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Whether you’re birding in the backcountry, scanning a ridgeline, or need a compact spotting solution for your bug-out bag, monoculars offer lightweight versatility and surprising optical performance. With just one barrel to worry about, they’re easier to carry, quicker to deploy, and often more affordable than binoculars. In this guide, we break down the best monoculars available in 2025—from ultra-compact EDC models to high-powered long-range spotters.
What You Should Know Up Front
Monoculars trade stereo depth perception for size, weight, and simplicity. That makes them ideal for one-handed operation, ultralight hiking, or tactical scenarios where space and speed matter. But not all monoculars are built alike.
Image stabilization, lens coatings, prism types, and field of view all matter more than magnification alone. Before you buy, it’s worth asking what you’ll really use it for—and whether your expectations line up with the tradeoffs.
If you’re curious about how depth perception works with one eye, check out our explainer on monocular cues.
So, What Should You Buy?
Here are the best monoculars you can get your hands on, whether you need ultra portability, maximum reach, or rugged field durability.
Best Tactical Monocular
Our Top Pick
Why we picked it: This rugged little unit is more than meets the eye. It features a built-in ranging reticle, flared eyecup, and waterproof body. It’s a favorite among field operators and tacticians. Best for: Tactical users, range estimation, and compact recon.
Best All-Around Monocular
Why we picked it: It hits the sweet spot between power, clarity, and price. A 12x zoom with a 55mm lens pulls in tons of light. It’s also smartphone-adapter-ready for capturing distant subjects. Best for: General-purpose use, nature viewing, and travelers.
Best Monocular for Birdwatching
Why we picked it: This Bushnell monocular delivers premium optics with ED glass, PC-3 phase coating, and long eye relief. It’s excellent for spotting birds or wildlife without lugging binoculars. Best for: Birders and wildlife enthusiasts who want sharp detail.
Best Premium Compact Monocular
Why we picked it: Leica glass is world-renowned, and the Monovid proves you can get elite clarity in a miniature form factor. It even includes a close-focus lens attachment. Best for: Those who want the best optics in the smallest package.
Best Budget Monocular
Why we picked it: It offers solid performance at a low price, with BAK-4 glass, a wide field of view, and a no-slip grip. A great backup optic or starter choice. Best for: Beginners, casual hikers, or budget-conscious users.
How to Decide
Not sure which monocular is right for you? Use these quick questions to zero in:
- Do you need one-handed use or pocket carry? Stick with compact models like the Leica or Vortex.
- Will you use it mostly during the day or near dusk? Choose larger lenses (42mm+) for better low-light performance.
- Are you birding or viewing wildlife? Prioritize color clarity and eye relief over magnification.
- Will you use it with your phone? Look for models with smartphone adapters or tripod mounts.
- Are you hard on gear? Choose rugged, waterproof units with rubber armor for durability.
Don’t Overlook Eye Relief
If you wear glasses or use your monocular for extended periods, eye relief matters. Look for at least 14mm, ideally 16mm+ for comfort. Twist-up eyecups are also a must—they allow fast, easy adjustment depending on whether you wear glasses or not.
Choosing the Best Monocular for Your Needs
Choosing the right monocular comes down to understanding what trade-offs you’re willing to make. Unlike binoculars, monoculars give you a simplified, compact optical experience—but that also means each feature matters more. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what to look for.
Magnification and Objective Lens Size
Magnification (the first number in 10×42, for example) determines how close objects will appear. While higher magnification might sound better, it comes with challenges: the more you zoom, the harder it is to keep the image steady. Unless you’re using a tripod, anything over 12x can be difficult to stabilize by hand.
Objective lens size (the second number) controls how much light the monocular can gather. A 42mm lens collects more light than a 25mm one, which means a brighter, clearer image, especially in low light. The downside is size and weight. For general use, a 10×42 monocular is a great middle ground.
Balance is key. An 8×32 or 10×36 monocular might seem like a compromise, but it’s often the sweet spot for handheld use—offering solid reach and bright images without excessive bulk.
Glass Quality and Coatings
The quality of the optics inside your monocular drastically affects image sharpness, contrast, and clarity.
- ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass: This reduces chromatic aberration, which shows up as color fringing on high-contrast edges (like birds against a bright sky). ED glass makes a real difference if you’re doing detailed observation like birding or reading signs at a distance.
- BAK-4 vs. BK-7 prisms: BAK-4 prisms are made from superior optical glass, offering clearer images with less distortion around the edges. BK-7 is cheaper and more common in budget optics, but can introduce edge blur.
- Lens coatings: Fully multi-coated lenses improve light transmission and reduce glare, which enhances brightness and contrast. Budget monoculars may only be “coated” or “multi-coated,” which can result in dimmer or less crisp images.
In short: ED glass + BAK-4 prisms + fully multi-coated optics = the best viewing experience.
Field of View and Exit Pupil
These two specs heavily impact how easy and comfortable it is to use a monocular in the field. A wide field of view helps you track moving subjects or scan a landscape without feeling boxed in. It’s especially helpful for birders, sports watchers, or anyone dealing with dynamic subjects. Narrow FOVs can be frustrating and are more common in higher-magnification units.
Exit pupil is the diameter of the light beam entering your eye. The bigger it is, the brighter your image will appear in dim conditions. This spec matters most during dawn or dusk, when light is scarce. A 4mm or larger exit pupil is ideal for these times.
If you’re planning low-light use, don’t just look at magnification—balance it with a larger lens to keep that exit pupil up.
- Field of View (FOV): Measured in feet at 1000 yards or in degrees. A wider FOV makes it easier to spot moving targets or scan landscapes. Narrow FOVs (common in high-magnification models) can make finding and tracking subjects frustrating.
- Exit Pupil: Calculated by dividing the objective lens size by magnification (e.g., 42mm / 10x = 4.2mm). The larger the exit pupil, the brighter the image appears in low light. A good rule of thumb is 4mm or larger for dawn/dusk use.
Portability and Ergonomics
A monocular should be something you’ll actually carry with you. That means it needs to be lightweight, easy to hold, and quick to deploy. But not all “compact” monoculars are created equal.
- Pocket-sized vs. pack-sized: Smaller monoculars (like 8x20s) slip into a shirt pocket but may compromise on light-gathering ability. Larger ones (10x42s) offer better image quality but demand more space.
- Grip and focus: Rubber armor improves handling, especially in wet or cold conditions. A flared or adjustable eyecup ensures proper eye alignment, while focus knobs or rings should be smooth but firm—too loose, and they’ll drift during use.
- One-handed use: Some monoculars are better balanced for one-handed operation. If that’s a priority, look for textured grips and low-resistance focus rings.
Weatherproofing and Build Quality
Monoculars are often used in rugged, unpredictable environments. Here’s what matters:
- IPX rating: IPX7 means fully waterproof and submersible up to 1 meter for 30 minutes. IPX4 is splash-proof but not immersion-rated.
- Fogproofing: Nitrogen- or argon-purged optics prevent internal fogging, which is essential for cold mornings or rapid temperature changes.
- Impact resistance: Rubber-armored bodies help absorb shocks, but some models also feature reinforced internal chassis or sealed lens assemblies.
Serious outdoor users—hunters, hikers, or military personnel—should always prioritize waterproof and shockproof designs.
Eye Relief and Eyecups
Wearing glasses doesn’t mean compromising your view. Eye relief refers to the distance your eye can be from the eyepiece and still see the full image. If this distance is too short, you’ll struggle to use the monocular comfortably with glasses.
For extended viewing, 16mm or more of eye relief is ideal. Equally important are the eyecups—look for twist-up designs that let you adjust quickly on the fly. That flexibility makes a huge difference whether you wear glasses all the time or only occasionally.
- 14mm minimum: Adequate for most glasses-wearers.
- 16mm+: Ideal for extended viewing or high comfort.
Twist-up eyecups are also essential. They allow quick adjustment for glasses or bare-eye use, ensuring proper eye alignment and blocking out stray light.
Specialized Features and Use Cases
Some monoculars go beyond the basics with useful add-ons. For example, smartphone adapters let you capture zoomed photos and videos directly through the lens. These are especially popular with birders and hikers who want to document sightings.
Tactical models often include mil-dot or ranging reticles, giving shooters or field operators more utility in distance estimation. Other premium options offer close-focus lens attachments for macro-style viewing or tripod mounts for steady long-range observation.
Just be honest about your needs. If you won’t use these extras, don’t pay for them. But if you will—they can significantly extend your monocular’s usefulness.
- Reticles: Tactical monoculars often include range-finding reticles or mil-dot scales, useful for estimating distances or target sizes.
- Close-focus lenses: Some high-end models include snap-on lenses that enable macro-style observation, useful for insect viewing or reading text at a distance.
- Tripod mounts: High-magnification monoculars benefit from tripod compatibility to eliminate shake and maintain image clarity.
Price and Warranty Considerations
As with most optics, you get what you pay for. Sub-$50 monoculars might work for casual use but will show their limitations quickly in demanding conditions.
- $50–$100: Good entry-level options, though expect compromises on coatings or edge sharpness.
- $100–$250: A sweet spot for serious hobbyists. At this level, you’ll often find ED glass, good coatings, and rugged builds.
- $250+: Premium optics with exceptional clarity, precision engineering, and long warranties.
Also consider brand support. Companies like Vortex, Bushnell, and Leica have solid reputations for customer service and warranties, which can be a lifesaver if your gear fails.
By carefully balancing these factors against how you actually plan to use your monocular, you can avoid overpaying—or worse, ending up with an optic that doesn’t meet your needs.
Final Thoughts
Monoculars are the ultimate minimalist optical tool—light, fast, and surprisingly powerful. The best one for you depends on how and where you plan to use it. Whether you need a tough tactical spotter, a birdwatching companion, or just a pocket-sized way to bring the world closer, there’s a monocular in this list that gets the job done.
