Brunton Echo Pocket Scope

[Sharpdogs]

I found out about this monocular on http://www.uncrate.com/men/gear/misc-gadgets/jack-bauer-gear-008978.php. All you 24 fans will appreciate the link. I have been looking for a monocular for some time, but I wanted to keep the price under $50. I saw my buddy Jack carries one, so I figured that if it's good enough for Jack Bauer than it's good enough for me.

Initial impressions:

It's small, but it a good way. Overall length is 3.25 inches. Very light weight and easy to use as well as focus. Also comes with an easy to attach neck lanyard.

I carried the monocular in it's case in my coat pocket for the past 2 days. I used it check out some Canadian geese in a grassy depression by a parking lot, check out the license plates of cars parked along my street and used it to look out of friends office building to make sure I didn't leave my headlights on. I had zero problem adjusting the focus and the clarity was terrific.

Pros:
- small, weighs very little and easy to carry
- excellent clarity and power (7x18) more than adequate
- very easy to use, I wear glasses I had no trouble seeing or focusing in on things
- when you focus the monular the body of the device lengthens a little. This causes the front lense to recess about 1/2 an inch into the body. This is a good thing because it protects the front lenses from scratching or possible damage.

Cons:
- better quality case would be nice, maybe one with a clip
- did not make me like Jack Bauer and CTU never called me ;D

Overall:
I love this little monocular. It is perfect for checking license plates, reading far away street signs, seeing if it's a 4 or 6 point point buck, etc. It is a great addition to one's EDC, BOB or hunter's pack. Plus at a price of $30 it is not the end of the world if you break or lose it. I picked the Brunton Echo Pocket Scope from Optics Planet. They were great to deal with.

 

[Any Cal.]

Thanks for the review. I have some Brunto Echo binoculars that I am very happy with. Now I will have to keep an eye out for the monocular.

 

[Sigman]

When I saw an article in the Anchorage Daily News about the Brunton Macroscope (developed by a local fellow actually, then partnered up with Brunton)...I posted this thread.

I was primarily interested in it's macro capabilities. I checked one out locally in Anchorage and was AMAZED!! Take a look at an insect's wings, eyes, or legs or examine a flower up close, a coin...a fantastic new world opens up with this!!

Well, it was $149 and I couldn't find it for much less at the time. Didn't want to spend that much.

Got word that Brunton was coming out with the "Echo Pocket Scope" (sold at REI for $29). Finally they got it and I had a coupon for an even better price.

This little monocular has the macro capability of the larger one. Actually the smaller one focuses as close as 13" vs. 18" on the larger model. Light gathering isn't as good as the larger one due to the smaller diameter optics of course - but NOT BAD AT ALL!!

This is better than a standard monocular! Definitely worth the coin!

 

[LowBat]

Hmmm.... I may have to stop by REI and check out this pocket scope.

 

[LowBat]

Ok I got one from REI today. I'm wondering if mine is defective as it rattles. Appears a lens near the eyepiece is the loose part. Anyone else notice a rattle or is mine defective?

 

[Sigman]

No rattles in mine - take it back for a replacement! It's a "Brunton" (at least their name is on it - unacceptable).

REI should be cool with a replacement - tell em' I'll quit. I'm one of their first members (well ok - my membership number is in the 800K field... - Hey, still under a 1,000K isn't bad, eh??! 😀 ).

 

[LowBat]

Thanks Sigman, I'll be heading back to REI tomorrow. The saleswoman said they sold five that day alone. I hope they have one left for my replacement.

BTW, if you don't care for the stock pouch, what other choices are out there that fit?

 

[Sigman]

Hmmm, mine's in the stockpouch. How about that one that was sold for the HDS (did AW sell those?)? Not sure if those are too big or not...I can check later today. I'll have to dig one out and don't want to wake sleeping family.

 

[Sharpdogs]

Mine does not rattle at all. Definitely send it back for a replacement.

 

[LowBat]

Well my local REI was out of stock so I went to another and exchanged it for one that doesn't rattle. When I got home and opened the package I discovered the optics had some debris inside the scope. Since this was the last unit at the second REI, I had to stop by a third REI on the way to work yesterday. They were also out of stock, but had an open display model which I could check out to be sure it didn't have anything wrong with it. A bit of a hassle, but I ended up with a non-defective pocket scope which I like very much. 🙂

 

[Sigman]

Wow, doesn't say much for quality control does it! Still a nice little optic!! Have you checked out any bugs, coins, stamps, or anything interesting up close with it?

It's great that this little GEM can focus so close coupled with distance as well.

 

[LowBat]

Have you checked out any bugs, coins, stamps, or anything interesting up close with it?

I haven't had much of a chance to play with it yet. I did notice that if you look through the wrong end it acts like a magnifying glass for very close objects.