Bresser Wave 12x50 Waterproof monocular
Looking for a compact optical companion for hiking, birdwatching or travel that won't let you down even in the rain? The Bresser Wave 12x50 Waterproof combines powerful optics with a rugged, weather-sealed body, making it ready for any adventure. With 12x magnification and a 50 mm objective lens, objects at 1200 metres appear as if they were just 100 metres away - every detail of a bird's plumage, every texture of rock, every architectural element stands out with surprising clarity.
Optical system
At the heart of the instrument is a premium roof prism made from BaK-4 optical glass (barium crown glass), which offers a high refractive index and minimal aberrations. Fully multi-coated optics on all air-to-glass surfaces significantly reduce unwanted reflections and maximise light transmission. An additional UR (Ultimate Reflection Coating) layer applied to the prism further increases brightness and contrast. The exit pupil diameter, combined with a relative brightness of 17.36 and a twilight factor of 24.49, ensures a usable image even in low-light conditions - at dawn, dusk or in dense forest.
Field of view and close focus
The 5.14° field of view (90 m at 1000 m) is a solid value for this magnification level, allowing comfortable tracking of moving objects without constant refocusing. A minimum focus distance of just 2 metres also makes it suitable for observing insects or plant details at close range.
Build quality and weatherproofing
The monocular body is constructed from a combination of metal and plastic, with a rubberised exterior that provides a secure grip in wet conditions or when wearing gloves. Waterproofing is certified to IPX7 standard, meaning the unit can withstand submersion to a depth of 1 metre. Nitrogen filling prevents internal fogging of the lenses during sudden temperature changes, such as moving from a cold outdoor environment into a warm room. Focusing is handled by a robust metal focusing wheel with smooth, precise action. The twist-up eyecup allows comfortable viewing even with glasses - simply fold down the eyecup and the eye automatically sits at the correct distance from the ocular.
Tripod compatibility and portability
The Bresser Wave 12x50 Waterproof is equipped with a tripod adapter thread, so for extended observation or afocal photography you can mount the monocular on a tripod and eliminate hand shake - a particularly practical advantage at 12x magnification.
The monocular comes with a wrist strap for safe carrying in the field. Compact dimensions of 170 × 75 × 70 mm and a weight of just 420 g make it easy to slip into a jacket pocket or backpack without any noticeable burden.
Technical specifications
| Parameter |
Value |
| Magnification |
12x |
| Objective lens diameter |
50 mm |
| Prism type |
Roof (BaK-4) |
| Lens coating |
Fully multi-coated + UR coating |
| Field of view |
5.14° / 90 m at 1000 m |
| Exit pupil |
4.2 mm |
| Relative brightness |
17.36 |
| Twilight factor |
24.49 |
| Minimum focus distance |
2 m |
| Waterproofing |
IPX7 (1 m depth) |
| Nitrogen filled |
Yes |
| Eyecup type |
Twist-up |
| Tripod adapter thread |
Yes |
| Dimensions |
170 × 75 × 70 mm |
| Weight |
420 g |
Who is this monocular for?
If you are looking for a powerful waterproof monocular for hiking and nature observation that can handle demanding conditions while delivering optics comparable to far more expensive instruments, the Bresser Wave 12x50 is a choice that will convince you from the very first look through the eyepiece. It suits birdwatchers, hikers, travellers and anyone who needs reliable optical performance in a compact, weather-resistant package.
In the box
- Bresser Wave 12x50 Waterproof monocular
- Wrist strap
