What is a Monocular?
A monocular is a compact and convenient alternative to binoculars, offering a single-lens viewing experience for outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hunters, hikers, and even stargazers. With so many options available, choosing the best monoculars in 2025 can be overwhelming. In this guide, we will explore the best monocular , their features, and how to select the right one for your needs.
Why Choose the Best Monoculars in 2025?
Monoculars are compact optical devices that provide magnified views through a single lens. They are used for birdwatching, hunting, stargazing, travel, and tactical purposes. Selecting the best monoculars depends on factors such as magnification, lens quality, field of view, and durability. This guide details the top monoculars in 2025, their specifications, and key selection criteria.
Whether you are a serious stargazer or a budding amateur, don’t underestimate the power and flexibility of monoculars. The best monoculars can even have advantages over the best binoculars and the best telescopes, especially if you’re stargazing on the go.
Let’s say you want to catch the stunning total lunar eclipse, or blood moon, this March 13-14, but local light pollution is an obstacle. Grab one of the best monoculars, head out to a less populated location, and enjoy this amazing, if slightly spooky, spectacle. Or, this Feb 24, you can use a monocular to catch a rare five-planet alignment or planetary parade.
To help you choose the right one, we’ve rounded up the best monoculars , supported by our expert reviewers. We have included models to suit a range of budgets and purposes, and if you’re new to monoculars, we’ve explained just what you need to know in easy-to-understand terms. And if you’re picking up one of the larger models, the best tripods will help you keep it steady.
How to Choose the Best Monoculars in 2025
When selecting the best monocular, consider magnification and objective lens size. For general use, 8x to 10x magnification offers a balanced view, while 12x or higher is ideal for long-range observation. Larger objective lenses (50mm+) enhance brightness and clarity, making them suitable for low-light conditions.
Lens quality plays a crucial role in image sharpness. Fully multi-coated lenses reduce glare and improve contrast, while BAK-4 prisms provide crisp, high-resolution visuals. Durability is another essential factor—waterproof and fog-proof monoculars with rubberized bodies ensure longevity, especially in harsh environments.
For nighttime or specialized use, infrared night vision monoculars enhance visibility in low light, while thermal imaging models detect heat sources, making them valuable for security and wildlife observation. Lastly, portability matters, with lightweight designs being ideal for travel. Many modern monoculars also come with smartphone adapters, allowing users to capture and share their views effortlessly.
Best Monoculars 2025: Top Picks
Here is the list
Best Monoculars for Every Need
- Best Overall: Vortex Optics Solo 10×36 – Portable, waterproof, and great for hiking.
- Best Budget: Gosky 12×55 HD – Affordable, high magnification, includes a smartphone adapter.
- Best Compact: Zeiss Terra ED 8×25 – Lightweight, waterproof, and travel-friendly.
- Best for Birdwatching: Leica Monovid 8×20 – HD optics with AquaDura coating for protection.
- Best Night Vision: Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50 – Infrared night vision, digital zoom, and video recording.
- Best for Stargazing: Celestron Outland X 10×50 – Large aperture for bright celestial views.
- Best Thermal for Hunting: ATN OTS LT 320 – Detects heat signatures in complete darkness.
some of Best noncolors and their description are below
Best Overall Monocular – Vortex Optics Solo 10×36
✔ Magnification: 10x
✔ Objective Lens: 36mm
✔ Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
✔ Field of View: 325 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, rubber armor
✔ Best For: Hiking, wildlife observation
The Vortex Optics Solo 10×36 offers a balance of portability and clarity. Fully multi-coated lenses enhance brightness, while its waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures durability in extreme conditions. Rubber armor provides a secure grip.
Best Budget Monocular – Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular
✔ Magnification: 12x
✔ Objective Lens: 55mm
✔ Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated, BAK-4 prism
✔ Field of View: 325 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Water-resistant, shockproof
✔ Best For: General use, budget buyers
The Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular features a large 55mm lens for enhanced brightness. The 12x magnification provides a clear image, and a smartphone adapter is included for photography.
Best Compact Monocular – Zeiss Terra ED 8×25
✔ Magnification: 8x
✔ Objective Lens: 25mm
✔ Lens Coating: Hydrophobic multi-coating
✔ Field of View: 357 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof
✔ Best For: Travel, hiking
The Zeiss Terra ED 8×25 is ultra-lightweight for portability. Hydrophobic lens coating repels water and dust, while ED glass enhances color accuracy.
Best Monocular for Birdwatching – Leica Monovid 8×20
✔ Magnification: 8x
✔ Objective Lens: 20mm
✔ Lens Coating: AquaDura coating
✔ Field of View: 330 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Waterproof, nitrogen-filled
✔ Best For: Birdwatching, nature observation
The Leica Monovid 8×20 has high-definition optics with an AquaDura coating for lens protection. Its lightweight design ensures portability.
Best Night Vision Monocular – Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50
✔ Magnification: 6x
✔ Objective Lens: 50mm
✔ Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
✔ Field of View: 330 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Water-resistant
✔ Best For: Low-light conditions, security
The Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50 features infrared night vision for clear visibility in darkness, digital zoom, and video recording capabilities.
Best for Stargazing – Celestron Outland X 10×50
✔ Magnification: 10x
✔ Objective Lens: 50mm
✔ Lens Coating: Multi-coated optics
✔ Field of View: 300 feet @ 1000 yards
✔ Durability: Waterproof, rubber-armored
✔ Best For: Astronomy, celestial viewing
The Celestron Outland X 10×50 has a large aperture for enhanced light gathering, with multi-coated optics to improve image clarity.
Best Thermal Monocular for Hunting – ATN OTS LT 320
✔ Sensor: 320×240 thermal resolution
✔ Field of View: 8.2° x 6.2°
✔ Battery Life: 10+ hours
✔ Best For: Hunting, tactical use
The ATN OTS LT 320 detects heat signatures in complete darkness, with a long battery life for extended operation.
Some Other Articles you can Reach out are:
- Magnification & Objective Lens – Explain magnification and lens sizes with a guide from National Audubon Society or OpticsPlanet.
- Lens Coating & Prism Type – Provide an in-depth explanation of lens coatings and BAK-4 prisms from B&H Photo Video or Leica Optics.
- Durability & Weather Resistance – Link to a REI Guide on Outdoor Gear for tips on waterproof and fog-proof optics.
- Night Vision & Thermal Options – Direct users to FLIR Systems for an understanding of thermal imaging and night vision technologies.
- Portability & Accessories – Recommend lightweight travel gear from Celestron or Vortex Optics.
Conclusion
Choosing the best monocular depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you’re looking for an all-purpose option, the Vortex Optics Solo 10×36 is a top pick for its balance of portability and clarity. For birdwatchers, the Leica Monovid 8×20 offers high-definition optics, while the Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50 is perfect for night vision. Stargazers can benefit from the Celestron Outland X 10×50, and hunters may prefer the ATN OTS LT 320 for thermal imaging.
By considering factors like magnification, lens quality, durability, and special features such as night vision or thermal imaging, you can find the perfect monocular for your adventures. Whether you’re exploring nature, observing wildlife, or gazing at the stars, investing in the right monocular will enhance your experience.
