18/08/2009
LEICA MONOVID 8x20 gets you closer to your passion in life – whether it’s butterflies, sport or concerts
If you’re an outdoor type with a penchant for getting closer to the action, look no further than the new LEICA MONOVID 8x20, a tough, compact but elegant monocular that fits easily into a pocket or on a belt, so you never need be without it.
An ideal companion on any trip, the optional close-up lens – included in the box – allows observers of insects and butterflies to study as close as 25cm without disturbing their subject, while the eight-times magnification makes it essential for concert-goers, sports fans and bird watchers alike.
Designed to be discreet and ultra-portable, the LEICA MONOVID 8x20 is just105 x 35mm in size, and thanks to its slender aluminium body, weighs in at a tiny 112g, making it ideal for hikers or anyone needing to ‘travel light’. Despite its size, however, the outstanding Leica quality and precision optics mean you are guaranteed long service.
Adding to the LEICA MONOVID’s robust construction, water droplets simply roll off the specially-developed Leica AquaDuraTM coating, which has been applied to all external lens surfaces. This special coating also enables the lenses to be cleaned more quickly and easily than untreated glass. Furthermore, the lightweight housing is waterproof to a depth of five metres, protecting the monocular in extreme outdoor conditions. So come rain or shine, LEICA MONOVID owners can be certain they will have the perfect view at all times.
History of the monocular
In 1969, the astronauts of the Apollo lunar landing mission enjoyed the advantages of a monocular for the first time. In order to reduce the mission payload and save space, NASA had one half of a pair of Leica binoculars specially converted into a monocular for use on the mission. The rest is history!
Pricing and availability
The LEICA MONOVID 8x20, which includes a close-up lens, an attractive leather case and belt loop, has an SRP of £329 and is scheduled to be available from September 2009
LEICA MONOVID 8x20: Technical Information
| Magnification | 8× |
| Lens diameter | 20mm (0.79”) |
| Field of view | 110m |
| Eye base | 15 mm |
| Close focus distance | Approx. 1.8 m (6 ft) |
| Close focus with close-up lens | 25–30cm (10-14”) |
| Lens coating | High Durable Coating (HDCTM) and AquaDura coating on external lens surfaces |
| Waterproofing | Waterproof to a depth of 5m (16.5ft) |
| Body | Aluminium, nitrogen-filled |
| Length incl. close-up lens | 105mm (4.13”) |
| External diameter | 35.5mm / 1.4” (measured at the focusing ring) |
| Weight | 112g - Monovid only / 126g - weight including close-up lens |
