Brunton Echo Pocket Scope Monocular

This is intended for my 'everyday carry' kit for those times I find myself wondering what bird that is, or what that sign yonder says, and so on. I aimed for something I would not cry about when my kids or grandkids lost or broke it- but that would resist the inevitable as long as possible, that would be easy to find when dropped, and that was small and light in my kit. After all, I have several pairs of real binoculars already that we have when we expect to need them.How much is 7x power? Not a ton. I have some posters in my shop about 25' from my desk. If I can barely make out a blob as supposedly being text, this lets me 'almost' read it. If I can 'almost' read something, this lets me read it clearly. There will also be a lot of shakiness if you just hold it up to your eye as opposed to bracing your elbows or hands on something.

The monocular is ultra-light and compact so I don't even notice it in my backpack or pocket. As a consequence, I carry it far more often than I was carrying my compact binoculars.However, because the unit is so light, it jiggles a lot which makes it desirable to use a support such as a tree or post. In addition, the width of field and depth of focus are limited, making it hard to locate and focus on a target, e.g., a raptor sitting on a transmission tower.It is a decent value at its price point. I'm glad I have it, and would buy it again even knowing its limitations, but would advise a would-be purchaser to keep their expectations modest.

Excellent small field glass. I use it for field herping and birding. The close focus is awesome. The clarity is more than adequate, even when the light is not bright. Highly recommended.Followup: I have been using this scope for several years. I originally got if for field herping (looking for snakes). My criteria were: good optic quality in daylight, compactness, and close focus. And, frankly, it needed to be cheap enough to not cry over when I dropped in a swamp or broke it.The optic quality is more than adequate for my purposes, as I rarely need it in low light conditions. I keep the lenses clean, and never have an issue with image quality.The scope is more compact than anticipated, and for two handed operation it is excellent. However, I use it one handed most of the time, which is difficult with this scope. Holding the scope in one hand, using index finger and thumb as spacers at the eye to get correct focal length, means the scope is fully embedded in my hand - my little finger hangs off the end a bit. Also because the focus ring is at the objective end, and is half the length of the scope, one handed focus is very tricky. Not impossible, but bothersome. I suspect most people will never use it one handed, and would never notice this. But, if the scope was a little longer, and the focus ring was small and at the eye end, it would greatly improve the operation for me.Close focus was high on my list because I often get so close to my target that other scopes cannot focus. I have been 20' from a sleeping conttonmouth, and wanted to keep my distance, but see the snake better. This scope is perfect for that. I have also used it as a "microscope" for looking at things more close up. In fact, the very close focus is one of this scopes best features.My work sometimes requires evaluating the physical conditions of existing buildings. This scope comes in handy for observing things too high off the ground to see well with the naked eye, and for which getting a ladder or lift would be too much trouble. Provided light levels are adequate, indoors or out, this scope is tremendously helpful.There are times when I wish the scope was 10 power. But, that comes with the trade off of requiring an even steadier hand. At 7 power, small movements of your hand to not cause much trouble, but those movements are amplified as the magnification increases. That would make one handed use more difficult. Also, higher power scopes do not focus close like this one.I remain a satisfied Echo User. I have given several of these scopes as gifts, and if mine breaks I will buy another.

I just received 2 of these at my door. Paid for 1 day shipping as I need them for a nature trip I'm heading out on tomorrow. Opened the first one up and it was perfect. Good motion on the focus, worked great and the quality is as expected. Opened the second one, and despite having the same outward appearance as the first one, the second's focus motion is horrible. You have to use too much force in order to turn the focus ring. Sure, you can move thru the whole range no problem, but when you attempt finer movements to adjust focus, which is absolutely needed with this item, it binds just enough for it to then slip and knock your focus way off. I tried to apply some extra telescope lubricant I had on hand, but it didn't improve. If I had more time, I'd return this one. 5 stars for the one that works, 0 stars for the other.

I bought these to carry in my Polaris RZR for those times when you see something, such as an animal, and would like to get a better look. Usually when we are riding our RZR we are out just for fun, and binoculars around the neck get to be a pain. I attached the carrying case for the pocket scope to the roll cage of the RZR, and now I have ready access to it. The image is adequate (certainly not what one would get from a good pair of binoculars), and considering how little these monoculars cost, they provide a good image. If you are looking for something to throw in the glove box, pocket, backpack, or attach to the roll cage, this is just the ticket.

I bought this for quick looks at roof lines, chimneys and antennaes. It works well for this kind of stuff but not much more. The quality is great for the price but low price optics all are little blurry, especially at longer distances. I didn't expect great optics which is why I bought a lower priced pocket scope, if I need more it's time to break out out the bino's. I'm happy with this scope, it does exactly what I wanted at a reasonable price! Just don't expect too much and you won't be disappointed.

Have always wanted a mono scope, have had this for over a year. Still looks/performs great. Bought for bow hunting, quick visual, quicker than my bino's and view is brighter and clearer vision as well. The bright color has helped me from misplacing it, wish the black case was also orange. The rubberized coating still looks good, slight wear. I also take on hikes and it get's passed around, always positive comments on the usefulness.If I were to lose or break it, would order again.