A zoom monocular is one of the best instruments you can use on a hike or while you are out camping. If you are a nature enthusiast, this is a great way to experience your surroundings. It is a wonderful instrument to use for bird watching and to make general observations about nature. A monocular can also be used for hunting, fishing and other such outdoor activities. The following are six of the best monoculars on the market. The review of these products is followed by a brief buying guide.
Best Zoom Monoculars
Here are our zoom monocular reviews.
1. CCX High Power Monocular Telescope
Best Overall
The CCX High Power Monocular Telescope is an instrument with a high power magnification, starting from 8x to 24x. The monocular is easy to use and is suitable for adults and kids. This is the ideal monocular for hunting, trekking, fishing, bird watching, etc.
- The monocular has a dual-focus objective lens that makes it easy to get a clear picture of an object far away.
- The monocular has an adjustable eyecup so everyone can set it at an angle that is comfortable to them. This is especially useful for those who wear spectacles.
- The monocular has a wide field of view and the optics are high-end, all-glass, providing high-definition vision.
2. Emarth High Power 10-30X50 Zoom Monocular Telescope
Editor’s Choice
The Emarth High Power Zoom Monocular Telescope is a lightweight and portable instrument that can be used in a variety of different circumstances. You can use it for target shooting, hunting, bird watching and more. It also comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can purchase the instrument without any stress.
- The monocular has a variable zoom from 10x to 30x and has a dynamic lens focusing system that allows you to zoom in on a target.
- It has a BAK4 crystal prism in-built, which lets in more light and allows for a clearer, brighter and sharper image even if there is low light.
- The monocular is fog proof, waterproof and has a durable and tough exterior armor.
3. Kalawen Zoom Monocular Telescope
Best Value
The Kalawen Zoom Monocular Telescope also has a dynamic lens focusing system that allows you to zoom in accurately and with great ease. The monocular is compact and easily portable. It is also waterproof, fog proof and dust proof.
- The monocular has a variable zoom magnification from 10x to 20x and has a dynamic lens focusing system.
- The lens has a six-layer, ultra-broadband green membrane coating which helps to reduce glare and lets in just the right amount of light for a clear picture.
- It has a non-slip rubber exterior that allows you to secure your grip while using the monocular.
4. Eyeskey HD 10-30×50 High Powered Zoom Monocular Telescope
The Eyeskey High-Powered Zoom Monocular Telescope has a powerful variable zoom. It has a great grip that allows you to hold the instrument without it slipping from your hands. The monocular is easy to use and is great for observing even moving objects.
- The monocular has a variable zoom from 10x to 30x which works beautifully with the 50 mm lens.
- The monocular is waterproof and fog proof since it is O-ring sealed and nitrogen gas purged.
- It has a large central focusing knob which allows you to focus quickly, especially when you are trying to look at a fast-moving object.
5. SOLOMARK 12×50 High Power Monocular
The Solomark high-power monocular has a powerful magnification of 12x to 50x. This is a great monocular to use in the outdoors, for activities like hunting, trekking, camping, etc. It has a durable rubber armor and can handle rough use as well.
- The monocular has a green film objective lens (50 mm) and comes with a BAK4 prism that lets in the right amount of light.
- The ergonomic design allows you to focus the knob using just one hand, even if your target or subject is a moving one.
- The monocular has a waterproof, dustproof and fog proof design thanks to the nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed optics.
6. SVBONY SV45 Monocular Telescope
The SVBONY SV Monocular Telescope is a high-power instrument that has a variable range from 10x to 30x. It has a high-quality design and a 50 mm objective lens that provides you with a great, clear image. This is a compact monocular that can be used for a variety of different activities that require you to be mobile.
- The monocular comes with a large BAK4 Prism which transmits the appropriate amount of light, giving you a clear picture even in low light settings.
- The focus wheel is large and you can adjust it using just one finger. Even the eyecup is adjustable, making it easy for people with glasses to use the monocular.
- The monocular is waterproof and dustproof, making it ideal for use in the outdoors.
Finding the Right Zoom Monocular for You
A zoom monocular is a great instrument to have in your kit if you are taking off on a trek, hike or on a hunting trip. These instruments are compact, easy to use and have a great amount of power when it comes to observing something in the distance. When you set out to buy a zoom monocular that is the right fit for you, there are certain factors that you may want to consider before buying.
Magnification Power
The magnification power of a monocular refers to how far into the distance you can see with it and how clear that image is. A decent monocular should at least have a magnification power from 5x to 8x. You also do not want too high a magnification unless you have a tripod as the image is likely to shake at a higher magnification. The higher the magnification power, the field of view is also reduced.
Lens Size
The size of the lens also makes a big difference. The bigger the lens, the wider the view it can capture and the clearer the image you get will be. However, if you do opt for a bigger lens there is also the possibility that the monocular will become bulkier and more difficult to carry. The main idea of a monocular is that it is light and more portable than a spotting scope or even binoculars. Making the monocular bulkier, therefore, is counterproductive. An ideal lens size for a monocular is anywhere between 20 mm and 42 mm.
Prism
As you may have noticed from the products that have been reviewed above, several of the monoculars come with a prism inside. This prism allows the right amount of light into the lens, allowing a clear and bright picture even in low-light conditions. You can use both a roof prism or Porro prism, though the latter is more commonly used. For a monocular with higher magnification, a roof prism is generally picked though the image produced will be narrower because the field of view will automatically reduce with higher magnification.
Weight
A monocular is meant to be compact and portable so you can slip it into a bag and take it on your adventures easily. But depending on how you want to use the monocular, the weight of the monocular you buy should be decided accordingly. If you want to use the monocular on a walk, hike, trek, etc., you should opt for one that is lightweight and small. The monocular may also come with a bag of its own that makes it more portable but if the weight is on the higher side, it makes it unsuitable for several activities like target shooting, hunting, fishing, etc. If you do not mind a slightly bulkier monocular, at least ensure that it comes with a portable carrying bag as that would make the proceedings much simpler.
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