If you are looking for a portable way to see things off in the distance, a monocular is a clear choice. Unlike heavy and bulky binoculars, monoculars are often small enough to fit in a pocket and weigh around a pound or less. We made a list of the best monoculars so you can find one to bring on your next hike or travel adventure.
Product FAQ
1. What Is the Difference Between A Monocular and Binocular?
A monocular allows you to see at a distance from one eye; a binocular allows you to see a distance from both eyes. While you can get better clarity in a binocular because you are using both eyes, binoculars tend to be heavy and aren’t exactly pocket-friendly. If you want something portable monoculars are a better option.
2. Zoom Vs Magnification?
Monoculars do not generally have a zoom like you would see on a camera, rather, the lens is fixed at a magnification. The dial or wheel on the monocular can be used to focus the lens so you can see objects near and far. Zoom changes the angle of view through the lens or digitally.
3. Is a Monocular Useful for Astronomy?
While you can use a monocular to get a better view of stars and other heavenly bodies, they are not specifically designed to view the distance that a telescope would.
4. Are There Night Vision Monoculars?
There are monoculars that use battery-powered, infrared, night vision. We have included several in our 10 best monoculars list.
5. Can a Monocular Be Used for Photography and Recording?
Several monoculars included in our 10 best monoculars list have photography and video recording capability built-in, and others can be attached to a smartphone to use the photography and video recording capabilities of the phone.
How We Reviewed
In our review of the 10 best monoculars, we included a price range, where to buy, pros, and cons. We also provided the top features of each monocular on our best monocular list. We included features like durability, waterproofing, anti-fog, single-handed use, rubberized grip, magnification, distance, night vision, recording, and accessories included.
Overall Price Range
We found most of the monoculars we reviewed on our 10 best monoculars list were priced fairly low if they did not have night vision or recording. The monoculars that had infrared night vision were often higher priced than those without. Monoculars with photography and video recording capabilities were among the highest priced. These monoculars also had infrared night vision included. Other factors that affected the price were things like rubberized body for a more durable monocular and accessories included like smartphone holders.
What We Reviewed
- Monocular Telescope, 12X50 High Power HD Monocular
- Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
- Solomark Night Vision Monocular
- Xgazer Optics 8X42 Point View High Powered Monocular
- Monocular Telescope – 12×50 HD Monocular LONOVE Compact Monocular
- Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular
- Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular
- Wingspan Optics ProSpotter 10X42 Compact Monocular Scope
- Firefield FF24066 Night Vision Monocular Nightfall 2 5×50
- Gosky Titan 12X50 High Power Prism Monocular
Monocular Telescope, 12X50 High Power HD Monocular
Features
No-Slip
The Monocular Telescope by Vivreal has a no-slip grip so the monocular will not fall from your hand while moving or from moisture. The monocular’s focus can be adjusted with one hand using the wheel, so you have a hand free for anything else.
Smartphone Compatible
The Monocular Telescope by Vivreal can be used to magnify images for viewing on your smartphone using the quick alignment smartphone holder. See images from the monocular on your smartphone screen to take photos and video and easily watch hands-free with the tripod.
Focus Up to 1000 Yards
The Monocular Telescope by Vivreal has a 50mm lens to focus up to 1000 yards away with 12 times magnification.
Waterproof
The Monocular Telescope by Vivreal is waterproof with an IPX7 rating, and the nitrogen-filled design prevents fog. You can use this monocular in any weather without worry.
Lightweight
The Monocular Telescope by Vivreal is one of the lightest at 8 ounces. This makes it very portable and easy to hold for hours.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Compatible with Smartphones
- Focus with one hand
Cons
- Included directions could be more clear
- The lens can have a glare
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
Features
Waterproof
The Wingspan Optics Monocular is waterproof and fog-resistant. The nitrogen-filled lens will not fog up, and you can easily use this monocular in humid and rainy weather without damaging it.
Focus Up to 1000 Yards
The Wingspan Optics Monocular allows users to see clearly up to 1000 yards and magnify 12 times with its 50mm lens.
Single-Handed Focus
The Wingspan Optics Monocular allows you to easily and safely use the monocular with one hand, and it has a non-slip grip so you won’t drop it while moving around.
Small and Portable
The Wingspan Optics Monocular is small and easy to carry with you; it includes a carrying case and a cleaning cloth. The monocular only weighs 11 ounces, so it won’t weigh your bags down and can be held without your hand getting fatigued.
Pros
- Waterproof
- Case included
- One-handed operation
Cons
- Similar monoculars are priced lower
- No night vision
- Heavier than some competitors
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Solomark Night Vision Monocular
Features
Night Vision
The Solomark Night Vision Monocular has night vision capabilities of 100m to see and photograph in low light environments.
3 Times Zoom
The Solomark Night Vision Monocular allows zooming of up to 3 times for viewing and photos up to 100m away.
Camera
The Solomark Night Vision Monocular has a camera built into it to take photographs and record in 480P. The monocular includes a 4GB SD card and can be expanded up to 32GB.
Pros
- Camera and video recording
- Night vision up to 100m
- Zoom 1 to 3 times
Cons
- Requires 4xAA batteries
- The camera is not high definition
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Xgazer Optics 8X42 Point View High Powered Monocular
Features
Clear 42mm Lens
You can see clearly with the Xgazer Optics Monocular up to 1000 yards with its 42mm 8 times magnifying lens.
Non-Slip
The Xgazer Optics Monocular helps you keep a firm grip with its non-slip design.
Large Objective
The oversized object lens provides great brightness and clarity on the Xgazer Optics Monocular.
Coatings
The Xgazer Optics Monocular is coated for glare protection and better viewing.
Lightweight
The Xgazer Optics Monocular is extremely portable, weighing only 11 ounces.
Pros
- Multiple lens size options
- Great glare protection
- The large objective for better quality
Cons
- Higher power lenses cost more
- Heavier than similar competitors
- Not waterproof
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Monocular Telescope – 12×50 HD Monocular LONOVE Compact Monocular
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Features
1000 Yards Clearly
The LONOVE Compact Monocular provides a clear 12 times magnified image up to 1000 yards with the 50mm lens.
Smartphone Compatible
The LONOVE Compact Monocular includes the quick alignment smartphone holder to view a magnified image on your smartphone.
Waterproof
The LONOVE Compact Monocular is waterproof and fog proof for great vision in any weather.
Focus One-Handed
Easily focus the LONOVE Compact Monocular with one hand and never lose grip with non-slip design.
Pros
- Affordable price
- Waterproof
- Smartphone holder included
Cons
- May not provide enough magnification for enthusiasts
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular
Features
See Distant Objects
The ROXANT Monocular allows you to see much further with its 30mm lens; it magnifies objects 6 times.
Wide View Lens
Don’t miss any of the action with the ROXANT Monocular wide view lens.
Non-Slip
The ROXANT Monocular is perfect for travel and sports because it has a non-slip grip and includes a strap and protective case.
Lightweight
The ROXANT Monocular is one of the lightest at under 8 ounces.
Pros
- Non-slip grip
- Includes a case, strap, and cleaning cloth
- Wide view
Cons
- More magnification in similarly priced monoculars
- No dust caps included
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Bestguarder 6x50mm HD Digital Night Vision Monocular
Features
Zoom Up to 5x
The Bestguarder Monocular allows you to zoom up to 5 times for a clear view, photos, and video of distant objects.
Record HD Video
The Bestguarder Monocular records video in 720P with sound. The monocular can also take photographs in high resolution with vivid colors.
IR Night Vision
The Bestguarder Monocular comes equipped with infrared night vision, so you can see up to 350m in the darkness.
Waterproof
The Bestguarder Monocular has a sporty waterproof design and includes a strap and tripod.
Pros
- Records in HD with sound
- Takes high-resolution photos
- IR night vision
Cons
- Heavier than most competitors
- Cannot mount to a helmet
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Wingspan Optics ProSpotter 10X42 Compact Monocular Scope
Features
View 1000 Yards
The Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular allows users to view 1000 yards away clearly with its 42mm lens and 10 times magnification.
Rugged Design
The Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular is one of the most durable monoculars we reviewed. It is dust-proof, waterproof, filled with nitrogen to prevent fog, and has a no-slip grip. The rubberized coating helps the Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular prevent damage from dropping.
One-Handed
The Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular can easily be used with one hand because it has a single wheel to adjust the focus that is extra large for easy movement with one finger. The Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular is extremely light at 11 ounces.
Includes case
The Wingspan ProSpotter Monocular includes a strap and case for portability.
Pros
- Focus with one hand
- Rugged design
- Includes case
Cons
- Tripod not included
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Firefield FF24066 Night Vision Monocular Nightfall 2 5×50
Features
Night Vision
The Firefield Monocular has infrared night vision to see at a distance in the dark.
Ergonomic
The Firefield Monocular has an ergonomic design that feels great even after long periods of use. The Firefield Monocular offers high durability with its rubberized design.
High Magnification
The Firefield Monocular offers 5 times magnification to see distant objects through its 50mm lens.
Lightweight
The Firefield Monocular is lightweight while offering night vision. The monocular is only 15 ounces, but many night vision monoculars are well over one pound.
Pros
- IR night vision
- Ergonomic
- Durable rubber
Cons
- Requires 2xAA batteries to use
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
Gosky Titan 12X50 High Power Prism Monocular
Features
Smartphone Holder
The Gosky Titan Monocular includes a phone holder and a quick alignment adapter to view the magnified images through your phone.
12 Times Magnification
The Gosky Titan Monocular has a 50mm lens that allows users to see 12 times magnified views up to 1000 yards.
Waterproof
The Gosky Titan Monocular is waterproof, dustproof, and fog-resistant. You can use this monocular in any weather conditions.
One-Handed
The focus can be operated with one hand, and the non-slip grip keeps the Gosky Titan Monocular firmly in your grasp.
Pros
- Waterproof
- One-handed focus
- Smartphone holder included
Cons
- No tripod included
- Similar competitors sell for less
Where to Buy
This product is available on Amazon.
The Verdict
After reviewing each monocular on our 10 best monoculars list, we found the best monocular to be the Wingspan Optics ProSpotter 10X42 Compact Monocular Scope. This monocular has excellent durability, with a completely rubberized body to withstand drops. It is also waterproof, dustproof, and is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging. It comes with a 30-day, no-hassle guarantee in case it doesn’t live up to your expectations and has a lifetime limited warranty.
The Best Monocular
While the Wingspan ProSpotter isn’t the most affordable monocular on our list, it is still very budget-friendly. The Wingspan ProSpotter will give you a clear image up to 1000 yards with its 42mm lens and magnifies 10 times. The Wingspan does not include a tripod, but it does come with a carrying case and neck strap. This monocular is great for enthusiasts and entry-level spotters alike.
Featured image by StockSnap via Pixabay.
Last update on 2023-03-28 at 00:02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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