Optics Review: Harbor Freight 7x18 Monocular

Do you want to discreetly view distant objects? Do you want a handy way to watch birds? Do you want to see bugs up close? Do you need to magnify tiny objects for a hobby project? If so, you might want to check out the 7x18mm Monocular from Harbor Freight. A monocular works much like a tiny telescope. This handy little monocular fits into a pocket and allows you to see much more detail when looking at close or distant objects. This gadget is perfect for bird watchers, private eyes, secret agents, and neighborhood super heroes.

You may remember that fictional security agent, Jack Bauer, made good use of a monocular for reconnaissance purposes in the popular television series "24". For a private investigator, a monocular might prove useful in reading a license plate number from a discreet distance. Batman would have loved this thing. Of course, the rest of us will find it useful for bird watching, wildlife watching, and as a quick substitute for bulky binoculars.

If you need to be secretive, the Harbor Freight Monocular is very small. Measuring only 2 5/8-inches long, the Harbor Freight Monocular provides 7 times magnification and provides an 18 millimeter objective lens. For convenience, a lanyard is provides so that you can hang the monocular around your neck. For those of you with utility belts, the monocular also comes with a black nylon case with a belt loop.

I've found that the Harbor Freight Monocular fits easily into my pocket and has been useful whenever I've seen birds or other interesting wildlife while walking my dog. The monocular is much less bulky than compact binoculars like my Tasco Essentials or Steiner Predators. The optics quality is comparable to a pair of entry-level, department store, compact binoculars. While this humble monocular is certainly not high end , it is certainly good enough for impromptu wildlife watching. You can get very close views of birds, lizards, and other critters.

As good as the monocular is at magnifying distant objects, the little optical wonder is even better as a magnifier. The Harbor Freight Monocular focus on objects that are as close as one foot away. That will certainly let you examine bugs and other small objects in extreme detail.

Overall, a monocular is a useful little gadget to have. Unlike most optical devices, you can carry the Harbor Freight monocular on your person everyday. For only $13.00, the Harbor Freight monocular is a good deal. While I'm no secret agent or superhero, I think a Monocular is a must have gadget.