Best Monoculars of 2026

"I took this on my trip to the Canadian Rockies and was genuinely impressed. No break-in needed, super easy to use, and the picture quality is fantastic for the price. The phone adapter worked perfectly with my iPhone X, and it's solidly built. Highly recommended for capturing distant subjects!"

"After a couple of years of heavy use, this monocular is still going strong. I've dropped it a few times and it remains sturdy, with no decline in performance. The camera mount is secure and lets me take clear photos with my phone. For the price, it's a great buy and I have high hopes for its long-term durability."

"I love using this for bird watching and hikes. The optics are sharp, focus is easy at all ranges, and it performs well even in low light. It's lightweight and convenient to carry. I definitely didn't expect this level of quality at such a reasonable price!"

"With the Vortex Solo R/T, I can easily estimate object heights and distances using the MRAD reticle, and the results are impressively accurate—usually within about 1%. The build feels natural and comfortable in my hand, and I appreciate the compact case for everyday carry. The crosshairs actually help me track moving objects more easily. Overall, this monocular has become my go-to for field use over others I've tried."

"The optics on this monocular are incredibly crisp and clear, with no fringing or vignetting at all. I love how the mil-rad reticle makes range-finding quick and intuitive after a little practice. The body is tough and ergonomic, and the focus ring is easy to adjust even with gloves on. Its light gathering at dusk and dawn beats most compact binoculars I've used, so I always take this along when I want to travel light."

"This monocular is perfect for discreet observation and outdoor adventures thanks to its light weight and handy size. I find it to be bright, rugged, and precise for distance evaluation—the tactical design and Vortex quality really stand out. For the price, it’s a great investment and totally worth it for anyone looking for a top-notch monocular."

"I took this monocular to the Utah mountains for elk and deer hunting, and it became my go-to glass. The 50mm lens brought in plenty of light, letting me scan ridges well before and after legal shooting hours. While it's not quite at the Swarovski level of clarity, the portability and control over focus were outstanding, and it outperformed my old Wind Rivers. The focus ring gives a lot of adjustment, which I liked, and it fits easily in jacket pockets. The included case is tough, but I strengthened the belt strap for more security. Overall, this monocular offered great performance for its weight and price."

"As a bowhunter, I rely on field optics, and I was genuinely surprised by this purchase. The Polaris 12x50 gathers light extremely well—even in low-light conditions—offering much better clarity than my Eyesky 10x50. It fits comfortably in my hand and the build quality feels superior. The eye relief is excellent, making longer sessions easier on my eyes. Focusing was a bit stiff at first, but a touch of lubricant helped. I might even return my Eyesky after using this!"

"Living in rural New Hampshire, I wanted something compact for hiking and birdwatching. This monocular blew me away with its clarity and size—it's even better than my high-quality binoculars. The included tripod is handy, but a full-sized tripod provides more stability. It's not a night vision device, but for daylight use, it's incredibly sharp and convenient. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for impressive optics in a small package."

"As someone who watches birds and wildlife from my home near wetlands, I found this monocular to be exceptionally comfortable and easy to use. The clarity and wide view are much better than my higher-magnification binoculars, and the rubber grip ensures a steady hold. For the price, the quality and performance exceeded my expectations."

"Being an avid hunter, I needed something small, lightweight, and durable for long days in the field. This scope fit the bill perfectly—crystal-clear images, excellent light gathering at dusk, and it fits right in my vest pocket. Worth every penny compared to pricier brands, and I recommend it to anyone needing a reliable optic."

"I was searching for a compact, easy-to-carry optic for my hunting trips, and this scope delivers. It’s lightweight, offers decent clarity, and the focus ring is practical. I would have liked better waterproofing and a bit more magnification, but for the price, it’s a solid choice that I look forward to using all season."

"I'm really impressed by the sharp, clear lens and the solid build quality of this monoscope. The included accessories added extra value, and it was ready to use right out of the box. I use it for outdoor activities and wildlife viewing, and the performance far exceeded my expectations. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a high-quality monoscope at a great price."

"The compact and lightweight design of this monocular makes it perfect for hiking and travel. I love how easy it is to use, and the images are always sharp and detailed. The focus ring is smooth and precise, and it’s a great value for quick viewing on the go."

"For the price, this monocular offers amazing optical quality. I appreciate the bright, detailed images and the comfortable grip. However, I found that the smartphone adapter only fits narrow phones and the field of view is a bit limited, but overall, it’s fantastic for birding and surveillance due to its light weight and affordability."

"I've been using various optical devices for years, and this monocular stands out with its exceptional optics, allowing me to see .223 holes at 200 meters and perform well in low light. The quality of the lenses and AR coating truly impress me. Vortex really did a great job."

"After years of use in extreme conditions, I was delighted to discover the lifetime warranty when my monocular stopped focusing. Vortex handled my claim quickly and sent a replacement. Lightweight, clear viewing, and reliable customer service—I’ll definitely buy more from this company."

"I compared four monoculars for hiking and sightseeing, and found the Vortex Solo to be high quality and solidly built, but a bit larger and heavier than I wanted for pocket carry. The optics are good, but eyepiece adjustment was stiff for me. Ultimately, I chose a more compact model but appreciate Vortex's craftsmanship."

"I picked this up as a gift for my brother, and he’s been really happy with it. He uses it constantly, especially for hunting, and finds the 16x52 magnification both strong and practical. It’s small enough to fit in his pocket, offers clear viewing, and the price was excellent."

"I got this as a Christmas present for my 9-year-old, and he’s obsessed! It’s a sturdy, quality monocular that’s easy for him to use, and the included carrying case and cleaning cloth help him take care of it himself. He’s discovering so much more outdoors now—perfect for a young nature lover."

"I keep this lightweight monocular in my lunchbox and use it on walks to spot birds and other wildlife. It’s super portable, focuses easily, and offers great clarity for such a compact viewer. A handy tool for quick outdoor observations."

"I purchased this monocular for hiking, and I’m really impressed with the excellent clarity and easy-to-use design. Even when I wear glasses, the magnification works perfectly, and the hand grip prevents slipping when my hands sweat. The included carrying bag is sturdy and convenient for travel. It’s definitely worth the price."

"I needed a monocular to keep in my truck for spontaneous views at the beach, like watching boats and freighters. This device fits the bill—affordable, lightweight, and easy to operate. It’s exactly what I was looking for and delivers solid performance."

"I took this monocular on a trip to Greenland and was genuinely impressed by the crisp and detailed views it provided, especially for watching whales and distant landscapes. It’s very travel-friendly and simple to use, making it a great companion for outdoor adventures."

"I found the design to be truly ergonomic, allowing me to use it comfortably for extended periods without discomfort. The adjustable eyecup works great with my glasses, showing thoughtful engineering."

"The built-in phone holder makes photography easy, and the image clarity is impressive. I also appreciate the interesting built-in light feature."

"Unfortunately, the magnification isn’t as high as advertised, and the phone attachment didn’t fit my Samsung S24. When mounted, the setup felt unstable and delivered only a circular image through my phone."