Helios 8x30 monocular.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

I have the above instrument,that used to belong to my late father.I reckon that it's approx 15 years old,has a red anodised finish,and is supplied with a sun filter(NB-NOT the type for solar viewing).The optics are surprisingly good for something that I don't think cost very much.It's marked 'made in USSR'.I s this from the same company as the 'Apollo'15x70's(Japan/o.k,China)that I crave?

[BinocularSky]

.It's marked 'made in USSR'.I s this from the same company as the 'Apollo'15x70's(Japan/o.k,China)that I crave?

No. The Helios Apollo comes from United Optics of Kunming. Helios is a brand, not a manufacturer: early Helios kit came from Japan (e.g. the 15x70 Stellar) and Russia (e.g. the monocular you have).

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

Cheers Steve for clarifying that point.I didn't think that the 'Helios' brand would mean much in this context.Still want those APOLLO's though!

[Damo636]

I have a sister heading to New York in March & I'm seriously thinking about getting her to pick up a set of these.....

http://www.adorama.com/ON1570RA.html

I think I have read these are identical to the Helios Apollo, but as much things are across the pond, much less expensive!

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

Hi Damo,they certainly look interesting.Not sure what the exact exchange rate is at present,but they probably work out at around the £240 mark.

[MAN or ASTROMAN]

PS- at least you won't get stung for import duty! I used to be a keen musician,and bought a flute from America.It wasn't cheap to start with,then I had to pay import tax on it.Ouch!