Leica Monovid 8x25 review: a pocket-sized monocular that goes extra-large on quality and features

Why would I choose to pay an amount for a monocular that could, if I chose another brand, get me either a very capable, sturdy, and long-lasting pair of binoculars or five budget-priced monocular alternatives?

Well, sometimes the ultimate in portability combined with benchmark-raising performance is what I’m after.

Enter the freshly tooled Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular, its key specifications being an at-first-modest-sounding 8x magnification wedded to a 25mm objective lens.

Like the simultaneously released Noctivid Compact 10x25 and 8x25 binoculars from the same manufacturer, this monocular comes with a knurled leather finish, which not only looks great but provides a nicely firm grip.

A compact cylinder measuring 112x40mm, this monocular comes with an attachable wrist strap, a brief instruction manual, and a lens cleaning cloth included, along with a cylindrical, zippered carry pouch fashioned from soft leather to keep my investment protected.

What’s further appealing about this monocular is that it is supplied with an additional, separate, close-up lens. This coin-sized optic has its own placeholder sewn into the lining of the supplied pouch.

When attached to the main body of the monocular, it provides a closest viewing distance of between 25-30cm, whereas, without it, the closest focus distance is a more standard-sounding two meters.

So, while the Leica Monovid 8x25 may be 'just' a monocular at initial glance, is it, in fact, a more versatile and flexible viewing accessory than first meets the eye?

Leica Monovid 8x25: Specifications

Leica Monovid 8x25: Price

While not in any sense 'cheap', the manufacturer’s suggested asking price of $699 / £510 / AU$1,050 here feels almost reasonable for a Leica optical product with that iconic red dot. I, however, need to mention that I could alternatively pay a fifth of that asking price and still bag a well-performing monocular from a recognizable rival. But then it wouldn’t be a Leica.

At the time of writing, I also spotted marginally better deals to be had online if hunting around (fortunately, our widget below does the hard work for you). You’re never going to make massive savings on a Leica – it’s not that sort of product – but, as ever, it pays to do a little consumer research before purchase.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Design & Handling

The single-tube design of this black-liveried monocular might have you thinking at first glance it would be tricky to achieve a tight – not to mention level and steady – grip. Yet in practice, the almost industrial-looking knurled leather surface prevents fingers from sliding about.

I found myself using it with both hands: one to hold the device steady and the other to adjust the focus wheel to achieve critical sharpness. Once I’d alighted on a sharp image, however, I found the monocular could be used single-handedly, further supported by the rubber surround of the twist-up eyecup resting against my eye socket. Attaching the provided strap would also aid stability.

It certainly feels weightier in the palm than the official 152g weight quoted by Leica suggests on paper. The fact that the focus ring is also large and ridged makes finding this crucial control very easy when my eyes are otherwise engaged on the subject matter. Overall, handling is very intuitive. The Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular’s design is very minimalist and pared-back, after all, so it’s not like there are a load of operational options to distract or confuse, aside from the ability to add a close-up lens.

Because this additional/optional lens fits the core slender setup so well, there were a couple of times I forgot I’d previously attached it – and then wondered why I couldn’t focus properly on subjects further away.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Performance

The compactness here suggests a device that potentially could take the place of opera glasses if attending the theater, as well as being used as a general travel device for bringing the faraway closer when sightseeing or on a city break.

It’s also a perfect tool for taking on walks through the countryside, as it won’t weigh me down. And if I spot an unfamiliar and interesting bird in a nearby tree and want a closer look, so much the better. Commendably, I didn’t notice any instances of chromatic aberration when using the Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular, though I was actively searching for such artifacts on bright days and when training its lens on high-contrast subjects.

Despite the diminutive size, there is sufficient rigidity and heft to the monocular that I found it possible to hand-hold the device steady enough to get a commendably wobble-free view of subjects. Okay, so an 8x magnification is not going to be particularly challenging, but it does feel like Leica has attempted to maximize the pleasure and performance that can be had from a unit of this modest size. Fortunately, the degree of detail and clarity here feels exceptional enough to justify the equally exceptional asking price.

If adding the provided extra 25-30cm close-up lens, keeping the intended portion of your subject in frame and in focus is a little trickier, but again detail is such that I was able to pick out the veins in the leaves of the magnolia tree in my garden, and get a close-up of a bee collecting pollen from the bluebells that seem to be almost an invasive species this spring season. That said, I can’t see myself using this lens as much as the core 8x magnification lens that is integral to the device, but I do admire the thought and flexibility provided.

Leica Monovid 8x25: Verdict

Most of us will automatically opt for a pair of binoculars when we want to bring the faraway up close and personal without moving an inch – or when we physically cannot get closer to the subject under observation. By default, then, that makes the even more portable alternative of a monocular a specialist tool. Add the additional cost of owning a Leica-branded monocular, and we are narrowing the possible target market further.

However, there is no denying that in terms of giving a performance that belies its diminutive size and, on paper, an average 8x25 specification, the Leica Monovid 8x25 monocular is one of the sharpest monoculars I’ve handled. Handling of contrast is such that views pleasingly take on an almost three-dimensional depth.

The close-up/macro lens sewn into the carry pouch that can be screwed into position to change close focus to 25-30cm, rather than two meters, adds to the versatility and appeal for any amateur botanist or wildlife watcher. In effect, we are getting a two-in-one tool, which means spending big on this pocket-sized viewer hurts a little less than it would otherwise.

Alternatives

A value-for-money, travel-friendly alternative with the same specifications is the rubber-coated Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 monocular, weighing just 150g. Bright and clear results are achievable thanks in part to the inclusion of ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass, which reduces color fringing and provides great detail. It's a good option for hiking, birdwatching, or urban exploring.

For a two-in-one device that also combines a monocular with a 0.3m close-up lens capability, also check out the Opticron Gallery 8x20 Macro-Focus monocular. Compact and cleverly designed, the image quality is impressive for such a compact instrument, while its small size makes it easy to slip into a pocket or bag. A versatile monocular that bridges the gap between distance and detail.