If you’re into bird watching, you need one of the 5 best monoculars for bird watching.
Bird watching is something that most of us can enjoy. It’s great for exercising your eyesight as well as keeping your mind stimulated.
Finding the best monocular for bird watching can be tricky, though.
There are so many varieties out there and so many features. This guide is here to help you choose the best bird watching monocular for you.
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25 | Best Overall |  |
| Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone Holder | Budget Pick |  |
| Night Vision Monocular | Upgrade Pick |  |
1. Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25
Pros:
- Great price
- Durable
- Water and fog resistant
- Lifetime warranty
With its nifty, compact design, the Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25 makes a small package with a great big view. This lightweight device packs a lot of power in a fairly compact, lightweight and sleek package.
For people who travel a lot, the Vortex Optics Solo is extremely handy as it comes with a neck strap and a sturdy carrying case. It’s built tough so it can survive getting knocked around in your bag.
High-quality optics with multi-layer coating from ChromaKlear for superior light transmission. The Solo Monocular is also water and fog resistant.
2. Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular
Pros:
- Hands down, the clearest image
- Best eye relief
- Most comfortable to put up to your eye
- Rugged, durable build
- Small enough to fit in your pocket
- Has a tripod mount
- Easily focuses at different distances
- Waterproof
- Has a clip to keep it around your neck
- Has a hybrid-coatings lens for crisp viewing
Other than being a very high quality monocular for the price, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular comes with some unique features that help it stand out.
You’ll be able to clearly view wildlife at 10x magnification power. The objective lens diameter is 42 mm, and the monocular’s field of view is 406 feet at 1000 yards.
Plus, the monocular is waterproof, letting you bring it out in the rain or leave it out in the dark without worrying. It comes with a premium carry case, tripod adapter, lens cloth, and neck strap.
3. Night Vision Monocular
Pros:
- Water-resistant housing
- 1.5-Inch LCD
- High Powered 6×50 Zoom
- Accepts SD cards up to 16GB
Cons:
- No Autofocus
- requires separate software for download of pictures
For Night Owl Hunting, Nature Watching, Sky Watching, Astronomy.
4. Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone Holder
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Covers a large field of view
- Lenses are multi-coated for maximum light transmission
- The focus ring turns from close to infinity with no rough spots
- Comes with a nice, soft carrying case
- Sturdy, well-made, and compact
Cons:
- Not waterproof
- Focal length isn’t adjustable
- Not aimed at beginners
Although this monocular isn’t waterproof, it delivers some great optics in a package that offers great value for money.
It’s a high definition monocular with 12x power and an objective lens of 55mm. It comes with a tripod mount and can be attached to your camera. The duo focus makes for easy switching between first or third person view.
The diopter focus adjusts by sliding the eyepiece back and forth. This focus ring os smooth and has no rough spots in its travel. It focuses on items within the range of 65-24 feet.
5. Wingspan Optics ProSpotter 10X42 Compact Monocular Scope. New Advanced PrismView Optics Creates Spectacularly Crisp
Pros:
- Compact and lightweight
- Great for every day uses
- If you are into birding, this is a great monocular
If you love stargazing, golfing, and sporting events then Wingspan Optics ProSpotter is the right monocular for you.
This is an amazing monocular for its size, which is pretty compact. It also has a field of vision of 680 feet at 1,000 yards, which is excellent. What makes it more extraordinary is that it comes with a case and a cleaning cloth.
The Wingspan Optics ProSpotter is packed with a lot of features and accessories. It is a great choice for complete birdwatchers or bird-loving students. It has an impressive magnification of 10x and an eye relief of 19mm. It is also waterproof.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the best monocular for bird watching?
When bird watching , getting a decent monocular is pretty important. The right monocular will allow you to move stealthily, and it will help you to constantly scan the horizon for any trouble. It also helps you to patrol and protect your bird feeding station.
What is the best magnification for a monocular?
A lot of monoculars have low magnification. It’s important that you choose one that has high magnification so you can see more of the objects you’re looking at.
Also, some monoculars have a small inch range; this is why it’s crucial that you pick a monocular that offers a good magnification and a larger inch range.
What is the best magnification for bird watching?
You should choose a monocular with the highest magnification suitable for your skill level. If you’re just starting out in birding, you should choose the lowest possible magnification that still lets you see birds without much trouble. This will allow you to get a feel for the hobby without feeling overwhelmed.
Once you’re more knowledgeable, you can choose a higher magnification monocular. Check out the product’s specifications to determine what the highest magnification is that is available for your price range. Depending on the quality of the monocular, you can go even higher if needed.
Is a 40×60 monocular good?
For most hobbyist bird watchers, the best monocular is a high-quality 40x monocular. If you don’t have a tripod, go for a 35-50×60 monocular (e.g., Canon 65mm 20×50 CF). If you have a tripod, go for at least 50×60 monocular (e.g. Canon 824 50×60).
You need a monocular that’s capable of focusing on objects between 20” “ 60” away. A 40×60 monocular should not be the only one you buy, but it should be the first one you look at.
Conclusion
Birdwatching can be a fun pastime and many people invest in a pair of binoculars so that they can see more detail. Monoculars are the same idea, but more compact. There are many options to choose from.
Our list of the 5 best monoculars for bird watching should help you find the one that’s right for you.
Our Recommendation
| Name | Category | Product |
|---|---|---|
| Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10×25 | Best Overall | |
| Gosky 12×55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone Holder | Budget Pick | |
| Night Vision Monocular | Upgrade Pick | |