5 Best Compact Monoculars (Reviews Updated 2024)

Monoculars are great tools for those who love outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and sports events. They are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry, making them a convenient alternative to traditional binoculars.

Their design allows for one-handed use, which is ideal for active users.

When shopping for a compact monocular, there are a few key factors to keep in mind.

Pay attention to the magnification and objective lens size because they directly affect the monocular’s performance and image clarity.

Additionally, consider the monocular’s weight and waterproof features, especially if you plan to use it in various weather conditions.

To help you choose the right compact monocular, we’ve reviewed some of the best options on the market.

Best Compact Monoculars

Below is our full list of the best compact monoculars. We’ve compiled top options that offer great portability and clear optics in a small package.

Want to learn more?

Here are our compact monocular reviews.

1. Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25

Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts who need a compact and durable monocular for clear viewing.

Pros

• High-quality, clear images
• Lightweight and compact
• Waterproof and fogproof

Cons

• Higher magnification might be hard to hold steady
• Pricier than some competitors
• Small size could be challenging for users with larger hands

The Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25 is built for those who need a reliable and compact device to enhance their outdoor experiences.

Fully multi-coated lenses ensure bright and crisp images, making it perfect for nature watchers and hikers.

Durability is a strong point with this monocular. Its rubber armor provides a non-slip grip and shields it from shocks, making it resistant to tough conditions.

Plus, it’s waterproof and fogproof, ensuring clear views in any weather.

While its 10x magnification offers detailed viewing, it can be difficult to hold steady. Given its small size, users with larger hands might find it less comfortable to use.

2. TASCO Essentials 10×25 Compact Roof Prism Monocular

This monocular is a compact and affordable option for casual use and outdoor activities.

Pros

• Lightweight and easy to carry
• Affordable price
• Durable rubber armor

Cons

• Narrow field of view
• Not the best in low light
• Build quality can be better

The TASCO Essentials 10×25 Monocular offers a good balance of price and functionality.

It’s incredibly lightweight, making it a great option for those who want something portable. The rubber armor adds durability, ensuring it can withstand some rough handling during outdoor activities.

Despite its benefits, this monocular has a few drawbacks. The field of view is quite narrow, which may limit your observation range.

It also doesn’t perform well in low light conditions, so it’s best used during the day.

In terms of build quality, it’s decent for the price, but don’t expect premium materials. This monocular is a solid choice if you’re looking for an affordable and lightweight option for casual use.

3. Carson MiniMight

This compact monocular is perfect for those looking to enhance their outdoor adventures with ease.

Pros

• Handy carabiner clip
• Clear and sharp image quality
• Lightweight and portable

Cons

• Limited magnification for distant objects
• Small objective lens
• Not waterproof

The Carson MiniMight is small enough to take wherever you go, making it ideal for hikers and travelers.

With the included carabiner clip, you can easily attach it to your gear or clothing.

Overall, the MiniMight offers good image quality, though its small lens can limit its ability to see far-off details.

4. Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Telescope

A great choice for anyone needing a compact, durable monocular with excellent image quality.

Pros

• High-definition magnification
• Includes smartphone holder and tripod
• Waterproof and fog-proof

Cons

• Some difficulty with phone attachment
• No zoom feature
• Can feel bulky

With its 10X magnification and 60mm objective lens, the Pankoo monocular delivers bright and clear images.

It’s perfect for outdoor activities like hiking, bird watching, and even attending concerts.

The BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lens ensure sharp and high-contrast visuals.

This product can handle rough weather, making it suitable for use on rainy days and in humid environments.

Additionally, it comes with a high-quality smartphone holder and sturdy tripod, though some users find the phone attachment a bit challenging.

5. Meonddizio 80X100 Monocular Telescope

Ideal for both casual observers and serious adventurers, this monocular offers a balance of high performance and portability.

Pros

• High magnification and wide-angle view
• Includes useful accessories, like a phone bracket and tripod
• Lightweight and easy to carry

Cons

• Some users feel the magnification isn’t truly 80x
• Might be too advanced for beginners
• Limited color options

This Meonddizio monocular provides an exceptional viewing experience with its 80x magnification and 100mm objective lens diameter.

Its high-quality optics ensure clear and colorful images.

With a compact design, it’s easy to bring along for various outdoor activities, from hiking to bird watching.

Plus, it comes with practical accessories like a phone bracket and retractable tripod, making it versatile for use with smartphones.

However, some users have noted that the magnification might not meet the advertised 80x. This may impact those seeking maximum detail at extreme distances.

Compact Monocular Buying Guide

When shopping for a compact monocular, it’s important to consider several key factors. These features will help you decide which monocular best fits your needs.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter

Look for the magnification power and the objective lens diameter, often written as 8×25 (8x magnification, 25mm lens).

Higher magnification lets you see farther, while a larger lens lets in more light, improving image brightness.

Field of View

The field of view (FoV) tells you how wide the area is that you can see. A wider FoV makes it easier to track moving objects. It’s often measured in feet/1,000 yards or meters/1,000 meters.

Eye Relief

Eye relief is the distance between your eye and the lens where you can still see the full image. It’s crucial for those who wear glasses. Look for eye relief of at least 14mm.

Weight and Size

Since you’re looking for a compact monocular, weight and size are crucial. Choose a monocular that’s lightweight and small enough to carry in your pocket or bag comfortably.

Prism Type

There are two types of prisms used in monoculars: Roof prisms and Porro prisms.

Roof prisms are more compact and durable. Porro prisms often provide better image quality but are bulkier.

Lens Coating

Lens coatings improve light transmission and reduce glare. Look for terms like “fully multi-coated” for the best performance.

Coated lenses can make a significant difference in image clarity, especially in low light.

Waterproof and Fogproof

If you plan to use the monocular outdoors, make sure it’s waterproof and fogproof. These features are often marked as “O-ring sealed” and “nitrogen purged.”

Price

Set a budget before you start shopping. Prices for compact monoculars can vary widely.

Decide which features are most important to you and choose a model that offers the best value for your needs.

Table of Key Features

These features should guide you in selecting the best compact monocular. By considering each carefully, you can find a monocular that meets your needs.