The monocular is a compact and portable magnification tool.
Optics are one of the important pieces of equipment in modern archery.
On any tournament line, field scopes and binoculars sit side by side with bows and arrows.
They help archers understand where their shot has landed.
These spotting aids are permitted in tournaments and a handy tool, especially when the target boards are situated 50 to 70 metres away from the firing line.
Premium high-powered binoculars with an armour-coated housing and gas-filled lenses work in all weather conditions. (Right) Monoculars are not as popular as binoculars in archery.
The field scope is often the main workhorse that gives an archer a clear indication of what the arrow has hit.
This is done every time after the archer pulls the trigger and looks through the scope to see exactly where the arrow has struck.
This is a crucial moment.
The field scope is an important tool for archers shooting marked distances in outdoor tournaments.
A peek into the scope provides a guide on whether an archer needs to adjust the windage, raise the elevation or maintain the same aim.
Most scopes come with a zoom function, allowing the user to inspect the rings on the target face from a distance.
There are rules for this in a tournament.
The scope must be placed on the equipment line and secured at a specific height.
However, these scopes, which have a narrow field of view, are usually lined up and pre-focused before shooting starts.
Once the arrow is released, the archer checks the scope for details.
Just like a ritual, it is repeated throughout the entire round.
A field scope offers great clarity for targets placed at long distances.
A good scope does not come cheap. It is also bulky and heavy, as it requires a tripod for mounting.
A good one can run into a few thousand ringgit.
Of course, it also comes with custom covers to protect the lenses from heat, dust and rain.
Due to the price of these scopes, it’s common to see archers from the same club share one scope on the shooting line.
Unlike binoculars, field scopes have limitations. They cannot be handheld and must remain in a static position.
Binoculars are easier to carry, quicker to grab and more forgiving when one has to move around.
The adjustable zoom eyepiece on a field scope.
Some archers use “opera” glasses – small, pocket-sized binoculars – for a clear, quick view of their shots.
But in terms of quality, they lack the same clarity as the scope.
This is due to their small exit pupils and the 8x to 10x magnification; they work best under bright outdoor light.
However, the larger, high-performance binoculars offer an alternative option for a better view.
With their larger exit pupils, fog-resistant coatings and rugged weatherproof exterior, they can deliver a brighter, steadier view in any condition.
The small exit pupil on compact binoculars does not work well in low-lighting conditions.
The heavier models are often used on 3D and Field Archery courses, where terrain and lighting conditions are inconsistent throughout the day.
Another choice is the monocular. It’s slim and simple, featuring strong magnification in a compact size.
A monocular can be easily fitted into a pocket or a quiver and needs little care. This can be a handy choice for archers who prefer something discreet yet reasonably powerful.
But size and shape do not matter when it comes to these optics.
Compact binoculars are best if you are shooting on a budget.
What matters is that they must be sturdy, with good optics that allow the archer to read their shots with confidence.
In a sport where small adjustments make a big difference, these tools are definitely the extra pair of eyes that keep the arrow on track.
