Best monocular 2024: tough, compact tools for wildlife watching and beyond

Best monocular overall

Objective lens size: 50mm

Magnification: 20x

Field of view: 150ft at 1,000 yards

Eye relief: 11mm

Closest focusing: 8.2ft

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 770g

Dimensions: 19.1 x 11.7 x 8.9cm

+ Large objective lens with 50mm model

+ Generous magnification at 20x

+ Pair with smartphone via included adapter and tripod

- Plastic-y feel

Celestron is one of the best telescopes brands, so it makes sense it also have monocular offerings. The Outland X, as it sounds, is a nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed waterproof model suitable for wildlife observation in the great outdoors or even observing the Moon at night. For a budget friendly asking price, you get a mini tripod and smartphone adapter for the taking of photos and videos; a process termed 'digiscoping'. 

The ‘X' range is available with various magnifications and objective lens sizes, but we're looking at the 20x50mm model here, where the first number is the generous magnification on offer – which is more than twice as much as we'd normally expect of a monocular – and the second the size of its objective lens, being all the better for clarity thanks to allowing more light in. Fortunately the lens cap is tethered to the device in this instance, so we're unlikely to mislay it. On top of this, a construction comprising multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prisms further improves contrast and resolution.

With a large, slip-resistant focus knob keeping operation simple, this is an option that won't break the bank for first time monocular users, while offering a generous level of specification and the ability to pair it with your smartphone to take snaps of faraway subjects.

Our rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Best rugged monocular

Objective lens size: 42mm

Magnification: 10x

Field of view: 304ft at 1,000 yards

Eye relief: 13mm

Closest focusing: 6.6ft

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 325g

Dimensions: 19.6 x 11.7 x 7.1cm

+ 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

Hawke is a recognised brand when it comes to well-reviewed optics suitable for bird watching and this high-powered, high performance monocular with robust waterproofed and fog-proofed construction doesn't drop the ball. A generous 42mm objective lens is coupled with a useful 10x magnification and the versatility to pull subjects as close as 6.6ft with two turns of its large and obvious focus knob.

Once again we get multi-coated optics to improve light transmission, class leading Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass typically a key component of higher-end devices, plus BAK-4 roof prisms to deliver bright colours and excellent contrast. Slip-on lens and eyepiece caps, plus a wrist strap, are provided in the box while a lifetime worldwide warranty is also a given.

A roughened surface to the outer housing of the magnesium alloy device ensures a firm grip in the wet while allowing for single-handed operation. If you don't need this high a level or spec of want to get similar for less, then a more slimline 8x25 model is also available in the same series, but the 10x magnification is the sweet spot for us.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best budget monocular

Objective lens size: 25mm

Magnification: 10x

Field of view: 304ft at 1,000 yards

Eye relief: 14mm

Closest focusing: 18ft

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 170g

Dimensions: 112 x 50 x 35mm

+ Very fair value for money

+ Useful 10x magnification plus 25mm objective lens

+ Fog-proof and waterproof

- No frills feature set

- No ability to attach to a tripod

- No integral compass

Sometimes we don't need a bunch of extras to do the job and a compact monocular with a standard spec will do the job handsomely. Enter Celestron's nature series. With a ridged, rubber-coated exterior so it won't slip from our grip when using single-handed in the rain, this waterproof and fog-proof monocular offers a fairly standard 10x25 specification, a large ridged focus ring for precise adjustment using the naked eye even if wearing gloves, plus comfortable rubber eyepiece. 

Lenses are further multi coated to improved light transmission and clarity of image, even if it's tipping it down, while the compact size and weight despite its robustness makes this monocular option as suitable for traveling or hiking with, as it is for occasional bird watching. Further peace of mind for this very affordable monocular comes via a limited lifetime warranty, hinting at years of possible use for a pocket money price. A belt case, lanyard and cleaning cloth are all provided in the box.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best high-end monocular

Objective lens size: 20mm

Magnification: 8x

Field of view: 110 metres and 1,000 metres

Eye relief: 15mm

Closest focusing: 9.8ft

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 113g

Dimensions: 105 x 30mm

+ High quality observational device

+ Rugged build

+ Agreeably lightweight and portable

- Eye-watering price tag

Although it has, on paper, a relatively modest 8x magnification wed to an equally so-so 20mm objective lens, Leica optics and build quality are renowned as one of the best – possibly the best – in the world. So it’s little surprise that, depending on where you shop, these roof prism type Leica Monovid 8x20 monoculars can cost up to four or five times that of similarly specified options from alternative brands.

If that makes you worried about inadvertently doing it any damage in the heat of your observations, rest easy in Leica’s claim that the ‘Monovid’ can be submerged to depths of 16 feet with apparently no adverse effects. Its aluminium housing is also nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging in any climate, while twist up eyecups can accommodate spectacle wearers. What’s more, it can be readily pocketed thanks to a very manageable weight of just 113g, and is as useful for observing a theatrical performance as it is birdwatching.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best waterproof monocular

Objective lens size: 21mm

Magnification: 6x

Field of view: not stated

Eye relief: not stated

Closest focusing: not stated

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 150g

Dimensions: 101 x 39 x 68mm

+ Palm-sized construction for firmer grip

+ Rubber coated body plus tripod screw mount 

- Design is relatively chunky

- No option for night vision

While its core 6x21 specification may appear nothing to write home about on paper, Pentax is to be commended for bring its optical expertise to bear and re-imaging the design of the monocular into what looks closer to a mini camcorder.

Suggested uses include the viewing of sports, the watching of theatre, hiking and travel, plus, less expectedly, examining small displays in a museum setting. Fully coated lenses for delivering more intense colours are provided out of the box, while the rubberised body also usefully features a tripod screw mount – not always a given in this market.

A wrist strap and carry holster, which can be attached to the strap of a backpack, are handy included extras that extend this monocular's versatility. We also get the waterproofed build we'd expect at this price, here claiming to withstand being dunked up to a metre's depth. In conclusion, this Pentax option is an interesting mix of a monocular and a more expansive gadget.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars

Best lightweight monocular

Objective lens size: 25mm

Magnification: 10x

Field of view: 96m at 1,000m

Eye relief: 13mm

Closest focusing: 5m

Waterproof: yes

Fog proof: yes

Weight: 152g

Dimensions: 105 x 30mm

+ Compact and solid

+ High quality optics

+ Useful 10x magnification

- Binoculars might be better for birdwatching

Hawke's Endurance ED 10x25 monocular has a decent 10x magnification married to a respectable 25mm objective lens, with the benefit of extra low dispersion ‘ED’ glass and fully multi coated optics ensuring long-distance observation with optimum clarity and detail. You guessed it; this makes it particularly suited to birdwatching. With a five metre closest focusing distance achievable via two turns of the focus knob, it’s also useful for identifying our feathered friends in the garden while you stay snugly indoors.

A magnesium alloy construction ensures this is sturdy yet lightweight monocular, with a roughened grip providing a steady and firm hold, even one handed, while twist up eyecups can be adjusted for viewing comfort. Further peace of mind is delivered via the fact that high quality BAK4 roof prisms are at the core of the Hawke Endurance ED 10x25 monocular’s construction. With a lifetime guarantee, fog proof, shock proof and waterproof build and a very fair, value added price tag, we feel you can’t go far wrong with this rugged yet quality monocular.

Our rating: 4 out of 5 stars