I have used binos for years, but have recently moved to mono due to an eyesight issue which makes using binos impossible ( unless I close one eye and use as a mono).
If I could still effectively use binos, I would. But then again I am not a weight weenie.
I have the vortex 8x36 and 10x36. For swamps and in general, the 8 is better. More light gathering, bigger field of view and strong enough for what I need. I carry both in a Rick young outdoors bino case and harness. I decided I would leave one back that didn’t get used as much. I may eventually leave to 10 back.
I went through a multitude of Amazon purchases and returns for monoculars last year. I wanted to try and get something better,but none compared to the vertex in low light viewing. None. Take that for what it is worth if you choose the monocular route.
Bino or mono, I would recommend buy the highest quality glass you can afford. It does make a difference. And a nice Rick young outdoors harness makes them easy to carry/use.