Will admit pro-Leica bias, I use their binoculars, have one of their cameras. The idea behind purchasing this monocular was that it would be light and small enough to carry backpacking or have with me during times when no real glassing was to be anticipated. If a man knows he has glassing to do, binoculars are purpose built for the job. That said this monocular is not a replacement for a good set of binoculars. The image is clear, crisp and color definition is excellent. No wave or warble on the perimeter of view, exactly what I expect from Leica. Similar to the binocular caveat, it is a 20mm lens, field of view reflects this. Substantially lighter than my 8 X 42s at 6.4 ounces with case, it is also tiny by comparison. A mighty dressy leather cylinder holding the entire outfit, 5 inches tall, 2 inches in diameter fits in a pocket, has a belt loop. Monocular feels good in the hand and focuses smoothly; eye cup is just like the binos, familiar. The extra lens for close magnification is a great feature and quite handy when keeping company with a redheaded Aquatic Entomologist. (Aye, I have learned to spell and pronounce both them words) She was favorably impressed when I produced a small, light, hand held device with which she could look carefully at wee bugs and such. She has no desire to pack her microscope miles into the Washakie Wilderness on her or my back, was tickled to have a viewing device so light and compact. Not so good is the "wrist strap" no idea what to do with it and I can't get it to work with the case. Hillbilly solution to secure the lens cap is yellow mason's twine, seems to work well. Good optics are never cheap and you get what you pay for with this glass. My sister has another quality yet cheaper brand monocular, my Leica outdoes hers by a greater percentage than the cost difference. If you are looking for a super clear, bright, light, small optic for just in case you need a look-see, think this will fill the bill.