Best Monoculars for Birding of 2025

Alan Eaton Avatar
Alan Eaton
Last Updated: Jan 9, 2025

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Monoculars are an excellent option for birding enthusiasts who want to observe their feathered friends up close without lugging around a bulky binocular. These compact, lightweight devices can easily fit in a pocket, making them a convenient choice for those who like to travel light. Monoculars also offer a wider field of view than binoculars, making it easier to track birds in flight. Some models even come equipped with advanced features like image stabilization and long-range zoom capabilities. Whether you're a seasoned birder or just starting out, a monocular is a great tool to have in your arsenal.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular Cover #TOP 1
Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Celestron UpClose G2 10x25 Monocular Cover #TOP 2
Celestron UpClose G2 10x25 Monocular
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope Portable Waterproof Cover #TOP 3
Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope Portable Waterproof
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Monoculars for Birding

Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular

71210
Black
10 x 25 Monocular
Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular Cover
Celestron – Nature 10x25 Monocular – Outdoor and Birding Monocular – Multi-Coated Optics – Fogproof and Waterproof Monocular – Rubber Armored

The Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular is a great tool for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers. It is multi-coated to provide high resolution and contrast views, making it easy to spot even the smallest details. The monocular is also waterproof and fog proof, ensuring protection in damp environments. Additionally, the rubber armor provides extra protection against damage and accidental drops.

What We Like
Multi-coated for high resolution and contrast views
Waterproof and fog proof for protection in damp environments
Rubber armored for extra protection against damage

Celestron UpClose G2 10x25 Monocular

71213
Black
Celestron UpClose G2 10x25 Monocular Cover
Celestron – UpClose G2 10x25 Monocular – Outdoor and Birding Monocular Perfect for Beginners – Multi–Coated Optics – Rubber Armored

The Celestron UpClose G2 Monocular is a high-quality monocular designed for outdoor activities and birding. With its multi-coated optics, it provides brighter and sharper images with high contrast levels, allowing you to see every detail. The rubber covered aluminum body not only adds a stylish touch but also protects the monocular from rough handling. The ergonomic thumb indents and finger ridges ensure a non-slip grip, providing extra comfort and ease of use. Additionally, this monocular is water-resistant, making it suitable for various weather conditions. It comes with a soft carrying case and binocular straps for convenient transportation. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced user, the Celestron UpClose G2 Monocular is a perfect choice for your outdoor adventures.

What We Like
Affordable price
Brighter and sharper images
Stylish and durable design

Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope Portable Waterproof

FEEMIC
4331892975
dark black
Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope Portable Waterproof Cover
Monocular Telescope High Power 8x42 Monoculars Scope Compact Waterproof Fogproof Shockproof with Hand Strap for Adults Kids Bird Watching Hunting Camping Hiking Travling Wildlife Secenery

The Monocular Telescope 8x42 Scope is a high-quality, compact, and portable monocular with a wide-angle and HD view that provides 8X magnification with a 42mm objective diameter wide lens. It is life-waterproof, fogproof, dust-proof, and shockproof, making it usable in tough weather conditions. The monocular is made of high-quality material and has a comfortable and convenient design, with adjustable eye cups, rubber armor with stripes, and a hand strap and carry case. It is perfect for outdoor activities such as bird watching, hiking, hunting, and travelling, and comes with a satisfaction warranty.

What We Like
Wide-angle and HD view
Life-waterproof, fogproof, dust-proof, and shockproof
Comfortable and convenient design
Wide application
Satisfaction warranty
#TOP 4

Pankoo 16X52 Monocular Telescope

Pankoo
10010
Black
16x52
Pankoo 16X52 Monocular Telescope Cover
16X52 Monocular Telescope High Powered for Adults, 2023 Power Prism Compact Monoculars for Adults,HD Monocular Scope for Gifts, Outdoor Activity,Bird Watching,Hiking,Concert,Travelling

The Pankoo Monocular Telescope is a high-powered device perfect for outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, and concerts. With its 16x magnification and 52mm object lens diameter, it provides clear and bright images with different fields of view. The BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lens ensure high contrast and resolution, resulting in super clear images without black bars. This compact monocular is easy to use with just one hand, making it convenient for any outdoor enthusiast. The premium SMC & BAK-4 prism and low-light-level night vision capabilities further enhance the image quality. Additionally, its waterproof and fog-proof design allows you to use it in any weather condition without worries. The Pankoo Monocular Telescope is the perfect gift for anyone who loves outdoor adventures!

What We Like
16x magnification
Clear and bright images
Easy to use with one hand

MD.LIFE 80x100 Monocular Telescope

Monocular
Black
Large
MD.LIFE 80x100 Monocular Telescope Cover
Monocular Telescope 80x100 High Power with Smartphone Adapter Tripod,Larger Vision Monoculars for Adults with BAK4 Prism & FMC Lens, Suitable for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife-Black

The MD.LIFE Monocular Telescope offers impressive 80x magnification and a 100mm objective lens, giving you a broad view perfect for outdoor activities like bird watching and hiking. Its high-quality optics, featuring a BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens, ensure bright and clear images by minimizing light loss. You’ll appreciate the easy-to-use focus wheel that allows for quick adjustments, so you can capture the perfect view without hassle. Plus, it includes a smartphone adapter and tripod, making it easy to share your experiences with friends and family while on the go.

What We Like
High magnification
Bright, clear images
Easy focus adjustment
Smartphone compatibility
#TOP 6

Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube Monocular

Nocs Provisions
NOC-ZTU-BL4
Indigo Blue II
One Size
Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube Monocular Cover
Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8x32 Monocular, 8X Magnification Telescope, Bak4 Prism, Wide Field of View for Bird Watching, Backpacking & Wildlife Viewing - Indigo Blue II

The Nocs Zoom Tube Monocular is designed for those who love adventure. Its ultra-lightweight design makes it easy to carry, weighing just 9.5 ounces, perfect for birdwatching or hiking. You’ll enjoy clear, bright images thanks to the fully multi-coated optics, which enhance color clarity and brightness. The water-resistant feature ensures you can use it in various weather conditions, from rain to snow, without worry. Additionally, the adjustable eyecup offers comfort for both eyeglass wearers and those without, letting you enjoy the view without hassle.

What We Like
Lightweight and portable
Bright, clear images
Weather-resistant design
Comfortable eyecup adjustment

Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular

Wingspan Optics
PE-12501
Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular Cover
Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular. Bright and Clear. Single Hand Focus. Waterproof. Fog Proof. For Bird Watching, or Watching Wildlife. Daytime Use. Formerly Polaris Optics

The Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular offers 12x magnification and a 50mm lens for a clear and bright view. It is waterproof and fog proof, and features a single hand focus for easy use. With its durable external armor and ergonomic design, this monocular is perfect for bird watching, wildlife watching, and daytime use. Customers praise its low light capability and value for money.

What We Like
High-powered 12X magnification
Bright and clear images
Waterproof and fog-proof
Durable construction
Includes tripod for stability
#TOP 8

MD.LIFE 80x100 Monocular Telescope

Monocular
Green
Small
MD.LIFE 80x100 Monocular Telescope Cover
Monocular Telescope 80x100 High Power with Smartphone Adapter Tripod,Larger Vision Monoculars for Adults with BAK4 Prism & FMC Lens, Suitable for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife-Green

The MD.LIFE Monocular Telescope offers impressive 80x magnification with a large 100mm objective lens, ensuring you enjoy clear and bright images while observing nature. Its FMC green multi-coated lens and BAK4 prism enhance light transmission, providing high-contrast and vibrant images for an exceptional viewing experience. Designed with outdoor enthusiasts in mind, this telescope features an ergonomic design for comfortable handling and adjustable eyecups for personalized viewing, whether you wear glasses or not. Plus, it comes with a smartphone holder and tripod for easy setup, making it perfect for bird watching, hiking, or any outdoor adventure.

What We Like
High magnification power
Durable and ergonomic design
Includes smartphone adapter
Wide range of uses
#TOP 9

Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope with 12x55 HD Magnification

QHMN001
Green
12x55
Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope with 12x55 HD Magnification Cover
Gosky 12x55 HD Monocular Telescope with BAK4 Prism & FMC Lens, Lightweight with Smartphone Adapter - For Bird Watching, Hunting, Hiking, Traveling

The Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope is equipped with 12x55 high power magnification and FMC lens with BAK4 prism that delivers clear and sharp pictures. This lightweight and IPX7 waterproof monocular provides a comfortable visual experience with long eye-relief through the twist-up eyecup. It also comes with a smartphone adapter, suitable for almost all smartphones, to help you get a close HD image without shaking during outdoor adventures like bird watching, hunting, hiking, and traveling.

What We Like
High power magnification and FMC lens with BAK4 prism delivers clear and sharp pictures
Lightweight and IPX7 waterproof design for comfortable outdoor use in various weather conditions
Long eye-relief through the twist-up eyecup provides a comfortable visual experience
Comes with a smartphone adapter suitable for almost all smartphones, enabling close HD images without shaking
#TOP 10

ASxmhGo 80x100 Monocular Telescope

ASxmhGo
Black
ASxmhGo 80x100 Monocular Telescope Cover
Monocular Telescope 80x100 High Powered Monoculars Larger Vision with Smartphone Adapter Tripod with Compact Monocular Suitable for Bird Watching Hunting Hiking Camping Wildlife

The ASxmhGo Monocular offers an impressive 80x magnification and a 100 mm objective lens, ensuring bright and clear images for an enhanced viewing experience. Its compact design allows you to easily adjust the eye cup and focusing wheel for one-handed use, making it convenient to carry on your outdoor adventures. You can connect it to any smartphone with the included adapter and tripod, allowing you to capture and share high-definition images effortlessly. Designed for outdoor enthusiasts, this monocular is perfect for activities like hunting, hiking, and wildlife observation, bringing distant scenery closer for your enjoyment.

What We Like
High magnification power
Compact and lightweight
Smartphone compatibility
Ideal for outdoor activities
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are monoculars good for birding?

Monoculars can be a fraction of the cost of a pair of binoculars or spotting scopes. If you are looking for optics at an affordable price, monoculars are an excellent choice to start your bird watching hobby.

2. Is a monocular better than binoculars for bird watching?

Binoculars and monoculars are both good for birding. A monocular is better if you're planning to bird on a long-distance trip, like while backpacking, because it takes up such little space. But binoculars are a good choice if weight is less of a concern or you need a fuller visual picture.

3. What's the best magnification for bird watching?

The ideal magnification on binoculars for bird watching is often considered to be 8x, but 7x and 10x magnifications are also commonly used by bird watchers.

4. What is the best monocular for bird watching UK?

Gosky 12 x 55 High-Definition (Editor's Choice) For many reasons, the Gosky 12×55 monocular can be considered the best monocular for bird watching in the UK. Firstly, this model features high power magnification, allowing you to enjoy the best view in your outdoor adventures.

Editor's Notes

During our monocular for birding research, we found 16 monocular for birding products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 94,746 customer reviews through our big data system to write the monoculars for birding list. We found that most customers choose monoculars for birding with an average price of $38.44.

The monoculars for birding are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of monoculars for birding, including Celestron, FEEMIC, Pankoo, MD.LIFE, Nocs Provisions. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 385 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Alan Eaton Avatar

Alan Eaton is a seasoned writer whose expertise is in anything related to electronics, such as headphones, monitoring equipment, computer, and so on, built over a 15-year career in the technology industry. Working in the trade during his youth, he accumulated a great deal of knowledge about machinery.