Best Monoculars of 2022 | Reviews & Buying Guide

If you are a bird watcher, hiker, or just scouting a terrain, a monocular is a must-have thing. These are handy tools to have when it comes to hunting or outdoor adventures.

Most of the people may not know what a monocular is because they tend to hear about binoculars and telescopes a lot. But monoculars are equally useful since they are compact and versatile equipment.

And because of its small size, you can even store it in your pocket. They make the life lot easier by letting you see the farther objects clearly.

You might come across a point where you need to buy a monocular. You would need to browse through many products and read a lot of reviews to figure out which one suits your needs.

With so many options available in the market right now, it is hard to choose any one of them especially if all them makes a claim to offer you superb and quality product.

There are so many factors you need to consider, such as optics configuration, a field of view, close focus distance, waterproofing capabilities, and so on.

To save you all this trouble, we have tested many monoculars according to their different features, price range, and usability, and after rigorous testing, we came up with the reviews of Best monoculars in 2020.

Quick Answer: The Best Monocular

1. Vortex Solo 10×25 Monocular

Vortex Solo is by far the best monocular I have ever seen. And it is not only affordable but it is reliable too. This monocular is fitted with a 25mm objective lens so it will allow the maximum light transmission for better image quality.

Other than that, the 10X magnification power will allow you to see farther objects easily. Moving on, the whole outer body of the monocular is fully rubber armored, which provides the non-slip grip to the user and also it adds another layer of protection.

This monocular is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed, which makes it waterproof and fog proof. Due to this reason, the Vortex Solo can withstand extreme weather conditions easily.

On top of that, the adjustable eyecup provides a comfortable viewing experience no matter if you are eyeglass wearer or not.

The available field of view is 315 feet at 1000 yards and close focus distance is 16.4 feet. Its compact design and lightweight body is the reason why every outdoor enthusiast loves this monocular.

Its glass surfaces are fully multi-coated, which means that you will get bright and crystal clear images and due to this feature, even hunters and backpackers can use it.

This particular monocular is offered in 4 different variants with different objective lens size and zooming capabilities. It comes with a belt case so you can easily carry it without worrying about dropping it.

Mainly this monocular has two rings. The larger one below the eyepiece is a focus ring. This ring is very easy to adjust and requires minimal effort; however, it requires both hands to adjust the focus knob.

The second one is a recital focus ring. If you have eyeglasses, then you can twist down the eyepiece using adjustable eyecup for comfortable viewing.

2. Gosky 12×50 ED Glass Monocular

Our next pick is Gosky 12X50 ED glass monocular. What makes this product special is it’s premium ED (extra-low dispersion) glass and trust me it has so many advantages.

First of all, ED glass eliminates chromatic aberration and color fringing so that you will see images with high color resolution and contrast. Also, the ED glass delivers the maximum performance even in low light conditions, which is a huge advantage.

Another mind-boggling feature is the dielectric coated phase-corrected prism, which has a high reflectance. This dielectric coating of the prism ensures the high reflectivity across the full visible range, which in turn helps in improving the light transmission and provides you brighter and clearer images.

That’s not all, MultiGuard FMC coating helps in further increasing the light transmission which results in the increased field of view.

The focus knob is located at the top, making it easier to focus even with one hand, here’s how. Whenever you pick up the monocular, your index finger automatically lands on the focusing wheel so it is a very helpful feature.

Also, the focus knob is very well designed here, and it is big and smooth enough to be used with the gloves on. This monocular is argon purged which provides waterproof as well as fog proof protection.

Unfortunately, there is no diopter adjustment feature in this monocular but the adjustable eye-cups and 17 mm eye relief compensate the need for diopter adjustment, helping the people with glasses to enjoy nature.

Moreover, the rubber armor makes this monocular very sturdy, rugged and shockproof. It also aids in minimizing the damage if the monocular falls on a hard surface.

In this era, the smartphone has become a very handy gadget, which is why being able to attach your optic gear with your cellphone gives you an advantage. By using the included smartphone digiscoping adapter, you can capture images or record videos on your phone.

Other than that, this monocular incorporates 1/4″-20 threads brass screw hole so you can attach it to tripod quickly.

3. ROXANT High Definition Wide View Monocular

If you have a limited budget to spend on monocular then you can’t go wrong with ROXANT High Definition monocular. ROXANT is making affordable optical gears since inception and their products are very reliable.

This compact monocular weighs only about 7.8 ounces, making it one of the lightest monocular. ROXANT features the 6X30 viewing. Some of you may feel that 6X magnification is low however 6X power monocular gives you the best viewing experience and it is very easy to use.

Also, the 30 mm objective lens is wide enough to let in the maximum light into the monocular hence you will get crisp clear images.

What makes this monocular stand out from others is its retractable eyecup, which is very helpful eyeglass wearers.

Moreover, this unit comes with many accessories including carry pouch, belt loop, cleaning cloth and neck strap. All in all, it boasts fully multi-coated optical glass and BaK-4 prism glass for superior light transmission and brighter images.

This monocular is equipped with no-slip mold, which helps in eliminating shaky effects and with this arrangement you will be able to hold it for a long time without getting tired.

As you know the higher magnification power will result in more shakiness and jitters and without tripod, the viewing experience will become horrible, which is why you should opt-in for monocular having low magnification power.

In the case of a ROXANT wide view monocular, it comes with 6X magnification power, which is decent enough and can be used anywhere.

This monocular can be used for various outdoor activities including bird watching, nature observation, traveling, sports games and hunting.

Overall the Roxant grip is a viable option for those who are looking for a budgetary monocular with basic features. The durability and performance of this monocular are backed by 1000+ positive reviews on Amazon.

4. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular

Bushnell is basically a benchmark by which the standard of other monocular is measured. This premium monocular incorporates the exceptional optics with BaK-4 prisms, fully multi-coated lens, ED prime glass and PC-3 phase-coated prism.

Let’s talk about the optical configuration of this monocular. It features the 10x magnification and n42 mm objective lens with a roof prism system. The roof prism system is better than Porro prism and it decreases the size and weight of the monocular.

As you know the ED glass compensates for color fringing at high magnification so this monocular is well suited for serious use.

The above-mentioned features give you the stunning image without any blurry effects and lack of brightness, clarity or contrast.

On top of that, the outer body and lens area are coated with a permanent water-repellent layer, which prevents moisture from rain and snow from getting into the inner areas. Also, this protective layer eliminates the condensation of inner gases so you can enjoy clear images in all weather conditions.

Bushnell’s almost every product is waterproof and fog proof and this monocular by Bushnell is no exception.

The inner area of the monocular is filled with nitrogen (plus O-ring sealed) rather than atmospheric gases, which prevents the internal fogging due to temperature change thus provides the thermal stability to monocular.

Other than that, this unit includes Picatinny rail, which allows you to mount other accessories onto the monocular such as lights, sights and IR blaster. You won’t find this feature in other monoculars.

Also, the purchase includes a carry clip so you can attach the monocular on backpack or clothes hence the risk of dropping it reduces.

Last but not least, the center featured focus knob is highly responsive and requires minimal effort to adjust the focus. The manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty on this product.

5. Wingspan Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular

The wingspan is a very well-known brand in the optics industry and its products are trusted by millions of Americans. The Wingspan Optics Explorer is one of the top-rated monocular on Amazon right now.

This affordable monocular offers the 12X magnification power so you can see objects very closer and the 50mm objective lens delivers brighter and clearer images.

The external body is covered with rubber armor, which provides the secure and non-slip grip in wet conditions and also it protects the monocular from external damages.

The pocket-sized monocular is indeed waterproof and has fog proof and dustproof design, which prevents the dust and debris from getting into the monocular. However, I didn’t find any IP rating on the official website so I am not sure how much water it can handle.

The Wingspan Optics Explorer is filled with inert gases that prevent internal fogging due to drastic changes in atmospheric pressure.

With 246 ft. /1000 yards field of view, you can watch the entire area around you. The built-in loop for wrist straps will ensure that it is near your fingertips all the time and also it will prevent any accidental drops when roaming around in the jungle.

The manufacturer did mention that it is single-handed focus monocular, but actually, you would need to use two hands to adjust the focus.

If you don’t like holding the monocular when enjoying birds or your favorite sport then at that time the tripod capability of this monocular will come in handy (tripod is not included in the whole package).

The Wingspan Titan features a BAK-4 prism which is standard prism used by every leading brand. However, there is no mention of lens coating on the manufacturer’s website.

The last thing I would like to mention is the sweet lifetime warranty offered my Wingspan to show their commitment to their product. What’s more, they will refund your money if you don’t like the product within 30 days of purchase without asking any questions.

On top of that, you will get free accessories such as Nylon Mesh Carrying Case, Eyepiece and Lens Protection Covers, and Microfiber Lens Cleaning Cloth with this product.

6. Celestron Nature 10×25 Monocular

Celestron Nature is another cheap monocular I have found while I was researching for the best monocular. This stylish looking monocular is not only lightweight but it is compact and durable too.

What happens with most of the monocular is that they are too bulky and bigger and because of that reason, it is cumbersome to bring it on a hiking or camping trip.

Well, you’re in luck because the Celestron Nature might be the perfect fit for you. It measures 3 x 3 x 6 inches and weighs around 5.9 ounces making it one of the lightest and compact monocular in our list. It is so small and compact that you can literally carry it in your pocket.

Its multi-coated optics increase the light transmission so it performs better even in low light conditions however, you cannot use it as night vision.

Another thing I like about this particular monocular is the fact that you can hold and focus the monocular only by using one hand, which is impossible in most of the monoculars.

Starting from the outer body, the whole body is covered with the rubber coating and patterns. The durable deep grooved armor provides additional grip to not let the monocular slip out of your hands.

Also, the rubber coating absorbs the shock if it falls. Please note that this monocular does not come with a lens cap so we advise you to take proper care of it.

The twist-up eyecup is very comfortable and easy to use even for eyeglass wearers. If we talk about the accessories then you will get a belt case, lanyard and cleaning cloth.

Sadly, this monocular is not adaptable with a tripod so you cannot mount any other accessories on it. At this affordable price range manufacturer is offering a lifetime warranty, which is enough to trust this product.

7. Gosky 12×55 Monocular Telescope

This is another great product from Gosky we have added to our reviews. Gosky has been in the business of making optic gears for a long time now. They know all the technical aspects when it comes to building the quality and durable optic gears.

The Gosky 12×55 monocular telescope has managed to tick all the boxes of features and it comes in a very affordable price range.

What I like most about this monocular is the fact that you can mount it on any phone with the help of a smartphone alignment holder. It offers a powerful 12x zooming capability and a 55mm objective lens.

The objective lens here is wide enough to let plenty of light into the monocular resulting in clear and bright images. Due to this reason, this monocular is perfect for hiking, climbing, sports games, concerts and other outdoor activities.

Although this monocular is highly waterproof but for the additional protective layer, it is argon purged. Its upgraded 20mm multi-layer eyepiece and large crystal BaK-4 prism is another great feature.

If we talk about the outer body material, then the Gosky features a rubber armor coated over the plastic body. You will also notice the rubber armor strips on the outer layer, which will keep it from slipping out of your hand, and it is designed to withstand the harshest weather conditions.

Also, I would like to point out that rubber armor makes this monocular shockproof and aids in minimizing the damage if it falls on a hard surface.

In this budget price range, you are getting FMC green film objective lens and BAK-4 prism that are on par with the industry standard. These components allow more light transmission resulting in clear and brighter images you will ever see.

Overall the tripod and smartphone compatibility of this monocular with some of the top notch features makes the best choice for those who are looking for a budget monocular with extra functionality.

What to look for when purchasing the best monocular – Buyer’s Guide

Monocular is a hybrid version of a binocular and telescope. In this guide, we have listed some of the factors that you need to understand when purchasing any monocular. So in this way, you will choose the products wisely and compare them and see which monocular suits your needs.

Magnification Power

Similar to binoculars, the designation of monocular is described in two numbers of which the first number represents the magnification power whereas the second number represents the diameter of the objective lens.

The higher magnification power will allow you to see farther objects clearly but if your hands are not steady then you will need a tripod otherwise the images will look horrible.

Also keep in mind that, as the magnification power increases the field of view decreases so you won’t be able to see all the things. Remember that cheap monoculars that come with high magnification power will not give you quality images.

Field of View

As we discussed earlier, the field of view will become narrower as the magnification power increases. However, the narrow field of view offers great details when you focus on any image but on the other hand, focusing on moving objects will become much harder.

Monoculars with a narrow field of view are best for activities such as bird watching and golf, where you do not have to worry about the surroundings. However, it can affect people that are using the monocular for sports games or security roles, where the faster focusing is required without losing sight of the objects.

The field of view is represented in distance (feet) at 1000 yards and you can also denote it as the angle in degrees.

Objective Lens

As I mentioned earlier, the optical configuration of a monocular is given by something like 12X42. In this, the 12 represents the magnification power of the monocular and 42 represents the diameter of the objective lens through which the light enters into the monocular.

The objective lens with a large diameter will allow more light resulting in brighter and sharp images. So you might think we should always choose the monocular with a bigger objective lens however it is not a great idea, here’s why.

The bigger objective lens means the monocular will get bigger and heavier so it will become hard for you to carry such a monocular when going hiking or outdoor trips.

That’s not all, the objective lens also affects the field of view. The larger objective lens will allow you to see more area at once, which will decrease as you increase the magnification. If you need a monocular that is lightweight and comes with a bigger objective lens, then you may want to look at the competing brands.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is often overlooked in monocular. It is known as the distance from the pupil to the ocular lens while maintaining the full field of view. It is important for eyeglass wearers and It is measured in mm (millimeters) and ranges from few mm to 25 mm.

The eye relief below 15mm is suitable for eyeglass wearers and the long eye relief monoculars are beneficial for them.

Lens Coating

In order to produce the brighter and clearer images, the special coating on the lens is applied, which refracts some of the lights and filters it and also it improves the optical capabilities of the image by eliminating the glare and mirage.

All the monoculars come with some sort of coating on it depending on its quality and price range. Mainly, there are four types of coatings used in monoculars namely, single coated lens, fully-coated lens, multi-coated lens, and fully multi-coated lens.

In a single coated lens the coating is usually applied on an objective lens and it is used in cheaply made monoculars. One step further, the image quality is increased in a fully coated lens as all the optics of monocular is coated.

The multi-coated lens uses the multiple layers of coating on at least one lens surface to provide you the highest image quality possible and this type of coating is seen in affordable monoculars.

The fully multi-coated lens is superior and offers crisp and clear images. All the air to glass surfaces of the lens are covered with multi-layer coating and it is used in expensive monoculars.

Inert Gases

Some high-end monoculars and some monoculars from reputable brands such as Wingspan and Vortex are filled with inert gases. Unlike atmospheric gases, these inert gases don’t contain any moisture so it won’t fog up or condensate due to extreme temperature changes.

That’s not all, these gases don’t let any dust or water into the monocular and it reflects the unwanted light spectrum; thus, it reduces the light distortion.

Waterproofing and weatherproofing

Most of the time when moisture gets into the monocular, it becomes completely useless and it needs repairs which is costly.

The waterproof coating is applied on the outer body of the monocular as the first layer of protection. The inner area is filled with nitrogen and O-ring sealed, which not only prevents the fogging issue but it also prevents the water and dust from entering into the monocular.

By checking the IP rating, you can know the waterproof capability of any monocular. You will see something like IPXX, where the first number ranges from 1 to 7. The second number ranges from 1 to 9 and it refers to the water-resistant capability.