This is one of those things you just can't pass up. The price is excellent and you get an amazing product. Compared to other monocular it is larger, but it is not too large when compared to binoculars. This was one of the few monocular that had a 50mm lens and an easy adjustment which are both factors in this monocular's size. I tried many other monocular at the store and I wasn't too impressed. I almost bought a 10x25 Vortex but I noticed too much shake, I didn't like the two hand focus adjustment, and the low light was minimal. This Polaris Explorer is night and day over others, even the 8x36 Vortex model that cost more.
It is possible to adjust the knob with one hand but using two hands reduces the shake while spinning the knob. I do not notice much shake if I look through while holding with one hand and I think this is due to the comfortable grip. The low light capability is fantastic! 45 minutes after sunset I was still able to see objects clearly. If it is too dark to see something with your naked eye than this optics won't be picking it up either, but it will pick up objects with ease at night time in my neighbor hood but everyone has street lights and front door lights. The Polaris Explorer is amazing for star gazing at night. It will pick up stars that you can not see with your naked eye. I live in the city and I was only able to see a hand full of stars, but after looking through this I saw hundreds of hidden stars.
I tested the near distance capability and I got clear images at exactly 6 ft. I also went 300 yards away from my house and I could see my front door clearly through this optic. The adjust knob is excellent. When changing distances from near to several hundreds of yards it will take several turns of the knob but when looking at objects within about 50 yards of each other there isn't much spin needed. The adjustment allows for very crisp and clear images. The clarity of this optic is extremely brilliant!
The Polaris Explorer is a BAK4 prism. It does not show this anywhere that I could see online and I was surprised as it is very key in a good optic. Unfortunately I tested the waterproof capability already as it was raining while I was using it during a deer hunt, but noticed no water entry and the anti fogging works very well.
The tripod that is included is small but it is solid. I have a cheap tripod and it falls over easily due to it being all plastic. The tripod that is included is constructed out of metal and is heavier. It is pretty sturdy for being placed on a table. The tripod can also be used as a grip to reduce the shake even more. The optic is made in the USA and is constructed very well. The rubber coating is durable and does not scratch easily. The case is a little large for my liking to be on my belt so I took apart my cheap plastic tripod and made a lanyard so I can carry it around my neck. The smaller lens cap is free from attachment and I have almost lost it a couple of times so I have attached it with a string and has worked well. This optic is shock resistant. I have used it almost daily and carry it on me and it still looks new.
I was on the fence about this purchase for some time. Vortex has similar models with a good reputation. The Orion 10x42 is another good optic that was tempting, but some of the reviews steered me away. The Polaris website is very, very minimal and I was not able to find much about this optic besides the info on amazon. My worry was what would I do if I needed to claim a warranty if the company no longer existed. On amazon they advertise a lifetime, no hassle warranty, and I contacted them and they confirmed that there is a no hassle warranty, no questions asked for the first monocular, but the second one and beyond has a 12 month warranty to prevent abuse of the warranty. Vortex has them here because there warranty from what I understand is infinite and transferable. I like having the lifetime warranty as a piece of mind, but I still handle the optic with care. This optic will last a lifetime if you take care of it and don't drop it and keep the lens caps on when not in use. A lot of websites and blogs say that the 12x power is way too much to handle for a mono or binocular. It may be the case for other brands but not for the Polaris Explorer. My friends and family that uses this optic falls in love with it with one look through it. It produces an amazingly clear image and with a large lens diameter of 50mm; a large field of view is preserved. This is the best optic on the market today. I checked Bass Pro Shop, Dick's Sporting Goods, Academy, Sports Authority, local optic shops, and countless articles online. Plus you can't beat the price for what you get.
Also, all optics with the multi-coated lenses are more sensitive than just a standard glass lens. When cleaning the lens, do not use your shirt or an eye glasses cleaning cloth. They make special material that will not scratch or damage the multi coated lense. The user manual will expand on this.
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This item: Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular. Bright and Clear. Single Hand Focus. Waterproof. Fog Proof. For Bird Watching, or Watching Wildlife. Daytime Use. Formerly Polaris Optics
$89.92
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Product Description
Specifications:
- Power - 12x To See 12x Closer
- Obj.Lens Dia. - 50mm
- Type Of Prism - Bak4
- Eye Relief - 14mm
- Field Of View - 246 Ft/1000 Yds
- Close Focus - 2.5m
- Water Proof/ Fog Proof - Yes
- Tripod - Not Included
- Daytime Vision Only
Comes with: Nylon Mesh Carrying Case, Eyepiece And Lens Protection Covers, and Non-Abrasive, Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth.
One Hand Focus
Ergonomic design helps you focus on your target quickly and accurately with just one hand.
Bright and Clear View
The Wingspan Optics Explorer provides a Bright and Clear range of view up to 1000 yards away so that you have the best view in your outdoor adventures.
12X50 Magnification
See things 12X closer and Get Clearer and Brighter range of view with 50mm lens – The most powerful hand held monocular available in the market today
Waterproof and Fog Proof
Prevents moisture, dust, and debris from getting inside the monocular - designed to inhibit internal fogging. Great for any weather and any environment.
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| Customer Reviews |
1,450
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6
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| Price | $89.99 | — no data |
| Birdwatcher's Choice | FieldView 8x32 Binoculars | Replacement Binoculars Case |
| Great for Outdoors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Unparalleled Experience | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bundle to Save | ✓ | ✓ |
| High Customer Rating | ✓ | ✓ |
Compare with similar items
This Item  Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular. Bright and Clear. Single Hand Focus. Waterproof. Fog Proof. For Bird Watching, or Watching Wildlife. Daytime Use. Formerly Polaris Optics | Recommendations  |  |  |  |  | |
| Price | $89.92 | $45.99 | $99.99 | $79.99 | -22% $104.75 List: $134.75 | -17% $74.95 List: $89.95 |
| Delivery | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 | Get it as soon as Tuesday, May 13 |
| Customer Ratings | ||||||
| Sold By | Wingspan Optics | HUIYUANWEI | five color | ZEKUI | Amazon.com | Amazon.com |
| focal length | 2.5 meters | — | 21 millimeters | 50 millimeters | 21 millimeters | — |
| focus type | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus | Manual Focus |
| zoom ratio | 12 | 80 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 |
| eye piece lens | Kellner | — | Prism | Prism | BAK4 Pirsm & Ultra-Broadband Multi-Waterproof-Coating | Multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms for enhanced image quality |
| objective lens diameter | 50 millimeters | — | 56 millimeters | 60 millimeters | 56 millimeters | 50 millimeters |
| exit pupil diameter | 4.17 millimeters | 1.25 millimeters | 4.67 millimeters | 4.17 millimeters | 4.2 millimeters | 5 millimeters |
| telescope mount | — | Manual Altazimuth Mount | Fixed Mount | Altazimuth Mount | Equatorial Mount | — |
| lens coating | — | — | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | Fully Multi-Coated | Multi-Coated |
| field of view | 7.5 degrees | 12.5 degrees | 391.7 yards | 6.5 degrees | 325 feet | 368 feet |
| weight | 0.69 pounds | — | 1 kilograms | 14 ounces | 15.8 ounces | 0.52 kilograms |
| power source | Battery Powered | Manual Operation | ✗ | — | Adapter | Adapter |
Product information
| Product Dimensions | 9.4 x 7.9 x 4.1 inches |
|---|---|
| Item Weight | 11 ounces |
| ASIN | B00K9SYPAE |
| Item model number | PE-12501 |
| Customer Reviews |
4.4 out of 5 stars |
| Best Sellers Rank | #527 in Camera & Photo Products (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo Products) #81 in Monoculars |
| Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
| Date First Available | May 11, 2014 |
| Manufacturer | Wingspan Optics |
Warranty & Support
Product Warranty: For warranty information about this product, please click here
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Great (but shaky) image. Bigger than expected.
I just got this for a trip to Yellowstone. I read the specs but still was a bit surprised by the size. It's about the size of a soda can, but a little taller and thinner. The carrying case is also a bit larger than expected. As others noted, eyepiece cover does not have a lanyard, but there is a hole for one. Lens cover has a lanyard. The image is very clear and I'm happy with the magnification. But at 12x, like others have said, the image is shaky and it is hard to keep you hand that still. The tripod is sturdier than expected but not very useful. Small and when attached it keeps wanting to tip forward on its nose. Only 4 stars for bulk and tripod, but I'd still buy again. Worth it. Note it does not have zoom. Fixed mag, but you can still focus on objects near and far very easily. I paired it with a Gosky universal phone adapter and have been having fun snapping some shots with my iPhone 6. Slo-mo video of hummingbird feeder was awesome! That was taken from about 30-40 feet away. Can't wait to try it out in the mountains and on the trail. UPDATE: just noticed there is either a small defect or piece of dust in the lens. Uploaded two different pictures that show the same small dark spot up around 10 o'clock on the image. Tried cleaning with cloth provided, but didn't help. I'll have to see how annoying this becomes and if rating needs to be downgraded.
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