For birdwatchers, a quality monocular telescope is an indispensable tool that bridges the gap between you and the avian world. It offers the portability of a compact device with the powerful magnification needed to observe fine feather details and intricate behaviors from a respectful distance. Whether you’re tracking a warbler through dense foliage or scanning a marsh for waterfowl, the right monocular brings the action closer without the bulk of traditional binoculars.
Selecting the perfect model, however, can be a challenge with so many options available. Key considerations include magnification power, lens quality for a bright image, and features like smartphone compatibility for digiscoping. This roundup simplifies your search by highlighting ten of the best monocular telescopes on the market, each evaluated for its optical performance and suitability for birding in various environments.
Our Top Picks for Birding Monoculars
- Pankoo 12×60 HD Monocular Telescope for Adults
- Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Power with Smartphone Adapter
- 80×100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
- 12×56 High Power Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
- Birthday Gifts for Men, 12×60 Monocular with Smartphone Holder
- Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope with BAK4 Prism
- Celestron – Outland X 10×50 Monocular – Includes Smartphone Adapter
- Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50 Night Vision
- Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10 x 26 Binoculars
- Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 8×36
Pankoo 12×60 HD Monocular Telescope for Adults
This Pankoo monocular strikes an excellent balance between power and field of view, making it a strong contender for general birding. Its 12x magnification and 60mm objective lens provide a wide 6.5-degree view, which is ideal for locating and tracking fast-moving birds in flight or through the trees. You get a clear, bright image without feeling overly restricted.
The optical system is built for clarity, featuring a large 21mm BAK-4 prism that maximizes light transmission and reduces distortion. Advanced Fully Multi-Coated (FMC) lenses further enhance image brightness and color fidelity. For practical use, the body is fully rubber armored for a secure, non-slip grip, and the adjustable eyecup accommodates both eyeglass and non-eyeglass wearers comfortably.
Monocular Telescope 80×100 High Power with Smartphone Adapter
For birders who need extreme long-range observation, this 80×100 monocular offers significant magnification. The large 100mm objective lens is designed to gather a substantial amount of light, which is beneficial for viewing in overcast conditions or during the early morning and late evening hours when bird activity is high.
Image quality is supported by a BAK-4 prism and FMC green multi-coated lenses, working together to provide bright, high-contrast views with accurate color reproduction. The ergonomic design and adjustable eyecup ensure comfortable handling during extended viewing sessions. It’s a specialized tool for stationary viewing of distant raptors or waterbirds.
80×100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
Similar in specification to the previous model, this 80×100 monocular is another high-power option for serious long-distance birding. Its primary function is to bring subjects from very far away into clear, close view, making it suitable for open habitats like shorelines, grasslands, and large lakes.
The substantial objective lens is key to its performance, allowing for brighter images at high magnification levels than smaller lenses could provide. When used with the included tripod for stability, birders can achieve detailed observations of stationary or slow-moving birds without handshake interfering with the view.
12×56 High Power Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
This 12×56 monocular is an excellent all-around choice, offering a configuration that is powerful yet manageable for handheld use. The 56mm objective lens is large enough to provide a bright image, and the 12x magnification is effective for most birding scenarios without being too difficult to hold steady.
A standout feature is the 25mm large eyepiece, which contributes to a more comfortable and expansive viewing experience, reducing eye strain. Combined with the BAK-4 prism and FMC lens coating, the view is sharp, clear, and color-accurate. It’s a reliable companion for hikes and long walks where you want a balance of performance and portability.
Birthday Gifts for Men, 12×60 Monocular with Smartphone Holder
Marketed as a great gift option, this 12×60 monocular doesn’t compromise on optical performance. It provides a wide 360ft/1,000yd field of view, which is perfect for scanning environments and locating birds. The multi-coated optics and BAK-4 prism work in tandem to deliver bright and sharp images.
This model emphasizes its capability in various lighting conditions, even offering improved clarity in low-light situations. The inclusion of a smartphone holder and an upgraded tripod makes it a complete kit for anyone interested not just in observing birds, but also in capturing photos and videos of their sightings.
Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope with BAK4 Prism
The Gosky monocular is a well-regarded model known for its reliable performance and durability. Its 12×55 configuration is considered by many to be an ideal setup for bird watching, providing ample magnification and a bright image from its 55mm objective lens. The field of view is generous at 352 feet at 1,000 yards.
Optical quality is assured with an 18mm BAK-4 prism and FMC lenses, which enhance light transmission for clear, sharp views. A significant advantage for outdoor use is its IPX7 waterproof and fog-proof construction. This nitrogen-filled design protects the optics from internal fogging and moisture, making it a dependable tool in all weather conditions.
Celestron – Outland X 10×50 Monocular
From a trusted name in optics, the Celestron Outland X offers a 10×50 configuration that is exceptionally user-friendly. The 10x magnification is easier to hold steady by hand, while the large 50mm objective lens excels in gathering light. This makes it particularly effective during the low-light hours of dawn and dusk when many bird species are most active.
The multi-coated optics and BaK-4 prism ensure images are vivid and high-contrast. Like the Gosky, it is also waterproof and fog-proof, ready for any adventure. Its compact and lightweight design, coupled with the included belt case, makes it an excellent choice for birders who prioritize portability without sacrificing optical performance.
Bushnell Equinox Z2 6×50 Night Vision
The Bushnell Equinox Z2 is a specialized tool for the birder who is also active after sunset. This device is a digital night vision monocular, allowing you to see targets in complete darkness using its built-in IR illuminator. With 6x magnification and a 50mm lens, it provides a clear view of nocturnal wildlife and bird behavior that is impossible to see with standard optics.
A unique feature is its ability to stream live video directly to your mobile device. This function is excellent for documenting observations of nocturnal species or for sharing the experience with others in real-time. It opens up a completely different dimension of birding.
Steiner Safari UltraSharp 10 x 26 Binoculars
While technically a compact binocular, the Steiner Safari UltraSharp is included for birders who might prefer a two-eyed view in an extremely portable package. Its 10x magnification provides significant detail, and the 26mm objective lenses keep the unit remarkably compact and lightweight for all-day carrying.
The optics are outstanding for its class, delivering sharp, bright images. A key benefit is its easy focusing system, which allows for razor-sharp details from as close as 2 meters, perfect for observing nearby songbirds. Its robust and waterproof build makes it a reliable companion for any outdoor condition.
Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 8×36
The Vortex Optics Solo 8×36 is designed for the birder who values simplicity, optical quality, and ruggedness. The 8x magnification is very easy to hold steady, making it ideal for quick, off-hand observations. The 36mm lens offers a great balance between light-gathering capability and a compact form factor.
Backed by Vortex’s legendary unlimited lifetime warranty, this monocular is built to last. It features a durable, rubber-armored body that provides a secure grip. The single-handed operation and lightweight design make it a perfect grab-and-go optic for spontaneous birding opportunities on every trail.
Buying Guide: How to Pick Your Perfect Monocular Telescope for Birding
When I first started looking for a monocular telescope for birding, the options were a bit overwhelming. It’s not just about grabbing the one with the highest numbers. After trying out a bunch, I’ve figured out what really matters when you’re out in the field. The goal is to get a clear, bright view of that warbler without carrying a brick in your pocket. Let’s break down the key things to think about.
First up is magnification and objective lens size. You’ll see numbers like 8×25 or 12×42. The first number is the magnification (how much bigger things look), and the second is the diameter of the front lens in millimeters. A higher magnification like 12x sounds great, but it also makes the image shakier if your hand isn’t perfectly steady. For a good balance, I find something around 8x to 10x is perfect for most birding. The larger the second number (e.g., 42mm), the more light it gathers, giving you a brighter image, which is crucial for birding in forests or during dawn and dusk.
Next, pay close attention to the lens and prism quality. This is where the magic happens. Look for terms like Fully Multi-Coated lenses and BaK-4 prisms. Multi-coating reduces glare and increases light transmission, making colors look more true-to-life. BaK-4 glass is a higher quality material that provides a sharper, clearer image with no blurry edges. If you’re serious about seeing feather details, don’t compromise here.
Then, consider the size, weight, and build. One of the main reasons I use a monocular is its portability. You want something that feels solid and is either waterproof or at least water-resistant. A rubber armor coating not only protects it from the occasional drop but also gives you a secure grip on a damp morning. Think about how you’ll carry it. If it fits comfortably in your jacket pocket, you’re more likely to have it with you when you need it.
Finally, think about the extra features. Some monoculars come with a smartphone adapter, which is a game-changer for digiscoping—taking photos through the lens with your phone. A built-in tripod mount is also a huge plus for longer viewing sessions, as it completely eliminates hand shake. When you’re comparing your final choices, these little extras can make one model stand out from the rest and help you find the right one from a list of the 10 best monocular telescopes for birding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a monocular good enough for bird watching?
Absolutely. While many birders use binoculars, a high-quality monocular is a fantastic tool, especially if you value portability. I use mine for quick hikes or when I want to travel light. It offers a similar viewing experience to a spotting scope but in a much smaller package. For identifying birds at a distance and observing behavior, a good monocular is more than capable.
What is the best magnification for a birding monocular?
From my experience, a magnification between 8x and 10x is the sweet spot. An 8x monocular gives you a wider field of view, making it easier to locate birds, and it’s steadier to hold. A 10x monocular brings you a bit closer but requires a steadier hand. I’d avoid going much higher than 12x unless you plan to use it with a tripod, as the image shake can make it hard to see details clearly.
How important is the size of the objective lens?
It’s very important. The objective lens is the one at the front, and its size (like 25mm, 32mm, or 42mm) determines how much light gets in. A larger lens, such as a 42mm, will perform significantly better in low-light conditions, like at dawn or in a dense forest. It provides a brighter and clearer image. If you often bird in good light, a smaller lens is fine, but for versatility, I recommend not going below 30mm.
Can I take photos with a monocular telescope?
Yes, you can! This is called digiscoping. Many monoculars are compatible with smartphone adapters. You clip your phone onto the monocular’s eyepiece, and it allows you to take pictures or videos of what you’re seeing. The image quality won’t match a professional camera with a huge lens, but it’s a great way to document your sightings without carrying extra heavy equipment.
What is the difference between a monocular and a spotting scope?
The main differences are size and typical use. A spotting scope is larger, has higher magnification (often 20x-60x), and is almost always used on a tripod for prolonged, long-distance viewing, like at the beach or a wide-open marsh. A monocular is a compact, handheld device with lower magnification that you can quickly pull out of your pocket. It’s perfect for most woodland and trail birding where you need to be mobile.
Do I need to spend a lot of money on a good monocular?
Not necessarily. While high-end models have exceptional optical clarity and durability, there are many excellent mid-range options that offer great performance for the casual or beginner birder. The key is to focus on the features we talked about—good glass, solid construction, and the right size for your needs. You can find a very capable monocular without a huge investment, and it will serve you well for years.