Monoculars

A monocular is a small telescope that you hold in one hand and look through with one eye. Monoculars are similar to binoculars, but smaller and lighter because they only have one scope, instead of two.

There are monoculars for sale for just about any activity, including bird watching, wildlife viewing, sporting events, concerts, and theatrical performances.

Using a Monocular

Monoculars work by using lenses to magnify distant objects. The magnification strength of a monocular is measured in power, which is the number of times the object is magnified. For example, a 6x monocular will magnify an object six times.

Monoculars come in a variety of sizes and magnification powers. Some models are very small and lightweight, while others are larger and more powerful. The type of monocular you choose will depend on your needs and budget.

Magnification Power

The magnification level of monoculars ranges from 5x to 30x. Choosing the most appropriate magnification power relates to the kind of subject you intend to view. For example, birdwatchers should consider anything from a 5x to 15x monocular. Remember that the greater your magnification, the smaller your field of view.

Fixed vs Zoom Monoculars

Some monoculars feature a fixed magnification level, while others can zoom to provide a range of levels. Fixed monoculars are typically less expensive than zoom monoculars, and they’re easier to use. However, they are not as versatile as zoom monoculars, because you can’t adjust their magnification to suit different viewing conditions.

Objective Diameter

The objective diameter of a monocular is the size of the front lens, measured in millimeters. The larger your objective diameter, the more light your monocular can gather.  Larger objective diameters result in a brighter image with better clarity. The larger the objective diameter, the larger and heavier the monocular. Common objective diameters range from 10mm to 50mm.

Weather Resistance

If you plan to use a monocular in various weather conditions, you should consider investing in a waterproof and temperature-resistant model. The last thing you want is a foggy front lens or a monocular with moisture inside it!

Leading Optics Technology

The best monoculars feature advanced optics technology, lens coatings for preventing aberration and distortion, and user-friendly features. For high-quality monoculars, it’s always a good idea to explore options by Barska, Celestron, Hawke Sport Optics, Zeiss, and other top brands.