Compare monoculars before you buy one! Use the comparison chart to check spotting scope prices, best quality, ratings, magnification, field of view, lens diameter, size and reviews…
Monocular Brands/Models |
Rating 1-5 | Price (approx) | Magnification | Lens Diameter | Field of View | Waterproof? | Scope Weight | Dimensions |
Bushnell Legend Ultra Monocular
|
4.6 | $200-220 | 10X | 42mm | 340 Feet a@ 1,000 Yards | Yes | 1.4 lbs | 5.9″ Long x 3″ Wide x 2.5″ Tall. Bushnell Legend Review |
Vortex Optics Solo Monocular
|
4.3 | $80-110 | 10X | 25mm | 315 Feet @ 1,000 Yards | Yes | 5.6 ounces |
4.4″ Long x 2″ Wide x 2.4″ Tall see complete Solo Monocular review here |
Mini Telescope for Mobile Phone
|
3.8 | $40-50 | 12X | 55mm | 131 Meters @ 1,000 Meters | Yes | 15.2 ounces | 6″ Long x 2.4″ Wide x 2.8″ Tall. See complete Mobile Phone Monocular review here |
Cheap Pocket Monocular
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4.7 | $39-49 | 6X | 30mm | 180 Meters @ 1,000 Meters | No | 7.8 ounces | 5.5″ Long x 2″ Wide x 2″ Tall. See full Roxant Pocket Monocular review here |
Wingspan Optics Explorer
|
4.6 | $89-99 | 12X | 50mm | 246 Feet @ 1,000 Meters | Yes | 14 ounces | 7.7″ Long x 4.4″ Wide x 3.3″ Tall. See full Wingspan Explorer review here |
Eyeskey Zoom Monocular
|
4.3 | $79-89 | 10-30X | 50mm | 126-99 Feet @ 1,000 Yards | Yes | 15.2 | 7.6″ Long x 2.9″ Wide x 2.4″ Tall. See complete review of the zoom monocular here |
Gosky Spotting Scope
|
4.3 | $379-389 | 20-60X | 80mm | 105-52 Meters @ 1,000 Meters | Yes | 3.5 lbs | 17.9″ Long x 6.9″ Wide x 8.35″ Tall. See full Gosky Spotting Scope Review |
Zeiss Monocular
|
4.0 | $400-450 | 10X | 25mm | 264 Feet @ 1,000 Yards | ? | 3.1 ounces | 4.3″ Long x 1.8″ Wide x 1.8″ Tall. See full Zeiss Monocular Review |
Solomark Night Vision Monocular
|
3.9 | $129-139 | up to 2X | ? | 328 Feet @ 100 Meters | No | 11.5 ounces | 5.8″ Long x 4″ Wide x 1.85″ Tall Solomark Night Vision review here. |
What to Think About When You Compare Monoculars:
1. Scope Magnification Level
The greater the magnification, the more you can zoom in on your target. However, you will notice more shaking at levels higher than 10X if you have an unsteady hand simply because the image is magnified more. You can attach most monoculars to a tripod to resolve this issue (if you care).
2. Monocular Lens Diameter
The larger the lens diameter, the more light can enter the scope. More light gives you a brighter, clearer image, plus is makes it easier to see small details. This makes an even bigger impact on a cloudy or overcast day.
3. Field of View
You may prefer a wider field of view if you are tracking a moving target, sports or fast moving animals.
Different Types of Monoculars and Spotting Scopes:
Compact handheld monoculars work really well for birdwatching, viewing wildlife, sporting events and sightseeing. Some “close-up” scopes even allow you to read maps.
Alternatively, you can use spotting scopes for hunting and target shooting. For example, you can attach them to a rifle or place them on a tripod.
Infrared night vision monoculars allow you to see wildlife at night (even in complete darkness!). Some scopes also give you the ability to take pictures or videos that you can then download to a computer or phone.
You can even use some high-zoom monoculars as miniature telescopes to view the moon or do some stargazing. Although these don’t really replace a real telescope, they provide a less expensive and more portable alternative.
Therefore, whether you want to get a close up view of animals, sports, targets, landscapes, concerts or the night sky, you can find a scope that best meets your needs. Most scopes are designed for outdoor use, so they come with durable casings and weatherproof lenses.
Plus, monoculars offer the great advantage of costing less than binoculars. Who doesn’t want to save money, right? Their compact size also makes them much easier to stick in your pocket and travel with.