There are many types of equipment needed for each different sports and recreational activities. The same applies to tactical sports, professional operations, and hunting too. And one of the major equipment needed for such sports is monoculars.
Monoculars are the equipment which makes your life a lot easier by letting you figure out the objects in the distance. It lets you survey things which are far away with ease and makes your work a lot better. Now that we have established that monoculars are one of the most important equipment needed for surveillance, let us get to the point of this article.
These are the best monoculars of 2023.
- Leica 8 x 20 Waterproof Monovid (Best Overall)
- Bushnell Legend Ultra HD (Best Value)
- Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical (Best Budget)
- Gosky Titan 12X50
- Wingspan Optics Titan 12X50
You might come across a point when you really need to purchase a monocular. It is the time when you get into the research part where you open a number of tabs and look through the different options available to you. Read through many reviews and try to figure out which model suits you the best.
But most of the times, it becomes a tough task to choose the right monocular because you are spoiled with choices and does not know which one is good and which one is bad.
There are so many aspects which you have to take into account before you make the purchase of a monocular. From the range of the field of view and the design to the construction of the device, everything should be taken into account for you to make the right purchase. Your budget and your requirements also play an important role in deciding which monocular suits the best for you.
Best Monoculars for 2023: The Complete Guide
We wrote this article, from a guides perspective, to help you choose the best monocular that will suit your needs. We’ve researched and field tested some of the best monoculars available on the market to get to know the best ones and why they fair better than the rest.
Our team has compiled a list of the five best monoculars on the basis of the price, features, accessories available, and also the design. We also wrote a monocular buying guide which would let you know the important aspects which need to be taken into account before making the purchase.
So, go through the article and help yourself by saving both time and money when you are purchasing your new monocular system.
Leica 8 x 20 Waterproof Monovid Monocular – The Pocket-Sized Powerhouse
Leica Monovid Monocular is your ideal partner if you are someone who loves to travel light. The lightweight monocular is the best companion if you are in search of a monocular which is easy to carry around and at the same time, features all the essential elements needed for a monocular.
It is designed to be elegant but at the same time to provide optimal performance. Unlike the other monoculars featured in this list, the Leica monocular does not have 12x magnification.
Instead, it features 8x magnification which can do as many wonders as a 12x magnification monocular can.
This is due to the use of high-grade prisms to make the monocular which delivers great quality images. It uses AquaDura lens coating to give good quality pictures. The cabinet is filled with nitrogen to deliver crystal-clear images under any circumstance.
It is a multipurpose monocular. Depending on your need, you can use it as half a binocular, a mini-telescope, or a microscope.
Whether you are surveying a bird on a distant tree, watching a performer on stage, or just generally keeping an eye on something, this pocket-sized, luxurious device is the best you can get your hands on.
The package comes with the device, a carry case with a belt loop, eyepiece cover, hand strap, close focus lens, and a limited lifetime warranty.
It is also waterproof and allows you to submerge it up to a depth of 5 meters. The product has a central focusing knob which lets you do internal focusing with ease. The leather case has a silent magnetic fastener which can easily be closed or detached.
With a dimension of 7.9 x 6.1 x 3.8 inches, it is one of the most compact monocular in this list. You will surely be happy at the ability to carry it around with ease. You can easily slip it into your pants or shirt pocket. It weighs just over a quarter of a pound which is ideal.
You will never feel fatigued from carrying this device around ever. Created out of aluminum and a rubber shell you can get a hold of it well without losing grip. So, keep in mind that this is the perfect monocular you can purchase if you are looking for a light and compact monocular. Click here to see the latest price.
Pros:
- 8x magnification
- Compact and lightweight
- Water and dust resistant
- Fog proof
- AquaDura lens coating for better quality images
- Eye relief
Cons:
- It is comparatively expensive
Related: Best Rangefinders Of The Year
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular – The Brand Says It All
No list of monocular reviews is complete without Bushnell. They are one of the pioneers in manufacturing monoculars and have come again with a great product in Bushnell Legend.
It is the result of intense research to the already existing technology to develop something so brilliant.
The device hosts a 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens which delivers crystal-clear images with great brightness.
It is designed with ergonomics to be able to use it well for tactical operations and sports. When you purchase this device, you are welcomed by a carrying case and a monocular strap.
The package comes with everything you need to get going. The device even comes with the feature of mounting a tripod which can be used to free up your hand when you feel fatigued or want to keep the monocular stationery.
You can even remove the tripod mount and the belt clip if you want to. The resolution delivered by the device is unmatched for. You get to focus on the smallest object from a distance with stunning accuracy.
Even the shadow is shown in detail if the need arises. It sports a BAK-4 roof prism which is known to provide great quality images while focusing on things which are too far away. The lenses are fully/ multi coated to help prevent the effects of fog and other harsh climatic conditions to affect it.
With a range of 1000 yards, the device also provides a wide field of view for you to observe the object and the surroundings at the same time.
The color dispersion is handled by the ED Prime glass, which helps in delivering great quality images. The eye relief is extremely comfortable as it features twistable eyecups.
This feature makes it ideal to be used with or without glasses. The large objective lens is ideal to let smooth transmission of light through the device. This makes it the perfect monocular for day and day. It is a handy feature that it can be used during the night too.
The body of the monocular is armored with rubber. This helps in absorbing most of the shock which it goes through while on impact.
This monocular also features water and fog proof technology so you won’t have any concerns when it comes to glassing in sub par conditions.
That is the reason why Bushnell has backed the product with a 100% money back guarantee if you are not happy with the product. So, next time you are on a hunting trip or indulging in a fun sport, do not forget to carry Bushnell Legend with you. Click here to see the latest price.
Pros:
- Great design
- Amazing image quality
- Ability to mount on a tripod
- Picatinny rail
- Fully multi coated
- Water proof and fog proof
- Eye relief allows for longer viewing experience
Cons:
- Oversized carry case
Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical Monocular with MRAD Ranging Reticle – The Perfect Rangefinding Monocular
First of all, Vortex has done a great job to make this monocular lightweight and compact. They have used the best material to make this a sturdy and at the same time, comfortable to use monocular.
With a hand grip of about two inches, you will not have to worry about any slippage issues.
The 8x magnification and 36mm objective lens give you a proper picture of the object you are surveying. It has a wide field of view.
The closest focusing distance of the monocular is 16.4 feet, which is something Vortex could have worked upon. But you cannot expect a monocular to do everything.
With a range of 1000 feet, you get to see everything over the terrain with ease. The 18mm eyepiece is extremely comfortable, and it lets you use the device with or without glasses.
The package is accompanied by the Vortex Optics Solo Monocular, a utility clip, a cleaning cloth, neck lanyard, and a soft carrying case. Except for the carry case, everything is of great quality. It is made of cheap quality plastic which might not give as much life as we want it to.
The stray light is eliminated by the device with the use of flared eyecup. Vortex uses the roof prism mechanism to make it compact. This makes it easy for you to carry it around even in the smallest case. You will never have to leave this monocular behind because of its size.
This also makes it easy to hold with one hand.
It has a nitrogen purged chamber with the lenses sealed with O-rings. This makes the device both water and fog proof. Additionally, this helps in providing you with great quality images under any climatic conditions.
It is a monocular which will never et you down. Once you use it for your tactical sport or hunting journey, you will get to know how useful it is. So, do not shy away from the opportunity to purchase this device as it will change your game altogether. The best part about this monocular is that it has a low price tag, so everyone can experience it. Click here to see the latest price.
Pros:
- Great quality optics
- Extremely well built and lifetime warranty
- Has a range finding reticle
- Comfortable eye relief
- Multi coated optics
- Fog proof and water proof
Cons:
- Cheap quality carry case
- Does not come with lens cap
- Quality of utility clip is bad
Similar: Best Hunting Binoculars
Gosky Titan 12X50 High Power Prism Monocular – With BAK-4 prism For Brighter Images
This item has earned Editors’ Choice for its quality pictures
Gosky optics is a company which has picked up its pace when it comes to the manufacturing of monoculars. They have been in this business for long enough to learn the technical know-how and develop products based on these.
That is the reason why Gosky Titan is one of the best monocular you can get for yourself. The 12x 50 high powered monocular is the symbol of performance as you can take pictures/ clear images through this piece of equipment.
Your outdoor adventures will get the best view as the 12x high power magnification lets you see object 12 times closer, bright and clear.
More light is allowed to get in through the device due to the use of 50mm FMC objective lens. The monocular uses BAK-4 prism of large size, which has the green coated objective lens to provide the brightest quality images that are crisp and clear.
It comes with adjustable eyecups, which can be twisted up or down based on your need. This will help you use the monocular with or without eyeglasses. This is a great feature as a person with eye power will not have to remove their glasses to look through this monocular. It has a great solid framework which is ideal for any climatic conditions.
The tight-fitting built is coupled with rubber armor with stripes. This helps you to hold on to the monocular comfortably and carry around with ease. The monocular is said to be ideal for any climatic condition because it is water proof, dust proof, fog proof and shock proof. It is equipped with enough quality that it can take a good impact with grace.
The monocular is sealed with O-rings to prevent moisture and dust to get inside the device and stop it from functioning properly. Gosky has taken care of all the precautions needed to let the monocular last for the longest period of time.
The monocular provides great range at around 1000 yards, which is considered a great margin when it comes to monoculars. With a 6.5 degrees field of view, you get a perfect view of the object and the surroundings with ease.
Boasting a central focus system, it weighs around 13.85 ounces which are a pretty great hold able weight. You will not feel any fatigue from holding this device for a longer period of time. The device also offers the ability to be mounted on a tripod for you to free your hands. It has the tripod mount threads which support any standard tripod stands. Click here to see the latest price.
Pros:
- It uses BAK-4 prism which delivers quality images
- A range of 1000 yards
- Water, fog, and dust resistant with sealed O-rings to prevent dust and moisture to get in the device.
- Adjustable eyecups which make it comfortable both with or without glasses
Cons:
- The device is available only in black
The cool thing about this monocular is that it comes with a mobile app...
Wingspan Optics Titan 12X50 High Powered Monocular – Diamond Bright Technology
Whether it is bird watching, hunting, sports, or any operations, you have the company of Wingspan Optics Titan. It is one of the best monocular we came across during our research.
A monocular which is bot affordable and at the same time have all the necessary features are the kind of monocular you always look for. And Wingspan Optics Titan is exactly that. It is one of the most powerful 12x 50 monoculars which is available in the market.
The high powered monocular is designed to rival all the 12x 50 powered monoculars in the market. It features the DiamondBright Technology which delivers great quality images with the correct clarity, brightness, and color. It is called the best monocular in the market by thousands due to the power it delivers to you.
With this monocular, you get the option to look at the target through two means. Either use a single hand to do the focusing or use the tripod and give your hands a rest. The wide view allows you to identify the target with ease and let you scroll through the location and find your targets from a distance of about 1000 yards.
The range it delivers is unbelievable and guarantees you the ability to keep a close watch on any of the targets you want. The device comes with an easy access strap slot which lets you access the monocular within seconds of your need. You can get it at your fingertips in seconds by the use of this strap.
The device is made sturdy with the external DuraArmor. It helps to eliminate any fear of damage as it takes most of the impact. Even in the worst of the worst conditions, the monocular is sure to hold well.
It is also, water-resistant, fog proof, and climate proof. You can carry it around without any worry about the moisture or the climate, in general, having an adverse effect on the device. Click here to see the latest price.
Pros:
- 12x 50 power
- Rugged construction
- Water, fog, and weather resistant
- DuraArmor protection
Cons:
- At 14 ounces, it can be a bit heavy
Buying Guide – For Monoculars
Monoculars are an important equipment of any sports or operation which involves surveying of targets. You cannot get away with not having one of these when you are indulging in such activities.
There are other optics such as rangefinders or a pair of binoculars can also be very useful out in the field, but the monocular is the way to go for a lot of people. This is because they are generally a bit cheaper and a bit more compact so they’re easier to hold with one hand.
In this part of the article, we have put forth some of the points and aspects you have to consider before purchasing a monocular. So, sit back and check it out before making an informed decision.
Magnification
The magnification of the monocular implies how much it can enlarge the image seen through the device. The magnification changes depending on different models of monoculars.
The available magnification of monocular ranges from 4x to 25x. So, you need to figure the range and the kind of enlargement you want from your monocular. Depending on your requirement you can bring down the number of monoculars which comes under the category.
Optical Design
The major types of optical designs available for monoculars are porro and roof prisms. The ones which do not use these techniques go with the Galilean technique from the 17th century.
The type of the prism used mostly depends on the monocular’s magnification level. But with roof prisms, it is easier for you to make the monocular compact and easy to carry around.
Lens Coating
With different lens coating, the quality of the monocular also changes. There are different coatings such as a simple coat, and the fully coated lens.
The price of the simple coat is much less in comparison to a fully coated lens. But a fully coated lens has the ability to increase clarity and brightness and at the same time reduce the glare. So, the fully coated lens are the ones which are the most sought after among the monocular market.
Lens Diameter
Depending on the diameter of the lens, the amount of light enters the monocular changes. So the larger the diameter, the more light enters the monocular. This will help in delivering better quality images to the user. At the same time, it makes the monocular bulky and not easy to carry around. So know the kind you want before you make the purchase.
Are monoculars spotting scopes?
Monoculars are a smaller version of a spotting scope. A monocular with a longer distance, bigger objective lenses and much wider views is what we refer to as a spotting scope. Spotting scopes have their place in the field, but you’re adding a bit of weight to your arsenal by choosing one.
Conclusion
It all finally comes down to your requirement and the budget you have to make the purchase. Depending on both these aspects, you will be able to cut down the number of models to choose from. Once you have a smaller list of monoculars, it becomes an easy process to select one from the bunch. Also, consider taking a look at a pair of rangefinder binoculars.
