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Are you searching for the best monocular telescopes? Are you overwhelmed with the variety of monocular telescopes on the market? Monocular telescopes can greatly help you in hunting and other outdoor adventures. In this guide, we reviewed some of the best ones and explain the factors to consider when choosing your telescope.
What is a monocular?
A monocular is a refracting telescope that magnifies the images of distant objects using an optical prism. It is compact and portable which makes it ideal for hunters and other outdoorsmen. Monoculars are used by hunters to search for game animals when hunting.
Top Product

Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope
  • 12x55 High Power Magnification
  • Long Eye-Relief
  • Large BAK-4 Prism
  • Use With Or Without Glasses
  • Waterproof, Fog-Proof, Dust-Proof & Shockproof
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Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope
  • 12x55 High Power Magnification
  • Long Eye-Relief
  • Large BAK-4 Prism
  • Waterproof, Fog-Proof, Dust-Proof & Shockproof Design
  • Use With Or Without Glasses
Check Price On Amazon
 
The Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope is ideal for outdoor activities like bird watching, climbing, hunting, hiking, and more. It features a 12x magnification that provides a crisp clear and bright image. The 55mm fully multi-coated objective lens allows more light transmission and brightness.
 
Additionally, Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope features a 20mm multi-layer eyepiece and a large BAK-4 prism that provides very good brightness and clarity. Moreover, it is waterproof, fog-proof, dustproof, and shockproof. Its O-rings are sealed and nitrogen purged to deliver reliable and fog-free performance.
 
This telescope features a solid framework and rubber armor that provides protection and gives it a firm grip. It also has adjustable eye-cups that twist up and down for comfortable viewing. This feature allows viewers who wear glasses or not to use this monocular telescope. This monocular can be connected to a tripod by a tripod thread hole at the bottom of the telescope. If you are interested in hunting binoculars, read this article to learn about the best hunting binoculars on the market today.
 
 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  • BAK-4 Prism
  • 12x55m Magnification
  • Waterproof, Fog-Proof, Shockproof, and Dust-Proof
  • Adjustable Eye-Cups
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

2.  Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Scope

Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Scope
  • 10x Magnification & 60mm Object Lens Diameter
  • BAK 4 Prism
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lens
  • Waterproof Binoculars
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The Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Scope is great for outdoor activities like bird watching, climbing, hunting, and hiking. It has a 10x magnification and 60mm objective lens that provides a clear and bright image.
 
Moreover, this telescope has BAK-4 prism and a fully multi-coated lens that produces bright and clear images. This telescope is waterproof and fog-proof.
 
 
 
      What We Like:
  • 10x6mm Magnification
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • Waterproof & Fog-Proof
 
 
 
 
 
 

3.  VIVREAL Monocular Telescope

VIVREAL Monocular Telescope
  • 12x High Power Magnification
  • 42mm Object Lens Diameter
  • High Contrast & Resolution Images
  • Single Hand Focus
  • Dust-Proof, Waterproof & Fog Proof
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The VIVREAL Monocular Telescope allows more light transmission and brightness thereby creating a clear image. It features a 12x magnification and a 42mm objective lens.
 
Additionally, this monocular telescope has a large field of view, 360 ft at 1,000 yds. This makes it ideal for bird watching, hunting, hiking, camping, traveling, wildlife, and more. The VIVREAL Monocular Telescope is ergonomically designed which allows you to use one hand to focus on your target quickly and accurately.
 
Moreover, this monocular telescope has a BAK-4 prism and a fully multi-coated lens. It is compact and portable. The VIVREAL Monocular Telescope is lightweight and weighs 0.61 pounds. It is IPX7 waterproof, shockproof, and dash proof.
 
 
 
 
       What We Like:
  • IPX7 Waterproof
  • 12x Magnification
  • Large Field of View
  • Dustproof & Fog-Proof
  • BAK-4 Prism
 
 
 
 

4.  ROXANT Monocular Scope

ROXANT Monocular Scope
  • True 6x30 Viewing
  • No Slip Comfort Molded Grip
  • Fully Multi-Coated
  • FMC Superior BAK4 Green Film Prism
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The ROXANT Monocular Scope is ideal for hunting, hiking, archery, sports, camping, golf, and more outdoor activities. It has a 7x18mm magnification and features premium high-definition optical glass.
 
Moreover, this monocular telescope has fully multi-coated optics that provide bright and clear images. It also has a molded grip that makes it easy to hold steady as you enjoy viewing. It is compact and durable.
 
 
      What We Like:
  • 7×18 Magnification
  • Compact & Durable
 
 
 
 

5.  Authentic ROXANT HD Monocular Telescope

Authentic ROXANT HD Monocular Telescope
  • 7x Magnification
  • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
  • Comfort Molded Grip
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This monocular telescope is well suited for bird watching, hunting, camping, archery, hiking, and other outdoor activities. With a 6x30mm magnification and objective lens, this telescope provides very bright and crystal-clear images.
 
Moreover, this telescope features high-definition optical glass with a premium fully multi-coated lens that gives great light transmission and brightness. It also has a BAK-4 prism. It is compact and durable. The ROXANT HD monocular telescope has a non-slip molded grip that is comfortable yet has a firm grip.
 
 

 

 

 

 

       What We Like:

  •   6x30mm Magnification & 30mm Objective Lens
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • Compact & Durable
 
 
 
 
 

6.  Gosky Titan 12X50 Monocular Telescope

Gosky Titan 12X50 Monocular Telescope
  • 12x High Power Magnification
  • Large BAK-4 Prism
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lens Coating
  • Waterproof, Dust-Proof, & Shockproof Design
  • Shock-Absorbing Rubber Armor With Stripes
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With its 12x50mm magnification and object lens, the Gosky Titan 12X50 Monocular Telescope provides the best view for your outdoor activities. It also has BAK-4 prism and a fully multi-coated lens that renders a very clear and bright image.
 
This telescope has a large field of view at 289 ft at 1000 yds, an exit pupil of 4.2mm, and an eye relief of 17mm. It is durable with its solid framework and rubber armor.
 
It is waterproof, fog-proof, dust-proof, and shock-proof. This telescope can be mounted to a tripod by the tripod thread hole at the bottom. It also has adjustable eye-cups that twist up and down for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.
 
 
 
       What We Like:
  • 12x Magnificaion & 50mm Object Lens
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lens
  • Waterproof, Fog-Proof, Dust-Proof & Shock-Proof
  • Adjustable Eye-Cups
 
 
 
 

7.  Vortex Optics Monocular Telescope

 
Vortex Optics Monocular Telescope
  • 10x Magnification
  • 36mm Objectives Lens
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Waterproof & Fog-Proof
  • Adjustable Eyecup
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The Vortex monocular telescope has a 10x magnification and 36mm object lens that renders a crisp and clear image. It features BAK-4 prism and a fully multi-coated lens that also provides a very clear and bright image.
 
Additionally, it features a large field of view of 325 ft at 1000 yds, an exit pupil of 3.6mm, and an eye relief of 15mm. It is waterproof and fog-proof with its sealed O-rings.
 
This monocular telescope is compact, lightweight, and durable. Its rubber armor provides a secure, non-slip grip for protection. Moreover, it features adjustable eye-cups for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.
 
 
 
      What We Like: 
  • 10x Magnification & 36mm Object Lens
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • Large Field of View
  • Waterproof & Fog-proof
 
 
 
 
 

8.  Emarth Monocular Telescope 

Emarth Monocular Telescope 
  • 10-30X50 Magnification
  • BAK-4 Crystal Prism
  • Full Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Fogproof & Waterproof
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      What We Like: 
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • 10-30X50 Magnification
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Fogproof & Waterproof
 
 
 
 

9.   Aurosports Monocular Telescope

Aurosports Monocular Telescope
  • 10-30x40 High Powered Magnification
  • BAK4 Prism With FMC Green Film & HD Blue Film
  • Wide Field of View 419ft/1000yds(128m/1000M)
  • Waterproof & Fog-Proof
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The Aurosports Monocular Telescope features a 10-30x variable magnification and 40mm objective lens. This feature renders clear and bright images. Moreover, it also has BAK-4 prism with a fully multi-coated lens that provides very clear and bright images. This telescope is compact and durable. It is also waterproof and fog-proof.
 
 
        What We Like: 
  • 10-30x magnification & 40mm Object Lens
  • Waterproof & Fog-Proof
  • BAK-4 Prism
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

10.  CREATIVE XP Prism HD Monocular Telescope

CREATIVE XP Prism HD Monocular Telescope

  • 12X Magnification
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
  • Waterproof, Fogproof & Shockproof
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     What We Like:
  • 12x Magnification
  • BAK-4 Prism
  • Waterproof, Shock-Proof & Fog-Proof
  • Fully Multi-Coated Lenses
 
 
 

 

What To Look For In A Monocular Telescope

  1.  Magnification
 
When choosing a monocular, one of the important factors to consider is its magnification. The magnification tells you how many times the target appears closer to you than it is with the naked eye.
 
You will see a combination of numbers and the letter “x” in the name of the monocular telescope or in its description. The first number or set of numbers before the letter “x” is the magnification.
 
Some people think the higher the magnification, the better it is for your viewing. That is not always the case. Higher magnification can sometimes be counterproductive. The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view becomes.
 
 
 
2.  Lens Size
 
Another important factor to consider is the size of the lens. A bigger lens gives you a wider view and a clearer and brighter image. However, the bigger the lens, the heavier and more bulky the monocular will be.
 
 
3.  Lens Coating
 
When choosing a monocular, you must verify the coating of its lens. The lens coatings reduce light reflection off the glass to improve the image. Most monoculars today have fully multi-coated lenses. Make sure to verify that the one you want to buy has that coating.
 
 
4.  Close Focus
 
Another important factor to consider is its close focus. Pay attention to its close focus capabilities. The close focus is the distance that the telescope will focus on an object. If you will mostly view targets that are far away like hunting targets, then you want a high close focus.
 
 
5.  Eye Relief
 
Eye relief refers to the distance between your eye and the eyepiece on the monocular telescope. The larger the eye relief, the easier it is on your eyes to use the monoculars for a long period of time without eye fatigue.
 
 
6.  Prism
 
Monoculars also use prisms to refract light and make images that are far away appear closer. There are two types of prisms. They are roof and Porro prisms. You will likely have a roof prism if the monocular telescope has a high magnification
 
 
7.  Monocular Size
 
Determine the size of the monocular telescope you want. Many are compact, lightweight, and portable. A smaller telescope will be very portable. However, a larger one might be a bit bulkier but render a sharper and brighter image.
 
 
8.  Monocular Telescope Weight
 
Most monoculars are compact and lightweight. The smaller ones are very portable. Determine what will be the ideal size of the monocular telescope you want to buy. The larger ones will provide a sharper image but you might need a carrying bag for it.
 
 
9.  Night Vision
 
You have to determine if you will use the monocular telescope during the night or around the water. You might want to consider one with night vision capabilities if you will need it for the night or around water. We reviewed the best night vision binoculars to help you find the right one in this article.
 
 
10.  Price
 
Most times, the price will be a major factor in determining which telescope you buy. Monoculars are not expensive and you can find them at reasonable prices. You will need to compare them and choose the best one that fits your budget.
 
 
 
11.  Waterproof, Fog-Proof, Dust-Proof & Shock-Proof
 
The monocular telescope will be used mainly for outdoor activities. It may also be used in rough weather conditions. You will want to buy a monocular that is designed to withstand harsh conditions and also be long-lasting. Many monocular telescopes today are designed to be waterproof, fog-proof, dustproof, and shockproof. You will want to buy one with those features.
 
 
 
 

Types of Monocular Telescopes

 1.  Night Vision Monocular Telescopes
 
This is mostly used during the night. It is a hunter’s dream if hunt at the night. Night vision monoculars operate on either infrared or thermal-imaging mode. You can read about the best night vision monoculars in this article.
 
 
2.  Infrared Monocular Telescope
 
The infrared monocular telescope uses a different wavelength than the night vision monocular to illuminate objects in the dark. Additionally, they are inexpensive. Some use a red light that can frighten the target or reveal your location. If you are buying an infrared monocular,  consider buying one without the red light.
 
 
3.  Thermal Imaging Monocular Telescopes
 
Thermal Imaging monocular telescopes locate targets by detecting heat. It is ideal for detecting targets that hide. Thermal monocular telescopes don’t have the red light that some infrared monocular telescopes have. Therefore, you don’t scare off your targets or reveal your location.
 
 
4.  Compact Monocular Telescopes
 
There are monocular telescopes that are even smaller than the average monocular telescope. With their small size, they also have smaller magnifications and lens diameters.
 
 
 
 
 

Monocular Telescope Accessories

 1.  Cell Phone Adapter Mount
 
The adapter mounts to mount your cell phone to the monocular telescope.
 
 
2.  Monocular Telescope Case
 
Light and hard protective case for the monocular telescope.
 
 
 

 

 

 

 

 

What is the best magnification for a monocular?
For normal use, a magnification in the range of 5 to 8X will be good. For far-away targets, a magnification of 9X or 10X will be ideal.
How far can you see with a 40X60 monocular?
You can see up to 9500m with a 40X60 monocular.
Are monoculars good for stargazing?
Monoculars are good for hunting, wildlife viewing, stargazing, etc.
Are monoculars worth it?
If you love to view nature, and the stars, and hunt, then a monocular is a good buy.
Are monoculars better than binoculars?
Each has its own purpose and use. Binoculars provide a wide viewing angle while monoculars are used for precision spotting of the target. They have what is referred to as a “true field of view”.  
What is the best magnification for a monocular?
Regular monoculars have magnification in the range of 8x to 10x.
What is a powerful monocular?
The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view will be. Hence, it is not always best to go for the highest magnification you can find.
How do I choose a good monocular?
When choosing a monocular, there are some factors to consider such as magnification, the field of view, lens and coating, focus type, the type of prism, exit pupil size, eye relief, night vision, its size and weight, durability, and if it is waterproof, fog-proof, dust-proof, and shock-proof.
 
 
 

Best Monocular Telescopes

 

 

The Bottom Line

 
Monocular telescopes have come a long way. In this guide, we reviewed some of the best monocular telescopes and discussed the factors to consider when buying a monocular. It is our aim that this guide will help you choose the best monocular telescope for your outdoor activities. Our recommendation for a monocular telescope is the Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope.
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