If you enjoy nature and want to catch a better view, then a monocular may be your new best friend. Using a scope gives you the ability to see objects from far away. Additionally, in a more portable fashion than a traditional pair of binoculars.
A monocular is a great alternative to the typical bulk of binoculars. If you want to spot targets on the go, then you have the option to use this kind of scope instead.
Here's a quick list of our top picks for the best monocular for the money:
Who Needs To Use A Monocular?
Anyone who wants to spot some wildlife for hunting or the admiration of nature, can use one of these scopes. Monoculars allow you to see far away with only one single optic scope.
Amateurs and pros alike, adults and kids, can use a monocular. It's best for anyone looking to increase their line of vision. These kinds of scopes work great for concerts, wildlife viewing, star viewing, travel, and more. It’s also worth noting they work with single hand operation.
Is A Monocular Different To Regular Binoculars?
Monoculars differ to regular binoculars due to their single optic lens design. The viewing scope operates “mono” meaning one scope. Whereas binoculars feature "bi" meaning dual scope. The grip and strap features yet are more or less the same as traditional binoculars.
The materials used to make a monocular give durability and enhanced vision. A monocular's design is powerful, yet ultra-compact and ultra-lightweight. Coated optics, and vision magnification will help you see about any target.
How Do I Choose A Monocular?
One of the most important parts of a monocular is to determine how much magnification power you need. This will affect how far and how detailed you’re able to see your target. The higher the magnification power, the further you’ll be able to see. Generally, you want to opt for anywhere from 5x and above depending on the range you desire.
Buy a monocular with your ideal lens size. The bigger the lens, the wider and easier you’ll be able to see. A smaller lens may not give as good of view, yet it would be much less bulky. Most have a lens size between 20mm to 42mm.
Choose a monocular that is well made so it lasts. Your scope will endure a lot of wear when using it over time, so it needs to be durable. Moreover, you want to protect your equipment from any impact.
Below is a checklist of things to look for when choosing a monocular:
What Is The Best Monocular?
We’ve looked at a range of monoculars suitable for both pros and amateurs, and have selected five scopes. The main things we’ve looked at are quality, price, and the level of vision from the lens. We’ve reviewed these five monoculars and listed some pros and cons for each scope.
our #1 rated
Beileshi
16x52 Scope
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Beileshi 16x52 dual focus monocular scope with 16x magnification and 52mm diameter. The optic lens allows for high light transmission. Thus, giving you more brightness and visibility for your target. The exterior is also wrapped in an all black, non-slip grip.
People who purchased this scope like the ease of use out of the box. Customers said the scope is small and portable as well to throw in a backpack or other bag. Many customers also said they were happy with the price of the scope compared to other products.
Some customers who used this monocular said that its exit pupil of 5.2mm, means the max magnification is 8x. A few people said that when they found it to not work at night, or lacking night vision mode.
PROS
CONS
our #2 rated
Gameit
40x60 Scope
Quality
Price
Our rating
This monocular made by Gameit is a long range zoom scope with a 40x60 magnification and lens. The BAK4 prism system gives a clean and colorful scenery view. The lens film also offers a multi-layer enhanced green film.
Customers who purchased this monocular said it’s easy to use with it’s tripod design to account for its bulk. People said that the phone attachment is also effective. Additionally, it helps them capture nature photography. Customers also like the fact that the scope features a night vision mode.
Customers who purchased this monocular said it does not fit with all iPhones. This depends on the size and specific phone case. Some people said that when using the scope with a phone, it can be a bit loose. A couple of customers also reported some dust or dings on the outside shell.
PROS
CONS
our #3 rated
Maifeng
40x60 Scope
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Maifeng monocular telescope has a metal frame with a 40x60 zoom and BAK4 prism material. The scope also features a night vision mode for evening viewing. The telescope additionally features a wide angle lens for an extended field of view.
Many people who purchased this monocular said the panorama view works without distortion. Customers also said that the scope allows them to see very far and clear.
Customers who used this scope said the phone adapter can be difficult to use with it’s clip design. Again, the clip effectiveness depends on the phone. A few customers also said that the included tripod is a little weak.
PROS
CONS
our #4 rated
Nikula
10-30x25 Scope
Quality
Price
Our rating
The Nikula monocular is a lightweight and portable 10-30x25 zoom scope. The body is waterproof, and only the size of an iPhone when collapsed down. The scope also comes with a rope hole for nylon rope to hang for easy carry.
Customers who purchased this scope said that it has a picture that is nice and clean. Many customers said that the scope is of nice quality with a metal finish. Customers also liked the fact that they were able to see very sharp images with a compact size.
Some users said that the scope is inconvenient to adjust the focus, and a bit tight to rotate. People also said that the monocular has complicated settings, and that you need to learn them. Some customers reported that their eyepiece was somewhat deformed out of the box.
PROS
CONS
our #5 rated
iPentum
30x25 Scope
Quality
Price
Our rating
This 30x25 monocular made by iPentum is a zooming ulta-portable scope. The lens is of an FMC green film, and a BAK4 prism. The material of the scope is aluminium alloy and an external shock-absorbing rubber.
Customers who purchased this scope found the rubberized casing comfortable and impressive. People said that the scope is portable and easy to throw in your pocket. Many customers also said that the lens was scratch free and features a nice focus.
Some customers who used this scope said its range isn't far, yet reasonable for its small size. A couple of people said that the general view-able distance is around 0.5mi to 1mi. Some customers also said that the scope doesn’t work as well as other higher end scope, yet its good for the price.
PROS
CONS
Our Choice
Each monocular we’ve reviewed is suitable for those looking to enhance their view. All the scopes have decent range, well built material, and a portable size for traveling.
After comparing, the best monocular is the Beileshi 16x52 dual focus monocular scope.
This scope is comfortable to use and easy to view targets from far away. The scope works for viewing clear objects, and in a portable fashion. We also like that the monocular supports single hand usage and an ultra-light weight for ease of use when on the go.
Adam
Thursday 4th of July 2019
I don't want to spend much money on a monocular but I also want to have a good one. This review is perfect for me thank you.