Safari Optics ?

[Nimrod1960]

A friend is going to Africa on non shooting Safari.

Here is what he asked me.

Can you recommend a good monocular for viewing wildlife during the day that will attach to an iPhone for pictures but will also do night vision too.

I have tried to explain field of view, the difference between day and night vision etc. Suggested he just get a good set of binos and a camera as he is looking for a unicorn.
I am however very happy to be contradicted by the SD collective should anyone know of such a beast.
BTW he has plenty of cash so dont be coy with suggesting expensive gear.

 

[Tazz]

A friend is going to Africa on non shooting Safari.

Here is what he asked me.

Can you recommend a good monocular for viewing wildlife during the day that will attach to an iPhone for pictures but will also do night vision too.

I have tried to explain field of view, the difference between day and night vision etc. Suggested he just get a good set of binos and a camera as he is looking for a unicorn.
I am however very happy to be contradicted by the SD collective should anyone know of such a beast.
BTW he has plenty of cash so dont be coy with suggesting expensive gear.

Explain to him they are easier to photograph once you’ve shot them, then you just need your IPhone

 

[willie_gunn]

The Leica Monovid is very good, and whilst I've not tried it, you could use a device like this to attach it to the iPhone:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Eyeskey-Universal-Phone-Adapter-Microscopes/dp/B0CKRBHCLV

Can't help on the night vision side of things, but I believe there are restrictions in place in some African countries when it comes to importing Mil-spec/Gen 3 devices.

 

[nun_hunter]

One problem I can see and have experienced with attaching phones to optics even with decent mounts is you can only choose one lens to centre on the optic. Most camera phones today are very good because they stitch together images from 3 (my phone has 5 camera lenses) or more lenses to digitally enhance each otherwise individual picture.

This means the image is always a bit naff when taken by a phone through and optical viewing device. Fine for identifying a shootable animal or taking an OK'ish clip for YouTube but not good for lifetime memories.

 

[Sash]

He is looking for a unicorn.
And a not very attractive/good one either - I really think the combination you describe would give your friend one of the worst possible safari experiences.
On a good safari you can spend a long time during the day looking through optics - monoculars are a significantly less pleasant experience for extended use than a decent set of binos.
For photos, buy a camera. The difference vs an add-on to a monocular is huge.
What country is your friend going to? I took a Pulsar to Kenya with no problem, and it was great on night drives.