Have you ever wished you could get a closer look at that eagle soaring overhead or that beautiful mountain peak in the distance while hiking? A monocular, which is like half of a binocular, might be just what you need! It’s a small telescope that fits in your pocket and helps you see things far away much more clearly.
In this guide, we’ll look at the best monoculars that hikers can buy in 2025. Whether you’re watching wildlife, enjoying mountain views, or exploring new trails, we’ll help you find the best monocular for hiking that’s both lightweight and powerful.
Table of Contents
1. 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope with Premium Carry Case
The 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope stands out as the best monocular for hiking for outdoor enthusiasts. With its powerful 12x magnification and wide 56mm lens, you can spot wildlife up to 1000 yards away without disturbing them. The large 21mm eyepiece makes viewing comfortable, while the included phone adapter and tripod let you snap amazing photos of what you see.
What’s really impressive is its durability. The metal body is filled with nitrogen and can handle extreme temperatures from -86°F to 149°F. It’s IPX7 waterproof and won’t fog up, thanks to its fully coated optics.
The handy carry case and hand strap make it easy to bring along, and the BAK-4 prism delivers crystal-clear views. For hiking, birdwatching, or general outdoor use, this monocular offers great value.
2. 80×100 HD Monoculars with Lights Portable Monocular for Adults
The 80×100 HD Monocular packs impressive features for night-time adventures and stargazing. What makes it special is its built-in LED lights that help you see clearly in the dark with just one click. The multi-layer coated lenses do a great job of reducing glare while keeping colors bright and true.
Built tough for outdoor use, this monocular can handle bumps and drops without breaking. The non-slip grip feels comfortable in your hand, so your arm won’t get tired during long viewing sessions.
It comes with useful extras like a storage bag, lanyard, and dust cover to keep it safe and clean. The wide field of view makes it easy to track moving objects, making it great for both daytime and nighttime viewing.
Suggested Reads- Top 9 Best Survival Knives of 2025 (Reviewed)
3. Gosky 12×55 HD Monocular Telescope with BAK4 Prism & FMC Lens
The Gosky 12×55 Monocular is a powerful pocket telescope that makes faraway objects look crystal clear. With its 12x magnification, you can see things up to 1,000 yards away in amazing detail – that’s like being able to spot a bird from 10 football fields away!
The special lens coating and prism work together like magic to make everything look bright and sharp, even in low light. It’s built to handle anything nature throws at it – rain, fog, dust, or accidental drops.
The comfortable eyecup makes it easy to look through, and the clever phone adapter lets you take amazing photos of what you see. Whether you’re watching birds, hiking, or enjoying nature, this is the best monocular for hiking that won’t weigh you down.
4. Roxant Falcon Monocular Telescope for Smartphone
The Roxant 10×42 Monocular makes exploring the outdoors super simple with its clever one-finger focus design. You won’t have to worry about shaky views since it’s easy to hold steady with just one hand.
The 10x magnification hits the sweet spot – powerful enough to see far away but not so strong that every tiny movement makes the image jump around. What’s really cool is all the extras that come with it. You get a phone adapter for taking pictures, a mini tripod, and soft rubber lens caps that won’t fall off like plastic ones do.
The special glass inside helps make everything look bright and clear, even when the light isn’t great. Plus, if you wear glasses, the eyecup adjusts so you can still see perfectly.
Expert Tip: Always check the eye relief (the distance between your eye and the eyepiece) before buying. If you wear glasses, look for monoculars with at least 14-15mm eye relief and a twist-up eyecup.
5. Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 8×36 – Utility Clip
The Vortex Solo 8×36 Monocular proves that good things come in small packages. At just 8x magnification, it’s the best monocular telescope for steady viewing without the shakiness you get from stronger scopes. The fully coated lenses work like premium sunglasses for your monocular, making everything look bright and sharp.
What makes this monocular special is how tough it is. The rubber coating feels secure in your hand and protects it from drops, while the nitrogen inside keeps it from fogging up in any weather.
The clever utility clip lets you attach it to your jacket or backpack for quick access. Best of all, it comes with an amazing lifetime warranty – if anything goes wrong, they’ll fix or replace it for free. No questions asked!
Did You Know? Many wildlife photographers and bird watchers actually prefer monoculars over binoculars because they can hold their camera in one hand and the monocular in the other for quick spotting!
6. Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube 8×32 Monocular
Ever wondered what it’s like to carry a telescope in your pocket? The Nocs Provisions Zoom Tube makes this possible! This tiny powerhouse weighs just 9.5 ounces – about as much as a smartphone – but shows you amazing views of birds, wildlife, and scenic spots on your outdoor adventures.
The special coated lenses work like magic to make everything look super clear and colorful, even on cloudy days. It’s built tough enough to handle rain, snow, and foggy weather without any problems.
If you wear glasses, you’ll love the adjustable eyecup that lets you see comfortably. The grippy wave pattern on the outside helps you hold it steady, and you can even mount it on a tripod for extra-stable viewing. Plus, it comes with a lifetime warranty that lets you explore worry-free!
7. Monocular Telescope monoculars for Adults High Powered 80×100
The HD Multi-Magnification Monocular brings the far-away world right to your eyes! Think of it as a zoom lens for your adventures – you can change how close things look with just one button, perfect for spotting a hawk soaring overhead or checking out distant mountain peaks.
What makes this the best monocular for hiking is how well it works when it’s getting dark outside. The special lenses help you see clearly even in low light, so you can stargaze or watch animals at dusk.
It’s super light to carry and has a comfy grip that won’t make your hand tired, even if you use it for a long time. Plus, it comes with neat extras like a phone holder and tripod stand, so you can take pictures of all the cool things you spot on your hikes or at concerts.
8. 13×50 Monocular Telescope – Sunhe High Power Zoom Monocular
The Sunhe 13×50 Monocular brings faraway objects right to your eyes with its powerful 13x magnification and extra-wide 50mm lens. You’ll see things so clearly, it’s like having superhero vision!
The special crystal prism and green-coated lenses inside work together like magic – they let in almost all the light (99.2% to be exact!) so everything looks bright and colorful. Don’t worry about rain or fog either – this tough little telescope is filled with nitrogen to keep it working perfectly in any weather. The rubber coating feels comfy in your hand and won’t slip, even if it’s wet outside making it the best monocular for hiking.
Whether you’re watching birds, gazing at the moon, or enjoying a concert from the back row, this monocular comes with everything you need – including a phone adapter to take amazing photos of what you see!
9. 12×50 Monoculars for Adults High Powered
The CAMMOO 12×50 Monocular makes holiday magic feel even more special! With its powerful 12x magnification and big 50mm lens, it’s like having a super-powered eye that lets you see every twinkling detail.
The special glass and coatings inside work together to make everything look crystal clear and colorful. It’s built tough with a metal frame and grippy rubber coating, so you won’t drop it even if you’re wearing mittens!
Why is it the best monocular for hiking? You can attach your phone to take amazing pictures of all the holiday sights you discover. At just over a pound, it’s light enough to carry on winter walks or holiday light tours.
How to use a monocular telescope
Our Final Words
Picking the best monocular for hiking comes down to your personal needs and budget. After reviewing these top monoculars, it’s clear that each one offers something special for outdoor adventures. Remember to consider factors like magnification, durability, and weather resistance when making your choice. Based on our monocular reviews, you can’t go wrong with any of these high-quality options for your next hiking trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between 10×42 and 12×50 in monocular numbers?
The first number (10x or 12x) tells you how much closer things will look. The second number (42 or 50) is the size of the front lens in millimeters – bigger numbers mean better viewing in low light.
Can I use a monocular for stargazing?
Yes! Look for models with at least a 50mm lens size and good light transmission. However, for serious stargazing, a telescope would work better.
Are monoculars good in the rain?
Yes, if they’re marked as “IPX7” or “waterproof.” Most good hiking monoculars are filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging and can handle rain, snow, and humidity just fine.
