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
Show all brands

Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking monoculars start at $16.99 (Archeer 16x52) and go up to $599 (Vortex Recon RT). Median monocular costs $110 (Zen-Ray ZRS HD).
$16.99
$599

At a glance - May 2023 Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Monocular Under $200

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

Cons
Price

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Bird Watching

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Overall

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
T3

The best high-end monocular

Pros
High quality observational device
Rugged build
Agreeably lightweight and portable

Cons
Eye-watering price tag

Go to ranking

Popular Photography

Best overall

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

Cons
Pricey

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best for Surveillance

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

Cons
Price

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Under $500

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Not cheap, but the best monocular for birdwatching

Pros
Unbeatable build quality
Watertight to 4.8m

Cons
Very expensive

Go to ranking

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

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 May 2023 ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Popular Photography

Best for stargazing

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

Cons
Bulky

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

Pros
Includes smartphone adapter
Large objective lens
Twist-up eyecups

Cons
Relatively heavy
Smartphone adapter is fiddly

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Budget Monocular

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

Cons
Focusing issues

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Backpacking

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

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

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Monocular for Hunting

Pros
Price
Lightweight/compact
Fully multi-coated
Rubber armored
Weatherproof

Cons
Price

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Opticron BGA WP #7 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

Binocular style optical clarity but in a neat, pocketable design

Pros
Excellent optical performance
Waterproof to 3m

Cons
Expensive
Relatively large

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Birding

Go to ranking

We ranked Gosky Titan #8 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best to Use With Smartphone

Pros
Price
Smartphone capability
High power
BaK-4 glass
Weatherproof

Cons
Some quality control issues

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Cell Phone

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Endurance ED Monocular #9 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Solo Tactical R/T #10 in May 2023 because:

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

Best for hunting

Pros
Lightweight
Rangefinder Capabilities
Rugged Build

Cons
Magnification could be higher

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best for Target Shooting

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

Cons
Not tripod adaptable

Go to ranking

Optics Addict

Best for Hunting

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Value for Money

Pros
Price
ED glass
Prism coatings
Weatherproof
Lightweight

Cons
No tripod mountable

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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.

Go to ranking

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Zeiss MiniQuick #14 in May 2023 because:

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

Best Pocket Monocular

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom #15 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Target Tamers

Best Zoom Monocular

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

Cons
Narrow field of view

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Endurance ED 25mm #16 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Digital Camera World

This multi-purpose monocular offers decent specs at a fair price

Pros
Reasonable price
Good general-purpose monocular

Cons
No compass

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Recon RT #17 in May 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

Pros
Carry clip
15x magnification
Tripod thread

Cons
Very expensive
Small exit pupil
Not good in darkness

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Hawke Nature-Trek #18 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Powerful

Go to ranking

We ranked Bushnell Equinox Z2 #19 in May 2023 because:

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

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking

We ranked Vortex Recce Pro HD #20 in May 2023 because:

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

Best Under $300

Pros
ED glass
XR coatings
Ranging reticle
Lightweight/compact
Weatherproof

Cons
Folding eyecups

Go to ranking

Best Binoculars Reviews

Best Hunting Monocular

Go to ranking

We ranked Zeiss Conquest Mono #21 in May 2023 because:

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

Best Under $500

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

Cons
Price

Go to ranking

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

Go to ranking