November 2023

Monoculars: MetaRanking

This page highlights the aggregate summary of monoculars rankings posted by key online experts, as of November 2023.

Summary

On 9 Nov 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 90 monocular endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.

49 monoculars were endorsed in total, only 20 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)

As of 9 Nov 2023, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed monocular with 8 expert endorsements. 1 expert out of 8 recommended it as the '#1 monocular' this month.

Brand breakdown
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking monoculars start at $17.99 (Archeer 16x52) and go up to $554.95 (Leica Monovid). Median monocular costs $103.19 (Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD).
$17.99
$554.95

At a glance - November Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
Rank Change Price Monocular
BestReviews
Popular Photography
T3
Target Tamers
Optics Addict
OpticsMag
Digital Camera World
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best Binoculars Reviews
Expert World Travel
1
- $209
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono monocular is a lightweight and durable device with excellent optical quality, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and wildlife observation.
-
4
-
4
4
3
9
3
1
3
2
- $555
Leica Monovid
The Leica Monovid Monocular is a compact and lightweight device with excellent optical quality, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and surveillance.
-
1
4
5
1
8
2
-
-
7
3
- $83
Celestron Outland X Mono
-
2
1
-
-
-
8
7
-
-
4
- $40
Roxant Grip Scope
The Roxant Grip Scope is a highly recommended monocular for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent optical quality, compact size, and durability.
4
-
-
2
3
2
-
-
-
-
5
- $69
Vortex Optics Solo
The Vortex Optics Solo monocular is a compact and lightweight option that offers clear and crisp images, making it a reliable and durable choice for outdoor activities.
2
-
-
6
-
4
-
-
-
2
6
- $163
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42
-
-
-
-
-
-
1
1
-
-
7
- $86
Gosky Titan
The Gosky Titan monocular telescope is a highly praised and versatile outdoor tool, offering excellent optical quality, lightweight and compact design, and durability for activities such as bird watching, hiking, and wildlife observation.
5
-
-
11
6
10
-
-
-
-
8
- $135
Hawke Endurance ED Monocular
The Hawke Endurance ED Monocular is a highly praised and recommended compact and durable monocular with excellent optical quality for outdoor activities such as birdwatching and hiking.
-
-
2
-
-
-
6
2
-
-
9
- $140
Vortex Solo Tactical R/T
-
3
-
7
2
-
-
-
-
-
10
- $33
Barska Blackhawk
The Barska Blackhawk Monocular and Riflescope are highly praised for their excellent optical quality, lightweight design, and durability, making them ideal for outdoor activities.
1
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
11
- $103
Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD
-
-
-
-
-
-
10
-
-
1
14
- $80
Hawke Endurance ED 25mm
-
-
6
-
-
-
3
-
-
-
15
- Check price
Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom
The Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom Monocular is a lightweight and portable optical device with adjustable magnification levels, excellent optical quality, and durability, making it ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and birdwatchers.
-
-
-
3
-
7
-
-
-
-
16
- $200
Zeiss MiniQuick
-
-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
4
17
- Check price
Opticron BGA WP
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
6
18
- $550
Vortex Recon RT
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
4
-
8
19
- Check price
Hawke Nature-Trek
The Hawke Nature-Trek monocular is a highly praised and versatile tool for nature observation and outdoor activities, with its compact size, optical quality, durability, and waterproof design.
-
-
-
-
-
-
5
-
7
-
20
- $299
Bushnell Equinox Z2
The Bushnell Equinox Z2 monocular is highly praised for its optical quality, durability, and portability, making it ideal for outdoor activities such as hunting and wildlife observation.
-
-
-
-
-
-
11
-
-
5
21
- $394
Vortex Recce Pro HD
The Vortex Recce Pro HD monocular is a highly praised and versatile tool for outdoor activities, offering excellent optical quality, compact size, lightweight design, and durability.
-
-
-
10
-
-
-
-
6
-
22
- $370
Zeiss Conquest Mono
-
-
-
8
-
-
12
-
-
-

; ; ;
#10 $32.98 Barska Blackhawk
#4 $39.99 Roxant Grip Scope
#5 $69 Vortex Optics Solo
#14 $79.99 Hawke Endurance ED 25mm
#3 $82.95 Celestron Outland X Mono
#7 $85.99 Gosky Titan
#11 $103.19 Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD
#8 $134.99 Hawke Endurance ED Monocular
#9 $139.99 Vortex Solo Tactical R/T
#6 $162.54 Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42
#16 $199.99 Zeiss MiniQuick
#1 $208.69 Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono
#20 $299 Bushnell Equinox Z2
#22 $369.99 Zeiss Conquest Mono
#21 $394 Vortex Recce Pro HD
#18 $549.99 Vortex Recon RT
#2 $554.95 Leica Monovid

We ranked Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono #1 in November 2023 because:

  • 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Photography

Best for bird watching

Excellent image quality
Has an attached, convenient carrying clip
Compatible with tripod use

Lens cap can be loud

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Monocular Under $200

Lightweight/compact
ED Prime glass
PC-3 Phase Coating
Ultra Wide Band Coating
RainGuard HD

Price

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Bird Watching

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Premium Choice

Very impressive optics for the price
Both waterproof and fog proof
Twist-up eyecups are comfortable

Not the smallest or lightest monocular

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best rugged option

10x magnification married to decent sized 42mm lens
Waterproofed and fog-proof
Robust build should repay investors with years of service

Bulkier than competing 8x25 alternatives
High price

Go to ranking

Space Exploration and Astronomy

The best premium choice for those after only the top image quality

Superb optics
Excellent quality accessories
Good for glasses wearers

Lacks a tripod thread

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Overall Top Rated Monocular

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

High-end materials
Great image quality, even in low lighting
Versatile
Fogproof and waterproof
Waistbelt included

Eye caps doesn't always stay in place
Waistbelt designed for right-handed people
Slightly expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Leica Monovid #2 in November 2023 because:

  • 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Leica Monovid as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Photography

Best overall

Works well for a variety of activities
Lightweight and compact
Includes a macro lens attachment
Durable build

Pricey

Go to ranking

T3

The best high-end monocular

High quality observational device
Rugged build
Agreeably lightweight and portable

Eye-watering price tag

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best for Surveillance

8x magnification
Extreme close focus
HDC/AquaDura coatings
Weatherproof
Aluminum housing

Price

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Under $500

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Best Waterproof Monocular

Waterproof and fog proof
Excellent optics even at greater magnifications
Small enough to fit into your pocket

It’s an expensive product

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best premium option

Unbeatable build quality
Watertight to 4.8m

Very expensive

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Best for Birdwatching

Lightweight
Great close focus
Good eye relief
Coated lenses to reduce reflections

Not the best in low lighting
Very expensive

Go to ranking

Methodology: combine opinions of key experts

Identify Experts

We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend monoculars.

Capture Rankings

For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of monoculars, it must be updated in the last 9 months.

Aggregate Rankings

We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking

Experts chosen for November 2023 ranking

We ranked Celestron Outland X Mono #3 in November 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron Outland X Mono as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Photography

Best for stargazing

High twilight coefficient
Tripod included
Includes a cell phone mount
High magnification level

Bulky

Go to ranking

T3

Best monocular overall

Large objective lens with 50mm model
Generous magnification at 20x
Pair with smartphone via included adapter and tripod
Waterproof

Plastic-y feel

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best mini scope

Adjustable magnification 10 to 30x
Waterproof and nitrogen purged
Mini travel tripod included
Fairly priced for the power

Bulkier than non-zoom monoculars
Purple fringing sometimes visible
No neck or wrist strap included

Go to ranking

Space Exploration and Astronomy

Best for using with a smartphone the Celestron Outland X is astronomy-centric making this a digiscoping option

Includes smartphone adapter
Large objective lens
Twist-up eyecups

Relatively heavy
Smartphone adapter is fiddly

Go to ranking

We ranked Roxant Grip Scope #4 in November 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
BestReviews

Most portable

Wide-view lens lets you take in panoramic landscapes at a glance.
Molded, nonslip grip cuts down on shakiness.
Comes with case and neck strap.
6x magnification, 30 mm lens.

Two-hand focus adjustment.
Some customers say they want more magnification.

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Budget Monocular

Price
Compact
No-slip grip
BaK-4 glass
Retractable eyepiece

Focusing issues

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Backpacking

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Best Value

We like the grip which is non-slip and comfortable
Retractable eyecups and good eye relief for glasses wearers
Easy to use with minimal wobble

Only offers up to 6x magnification
No lens caps included with the product

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Optics Solo #5 in November 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
BestReviews

Best Bang for the Buck

This monocular is built around a 25mm lens and features 8x magnification.
Body is fully rubberized, and the interior is filled with nitrogen and sealed with o-rings to prevent fogging.
Weighs less than 6 ounces.

Field of view isn't very large.

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Monocular for Hunting

Price
Lightweight/compact
Fully multi-coated
Rubber armored
Weatherproof

Price

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Rubber armored for superior grip and durability
Very wide field of view of 315 feet
Nitrogen purged waterproof and fog-proof
Excellent optical clarity
Small and lightweight

Close focus of 16.4 feet
Narrow focus ring interferes with the eyepiece

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Rubber armor provides great grip

Included case is a little flimsy
Focal dial is sometimes stiff

Go to ranking

We ranked Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 #6 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 2 experts ranked Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Camera World

Best for price and performance

Great price point
Compact and lightweight
Crystal clear optics

Stiff focusing
Low-quality accessories

Go to ranking

Space Exploration and Astronomy

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

Top quality optics
Waterproof and fog-proof
Pocketable

Ergonomically nicer than the binocular counterpart
Low stock

Go to ranking

We ranked Gosky Titan #7 in November 2023 because:

  • 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
BestReviews

Best Magnification

Rugged exterior is waterproof, dustproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Excellent-quality optics, too.
Owners give the company's customer service top marks.

Some users feel it's a bit bulky.
Smartphone camera mount is of poor quality.

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best to Use With Smartphone

Price
Smartphone capability
High power
BaK-4 glass
Weatherproof

Some quality control issues

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Cell Phone

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

12x magnification is impressive for the price
Smartphone adapter for photos and videos
Solid build with rubber armor exterior

Optics aren’t comparable to top quality products
Included accessories are fairly cheap

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Endurance ED Monocular #8 in November 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

Best rugged monocular

Useful 10x magnification plus above-average 42mm lens
Waterproof and fog proof construction
Top-of-its class optical performance

Better glass bumps up price tag

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best waterproof option

Clear optics
Fog and water proof
Superb quality

Needs a ball and socket head to mount on tripod

Go to ranking

Space Exploration and Astronomy

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

Excellent optics
Astro-centric specifications
Waterproof and fog-proof

Large for a pocket
Eye relief isn't great

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Solo Tactical R/T #9 in November 2023 because:

  • 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Popular Photography

Best for hunting

Lightweight
Rangefinder Capabilities
Rugged Build

Magnification could be higher

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best for Target Shooting

8x32 configuration
Mrad ranging reticle
Good eye relief
Reticle focus
Vortex tough

Not tripod adaptable

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Hunting

Go to ranking

We ranked Barska Blackhawk #10 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barska Blackhawk as #1.
Critic endorsements:
BestReviews

Best of the best

With features like multi-coated optics and BK-7 prism, this monocular provides clear and vivid images.
Dry nitrogen sealed and rubber coated, this monocular can hold up to drops, water, and fog.
Textured grip on handle makes this easy and comfortable to hold without slippage.

Larger than expected and may not fit comfortably in all pockets.

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Nitrogen purged and sealed
Non-slip diamond pattern rubber exterior

Strong rubber smell makes it useless for hunting
The first one we received was broken
Noisy Velcro
Noticeable chromatic aberration

Go to ranking

We ranked Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD #11 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
  • Out of those, 1 expert ranked Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD as #1.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Camera World

Best for far-reaching views

Smartphone mount included
Extensive waterproofing

Attachment slightly fiddly
Mount is flimsy

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Best for Stargazing

Included smartphone mount for photography
Good for stargazing but versatile
Waterproof, dustproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Fantastic eye relief
Great value for money

Mount could be more robust
Smartphone use may require a tripod

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Endurance ED 25mm #12 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
T3

Best lightweight monocular

Compact and solid
High quality optics
Useful 10x magnification

Binoculars might be better for birdwatching

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best everyday option

Reasonable price
Good general-purpose monocular

No compass

Go to ranking

We ranked Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom #13 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Target Tamers

Best Zoom Monocular

Price
Zoom power
Good eye relief
Fully multi-coated
IPX7 rating

Narrow field of view

Go to ranking

OpticsMag

Zooms from 10x-30x magnification
IPX-7 nitrogen-purged waterproof
Durable rubber armor exterior

It’s bulkier than other options
Weighs more than other models
Hazy image quality

Go to ranking

We ranked Zeiss MiniQuick #14 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Optics Addict

Best Pocket Monocular

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Extremely lightweight
Tiny size makes extremely portable
Anti-reflective lens coating

Not fully waterproof or fogproof
Not the most powerful zoom
Expensive for specs

Go to ranking

We ranked Opticron BGA WP #15 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Birding

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Best for Backpacking

Great close focus
Good eye relief
Coated 42mm lens for bright, sharp images
Weatherproof
Lightweight
30-year warranty

Could be more shock-resistant
Magnification could be a bit better

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Recon RT #16 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Space Exploration and Astronomy

Best for wildlife, the Vortex Recon R/T has massive magnification on this hunting-centric monocular

Carry clip
15x magnification
Tripod thread

Very expensive
Small exit pupil
Not good in darkness

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Best for Hunting

R/T reticle is great for tactical use
Large, coated objective lens for bright clear images
Ambidextrous, versatile clip
Weatherproof
Protective rubber and coatings

Narrow field of view
Very expensive

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Nature-Trek #17 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Camera World

Best for the casual bird watcher

Fantastic optics for the price
Robust waterproof and nitrogen-sealed body
Light and compact

Focus ring can get stuck

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Powerful

Go to ranking

We ranked Bushnell Equinox Z2 #18 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Digital Camera World

Best for night vision

Night vision
Video capture with wifi

IR light saps battery
Isn't comfortable to use for long periods

Go to ranking

Expert World Travel

Infra-red illuminator allows night-time viewing
WiFi enables viewing and recording from smartphones
Records up to 1080p videos

Very heavy
Not very weatherproof
Slightly expensive
Extra functions drain batteries

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Recce Pro HD #19 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Target Tamers

Best Under $300

ED glass
XR coatings
Ranging reticle
Lightweight/compact
Weatherproof

Folding eyecups

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Hunting Monocular

Go to ranking

We ranked Zeiss Conquest Mono #20 in November 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Target Tamers

Best Under $500

Extremely compact
Extremely lightweight
Schmidt-Pechan prism
Extremely close focus distance
Wide field of view

Price

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Best for backpacking

Great optical performance
Top build quality

Quality costs
Not completely waterproof

Go to ranking