Top 10 Monoculars

Looking for something lighter and more portable than binoculars, but with the same optical power? We are here to help!

Last updated by Rohanne 7 days ago

Top 10 Best Monoculars

We have tried and tested a wide assortment of monoculars, and know the what's what.


Whether you’re out birdwatching, climbing a hill, or travelling the world, it’s not always practical to carry a full-sized pair of binoculars with you. While you have a larger variance of magnifications available in binoculars, their size may not be ideal if you are wanting to use them on the go. If that is the case, a monocular may be the best solution for your needs. Although, with a good few options to choose from, it can be confusing as to which one you should choose.

That's why our team of experts have tested countless pairs of monoculars, to come up with the following list of the ten best choices. We have considered a number of different key factors, such as magnification, portability and durability, type of coatings, and price to accurately list the top 10 best monocular models.

So, read on to discover our top picks!

What we look for in Monoculars:


  • Image Quality
    Every Monocular in our Top 10 has undergone extensive checks for excellent image clarity.
  • Usability
    We have a panel of experts who test every Monocular for comfort, and ease-of-use.
  • Build & Reliability
    We conduct an extensive survey throughout the year to find out which Monoculars are the most reliable.
  • 1. Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Amazing value for exceptional optical quality!

    What We Think

    The Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular is a lightweight and compact monocular that features an extra-low dispersion glass objective lens and fully multi-coated optics, providing a bright and clear image with excellent colour fidelity and contrast. We are very pleased with the performance of the Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular. The ease of use, and durability as some of its best features. The eye relief could be better for those that are Overall, the Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 Monocular are a well-regarded and versatile monocular that delivers good optical performance at a reasonable price point.

    Product Features
    • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass
    • High Resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 Roof Prisms
    • Close Focus From 2m
    • Twist-Up Eye Cups With Position Stops
    • Waterproof and Fog Proof
    • Lifetime Guarantee included
    RRP: £129.00
    £109.00
    You Save: £20 (16%)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Average Customer Review 4.6/5
    Editors Rating 97/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 2. Viking Cygnus ED 8x42 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Excellent all rounder for the price!

    What We Think

    The Viking Cygnus ED 8x42 Monocular features a high-quality Extra-low Dispersion (ED) glass and fully multi-coated optics that can provide a sharp, clear, and bright image. Its 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens allow for a wide field of view and good light transmission, making it suitable for a range of outdoor activities such as birdwatching, hiking, and camping. Many users have praised the Viking Cygnus ED 8x42 Monocular for its durability, compact size, and comfortable grip. Overall, the Viking Cygnus ED 8x42 Monocular appears to be a high-quality and reliable monocular that can deliver good performance for its intended purposes. As with any optical device, however, its performance can vary depending on factors such as lighting conditions, user experience, and personal preferences.

    Product Features
    • Extra Low Dispersion Glass
    • Suitable for spectacle wearers thanks to twist down eyecup
    • Waterproof and Fogproof
    • 5 Year Guarantee
    • Supplied with case and strap
    • 5 Years Guarantee included
    RRP: £119.95
    £94.95
    You Save: £25 (21%)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Editors Rating 99/100
    Out of Stock
  • 3. Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    One of our top picks due to their good value and sharp focus!

    What We Think

    The Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42 Monocular features high-quality BaK-4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses, which work together to provide clear and accurate colour reproduction, sharpness, and contrast. These monocular is built with a durable and lightweight polycarbonate body that is also waterproof and fog-proof, making them suitable for use in a wide range of outdoor environments and weather conditions. Overall, the Hawke Nature-Trek 8x42 Monocular is a reliable and affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts, birdwatchers, hikers, and anyone else in need of a high-quality monocular for observing nature and wildlife.

    Product Features
    • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
    • High resolution BAK-4 Roof Prism
    • Compact monocular design - Ideal For Travel
    • Lightweight & shock-resistant polycarbonate body encased in textured rubber
    • Smooth and precise focussing
    • Lifetime Guarantee included
    RRP: £95.00
    £80.00
    You Save: 16% (£15)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Average Customer Review 4.9/5
    Editors Rating 96/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 4. Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7x42 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Perfect for those adventurers, particularly for those who enjoy water-based activities.

    What We Think

    The Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7x42 Monocular is designed for use in marine environments, with features such as waterproof and fog proof construction. The monocular has a 7x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides clear and detailed images. The monocular also features extra-low dispersion (ED) glass, which helps to minimize chromatic aberration and improve image clarity. This monoculars field of view is 122m/1000m, which is relatively wide for a monocular in this size and magnification range. Overall, the Hawke Endurance ED Marine 7x42 Monocular seems to be a well-designed and durable option for marine use, with features that should provide clear and detailed images.

    Product Features
    • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass
    • High Resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 Roof Prisms
    • 7x Magnification Perfect For Marine Applications
    • Floating Wrist Strap Included
    • Waterproof and Fog Proof
    • Lifetime Guarantee included
    RRP: £149.00
    £138.00
    You Save: £11 (7%)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Editors Rating 94/100
    Out of Stock
  • 5. Viking ED 10x25 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    This Monocular is a great lightweight option!

    What We Think

    The Viking ED 10x25 Monocular is most suitable for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, birdwatchers, and nature lovers who want a compact and lightweight optical device that can provide high-quality images with magnification. The 10x magnification and 25mm objective lens make it easy to observe distant objects with great clarity, while the monocular design allows for one-handed use and easy portability. Additionally, the ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass provides sharp and clear images with minimal distortion, making it a great choice for anyone who values image quality. Overall, the Viking ED 10x25 Monocular is an excellent option for anyone looking for a high-quality, portable, and durable monocular for outdoor adventures.

    Product Features
    • Fully multicoated optics
    • Phase corrected prism coating
    • Waterproof
    • Twist down eyecup for spectacle wearers
    • Supplied with case and strap
    • 5 Years Guarantee included
    RRP: £119.99
    £94.95
    You Save: £25.04 (21%)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Average Customer Review 5/5
    Editors Rating 94/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 6. Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 Compact Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Crystal clear optics at an affordable price!

    What We Think

    The Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 Monocular is a versatile product that can be suitable for a wide range of outdoor activities and uses. Its compact size and lightweight design make it easy to carry in a pocket or backpack, for when weight and space are a concern. Overall, the Hawke Endurance ED 8x25 Monocular is a great choice for anyone who wants a high-quality optic that is portable and durable.

    Product Features
    • Extra-Low Dispersion (ED) Glass
    • High Resolution Phase Corrected BAK-4 Roof Prisms
    • Twist-Up Eye Cups With Position Stops
    • Close Focus From 5m
    • Waterproof and Fog Proof
    • Lifetime Guarantee included
    RRP: £89.00
    £79.00
    You Save: 11% (£10)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Average Customer Review 4.25/5
    Editors Rating 94/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 7. Viking Cygnus 8x42 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Budget friendly monocular with some high-end features.

    What We Think

    The compact Viking Cygnus 8x42 Monocular is a convenient pocket-sized device that weighs just 287g, making it an ideal lightweight option to bring along on your travels. Its optics produce high-quality images with bright and clear visuals, and its focus can be smoothly adjusted with just one finger. With its exceptional clarity and brightness for its size, the Viking Cygnus Monocular offers remarkable value for money. It also boasts a sturdy build and comes with a 5-year warranty, making it a reliable investment.

    Product Features
    • Fully multicoated optics
    • Suitable for spectacle wearers thanks to twist down eyecup
    • Waterproof
    • Supplied with case and strap
    • 5 year guarantee
    • 5 Years Guarantee included
    RRP: £49.95
    £44.95
    You Save: 10% (£5)
    Free next day delivery on orders over £50
    Average Customer Review 4.65/5
    Editors Rating 93/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 8. Hawke Nature-Trek 8x25 Compact Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Great optics and robust build for such a compact monocular.

    What We Think

    Despite being the most affordable option in its range, the Hawke Nature Trek 8x25 monocular delivers high-quality images with minimal fringing and excellent clarity. Even with it's narrow objective lens diameter, it provides great magnification and is easy to hold steady. The monocular is lightweight yet sturdy, with a waterproof and grippy body that makes it an ideal companion for casual walkers and birdwatchers, easily fitting into a pocket or bag.

    Product Features
    • Fully Multi-Coated Optics
    • High resolution BAK-4 Roof Prism
    • Compact monocular design - Ideal For Travel
    • Lightweight & shock-resistant polycarbonate body encased in textured rubber
    • Smooth and precise focussing
    • Lifetime Guarantee included
    RRP: £65.00
    £54.00
    You Save: 17% (£11)
    Free Next Day Delivery
    Average Customer Review 5/5
    Editors Rating 92/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 9. Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Good performance while remaining budget friendly.

    What We Think

    The Celestron Nature 10x25 Monocular is a portable and easy-to-use device that delivers superior optical performance along with a rugged, rubber-coated exterior, making it a smart choice for observing wildlife. Featuring multi-coated optics that provide maximum resolution and vivid, high-contrast images, this compact yet powerful monocular is designed to fit comfortably in your pocket, allowing you to quickly spot and observe distant objects with its 10x magnification and broad 5.8-degree field of view. With its rubber exterior for protection and a comfortable grip, along with its ergonomic shape, the Celestron Nature 10x25 is also waterproof and fogproof, ensuring it can withstand harsh weather conditions. Overall, the Celestron Nature 10x25 is an excellent value for anyone seeking a compact, durable monocular that delivers exceptional visual quality, thanks to its BaK4 multi-coated optics.

    Product Features
    • Multi-Coated for maximum resolution and high contrast views
    • Waterproof and Fogproof for protection in damp environments
    • Rubber covered for protection
    • Limited Lifetime Warranty
    • 10 Years Guarantee included
    RRP: £54.99
    £42.00
    You Save: 24% (£12.99)
    Free next day delivery on orders over £50
    Average Customer Review 4.65/5
    Editors Rating 90/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.
  • 10. Viking Cygnus 8x25 Monocular
    Our Verdict

    Our most cost effective beginners monocular!

    What We Think

    The Viking Cygnus 8x25 Monocular is a compact and durable device, weighing a mere 131g, that offers a discreet yet rugged option for on-the-go use. It is an excellent choice for individuals who desire a scope that is portable and can be quickly accessed for any purpose. Thanks to its small size, the monocular is easy to carry around and use, while its rubberized armour finish ensures that it can withstand various weather conditions. The BAK-4 roof prisms used in its construction are of outstanding quality and are made from premium glass, resulting in a clear image even in challenging environments. If you're seeking a high-quality scope that is convenient for daily use and travel, the Viking Cygnus 8x25 Monocular is the ideal companion.

    Product Features
    • Compact and Lightweight
    • Rubber Armoured Design
    • Waterproof
    • Five Year Guarantee
    RRP: £34.95
    £29.95
    You Save: 14% (£5)
    Free next day delivery on orders over £50
    Average Customer Review 4.85/5
    Editors Rating 88/100
    In stock, ready to dispatch.

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