10 Best Monoculars 2026 in the United States

The Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10x36 is a compact and lightweight option for anyone looking to enhance their outdoor viewing experience. With 10x magnification and a 36mm objective lens, it excels at providing clear, detailed images in various lighting conditions, thanks to its fully multi-coated lenses that improve light transmission. The rubber armor not only offers a non-slip grip but also adds to its durability against drops and impacts, making it a reliable companion for hiking, birdwatching, or sporting events.

One of the standout features is its waterproof and fogproof design, which ensures functionality in wet or humid environments, a significant advantage for outdoor enthusiasts. The adjustable eyecup is another plus, allowing users to easily customize their viewing experience whether they wear glasses or not.

However, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. While the 10x magnification is ideal for most casual users, those seeking extreme long-range viewing might find it somewhat limited compared to higher-powered models. Additionally, being lightweight means it may not feel as robust as some bulkier options, although this is a common trade-off in compact designs. The monocular is highly portable, weighing only 9.7 ounces, which is a definite advantage for travelers. The included utility clip allows for convenient attachment to bags or clothing, enhancing its accessibility on the go.

The ZEISS Conquest Mono Monocular 4x12 is a compact and lightweight option, weighing just 113 grams and measuring about 4.7 inches tall, making it easy to carry on nature walks, concerts, or sporting events. Its 4x magnification is moderate, offering clear and steady views without the shakiness often found in higher magnifications, which is great for casual observing or reading small details like maps or timetables.

The 12mm objective lens is on the smaller side, so while it keeps the monocular very portable, it may not gather as much light as larger lenses, making it less ideal in very low-light conditions. However, the ZEISS T* lens coating enhances image brightness and contrast, especially in tricky lighting or twilight, ensuring sharp, vivid views. The monocular also has fixed focus with a diopter adjustment of ±4, allowing some fine-tuning for clearer vision depending on your eyesight.

With its durable aluminum body and German engineering, it offers reliable build quality. This monocular is well suited for users looking for a handy, versatile device for close to medium-range viewing in mostly good weather, rather than those needing high magnification or extreme weather protection.

The Zeiss 10x25 T* Design Selection Monocular is a compact and lightweight option, weighing only 88 grams, making it highly portable for nature excursions, concerts, or sporting events. With a 10x magnification and a 25mm objective lens diameter, it offers a good balance between zoom and light intake, which is enhanced by the ZEISS T* Coating for brilliant, high-contrast images even in low light conditions. The monocular is particularly suited for outdoor activities as it is designed to provide clear views in varying weather conditions.

The Schmidt-Pechan roof prism design ensures a straightforward and compact construction, which makes handling easier. Additionally, the diopter adjustment of +/-4 adds to the customization for individual users' eyesight needs. However, the monocular is manually focused, which might not be as quick as automatic focusing mechanisms in fast-paced scenarios. The included pouch is a useful addition for protection and portability.

This monocular seems best suited for those who value portability and high image quality in a compact design, especially for casual outdoor use or events rather than for extensive or professional use.