A monocular for searching the shadows?
The idea of using a monocular to spot the opposition force in the shadows gets me a perplexed look from most people. They automatically assume that the reason for the monocular is to only look at things far away.
So, what's the purpose of using a monocular in airsoft? "To just make distant objects look bigger?"
Take this test. Step outside on a brightly lit day. Look into an area a bit away in shadow, See anything? Probably not much. But if you shine a light into that shadow, it gets better, doesn't it? In fact, you'll wonder why you didn't see all those details before. What made it better? Did you change the magnification, or make the apparent size of anything change? No, what you DID change, was the amount of light your eye gathered. So, one function of a monocular is to gather light.
The idea was, something I could take on my airsoft skirmishes to zoom in on the foliage shadows and locate the opfor. This Monocular fits the bill and is a bargain for the price offered. It is lightweight enough to carry in a chest pocket, or in one of your tac gear pouches. The clarity is exceptional. And it is durable enough to withstand the rigors of airsoft. Focusing is easy with just a small turn. There is just enough magnification for the longer distances but without so much as to have you looking past your airsofting range. The 8X power gives visual access to distant details that can't be guessed by unaided eyesight, or clearly revealed by normal lightweight binoculars. The field of view is adequate at but needs a steady hand.
The funniest part of this review was that my own mother who is legally blind in one eye held up this mini scope and declared she could see clearly through it.
Acquired through e-bay store - kh_shop168 for $8.38 including free shipping from central mainland China. Delivery time was 3 weeks including Christmas Holiday.
- 8 x 21 High Clear Monocular
- Objectives Multi-coated Lenses
- Rubberized armor
- Neck strap
- Carry pouch with belt loop
- & cleaning cloth
Tip...
Have you ever have trouble finding the target when looking through a monocular or binoculars? It can be hard, especially if the target is against a dense, complicated background, such as twigs or leaves in shadow.
Here's a tip from Zen archery.
In Japan, the traditional Zen archer learned to position his body and bow in relation to the target so that the arrow pointed in the correct direction in a natural and instinctive way. (It's said that Zen archers could even hit the target blindfolded.)
Spotters, who may never have even heard of Zen, have learned to use the same principle when using their scopes.
The secret is to square your head up to the target. Your whole body, including your feet when possible, should turn to face the target. It won't work if you turn just your eyes.
Notice how you're holding your scope. You'll want to use the same grip every time.
Adjust your head so that you're looking squared at the target. Your whole head facing the target -- not just your eyes.
Now put your scope squarely in front your eyes.
You'll find you're looking right at the target.
It helps to practice this technique consciously. Even the Zen archery masters had to practice to learn their skill.
Try it by looking at a rock, a tree or the player across the field. Then when you are faced with a target, your muscles will be trained, and you'll have success. It will soon become automatic.
NOTES:
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Only - We lay no claim to any of these ideas, suggestions, tunes,
etc. We learned, in person and online, from people who are a lot
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