A compact and lightweight a monocular is a must-have viewing device for any outdoor enthusiast or adventurer's backpack. Perfect for spotting wildlife or admiring nature's landscapes, with a magnification equivalent to binoculars, monoculars are easier to use and ideal for people who struggle with twin eyepieces.
Whether you're an avid bird watcher, race-goer, or hiker, choosing a monocular with the right magnification is vital to ensure a pleasurable viewing experience. To help you find a suitable model, we've put together this buying guide along with our reviews of the 10 best monoculars in the UK, available online from Amazon and Decathlon.
Quick List - Top Monoculars
ARPBEST
The Ultimate Compact High Definition Monocular for All Occasions
Gosky
Crystal Clear Vision in All Weather Conditions Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts
Vortex Optics
Reliable Optic Device for Sighting Nature at Dawn and Dusk
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Table of Contents
If you're new to bird-watching, going sailing, or just starting out, choose a monocular with a maximum of 8 x magnification. This level is simple and easy to use, and will provide a decent level of magnification for spying on wildlife and scoping the landscape. It'll also allow you to maintain a stable hand, which is vital if you're looking to the horizon on a boat.
For those more experienced, looking for a detailed, close-up image, go for a monocular with at lease 10x magnification. Just be aware that, with higher magnification, you may find maintaining and keeping the image still harder, as even the slightest hand movements can distort the picture.
Ranging from 20 to 55 mm, the size of the objective lens will determine the brightness and sharpness of the image. The bigger the lens, the better the image quality will be. However, the downside is that larger monoculars are bulkier to carry.
Opt for an objective lens size of at least 30 mm if you are heading out at dawn or dusk, as it will capture more light, generating a clearer image of the birds and animals you may be out spotting. For star-gazing at night, choose a 42 mm lens or bigger to get the best views of the constellations.
Binoculars are another great option for bird watching in the UK!
The field of vision tends to be calculated in feet per 1000 yards, giving you an indication of the amount of landscape you will see. Bear in mind, the higher the magnification, the narrower the field of vision becomes. So, if you are heading to the races, choose a monocular with low magnification and a wide field of vision. This will enable you to spot and follow the fast-moving horses.
If you are wanting a monocular to help you read signage, or admire the detail in works of art and nearby objects, pick one with a 'close focus'. This is the minimum distance at which a monocular can focus on an object, which is perfect also for marvelling at birds perched only a few metres away.
With the unpredictability of the British weather, and to ensure performance longevity, you will want a water-resistant monocular at the very least. We recommend investing in a monocular with 'o-rings' for full water-proofing, especially if there is a possibility of it being submerged in water for a period of time.
Although more expensive, a fog-proof monocular with nitrogen-filled optics will expel all moist air and prevent internal fogging in cold air, which is perfect if you are out exploring in humid or damp environments.
On the other hand, if you're heading to sunnier climes or using your monocular in direct sunlight, choose one with a fully-multi coated lens (FMC). It'll prevent the sun's rays from ruining those stunning landscapes, providing the optimum in anti-glare for the clearest of views.
Make sure you enjoy your wildlife spotting experience in any weather with a waterproof jacket .
Check out our favourite backpacks for carrying all your spotting equipment!
Products | Image | Click to purchase | Key features | |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ARPBEST 25X50 High Definition Monocular Telescope | ![]() | The Ultimate Compact High Definition Monocular for All Occasions | |
2 | Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular | ![]() | Crystal Clear Vision in All Weather Conditions Perfect for Outdoor Enthusiasts | |
3 | Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 Monocular | ![]() | Effortless Close and Long Range Focussing Ideal for Birdwatching | |
4 | Vortex Optics Solo Outdoor Optic Monocular | ![]() | Reliable Optic Device for Sighting Nature at Dawn and Dusk | |
5 | Aurosports 10-30x40 Zoom Monocular | ![]() | See for Miles With This Multi Magnification Monocular | |
6 | Celestron UpClose Monocular|G2 10 x 25 | ![]() | Great Value Monocular That’s Ergonomically Designed | |
7 | Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular | ![]() | Powerful Monocular for Viewing Faraway Landscapes | |
8 | Yiruhe Yiruhe Monocular | ![]() | A Wide Field of Vision for Viewing Sporting Events | |
9 | Quecha Children's Non-Adjustable Hiking Monocular|MH M100 | ![]() | Get the Kids Involved With This Fixed Focus Monocular | |
10 | Nightfox Cub Digital Night Vision Monocular | ![]() | Explore and Record After Dark With This Night Vision Monocular |
Perfect for all sight-seeing activities, this lightweight and compact monocular is incredibly practical and user-friendly. Easy to handle, this pocket-sized monocular, with its grippy rubber armour, is fully waterproof with an o-ring sealed lens!
With clear vision up to 1000 yards, the 5 - 25 x high power zoom magnification provides sharp, high-definition images. It even comes with multiple accessories, including a smartphone holder so you can share your adventures with friends and family, and a large tripod for longer wildlife-watching sessions.
With a light-gathering 55 mm objective wide lens, Gosky's monocular will give you the best views and sightings in all weather conditions. Plus, you can explore the wilderness safe in the knowledge that the nitrogen-filled, fully multi-coated lens won't fog up or let the sun's rays interrupt your viewing.
This monocular has a long eye relief and a twist-up eye cup, ideal for glasses wearers, with the added comfort of a hand strap to hold it steady. It also comes with a smartphone mount and two lens caps, just in case you misplace one!
This monocular is perfect for avid travelling birdwatchers. The ED lens will provide sharp, detailed images, enabling you to admire the beautiful colours of the birds up close within 2 meters, or soaring the skies using the 8 x magnification.
Ideal for most weather conditions, this lightweight monocular features a magnesium alloy housing, high outer grip and twist-up eyecups. It's also shockproof and waterproof, ready to combat the elements when sighting rare birds!
Never miss a piece of nature's action with this monocular! You can carry it around your neck or clip it to your backpack for instant access. It's easy to handle with a non-slip grip, and delivers bright images thanks to a fully multi-coated lens - great for capturing colourful scenery and wildlife!
Boasting waterproof o-ring seals, a nitrogen-purged lens and rubber armour, this durable monocular is a reliable performer in all environments and temperatures. Best of all, it has impressive external protection, perfect for long weekend hikes over rocky and uneven terrain near rivers and lakes.
Bring faraway scenes closer with this high-powered monocular by simply adjusting the level of zoom, depending on the distance and your requirements. The large 40 mm objective lens means that even with 30 x magnification, your field of vision will still be wide enough to enjoy landscapes in all their glory.
The adjustable eyecup makes it comfy to use for those with or without glasses, and is easy to focus, making it suitable for kids and adults alike. Made for any weather or environment, this is a top pick for your next sight-seeing adventure.
This monocular from the award-winning Celestron has been designed to provide the best images, even in the most demanding of situations. The fully-coated, multi 25 mm lens offers the highest level of contrast for clear and sharp images, which is ideal for a range of outdoor sight-seeing activities.
The aluminium body is covered in rubber, with ergonomic thumb indents and finger ridges, making it more robust and easier to grip. However, this monocular is only water-resistant. So, you should avoid submerging it in water or using in heavy rain.
Great for any weather or environment, this monocular comes encased in a rugged, non-slip armour. It produces a bright and clear view, and is ergonomically designed for single-hand focus, allowing you to target objects quickly and easily.
If you're planning on travelling, this monocular may be the one for you. Not only is it lightweight and compact, it comes with a nylon mesh carrying case to keep it safe, with eyepiece and lens covers to protect them from getting scratched. Though, with such a high magnification, it's probably best suited to more experienced users.
With a 369 ft / 1000 yards FOV, 12 x magnification and a 50 mm objective lens, this monocular will provide great vision from the sidelines. Take it along to the next stadium match and you'll never miss a goal again!
With a high waterproof rating and anti-fog protection, this monocular can cope in practically any outdoor environment. The high-quality optics produce bright vivid images, also making it a great choice for the avid bird watcher or star gazer. Just be aware that some reviewers have mentioned that the included accessories are of poor quality.
Designed and developed to be used on family hiking expeditions, this monocular is particularly lightweight at 78 g. The fix focus system means no adjustment is necessary, making it simple and easy enough for children to use.
The monocular has a silicone coating, which is easy to grip and provides decent resistance against impact, extending it's overal longevity. We think it's great for observing nature and wildlife at short and medium distances. However, you may want a slightly more advanced monocular for anything further afield.
Head out into the dark and discover the goings-on of nocturnal animals with this digital night vision monocular. You can even enjoy a viewing range of 165 yards in the dead of night with infrared technology, and record all the footage you capture as video at the same time!
Pocket-sized, the Nightfox Cub has an internal rechargeable battery that lasts for about 4 hours with constant use. Unfortunately, the quality of the resolution is quite poor, but for an entry-level night vision monocular, it's more than adequate.
Written and researched by Amanda Norman
No. 1: ARPBEST|25X50 High Definition Monocular Telescope
No. 2: Gosky|12x55 High Definition Monocular
No. 3: Hawke|Endurance ED 8x25 Monocular
No. 4: Vortex Optics|Solo Outdoor Optic Monocular
No. 5: Aurosports|10-30x40 Zoom Monocular
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