Best monocular 2024: Spy top models on the market – Space.com

Best Monocular 2024: Jump Menu

The best monocular can be a handy and portable way to view wildlife, birds or the night sky. While they may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of optical equipment, they can have several benefits over the best binoculars and the best telescopes.

As what is essentially half of a pair of binoculars, a monocular is a small, lightweight option for viewing distant objects that is pocket-sized and even more travel-friendly than a pair of the best compact binoculars.

They're also simple to use and don't need the technical know-how required for setting up even the best beginner telescopes. This makes them perfect for travelers who want to quickly pull out an observation device when they spot something interesting in the distance.

Our reviewers have tried and tested a range of different monocular options to bring you a list of the very best on the market, for different users and budgets.

Jamie Carter

Jamie is a Contributing Writer for Space.com and put together this guide. He is an experienced science, technology and travel journalist and stargazer who writes about exploring the night sky, solar and lunar eclipses, moon-gazing, astro-travel, astronomy and space exploration.

Jamie is the editor ofWhenIsTheNextEclipse.comand authorofA Stargazing Program For Beginners,and is a senior contributor at Forbes.

Best super lightweight model

Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42

Best super lightweight model

Despite its low price, the wide-field ED optics use the most recent multi-coating technology, which results in plenty of contrast, clarity and a premium feel.

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Best for ruggedness

Hawke Endurance ED 10x42 monocular

Best for ruggedness

This lightweight and waterproof monocular is ideal for observing in the wilderness. This monocular is made to survive the elements and has a waterproof chassis and strong grip armoring.

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Best premium monocular

Bushnell Legend Ultra 10x42 monocular

Best premium monocular

Boasting a 42mm objective lens and a 10x magnification, Bushnell's ED Prime HD glass, with its multi-coated and anti-reflective optics, provides clear and detailed views at just 13.2 oz.

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Best for wildlife

Vortex Recon R/T 15x50 monocular

Best for wildlife

At 15x magnification, the Vortex Recon R/T 15x50 will give you a closer look at objects than your average monocular or pair of astronomy-centric binoculars.

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Best for spectacles wearers

Opticron Oregon 4 PC 10x42 monocular

Best for spectacles wearers

This monocular has phase-corrected prism coatings and multi-coated optics to deliver clear, crisp views daily and in low light.

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Best for magnification

Apexel 36x super zoom monocular/smartphone lens

Best for magnification

Apexel 36x is a fixed optical zoom monocular that doubles as a smartphone lens for taking photos and videos of the Moon.

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Best for use with a smartphone

Celestron Outland X 10x50

Best for use with a smartphone

The Celestron Outland X 10x50 monocular has a smartphone mount and could be considered an ideal digiscoping companion for those who want to image the night sky, especially the Moon.

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Best for moon observations

Best for moon observations

With a maximum of 25x magnification, this variable-magnification monocular is best suited to lunar viewing but can also focus on objects only 20 inches/50 cm away.

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Best super lightweight model for wide angles: boasting great specifications for basic astronomy

Magnification: 8x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm / 1.73-inch

Field of view: 7.8 degrees

Eye relief: 18mm / 0.71-inch

Closest focusing distance: 6.6ft / 2.01m

Waterproof: Yes

Fog-proof: Yes

Weight: 9.2 oz / 261g

Dimensions: 4.72 x 1.57 x 1.69-inch / 120 x 40 x 43mm

Top quality optics

Waterproof and fog-proof

Pocketable

Ergonomically nicer than the binocular counterpart

Low stock

Buy it if

You want a great all-rounder:It's affordable, lets plenty of light through, is compact and lightweight, good for beginners and stargazers, can withstand tough conditions and has excellent ED optics.

Don't buy it if:

You want high magnification:For zooming in on fine details, you'd likely want an instrument that has a higher magnification. A 10x variant of this model is available.

The bottom line

Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42A great all-rounder that boasts fantastic quality optics in a compact package at an affordable price. Perfect for wide-field observations and comfortable and easy to use.

For those who are new to stargazing, the Opticron Explorer WA ED-2 8x42 is a fantastic monocular. It can capture a lot of light from distant stars because of the 42mm objective lens, and the 8x magnification is perfect for reducing wobbles and improving focus on objects.

This monocular is very portable, waterproof to three meters and nitrogen-filled to minimize fogging while moving between warm and cold conditions, making it ideal for a whole hostof outdoor activities. Additionally, a soft neoprene travel case with a cushioned strap, rain protection and rubber lens covers to prevent scratches on the glass is included.

Glasses-wearers will benefit from the generous 17mm eye relief, and it even comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Overall, this is a reasonably-priced monocular with a wide-field view that is ideal for newcomers to astronomy who want to get their first look at the night sky.

Despite the affordable price, the optics on this monocular really are excellent. It features extra-low dispersion (ED) glass to reduce chromatic aberration and ensure accurate color rendition. The optics are also multi-coated, which helps them to produce an image with good contrast and clarity. All this makes it feel like a more premium product than the price would suggest.

Today's best Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 deals

Best for ruggedness: this lightweight and waterproof monocular is ideal for observing in the wilderness

Magnification: 10x

Objective lens diameter: 42mm / 1.65-inch

Field of view: 5.8 degrees

Eye relief: 13mm / 0.51-inch

Closest focusing distance: 6.6ft / 2.01m

Waterproof: Yes

Fog-proof: Yes

Weight: 11.5oz / 326g

Dimensions: 5.6 x 3.1-inch / 143 x 80mm

Excellent optics

Astro-centric specifications

Waterproof and fog-proof

Large for a pocket

Eye relief isn't great

Buy it if

You want to travel with it:It's lightweight and portable (although not small enough to fit into a pocket), making it a great option for observing wildlife or the night sky when out and about.

Don't buy it if:

You wear glasses:The eye relief is only 13mm, so if you wear eyeglasses you'd be wise to choose a different option.

The bottom line

Hawke Endurance ED 10x42 monocularFantastic quality glass in a small and lightweight package, making it perfect for on-the-go observations. It's designed to withstand various weather conditions and comes with great quality accessories.

The Hawke Endurance ED 10x42 has a tough, durable design, making it perfect for travel. It's built to handle rough conditions while still providing high-quality performance. This monocular has special phase-corrected BaK-4 roof prisms, fully multi-coated lenses and extra-low dispersion (ED) glass. These features help capture more light and reduce color distortion, giving you a very clear and true-to-color image. Overall, we think it makes for a really great viewing experience.

With its waterproof optics, you can use this monocular worry-free even in rough weather. Plus, it's nitrogen-purged to prevent fogging. And with its rubber casing, lens covers and lanyard, you're less likely to accidentally drop or misplace it.

With more than 350 reviews on Amazon, users like the portability, value and ease of use, scoring this monocular 4.5 out of 5 stars overall.

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Best monocular 2024: Spy top models on the market - Space.com