Best Monoculars for Every Budget and Purpose

sIf you're looking for the best monocular but don’t know where to start, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Choosing the right monocular can make a big difference in how you experience nature, watch birds, travel, or even enjoy the night sky. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the top monoculars for different budgets and purposes, so you can easily find the one that fits your needs.

What Is a Monocular and How Is It Different from Binoculars?

A monocular is a single-eyed, pocket-sized optical device that magnifies distant objects, functioning like a miniature telescope. Ideal for hikers, birdwatchers, and outdoor enthusiasts, it’s significantly lighter and more portable than binoculars while still delivering impressive clarity.

The best monocular models strike a balance between magnification power, lens quality, and durability, making them perfect for quick spotting or travelers who prioritize space-saving gear. The key difference from binoculars lies in their compact simplicity: monoculars are easier to carry and faster to deploy, but offer a narrower field of view.

While binoculars excel for prolonged wildlife observation, a high-quality monocular is unbeatable for convenience and affordability, especially for those with single-eye vision needs. Whether you’re scanning mountain trails or concert stages, a monocular keeps your adventures light and efficient.

The Best Monocular for Hiking and Outdoor Adventures

Best Overall: Vortex Optics Solo 8x36

1. 8x magnification (good balance of power & stability)
2. 36mm lens (bright, clear images)
3. Waterproof & fog-proof (rugged rubber armor)
4. Lightweight (11.2 oz) & easy to carry
5. Best for: Most hikers who want reliability & performance

Best Premium: Leica Monovid 8x20

• Ultra-compact (fits in a pocket)
• Crystal-clear optics (Leica quality)
• Close-focus (6.5 ft) for insects & flowers
• Water-resistant & durable
• Best for: Ultralight backpackers & luxury optics fans

Best Budget: Gosky 12x55 High Power Monocular

1. 12x magnification (great for distant views)
2. 55mm lens (good in low light)
3. Smartphone adapter included (for digiscoping)
4. Budget-friendly but solid performance
5. Best for: Hikers who want high power without breaking the bank

Best for Wet Conditions: Hawke Endurance ED 8x42

• ED glass (reduces chromatic aberration)
• Fully waterproof & nitrogen-purged
• Wider field of view (great for tracking moving wildlife)
• Best for: Rainforests, alpine hikes, and wet climates

Best Long-Range: Zeiss Terra ED 10x25

• 10x magnification (sharp distant views)
• ED glass for better color accuracy
• Compact & lightweight (9.2 oz)
• Best for: Mountain treks & spotting far-off landmarks

Best Ultralight: Carson MiniAim 8x21

1. Tiny & weighs only 4 oz
2. Decent clarity for its size
3. Fits in any pocket
4. Best for: Fastpacking & minimalist hikers

Key Features to Consider

1. Magnification: 8x–10x is ideal (higher magnifications can be shaky without support).
2. Lens Size: 25mm–42mm balances brightness & portability.
3. Durability: Look for waterproof & fog-proof construction.
4. Weight: Under 12 oz is best for long hikes.
5. Close Focus: Helpful for observing plants & insects.

The Best Monocular for Bird Watching

They include:

1. Vortex Optics Solo 8x36 Monocular

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens: 36mm
• Pros: Lightweight, waterproof, rugged design, excellent clarity.
• Best For: General birding, durability, and ease of use.

2. Zeiss Terra ED 10x25 Monocular

1. Magnification: 10x
2. Objective Lens: 25mm
3. Pros: Compact, high-quality ED glass, sharp image.
4. Best For: Travel and high-detail bird watching.

3. Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens: 42mm
• Pros: Waterproof, fog-proof, ED glass for better color accuracy.
• Best For: Low-light conditions and long-distance viewing.

4. Leica Monovid 8x20 Monocular

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens: 20mm
• Pros: Ultra-compact, premium optics, close-focus capability.
• Best For: Birders who prioritize portability and premium quality.

5. Gosky 12x55 High Power Monocular

1. Magnification: 12x
2. Objective Lens: 55mm
3. Pros: High magnification, good for distant birds, smartphone adapter included.
4. Best For: Long-range birding and digiscoping.

Key Considerations When Choosing

• Magnification: 8x–10x is ideal for stability and field of view.
• Lens Size: Larger lenses (42 mm+) gather more light but are bulkier.
• Weight & Size: Compact models (like 8x25) are great for travel.
• Waterproofing/Fogproofing: Essential for outdoor use.
• Close Focus: Helps with observing nearby birds.

The Best Monocular for Stargazing and Astronomy

For stargazing and astronomy, the best monocular combines high magnification, a large light-gathering aperture, and superior optics to reveal the moon's craters, planetary details, and faint deep-sky objects. Top picks prioritize brightness, sharpness, and portability for celestial observation. Here are the top picks:

Best Overall: Celestron Nature DX 10x56

• 10x magnification (stable handheld views)
• 56mm objective lens (excellent light collection)
• Multi-coated optics (sharp, bright images)
• Waterproof & fog-proof
• Why is it the best monocular? Perfect balance of power and brightness for astronomy.

Best High-Power: Gosky 12x55 High Power Monocular

1. 12x magnification (great for lunar craters & Jupiter’s moons)
2. 55mm lens (good low-light performance)
3. Smartphone adapter included (for astrophotography)
4. Why is it a contender for best monocular? Affordable yet powerful for deep-sky glimpses.

Best Premium: Zeiss Victory 8x54 HT

• 54mm lens with HT glass (superb light transmission)
• 8x magnification (wide field of view for star clusters)
• Ultra-sharp, color-accurate views
• Best for: Serious stargazers who want top-tier optics.

Best Budget: Orion 10x50 Monocular

1. 10x50 configuration (classic astronomy specs)
2. Fully coated optics (decent brightness)
3. Lightweight & affordable
4. Best for: Beginners wanting a solid entry-level option.

Key Features for Astronomy

• Aperture Matters: 50 mm+ for better light gathering.
• Magnification: 8x–12x (higher powers may need a tripod).
• Lens Coatings: Fully multi-coated reduces glare.
• Tripod Adaptable: Essential for high-magnification stability.

The Best Compact and Pocket-Size Monoculars 

If you need the best monocular that’s truly (small and lightweight) for travel, hiking, or quick wildlife spotting, these top picks balance portability with performance:

Best Overall Compact: Leica Monovid 8x20

• Ultra-compact (fits in a pocket)
• Premium optics (Leica clarity)
• Close-focus (6.5 ft) for details
• Water-resistant & durable

Why? The best monocular for those who want no-compromise quality in a tiny package.

Best Budget Pick: Carson MiniAim 8x21

1. Extremely lightweight (4 oz / 113g)
2. Affordable but decent optics
3. Fits in a shirt pocket

Why? The best monocular for casual use when you need it, without spending much.

Best for Digiscoping: Gosky 8x21 Monocular

• Compact + smartphone adapter included
• Good image clarity for the size
• Budget-friendly

Why? A great best monocular if you want to capture photos on the go.

Best High-End Mini: Zeiss Terra ED 8x25

• ED glass (sharp, color-accurate views)
• Slightly larger but still pocketable
• Weather-resistant

Why? Ideal for hikers who want better optics in a design.

Key Features for Compact Monoculars

• Magnification: 8x is ideal (10x can be shaky in tiny models).
• Lens Size: 20–25mm (balances light and portability).
• Weight: Under 6 oz (170g) for true pocketability.
• Durability: Look for water-resistant builds.

The Best Monocular for Smartphone Photography (Perfect for Content Creators!)

If you want to capture stunning wildlife, birds, or landscapes with your smartphone, a high-quality monocular with smartphone compatibility is a game-changer. Here are the best monoculars for smartphone photography that boost your content-sharing game!

Best Overall: Gosky 12x55 High Power Monocular

• 12x magnification (sharp zoom for distant subjects)
• 55mm large lens (excellent light gathering)
• Includes smartphone adapter (universal clip fits most phones)
• Multi-coated optics (reduces glare, enhances clarity)

Why is it the best monocular for digiscoping? Great balance of power, brightness, and affordability.

Best Premium: Zeiss Terra ED 10x25 with Phone Adapter

• ED glass (superior color accuracy & sharpness)
• Compact & lightweight (easy to carry on adventures)
• Works with Zeiss smartphone adapter (high-quality imaging)
• Best for: Pros who want Leica-like quality without the ultra-high price.

Best Budget: SVBONY SV28 10- 30x50 Zoom Monocular

1. Adjustable zoom (10x-30x) (flexible framing)
2. 50mm lens (good for low-light shots)
3. Comes with phone mount (affordable digiscoping)
4. Best for: Beginners who want a versatile zoom on a budget.

Best for Vloggers: Vortex Optics Solo 8x36 + Phone Skope Adapter

• 8x magnification (stable, shake-free shots)
• Crisp, bright images (great for video)
• Durable & waterproof (outdoor-ready)
• Best for: Hikers & adventurers who record wildlife videos.

Best All-in-One Kit: Celestron Outland X 10x42 Monocular + NexYZ Adapter

• 10x42 (bright, wide-field view)
• Includes premium NexYZ 3-axis phone mount (stable, precise alignment)
• Multi-coated optics (reduces distortion)
• Best for: Serious content creators who demand pro-level stability.

The Best Night Vision Monoculars for Hiking & Wildlife

They include:

1. ATN OPMOD Night Spirit 3x Night Vision Monocular

• 3x magnification (good for low-light tracking)
• Infrared illuminator (extends visibility in total darkness)
• Lightweight (1.1 lbs) & rugged

Best for: Backpackers who need reliable night vision

2. Bushnell Equinox Z2 6x50 Night Vision Monocular

• 6x magnification + 50mm lens (bright, clear images)
• HD digital night vision (up to 750 ft range)
• Video recording & Wi-Fi streaming

Best for: Hunters & wildlife observers

3. AGM Global Vision Asp-Micro TM160 Thermal Monocular

• Thermal imaging (sees heat signatures, no light needed)
• Compact & waterproof
• 160x120 resolution (great for spotting animals)

Best for: Survivalists & serious night explorers

4. Sightmark Ghost Hunter 1x24 Night Vision Monocular

• Affordable entry-level night vision
• Infrared-sensitive & lightweight

Best for: Casual campers & budget-conscious users

Key Features for Night Vision Monoculars

• Generation 1/2/3+ (higher gens = better clarity in darkness)
• Infrared (IR) Illuminator (essential for pitch-black conditions)
• Magnification vs. Light Gathering (3x–5x is ideal for stability)
• Durability (waterproofing is a plus for outdoor use)

The Best Monocular for Versatility (Day & Night)

• If you want one device for both day and night, consider the Bushnell Equinox Z2—it doubles as a daytime monocular with digital zoom.
• For pure night performance, the ATN Night Spirit or AGM Thermal models are superior.

Monoculars vs Binoculars: Which One Is Right for You?

For outdoor enthusiasts who value portability and quick access, a monocular is often the best solution. Its compact, one-handed design makes it ideal for instant wildlife spotting, trail scanning, or landscape viewing while on the move.

The Vortex Solo 8x36 exemplifies this perfect blend of power, clarity, and ruggedness, earning its reputation as a top choice among hikers and explorers.

While binoculars offer superior comfort for extended birdwatching with their dual-eye viewing and depth perception, a high-quality best monocular provides unmatched convenience when every ounce and second counts.

Your decision ultimately comes down to priorities: go with a monocular for ultra-portable versatility or opt for binoculars when immersive detail matters most. Both have merits, but for fast-paced adventures, the best monocular delivers where it counts.

How to Choose the Best Monocular: Key Features to Consider

If you're looking for the best monocular for birdwatching, hiking, or outdoor adventures, here are the essential factors to consider:

Magnification (Power):

• A zoom range of 8x to 10x is ideal for achieving a balance of zoom and stability.
• Higher magnification (12x or higher) may require a tripod for steady viewing.

Lens Size (Aperture):

• 25 mm to 42 mm determines brightness and low-light performance.
• Larger lenses (e.g., 42 mm) gather more light but add weight.

Durability & Weather Resistance:

• Look for waterproof, fog-proof, and rubber-armored designs.
• Nitrogen-purged models prevent internal fogging.

Size & Weight:

• Compact & lightweight (under 12 oz) for easy portability.
• Pocket-sized monoculars (e.g., Leica Monovid 8x20) are great for travel.

Optical Quality:

• ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) glass reduces color distortion.
• Multi-coated lenses improve clarity and light transmission.

Close Focus Ability:

• Useful for observing nearby wildlife (e.g., 6.5 ft minimum focus).

Additional Features:

• Smartphone adapters for digiscoping.
• Tripod compatibility for high-magnification use.

Top Brands for High-Quality Monoculars in 2025

When searching for the best monocular, these brands stand out for their superior optics, durability, and innovative features:

• Vortex Optics: Known for rugged, affordable performance (e.g., Solo 8x36).
• Leica: Premium compact designs with unmatched clarity (e.g., Monovid 8x20).
• Zeiss: High-end ED glass for sharp, color-accurate views (e.g., Terra ED 10x25).
• Hawke: Excellent mid-range options with weatherproofing (e.g., Endurance ED 8x42).
• Nikon: Reliable optics with great value (e.g., ProStaff 7S 8x30).
• Gosky: Budget-friendly yet powerful (e.g., 12x55 High Power).

In conclusion, choosing the best monocular depends on your specific needs, whether it's portability, magnification, or optical quality. Top brands like Vortex, Leica, and Zeiss offer exceptional options in 2025, with the Vortex Solo 8x36 standing out as a versatile, high-performance choice for most outdoor enthusiasts. By selecting a monocular from these reputable brands, you'll ensure reliable performance and lasting value for your adventures.