stock, so feel free to come and try one when you are in the area. |
David E 26/08/2008 12:52:17 | Chris - Thanks, very useful.
I ll try to call in, because these instruments have to "fit the user" for some people, and not so suitable for purchasing just from the paper spec., without trying them out. The choice/cost justification will probably be between this one, and the much more expensive Swift Reliant Zoom (that you refer to above). The binoculars used presently are Opticron Aspheric WA 8x40, and are good all round, my wife can easily use them. (She has big trouble with many other types with low pupil diameter). So we need to be sure about these too. I ll e-mail in advance to see if they are in stock. Regards |
eebc - Chris 26/08/2008 14:26:51 | We currently have both the Swift and the Illusion in stock, but drop us an email just to confirm before travelling.
We also have the Visionary spotting scopes in stock, although bigger and heavier, they do have good eye relief and wide, deep eyecups. May be worth trying when you are here. |
Olan 18/06/2011 13:20:14 | Is this product waterproof?
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eebc - Chris 18/06/2011 13:27:27 | Thank you for your enquiry.
The Illusion monoculars are NOT waterproof. For waterproof monoculars see: Opticron Trailfinder 8x25 Opticron Trailfinder 10x25 Opticron 8x30 Opticron 8x32 Opticron BGA 8x42 Opticron BGA 10x42 Opticron DBA 8x42 Opticron DBA 10x42 Or, the Swift Reliant which is usually reguarded as a spotting scope, but it is around the same size and shape as the Illusion mnonoculars. |
mike 02/03/2012 11:55:58 | hi, are you ok with returned goods ?...i recently bought a Celestron 70 travelscope and it was not a lot better than my little 12x32 Optus bins.
if i was to buy these and i was equally dissapointed could i return them without any problems please ? thanks regards Mike. |
eebc - Chris. 03/02/2012 12:23:50 | We comply by the law which states that you have 7 days from the day you get them to inspect the goods. If you do not like them, you can then return them for a full refund. The only condition to this, is that they have to be in a sell-able condition, with all straps, lens caps, boxes etc.
A lot of people seem surprised that we give refunds on goods returned (indeed it has in the past lost us sales), but we really have no choice! Without comparing this monocular directly with your binoculars it is difficult to give a comparison, but I would thing the clarity and brightness of the image would be about the same, just with a bit more magnification. |
mike 02/03/2012 16:34:56 | thank you Chris for both my enquiries.
Mike. |
Dina 03/03/2014 18:41:16 | Hello. I hope that you are well.
Is the monocular suitable for astronomical use? Thanks. |
eebc - Jamie. 04/03/2014 09:44:56 | Thank you for your enquiry.
We have sold a couple of these for astronomy; for general night sky observation such as finding constellations, they are also very popular for those that wish to study the moon. You will not see the rings of Saturn or the red spot on Jupiter, for those a full sized telescope is required. |