May 2023
Monoculars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Monocular rankings posted by key online experts, as of May 2023.
Summary
Between 5 May 2023 and 11 May 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 94 Monocular endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
49 Monoculars were endorsed in total, only 21 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 11 May 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. It is followed by Leica Monovid and Celestron Outland X Mono , with 7 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Opticron:
5 Monoculars
(#1 is Opticron Gallery Scope )
-
Vortex:
4 Monoculars
(#1 is Vortex Recce Pro HD )
-
Celestron:
3 Monoculars
(#1 is Celestron Outland X )
-
Hawke:
3 Monoculars
(#1 is Hawke Nature-Trek )
-
Bushnell:
2 Monoculars
(#1 is Bushnell Equinox Z2 )
Price breakdown
At a glance - May 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Monocular |
T3
|
Popular Photography
|
OpticsMag
|
Target Tamers
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
Optics Addict
|
BestReviews
|
Digital Camera World
|
Expert World Travel
|
Best Binoculars Reviews
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $150 |
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono
|
-
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
3
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $579 |
Leica Monovid
|
4
|
1
|
8
|
5
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
7
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $83 |
Celestron Outland X Mono
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $40 |
Roxant Grip Scope
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
3
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $69 |
Vortex Optics Solo
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $189 |
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | Check price |
Opticron BGA WP
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
6
|
5
|
|
8
|
- | $86 |
Gosky Titan
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
11
|
-
|
6
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $135 |
Hawke Endurance ED Monocular
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $149 |
Vortex Solo Tactical R/T
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $195 |
Maven CM.1
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $30 |
Barska Blackhawk
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $116 |
Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
1
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $200 |
Zeiss MiniQuick
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
15
|
4
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $30 |
Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $83 |
Hawke Endurance ED 25mm
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | $599 |
Vortex Recon RT
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | Check price |
Hawke Nature-Trek
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
7
|
|
20
|
- | $263 |
Bushnell Equinox Z2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
5
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $374 |
Vortex Recce Pro HD
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
|
22
|
- | $320 |
Zeiss Conquest Mono
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
13
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Monocular |
|---|---|---|
| #12 | $29.63 | Barska Blackhawk [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $29.99 | Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $39.99 | Roxant Grip Scope [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $69 | Vortex Optics Solo [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $82.95 | Celestron Outland X Mono [buy] [more info] |
| #17 | $83 | Hawke Endurance ED 25mm [buy] [more info] |
| #8 | $85.99 | Gosky Titan [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $116.09 | Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $134.99 | Hawke Endurance ED Monocular [buy] [more info] |
| #10 | $149 | Vortex Solo Tactical R/T [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $149.99 | Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono [buy] [more info] |
| #6 | $189 | Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $195 | Maven CM.1 [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $199.99 | Zeiss MiniQuick [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $263 | Bushnell Equinox Z2 [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $319.99 | Zeiss Conquest Mono [buy] [more info] |
| #21 | $374 | Vortex Recce Pro HD [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $579 | Leica Monovid [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $599 | Vortex Recon RT [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono #1 in May 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.
Popular Photography
Best for bird watching
|
Pros
Excellent image quality
Has an attached, convenient carrying clip
Compatible with tripod use
|
Cons
Lens cap can be loud
|
OpticsMag
Premium Choice
|
Pros
Very impressive optics for the price
Both waterproof and fog proof
Twist-up eyecups are comfortable
|
Cons
Not the smallest or lightest monocular
|
Target Tamers
Best Monocular Under $200
|
Pros
Lightweight/compact
ED Prime glass
PC-3 Phase Coating
Ultra Wide Band Coating
RainGuard HD
|
Cons
Price
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
The best premium choice for those after only the top image quality
|
Pros
Superb optics
Excellent quality accessories
Good for glasses wearers
|
Cons
High price
Lacks a tripod thread
Relatively heavy
|
Digital Camera World
Rugged monocular with a bolt on belt loop
|
Pros
10x magnification married to decent sized 42mm lens
Waterproofed and fog-proof
Robust build should repay investors with years of service
|
Cons
Bulkier than competing 8x25 alternatives
High price
|
Expert World Travel
|
Pros
High-end materials
Great image quality, even in low lighting
Versatile
Fogproof and waterproof
Waistbelt included
|
Cons
Eye caps doesn't always stay in place
Waistbelt designed for right-handed people
Slightly expensive
|
We ranked Leica Monovid #2 in May 2023 because:
- 7 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Leica Monovid as #1.
T3
The best high-end monocular
|
Pros
High quality observational device
Rugged build
Agreeably lightweight and portable
|
Cons
Eye-watering price tag
|
Popular Photography
Best overall
|
Pros
Works well for a variety of activities
Lightweight and compact
Includes a macro lens attachment
Durable build
|
Cons
Pricey
|
OpticsMag
Best Waterproof Monocular
|
Pros
Waterproof and fog proof
Excellent optics even at greater magnifications
Small enough to fit into your pocket
|
Cons
It’s an expensive product
|
Target Tamers
Best for Surveillance
|
Pros
8x magnification
Extreme close focus
HDC/AquaDura coatings
Weatherproof
Aluminum housing
|
Cons
Price
|
Digital Camera World
Not cheap, but the best monocular for birdwatching
|
Pros
Unbeatable build quality
Watertight to 4.8m
|
Cons
Very expensive
|
Expert World Travel
Best for Birdwatching
|
Pros
Lightweight
Great close focus
Good eye relief
Coated lenses to reduce reflections
|
Cons
Not the best in low lighting
Very expensive
|
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 May 2023 ranking
T3
Popular Photography
OpticsMag
Target Tamers
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Optics Addict
BestReviews
Digital Camera World
Expert World Travel
Best Binoculars Reviews
We ranked Celestron Outland X Mono #3 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron Outland X Mono as #1.
T3
Best value-for-money monocular package with a host of extras included
|
Pros
Large objective lens with 50mm model
Generous magnification at 20x
Pair with smartphone via included adapter and tripod
Waterproof
|
Cons
Plastic-y feel
|
Popular Photography
Best for stargazing
|
Pros
High twilight coefficient
Tripod included
Includes a cell phone mount
High magnification level
|
Cons
Bulky
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best for using with a smartphone the Celestron Outland X is astronomy-centric making this a digiscoping option
|
Pros
Includes smartphone adapter
Large objective lens
Twist-up eyecups
|
Cons
Relatively heavy
Smartphone adapter is fiddly
|
Digital Camera World
With large lenses and a smartphone adapter, this is a versatile monocular
|
Pros
Large objective lens
Waterproof, fog-proof
Can attach to tripod
|
Cons
No compass
|
We ranked Roxant Grip Scope #4 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
OpticsMag
Best Value
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Only offers up to 6x magnification
No lens caps included with the product
|
Target Tamers
Best Budget Monocular
|
Pros
Price
Compact
No-slip grip
BaK-4 glass
Retractable eyepiece
|
Cons
Focusing issues
|
BestReviews
Most portable
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Two-hand focus adjustment.
Some customers say they want more magnification.
|
We ranked Vortex Optics Solo #5 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
OpticsMag
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Close focus of 16.4 feet
Narrow focus ring interferes with the eyepiece
|
Target Tamers
Best Monocular for Hunting
|
Pros
Price
Lightweight/compact
Fully multi-coated
Rubber armored
Weatherproof
|
Cons
Price
|
BestReviews
Best Bang for the Buck
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Field of view isn't very large.
|
Expert World Travel
|
Pros
Fully multi-coated anti-reflective lenses
Waterproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Rubber armor provides great grip
|
Cons
Included case is a little flimsy
Focal dial is sometimes stiff
|
We ranked Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 #6 in May 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.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best super lightweight model for wide-angles, boasting great specifications for basic astronomy
|
Pros
Top quality optics
Waterproof and fog-proof
Pocketable
|
Cons
Ergonomically nicer than the binocular counterpart
Low stock
|
Digital Camera World
At this price point this monocular is probably one of the best options today
|
Pros
Great price point
Compact and lightweight
Crystal clear optics
|
Cons
Stiff focusing
Low-quality accessories
|
We ranked Opticron BGA WP #7 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
T3
Best alternative to using a pair of high-end binoculars
|
Pros
Best-in-class optical performance
Waterproofed and fog proofed
Similar performance to using a (larger) pair of roof prism binoculars
|
Cons
Pricey for this level of spec
|
Digital Camera World
Binocular style optical clarity but in a neat, pocketable design
|
Pros
Excellent optical performance
Waterproof to 3m
|
Cons
Expensive
Relatively large
|
Expert World Travel
Best for Backpacking
|
Pros
Great close focus
Good eye relief
Coated 42mm lens for bright, sharp images
Weatherproof
Lightweight
30-year warranty
|
Cons
Could be more shock-resistant
Magnification could be a bit better
|
We ranked Gosky Titan #8 in May 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
OpticsMag
|
Pros
12x magnification is impressive for the price
Smartphone adapter for photos and videos
Solid build with rubber armor exterior
|
Cons
Optics aren’t comparable to top quality products
Included accessories are fairly cheap
|
Target Tamers
Best to Use With Smartphone
|
Pros
Price
Smartphone capability
High power
BaK-4 glass
Weatherproof
|
Cons
Some quality control issues
|
BestReviews
Best Magnification
|
Pros
Rugged exterior is waterproof, dustproof, fogproof, and shockproof.
Excellent-quality optics, too.
Owners give the company's customer service top marks.
|
Cons
Some users feel it's a bit bulky.
Smartphone camera mount is of poor quality.
|
We ranked Hawke Endurance ED Monocular #9 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
T3
Best high-powered, tough construction monocular out there
|
Pros
Useful 10x magnification plus above-average 42mm lens
Waterproof and fog proof construction
Top-of-its class optical performance
|
Cons
Better glass bumps up price tag
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best for ruggedness — this lightweight and waterproof monocular is ideal for observing in the wilderness
|
Pros
Excellent optics
Astro-centric specifications
Waterproof and fog-proof
|
Cons
High price
Large for a pocket
|
Digital Camera World
Excellent lightweight monocular for use on land or at sea
|
Pros
Clear optics
Fog and water proof
Superb quality
|
Cons
Needs a ball and socket head to mount on tripod
|
We ranked Vortex Solo Tactical R/T #10 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Popular Photography
Best for hunting
|
Pros
Lightweight
Rangefinder Capabilities
Rugged Build
|
Cons
Magnification could be higher
|
Target Tamers
Best for Target Shooting
|
Pros
8x32 configuration
Mrad ranging reticle
Good eye relief
Reticle focus
Vortex tough
|
Cons
Not tripod adaptable
|
We ranked Maven CM.1 #11 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Maven CM.1 as #1.
T3
A no-nonsense, rugged monocular at a premium price
|
Pros
Durable yet lightweight
Multi coated extra low dispersion ‘ED’ glass
Fogproof, waterproof and scratch and oil resistant
Lifetime guarantee
|
Cons
Hefty price tag
Orange focus ring is a bit tight
|
Target Tamers
Best Value for Money
|
Pros
Price
ED glass
Prism coatings
Weatherproof
Lightweight
|
Cons
No tripod mountable
|
We ranked Barska Blackhawk #12 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barska Blackhawk as #1.
OpticsMag
|
Pros
Nitrogen purged and sealed
Non-slip diamond pattern rubber exterior
|
Cons
Strong rubber smell makes it useless for hunting
The first one we received was broken
Noisy Velcro
Noticeable chromatic aberration
|
BestReviews
Best of the best
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Larger than expected and may not fit comfortably in all pockets.
|
We ranked Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD #13 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Gosky Skyhawk 12X55 HD as #1.
Digital Camera World
Great for those on a budget and comes with a smartphone mount
|
Pros
Smartphone mount included
Extensive waterproofing
|
Cons
Attachment slightly fiddly
Mount is flimsy
|
Expert World Travel
Best for Stargazing
|
Pros
Included smartphone mount for photography
Good for stargazing but versatile
Waterproof, dustproof, fogproof, and shockproof
Fantastic eye relief
Great value for money
|
Cons
Mount could be more robust
Smartphone use may require a tripod
|
We ranked Zeiss MiniQuick #14 in May 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
A monocular the size of a fountain pen? Call James Bond!
|
Pros
Small and compact
Fair plastic build
|
Cons
Costly
Only 5x magnification
|
Expert World Travel
|
Pros
Extremely lightweight
Tiny size makes extremely portable
Anti-reflective lens coating
|
Cons
Not fully waterproof or fogproof
Not the most powerful zoom
Expensive for specs
|
We ranked Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom #15 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
OpticsMag
|
Pros
Zooms from 10x-30x magnification
IPX-7 nitrogen-purged waterproof
Durable rubber armor exterior
|
Cons
It’s bulkier than other options
Weighs more than other models
Hazy image quality
|
Target Tamers
Best Zoom Monocular
|
Pros
Price
Zoom power
Good eye relief
Fully multi-coated
IPX7 rating
|
Cons
Narrow field of view
|
We ranked Hawke Endurance ED 25mm #16 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
T3
Lightweight yet rugged binocular suitable for birdwatching
|
Pros
Compact and solid
High quality optics
Useful 10x magnification
|
Cons
Binoculars might be better for birdwatching
|
Digital Camera World
This multi-purpose monocular offers decent specs at a fair price
|
Pros
Reasonable price
Good general-purpose monocular
|
Cons
No compass
|
We ranked Vortex Recon RT #17 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best for wildlife, the Vortex Recon R/T has massive magnification on this hunting-centric monocular
|
Pros
Carry clip
15x magnification
Tripod thread
|
Cons
Very expensive
Small exit pupil
Not good in darkness
|
Expert World Travel
Best for Hunting
|
Pros
R/T reticle is great for tactical use
Large, coated objective lens for bright clear images
Ambidextrous, versatile clip
Weatherproof
Protective rubber and coatings
|
Cons
Narrow field of view
Very expensive
|
We ranked Hawke Nature-Trek #18 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
One of the best value monoculars with quality optics
|
Pros
Fantastic optics for the price
Robust waterproof and nitrogen-sealed body
Light and compact
|
Cons
Focus ring can get stuck
|
We ranked Bushnell Equinox Z2 #19 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
This night vision equipped monocular makes light work of the dark
|
Pros
Night vision
Video capture with wifi
|
Cons
IR light saps battery
Not as comfortable
|
Expert World Travel
|
Pros
Infra-red illuminator allows night-time viewing
WiFi enables viewing and recording from smartphones
Records up to 1080p videos
|
Cons
Very heavy
Not very weatherproof
Slightly expensive
Extra functions drain batteries
|
We ranked Vortex Recce Pro HD #20 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Target Tamers
Best Under $300
|
Pros
ED glass
XR coatings
Ranging reticle
Lightweight/compact
Weatherproof
|
Cons
Folding eyecups
|
We ranked Zeiss Conquest Mono #21 in May 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Monoculars” rankings.
Target Tamers
Best Under $500
|
Pros
Extremely compact
Extremely lightweight
Schmidt-Pechan prism
Extremely close focus distance
Wide field of view
|
Cons
Price
|
Digital Camera World
Optical excellence and compact dimensions make this monocular ideal for backpacking
|
Pros
Great optical performance
Top build quality
|
Cons
Quality costs
Not completely waterproof
|