Alpen makes a very inexpensive 20x50 Monocular/spotting scope. Very compact.
Without a zoom feature, it actually doesn't look 1/2 bad (Zooms add a compromise, more magnification, but less clarity)
for 50 yards, it would work quite well.
Many of the reviews I read on it are guys shooting .22 at targets 50-100 yards. If it works for them, she should have NO trouble.

Search Alpen 711 20x50 spotting scope….it's like $55

 

The Vortex Solo 8x36 is what I went with after much research last year. Light, clear, and the best size I thought. Fits in my hip quiver easily. NOT to larger either & that was the chief concern. My Nikon 7x35 binoculars are great, but they are 2.5 times bigger and heavier. LOVE the monocular.

 

Thanks for the feedback. I was actually looking at the Vortex Solo 8X25. Do you think the 8x would be good enough for looking at targets at 50 yds, or should I go with the 10X25. I can pick up the 8X25 for $49.99 and the 10X25 is $54.99. Do you know where the Vortex monoculars are made?

 

For ultra compact, I would look at the Votex posted above…if you have a little more room the Alpen is pretty impressive.

 

That Alpen does look impressive but I think my daughter needs something more compact. She has to lug it around school since they practice at different locations for 20 yds and 50 yds.

 

My research last year suggested that holding a 8x magnification power in hand without any support would be the best and highest power that you could hold steady enough to view without support. Venture to 10x closer & you aren't able to hold it steady enough to clearly see the object you are attempting to view in the distance. So, I wouldn't go any higher power then 8x, that is 8 times closer than the object is really at.

As for the objective OR aperture end of the mono/binocular, it is a balance as well. The bigger the number, the bigger the glass is in MM, 25, 36, 50mm. It allows more light in. It does not affect the power OR magnification. For using it to spot targets during daylight hours, I'd say 25-36 would be more than enough light coming in via that objective. The larger objective number, the bigger and heavier the mono/binocular. I personally don't see the benefit of getting a huge objective for spotting at the bow club.

 

Thanks. Do you think the 8x at 50 yds would be able to clearly distinguish between an X and 10? Really leaning towards the Vortex Solo since I think it will be much easier for my daughter to use on the range. She'll be able to attach to her quiver belt versus using a chest strap for binocs.

 

I can see it plenty clearly at 50 yards. If she has a tripod to mount the 10x power on, then get a 10x power. IF SHE does not have a tripod, then 10 power mono/binoculars will be worse then the 8x power, as the field of view will be shaking all over the place AND she won't be able to see anything clearly at all. So, that call comes down to having a support system for the monocular OR no support. It is a matter of preference. IF you go with a 10x power, then you may as well get an even stronger dedicated spotting scope that comes with a tripod & plenty of magnification.

 

why did you choose the 8X36 over the 10x36? Wouldn't 10X's be easier to see the target..? Are these wide lens?

I have a Bushnell 20x50 and a Rugged Exposure 12 - 60 X 78 (using only the 12X). I love the big picture in the X78 but bulky and the 20X50 is a pinpoint picture with the narrow viewing window..

I can not work with binoc's so I use mono's Lov them.

 

http://www.vortexoptics.com/category/solo_monoculars

Would this mean a wider picture off the specs listed in the link?
8x36 18 mm 16.4' 393' / 7.5°

 

I personally chose the 8x magnification over the 10x magnification because of the almost impossible task of holding a 10x power mono/binocular steady enough to see anything WHEN used without a tripod of some sort. Actual field of view had no bearing on my decision. To me, it came down to getting the strongest mono power I could hold steady WITHOUT a tripod or support system. I went to Cabelas and I tried out all of the different powers available in both Monoculars & binoculars, and then I tried the different objectives as well. 8x power was the best I could hold reasonably steady, and that lined up with my research. I was hoping I could hold 10x steady, but it was a joke. NOT even close NO matter how hard I tried!

25 objectives were OK, but 36mm seemed a hole lot brighter, so I settled on that compromise.

 

We have a local birders store that is a dealer and will see if they have a set to try / buy. I see the going price is 100.00. Well worth it for me spotting my his or misses on the target. and compact at the same time.. If I can spot 40 - 60 yrds I will be happy not to have to walk back and forth checking.

I will be checking on their other long range scopes also, I spot "undocumented crossers" aka [illegals] out here in the mountain side for a hobby on the back porch.

Thanks for your review and take on the mono.

 

Sounds like fun looking for the crossers! Might be worth getting a great spotting scope and tripod for that, either way.

 

I use [Rugged Exposure 12 - 60 X 78] at this time but want something that can get a clearer view pushing 5 plus miles... The mountains are on both sides of us and at night I can focus on the Naco Mexico / Arizona border lights / gates. Straight view 15 miles as a crow flies.

 

I have two spotting scopes for tripod use and got myself a Vortex monocular instead of bino...

 

My friend has a set of 8x42 Zen-Ray ZRS monoculars. It is probably one of the best made monoculars. The clarity and brightness is at the same level as my ED binoculars

http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/monoculars/monohd8x42.html

Since it is monocular, it is more difficult to hold steady than binoculars. You may want to keep it below 10x