MINOX Makroscope

[Bimble]

I’m thinking of purchasing a MINOX makroscope for general filed work. In case you’re wondering why I posted this in the kit forum instead of the ‘gizmos forum’, I have found bino’s to be invaluable for navigation on several occasions (obviously in combination with a good map and compass), and do not feel comfortable on extended trips without them.
The main reason I’m looking at this pocket telescope is that it also has a close focus enabling it t be used as ‘pseudo’ microscope. I regularly use my bino’s in reverse for removing splinters, looking at bugs close up, etc, though I've never had to start a fire with them in the UK. . (You get that I consider good optics as a kit essential by now....)

But this very close focal length (eye relief) doesn’t allow for observing things like flying insects.
The makroscope claims to have a close focus of 350mm and is only 92x57x44mm and waterproof to 5 meters.........Ideal field optics for me then! (If you believe the marketing)
Does, anybody out there have, or has used one, know of alternatives? Like all good optics, they cost a bit; I would dearly like to have other opinions before I write my letter to Santa.

http://www.minox.com/index.php?id=174&L=1

 

[saddle_tramp]

I looked at one of these a while ago, scoured the net for reviews and the only one i found, was a bad one. Something to do with internal glare, and that the eyepeice having no proud cup. the latter could easily be sorted with a modification, but its an expensive little toy and shouldnt really need fettling

 

[alpha_centaur]

Old minox kit used to be of really good quality if slightly gimmicky. They used to specialise in sub miniture (or spy) cameras so the optical quality was excellent.

I recently bought a monocular and looked for reviews on them and found

this

http://www.amazon.com/Minox-62206-8x25-Macroscope/dp/B000K2D7H6

and this

http://http://outside.away.com/outside/gear/gear.tcl?gear=Minox-Macroscope&gear_id=4902&action=showgear

Neither overly outstanding reviews. so why not try to find a local store with one in stock or buy one online where you can return it if its absolutly

 

[Bimble]

Thanks guys, I think i will have to take a look at this in the flesh before making a decision. The reveiws look medioca to say the least.......

Thanks again for you help.

 

[James_m246]

In my experience things usually get reviewed either if they are really good or really bad, considering the lack of reviews I would guess that its mediocre, gets the job done but nothing special.

But I don't know anything about the actual thing so don't base your decision on what I say.