The popular choice when looking to magnify distant objects and nature is binoculars, but there is another choice that is not as bulky and for some activities, may even be better. Although this tool seems to be overshadowed by its larger cousin, a monocular is worth further examination. Just like its cousin, there are a lot of options for you to choose from and with the wide variety, it may cause some to feel like they could never possibly choose the right one for their needs.
The question of which one to buy is a tough one, but don’t stress out we have you covered. In this guide, we are going to look at some of the best monoculars of 2022 as well as how to choose the right one for your needs.
Best Monocular Reviews
Comparison Chart
Monocular Telescope – 12X55 High Power Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Holder, BAK4 Prism & IPX7 Waterproof Monocular for Adults Kids Bird Watching Hunting Camping Hiking Traveling
12×50 Monocular Telescope, CAICO-X High Power & HD Monocular with Smartphone Holder and Tripod for Watching Bird, Hiking, Hunting, Camping
Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular – with Retractable Eyepiece and Fully Multi Coated Optical Glass Lens + BAK4 Prism. Comes with Cleaning Cloth, Case & Neck Strap.
Monocular Telescope High Power 8×42 Monoculars Scope Compact Portable Waterproof Fogproof Shockproof with Hand Strap for Adults Kids Bird Watching Hunting Camping Hiking Travling Wildlife Secenery
Vivreal High Power Monocular Telescope
Vivreal has taken the time to make improvements on the previous model so that they can give their customers the most functional option when it comes to a high powered monocular.
Product Highlights
The Vivreal High Power Monocular Telescope is a great option, and it is built with a ton of features that are included to magnify the performance of this monocular. The features that give this option its firm place on our list of the top monocular options include:
- 50mm objective lens diameter
- 12x magnification power
- Extended field of view (360’)
- Built with the latest technology for optics
- HD capability (BaK-4 Prism)
- Enhanced light transmission and brightness
- Ergonomically designed for the improved comfortability of use
- Constructed with a durable non-slip rubber armor shell
- Smartphone and tripod included
- Waterproof and fog-resistant coating
The Good
This monocular from Amouc offers a fantastic field of view that will allow you to get the most from your day out in nature. The extended levels of magnification help you see everything and is an excellent feature for those doing some serious birdwatching — all this plus exceptional image quality partially due to its high-quality internal prism. Then, when you couple that with the compatibility with a wide range of smartphones, you have an awesome choice for any nature lover, hunter, or golfer.
The Bad
Though at its core this model is by far one of the best and there is very little to find fault with, there is one complaint that some consumers have mentioned that we feel you should know about. There have been some reports of slight distortions at higher levels of magnification that could hinder your optical enjoyment of your outing.
With this minor issue, which is not a universal problem by any means, there may be those that need to keep looking. However, if you can overlook this drawback and decide to go with this monocular, you will be getting by far one of the best options on the market today.
PROS
- Compatible with a wide variety of smartphones
- Great field of view
- High level of magnification
- High-grade prism
CONS
- Issues with slight distortions
CAICO-X 12×50 Monocular Telescope
Our next high-powered HD entry is a great monocular for many outdoor activities. The CAICO-X monocular is a high-quality, efficient monocular with a reasonable price tag.
Product Highlights
The team at CAICO-X strives to make an affordable, high-quality product that anyone can enjoy. To optimize the efficiency of their 12×50 Monocular Telescope, the engineering team included the following features:
- 12x magnification
- 50mm objective lens
- Built-in BaK-4 Prism Multi-layer coated lens
- Body of product crafted in high-grade rubber
- Waterproof (nitrogen filled IPX7)
- Extended field of view (1500m)
- Compatible with multiple smartphones
The Good
When you are hitting the trails, you want a monocular that can stand up to the elements and everything you throw at it. With the CAICO-X model, you get that and so much more. Built with high-quality materials, this model is durable yet lightweight, and thanks to the nitrogen-filled IPX7, you will be safe from water damage as well. It is easy to use internal systems makes this an excellent choice for the novice to the monocular world. The build is a definite plus, but when you peer through the lens and are greeted by spectacular HD-quality images, you will know you have made the right choice.
The Bad
Ultimately the only drawbacks come in the form of questions about both the quality of the focus at higher magnification levels and the phone bracket. These are in no way global issues, but they do seem to crop up several times when reading user reviews.
Though there are some issues with this model as a whole, the CAICO-X 12×50 is a well-made and high-quality option that anyone looking to add a monocular to their hiking or hunting kit would be happy to have.
PROS
- Nice quality HD
- Easy to use
- Waterproof
- Durable
CONS
- ListElementIssues with focus quality
- Durability of phone bracket
Roxant Grip Scope
Our next entry may be the most compact monocular on our list, and that is why it has found a home on it. The Roxant Grip Scope is designed for easy use, and it is fitted with plenty of great features to elevate its performance.
Product Highlights
The details of this monocular and the features built into it are proof that the team at Roxant wanted to craft a monocular that offers everything you need for your wildlife viewing. These features include:
- Improved grip from the molded rubber casing
- Lightweight and compact design
- Fitted with a coated BaK4 Prism
- Excellent field of view (6 x 30)
- Designed with a comfortable retractable eyecup
- Neck strap, cleaning clot and pouch included in the box
The Good
One of the best things about this excellent option is the amount of value you get for such a reasonable price. Built with a high-grade rubber-armored shell, you will find this non-slip grip model is easy and comfortable to hold, even over extended periods. Designed for an ergonomic feel and convenience when using it, you will find excellent eye relief with its retractable eyecups. The internal workings are just as amazing — from its superior prism to the glass used in the lens. This is a high-end option for a budget price.
The Bad
The construction of this model does not mean there are no flaws. In fact, one of the design flaws is the lack of high-level magnification. The maximum magnification possible is on 6x, and that is half the typical range from other model on our list. The only other major flaw is the lack of lens caps.
Even with these drawbacks, the compact build and the high-quality components still make this a great choice. Just don’t use it for long-distance optical excursions.
PROS
- Comfortable nonslip grip
- Good eye relief
- Retractable eyecups
- Limited camera shake when using
- Excellent glass
- Price
CONS
- Only 6x magnification
- Lack of lens cap
- Focusing issues
FEEMIC Monocular Telescope
Our next monocular is a lower magnification option like the one above, but with all its amazing features, it is still easily a choice that you will not regret. Feemic, with its attention to the details, has given you a compact and easy-to-transport model that is perfect for indoor use at concerts as well as hiking, golfing, and closer-range hunting.
Product Highlights
Feemic brings us an easy-to-carry, high-quality option that has every feature you need for a good day of bird-watching or hiking. Considering what is required to do that, the design team included the following features:
- Built with all-glass lenses
- Fitted with a BaK-4 green prism
- Magnification up to 8x
- Crafted with a 42mm wide lens
- Extended field of view (360’)
- Nitrogen-filled, waterproof, includes a lens cover
- Easy-to-use retractable eyecup
- Molded nonslip rubber casing
The Good
This unit is compact and lightweight with a body that is built to last. Built with rubber armor, the Feemic Monocular is comfortable to hold with its handy strap attachment. Externally, this model is crafted well, and when looking at the internals, the quality only seems to be elevated. Crafted with a high-quality prism and great lenses, you not only get excellent light reflection but a good field of view as well.
The Bad
Even with the high-quality prism and lenses, there seems to be some users that experienced clarity issues when in the higher levels of magnification. Other than that issue, there have also been a few reports of the eyepiece itself coming off without extended use.
These issues may seem like a big deal, but they are not problems experienced by all users, which means that if you do decide to make this model your go-to monocular, you will more than likely find yourself having made exactly the right choice for your needs.
PROS
- A good field of view
- High-quality Prism (BK-7)
- Good light reflection
- Nice rubber armor
CONS
- Issues with clarity
- Issues with eyepiece coming off
Vortex Optics Solo Monocular
Our last entry is a quality piece of optical equipment that will lend a lot to your outdoor viewing experience. This Vortex Solo monocular is a brilliant choice for anyone.
Product Highlights
The Vortex Solo Monocular is a small but mighty option for anyone looking for a magnification optic tool. Though you may feel that it will not meet your needs because of the features included in the design, that is not true. These features below combine to create an efficient, high-quality tool:
- Magnification of up to 10x
- Fitted with a 25mm objective lens
- Lightweight, compact design
- The outer case of high-grade non-slip rubber
- Sealed O-ring and nitrogen purged for better waterproof capabilities
- Better comfort with adjustable eyecups
- Expanded field of view (315’)
The Good
One of the most affordable options on our list, this entry from Vortex is a selection that very few will be unhappy with. The exterior build is lightweight and compact while still being durable. The level of comfort when holding it heightens the benefits of this monocular. The comfort is partly due to the use of the non-slip grip high-grade rubber used in its construction. The lenses are multi-coated for better optical performance, and the unit is waterproof as well.
The Bad
One flaw keeps this from being the best overall choice has to do with the focus ring. Many recent buyers complain of the difficulty in the movement of the focus ring. This could make it hard to keep up with any moving targets you may be watching while you are on the trails.
In the end, if you are working on a tight budget or are buying the monocular for an activity that does have moving targets, then this is an excellent choice. Built to be durable, this model has cemented its place on our list of the best monocular available to you.
PROS
- Price
- Lightweight and compact
- Completely multi-coated
- Weatherproof
- Covered with high-grade rubber
CONS
- Hard to move the focus ring
Buyer’s Guide
So now that you have some great options in mind, you are probably wondering how to choose between them. That’s easy — keep reading as we have crafted an in-depth buyer’s guide that will help you with just that. Once you have chosen to go with a monocular, you will want to know what to look for when making your final decision. Several factors play a vital role in this, and below we have broken down the biggest ones to consider.
Field of View
This is the measurement that deals with the diameter of the image you look at any focus setting. The field of view lessens as you increase the magnification, but several internal mechanisms can help improve the field of view. Make sure to look at the lens size, construction, and the prism type, which all play a part in the field of view.
Easy to Hold
When you are looking for the right option for you, one of the most significant features you should look at is the comfort of holding the unit. You will want one that fits comfortably in your hand. Many of them are formed with non-slip hardened rubber, and that will help you keep it in your hands.
Lightweight
The last thing you want is a heavy piece of equipment to carry or hold for an extended period. So, when you look for the right choice, make sure you pay attention to the weight of the model and choose accordingly based on your needs.
Focus
There are very few monoculars that will not have some sort of focus option. You will want to look for an easy to adjust focus ring. The first thing to think about regarding this feature is how you intend to use it. Do you want a one hand focus or one that needs two hands? Do you want an easy to adjust knob? Either way, whatever you choose, you will want one that offers superior focus capacity so that you get the best image possible as you set about your adventure.
Image Quality
Making sure you get the optimal visual experience means paying attention to the prism and the built-in lens coating.
Prism Type
There are three types of prisms that you can get:
Roof
This is the prism that is especially great for long-distance viewing.
Porro
If you are looking for short or mid-range visuals.
Galilean
This is the original type of prism, and is suitable for most viewing, from shorter to longer distances.
Lens Coating
As for the coating, all lenses of a monocular comes with a coating of some sort. This not only improves visibility but helps waterproof the unit as well. They can even decrease the chance of fogging. Some coatings include:
Simple-Coated
This option costs the least.
Fully Coated
This option offers a better picture at a reasonable cost.
Multi-Coated
This type of coating is used to enhance the image, but with that, you get a higher price.
Fully Multi-Coated
This is the most expensive option, but if you need superior quality images, this is the coating for you.
This buyer’s guide has hopefully helped with understanding which features you should be looking at when beginning the process of making a purchasing decision. There are, of course, more factors that you can use to gauge your final choice, but these are the most important.
F.A.Q.
Now that you have made that final decision, you may still have some crucial questions that you want to be answered. That is why we have curated a list of some of the most commonly asked questions and answered them below.
How to use a monocular?
You may assume using a monocular is the same as if you had gone with those binoculars and in some ways, you would be right, but there are a few things that differ.
You will want to look through the monocular with your stronger eye. You will be able to do this even if you wear glasses without removing them. Once you have the lens up to your eye, then you will want to adjust the unit for a clear image and comfort.
Now that your focus is set and your eye is comfortably on the lens, you will want to locate what you want to view. If you keep up with it, make sure to focus as you do so.
For more information, check out this video:
What is a monocular good for?
A monocular is excellent for a lot of great things, and depending on the model you go with, those activities may easily be enhanced by the addition of a monocular to your kit. Some things that are great to use a monocular for are:
- Nature watching
- Birdwatching
- Hunting
- Hiking
- Golfing
- Concerts
- Sports games
Why is my monocular blurry?
Having a blurry image when you use your monocular is not what you want as you head out into the wild to view stunning images. There are a few reasons why your monocular might be blurry. These are a few of the reasons:
- Not calibrated
- Dirty
- The focus mechanism is broken
Each of these is easily fixable with just a little patience. Read the user’s manual on what to do in each scenario.
How to attach a night vision monocular to a scope?
Using a monocular on a scope is a great way to get a better view of your target. The attaching of the night vision monocular will be even more beneficial. Though the actual steps may differ per scope and monocular, some basics can guide you.
So, here are the steps and some tips on how to do that:
- The first thing you will want to do is gather together all the tools you will need. You will be able to determine this by the scope mount instructions. You will want to change out your mount for easier attachment of the monocular.
- Place your gun in a vise so that it will not move as you mount the attachments. Then use a degreaser to get rid of any excess oil and grease from everywhere affected by this upgrade.
- Then you will want to realign the scope to the holes in the receiver and reattach the scope to your gun.
- Once you have completed attaching the O-rings, you will remove the top of those and then place both the scope and the monocular in place. Then replace the ring and tighten.
How do I decide between a monocular and binoculars?
You will want to take a hard look at what you are using them for. Each has its merits, but they also shine when used for different activities. Here are some of the activities that each are good for.
Binoculars
- Hunting
- Birding
- Stargazing
- Night vision/tactical
Monocular
- Indoor use
- Night vision/tactical
- Hiking
- Golfing
- Wildlife watching
- Birding
For more information check out this video:
Final Verdict
These lightweight and easy-to-carry alternatives to binoculars can be used for a ton of fun activities and in the end, give you the same basic functionality too. Understanding what to look for and having some options for the top monoculars in 2022 may give you more confidence when beginning your decision-making process. Hopefully with what we have laid out above you will feel that you are ready to finalize your choice.