January 2025
Monoculars: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of monoculars rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2025.
Summary
On 10 Jan 2025, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 84 monocular endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
49 monoculars were endorsed in total, only 18 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 10 Jan 2025, 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
-
Vortex: 4 monoculars
(#1 is Vortex Optics Solo)
-
Opticron: 4 monoculars
(#1 is Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42)
-
Bushnell: 3 monoculars
(#1 is Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono)
-
Celestron: 3 monoculars
(#1 is Celestron Outland X Mono)
-
Hawke: 3 monoculars
(#1 is Hawke Endurance ED 10x42)
Price breakdown
At a glance - January Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Monocular |
T3
|
Expert World Travel
|
Field & Stream
|
Best Binoculars Reviews
|
Digital Camera World
|
OpticsMag
|
Target Tamers
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
|
BestReviews
|
Popular Photography
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $190 |
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.
|
-
|
3
|
1
|
2
|
7
|
3
|
4
|
3
|
-
|
4
|
|
2
|
- | $579 |
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.
|
4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
8
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
|
3
|
- | $129 |
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
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
6
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $159 |
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $75 |
Celestron Outland X Mono
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
2
|
|
6
|
- | $40 |
Roxant Grip Scope
The Roxant Grip Scope is a highly recommended monocular for outdoor enthusiasts, offering excellent optical quality, compact size, and durability.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
2
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $135 |
Hawke Endurance ED 10x42
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
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
8
|
- | $29 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $327 |
Canon PowerShot Zoom
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | $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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
11
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
14
|
- | $80 |
Hawke Endurance ED 25mm
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
15
|
+1 | $140 |
Vortex Solo Tactical R/T
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
|
16
|
-1 | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $132 |
Bushnell Equinox X650
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
+2 | 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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
-1 | Check price |
Opticron BGA WP
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
-1 | $599 |
Vortex Recon RT
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $399 |
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.
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
We ranked Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono #1 in January 2025 because:
- 8 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Mono as #1.
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
|
Field & Stream
Best Overall
|
100% waterproof
Fully-multi coated optic
ED Prime Glass, providing true-to-life image quality and exceptional color
|
Slightly heavier compared to other monoculars tested
|
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
|
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
|
Target Tamers
Best Monocular Under $200
|
Lightweight/compact
ED Prime glass
PC-3 Phase Coating
Ultra Wide Band Coating
RainGuard HD
|
Price
|
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
|
Popular Photography
Best for bird watching
|
Excellent image quality
Has an attached, convenient carrying clip
Compatible with tripod use
|
Lens cap can be loud
|
We ranked Leica Monovid #2 in January 2025 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Leica Monovid as #1.
T3
The best high-end monocular
|
High quality observational device
Rugged build
Agreeably lightweight and portable
|
Eye-watering price tag
|
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
|
Digital Camera World
Best premium option
|
Unbeatable build quality
Watertight to 4.8m
|
Very expensive
|
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
|
Target Tamers
Best for Surveillance
|
8x magnification
Extreme close focus
HDC/AquaDura coatings
Weatherproof
Aluminum housing
|
Price
|
Popular Photography
Best overall
|
Works well for a variety of activities
Lightweight and compact
Includes a macro lens attachment
Durable build
|
Pricey
|
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 January 2025 ranking
T3
Expert World Travel
Field & Stream
Best Binoculars Reviews
Digital Camera World
OpticsMag
Target Tamers
Space Exploration and Astronomy
BestReviews
Popular Photography
We ranked Vortex Optics Solo #3 in January 2025 because:
- 5 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
Field & Stream
Best for Hunting
|
Exceptional optical clarity and brightness
Compact non-slip grip, and durable external protection
Impressive field of view with adjustable eyecup
|
Smaller objective lens
|
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
|
Target Tamers
Best Monocular for Hunting
|
Price
Lightweight/compact
Fully multi-coated
Rubber armored
Weatherproof
|
Price
|
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.
|
We ranked Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 #4 in January 2025 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.
Digital Camera World
Best overall
|
Great price point
Compact and lightweight
Crystal clear optics
|
Stiff focusing
Low-quality accessories
|
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
|
We ranked Celestron Outland X Mono #5 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Celestron Outland X Mono as #1.
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
|
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
|
Popular Photography
Best for stargazing
|
High twilight coefficient
Tripod included
Includes a cell phone mount
High magnification level
|
Bulky
|
We ranked Roxant Grip Scope #6 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
Target Tamers
Best Budget Monocular
|
Price
Compact
No-slip grip
BaK-4 glass
Retractable eyepiece
|
Focusing issues
|
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.
|
We ranked Hawke Endurance ED 10x42 #7 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
Digital Camera World
Best waterproof option
|
Clear optics
Fog and water proof
Superb quality
|
Needs a ball and socket head to mount on tripod
|
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
|
We ranked Barska Blackhawk #8 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Barska Blackhawk as #1.
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
|
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.
|
We ranked Canon PowerShot Zoom #9 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Canon PowerShot Zoom as #1.
Space Exploration and Astronomy
This digital monocular is lightweight and can take 12MP stills and record HD video
|
Lightweight
Bluetooth and Wireless connectivity
Digital 800mm zoom
|
Captures jpeg only
Low resolution stills at 800mm zoom
Buttons are very close together
|
We ranked Gosky Titan #10 in January 2025 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
Target Tamers
Best to Use With Smartphone
|
Price
Smartphone capability
High power
BaK-4 glass
Weatherproof
|
Some quality control issues
|
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.
|
We ranked Hawke Endurance ED 25mm #11 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
T3
Best lightweight monocular
|
Compact and solid
High quality optics
Useful 10x magnification
|
Binoculars might be better for birdwatching
|
Digital Camera World
Best for travel
|
Reasonable price
Good general-purpose monocular
|
No compass
|
We ranked Vortex Solo Tactical R/T #12 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Target Tamers
Best for Target Shooting
|
8x32 configuration
Mrad ranging reticle
Good eye relief
Reticle focus
Vortex tough
|
Not tripod adaptable
|
Popular Photography
Best for hunting
|
Lightweight
Rangefinder Capabilities
Rugged Build
|
Magnification could be higher
|
We ranked Emarth 10-30X50 Zoom #13 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
Target Tamers
Best Zoom Monocular
|
Price
Zoom power
Good eye relief
Fully multi-coated
IPX7 rating
|
Narrow field of view
|
We ranked Bushnell Equinox X650 #14 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Field & Stream
Best Night Vision
|
Advanced digital night vision technology for clear and bright images
Powerful 9x digital magnification
Built-in adjustable infrared illuminator enhances visibility in total darkness.
|
Relatively heavier than some other monoculars tested
|
Space Exploration and Astronomy
Best for night vision
|
Video recording capabilities
Built-in IR illuminator
650ft night viewing distance
|
Plastic build feels cheap
Video quality isn't great
|
We ranked Hawke Nature-Trek #15 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Digital Camera World
Best for bird watching
|
Fantastic optics for the price
Robust waterproof and nitrogen-sealed body
Light and compact
|
Focus ring can get stuck
|
We ranked Opticron BGA WP #16 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
We ranked Vortex Recon RT #17 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
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
|
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
|
We ranked Vortex Recce Pro HD #18 in January 2025 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best monoculars” rankings.
Target Tamers
Best Under $300
|
ED glass
XR coatings
Ranging reticle
Lightweight/compact
Weatherproof
|
Folding eyecups
|