Finding reliable hunting gears has an immense impact on the success of your trip. Why settle down for flimsy gears when you can get the best monoculars for hunting instead?
Find out these 6 top-notch items below!
Here are the best monoculars for hunting (2025 Update):
- Best Overall: Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
- Budget-Friendly: Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular
- Best For Bow Hunting: Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105
- Best For Night Hunting: Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular
- Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone HoldeR
- Widest Field Of View: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular, Black, 10 x 42-mm
| Top 6 Best Monoculars For Hunting | ||
|---|---|---|
Best Overall | Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular | Read Our Review |
Budget-Friendly | Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular | Read Our Review |
Best For Bow Hunting | Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105 | Read Our Review |
Best For Night Hunting | Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular | Read Our Review |
Best For Eyeglass Wearers | Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone HoldeR | Read Our Review |
Widest Field Of View | Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular, Black, 10 x 42-mm | Read Our Review |
Best Overall: Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
- Fast easy focus
- A mini stand included
- Bright and clear images
- Very well-made
- Waterproof and Fog Proof
- The waterproof feature isn’t strong
I couldn’t love Wingspan Optics Explorer more. It is certainly the best overall option for hunters.
This beast comes with 12X50 magnification. It allows you to see things 12X clearer and closer. The view is bright and pleasant thanks to the 50mm lens.
The wingspan is famous for durable products and their Optics Explorer isn’t a joke. Featuring a rugged external armor, it supplies a locked and non-slip grip. Holding this monocular for a long time will not be a problem anymore.
Another great feature is the weather-resistance. This Optics Explorer prevents dust, debris, and water to get inside. It also prevents fog as well. You can entrust it in any weather and environment. This product is fully multi-coated, which often a sign of a good monocular.
It even comes with a mini stand for those who want to take a break. What I notice from this product is that the waterproof isn’t so strong. It is recommended not to use it directly under the rain.
| Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 12X50 |
Objective Lens Diameter | 50mm |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 246 |
Close Focus | 2.5m |
Eye Relief (mm) | 14mm |
Weight | 11 oz |
Highlight Features | Waterproof and Fog Proof One Hand Focus Durable external armor |
Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular is a handy and durable gear for successful hunts.
Budget-Friendly: Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular
- Versatile uses
- Wide view
- Affordable price
- Stable molded grip
- None
Among budget-friendly options, Authentic ROXANT is a trustable companion. It certainly offers a reasonable price tag, so hunters on a tight budget or simply want to have a second monocular just in case find it valuable.
This authentic version from ROXANT offers a retractable eyecup for eyeglasses users. Now eyeglasses wearers have an equal opportunity to hunt and watch wildlife without resistance.
Thanks to the flexible focus ring, your optical experience is greatly enhanced, providing a sharp and detailed view when needed.
This scope offers a magnification of 6X, allowing you to see things 6 times closers. Why would I choose a 6X scope while I can get a 10X instead? The truth is powerful magnification equals a higher price. Plus, you will probably experience a lot of jitters and shake in small scopes.
In compensation for the limited power, this monocular comes with a 30mm wide view lens that you can depend on. The no-slip comfort molded grip improves users’ experience a lot by increasing stability and comfort when holding it for a long period.
This product has a high-definition multi-coated optics, which allows excellent light transmission, resulting in a clear and sharp view. You can rely on this product in any weather since it is water and fog proof.
| Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 6X |
Objective Lens Diameter | 30mm |
Field of View | 180m/1000m |
Eye Relief | N/A |
Weight | 5.5 oz |
Highlight Features | No-slip comfort molded grip Premium Fully Multi Coated BAK4 Prism ALL Glass Lens |
Authentic ROXANT Grip Scope High Definition Wide View Monocular offers excellent hunting experience at an affordable price.
Best For Bow Hunting: Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105
- Light transmission and resolution
- The focus ring adjustment works perfectly.
- Perfect for bow hunting
- Great magnification
- An inexpensive product brings great value
- Doesn’t work well in low light
- Doesn’t come with lens caps
Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105 delivers a high-quality view with a powerful magnification of 10X. It comes with a fully multi-coated lens, which helps to enhance light transmission and decrease reflection. The field of view is quite impressive, an indication that this unit is perfect for bow hunting.
Its rubber armor offers durable external protection for a long time of use. You will never experience bumps or bangs with this non-slip grip. Thanks to the twist-up eyecup, glasses users can now enjoy hunting too.
Again, this unit is weather-proof. The O-ring seals and nitrogen gas purging prevent any dust, debris, fog, and water slipping inside. This means you can use the S105 in any weather conditions.
This monocular is quite flexible and versatile. You can put it in your pocket or a small bag. The focus ring is easy to use too.
The cons? Vortex S105 isn’t compatible with low light conditions such as twilights or early sunrise. One more disappointment is this unit doesn’t come with lens caps.
| Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 10x |
Objective Lens Diameter | 25 mm |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 315 |
Close Focus | 16.4 ft |
Eye Relief (mm) | 14.5 mm |
Weight | 5.6 oz |
Highlight Features | Waterproof Shockproof Fog-proof Rubber armor Non-slip grip Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed Adjustable eyecup |
If you are looking for an inexpensive option for bow hunting, I would highly recommend Vortex Optics Solo Monoculars S105.
Best For Night Hunting: Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular
- Long battery life
- Affordable price
- Weather-resistant
- Works perfectly in low light conditions
- Large field of view
- Quite bulky
- Not a budget-friendly product
Firefield Nightfall brings lots of wow moments to users. You can tell right out of the box that this is not a shabby monocular, no cheap plastic or flimsy parts. It comes with a rechargeable pair of AA batteries. The battery life is hands-out durable.
If hunting at night is what you opt for, Firefield Nightfall is what you need. Featuring a built-in infrared illuminator, you can see even long after the sun goes down.
The electro-optics together with the Generation 1 intensifier tube offers a high resolution of 36 lines per millimeter and a wavelength of 805nm. This way, your targets are illuminated and it is easy to see them in complete darkness.
It comes with technology that enables high-digital view resolution. The multi-coating lenses make the image clear and crisp. The power magnification is only 5X; however, given that this is a night vision monocular with an objective lens of 50mm, it is worthwhile.
This monocular is highly resistant to water, fog, and shock. It is also punctures-proof. This unit looks a bit bulky. It might not be suitable for those who want a super compact and lightweight unit.
| Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 5 |
Objective Lens Diameter | 50mm |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 786 |
Close Focus | 3.3' (1 m) |
Eye Relief (mm) | 12 mm |
Weight | 15.2 oz |
Highlight Features | Water resistant - rated IPX4 Infrared illuminator helps you stay undetected High rate pulsed operation Rubberized armoring provides non-slip grip |
Firefield Nightfall 5x50 Night Vision Monocular offers exclusive night hunting experience. With superior built and features, this unit is a must-have hunting gear.
Best For Eyeglass Wearers: Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone HoldeR
- Easy to set up and use
- Pretty good image quality
- Long eye relief perfect for eyeglass wearers
- Allows you to take photos
- Great for birding
- The included phone mount is unstable.
Gosky 12x55 is one of the most user-friendly monoculars out there. Regardless of what you want to do, hiking, hunting, climbing or watching wildlife, Gosky 12x55 offers high-resolution, clear and bright images with vivid color reproduction.
The magnification power is 12X, ensuring the most detailed view out in the wild. The 55mm FMC green film objective lens enhances light transmission and brightness.
I love the rugged, solid framework and rubber armor from Gosky 12x55. It offers secure protection for a long time in use and also withstands difficult weather conditions. What’s more, the rubber armor comes with stripes to make it easier to grip.
The adjustable eye-cups are compatible with eyeglasses wearers. Twisting up and down isn’t a big hassle anymore. You can mount this monocular to a tripod too.
This monocular comes with a phone mount as well, but it is quite unstable according to some users.
| Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone HoldeR Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 12 |
Objective Lens Diameter | 55 mm |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 325 |
Close Focus | 9 ft |
Eye Relief (mm) | 18mm |
Weight | 15.85oz |
Highlight Features | Durable Rubber Armor 55mm large FMC objective len Upgraded 20mm Multi-layer Eyepiece and Large Crytal BAK4 Prism 1/4"-20 Stand Tripod Threads. |
Gosky 12x55 High Definition Monocular Telescope and Quick Smartphone Holder, rugged and user-friendly, is certainly a good catch for eyeglass-wearing hunters.
Widest Field Of View: Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular, Black, 10 x 42-mm
- Beautifully made
- Great for bird watching
- Nice size
- Super clear vision
- Widest field of view
- Not a budget-friendly option
If the field of view is one of the prominent factors in monoculars that you are looking for, Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular will satisfy your every need.
It indeed offers the widest field of view: 340' @ 1000 yard, a rare find within its price range.
This unit features a lot of premium optical components. The ED Prime, fully multi-coated optics and BAK4 prim deliver visual clarity and vivid contrast. It is also a rare unit that works perfectly in low-light conditions.
The patented rain guard HD protects the unit from getting water, rain, snow, sleet or moisture inside. It is also fog proof.
Its twist-up eyecup makes sure that both eyeglasses and non-eyeglasses users can enjoy the experience. This unit comes with an excellent built. You can quickly adjust the focus with one finger.
Some people will not be happy looking at the price tag, but again, you pay for what you get.
| Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular, Black, 10 x 42-mm Specifications | |
|---|---|
Magnification | 10x |
Objective Lens Diameter | 42mm |
Field of View (feet @ 1000yds) | 340 |
Close Focus | 6.5' / 1.9 m |
Eye Relief (mm) | 15.2 mm |
Weight | 13.2 oz / 374.2 g |
Highlight Features | ED Prime extra low-dispersion glass Anti-reflective fully multi-coated & ultra-wide band coating Twist-up eyecup |
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular is a good unit that delivers high-quality images and an amazing field of view. It certainly brings the best bang for your buck.
How To Choose The Best Monoculars For Hunting?
There are a few things you should pay attention to when choosing the most suitable monocular for hunting.
Optics Quality Magnification
- Looking at the specifications, you will see 2 figures that represent the optics quality magnification. For example, 10x55. The first number shows the power of magnification, and the second one represents the size of the front lens in millimeters.
- This magnification potential and size of the lens allows you to capture clear, bright images. Products with higher magnification and size of the lens tend to be more expensive.
Prisms
- There are 3 different types of prisms
Roof prisms are great for long distances
Galilean is perfect for close distances.
Porro is often used for short to mid ranges.
Durability
- Yes, this is a serious factor. Some monocular is expensive, you don’t want it to last after a few uses. So take a careful look at the materials used for the exterior, any features related to waterproof or shockproof, or any included bag for transportation.
Lens coating
- Your lens must come with some types of coating or other. These coatings shield your lens from water and improve visibility. A simple coated lens often is the least expensive. Some other types include fully coated, multi-coated and fully multi-coated lenses.
Other features
- Some other factors you should pay attention to include lens size, the field of view, waterproof rating and focus adjustments.
Which Brands Make The Best Monoculars For Hunting?
- When it comes to the best single-hand scope option for hunting, there are a few manufacturers I trust.
- Wingspan, Roxant, and Gosky are 3 prominent names when you want to look for high-quality, a bit high price tags, but extremely durable monoculars.
- Vortex, Bushnell, and Firefield offer better deals with a wide price range and many user-friendly features.
FAQs
Which is better for hunting, binocular or monocular?
When it comes to hunting, both binocular and monocular offer advantages and disadvantages. Binoculars with 2 lenses are much more comfortable to use, especially when you need to focus over a long period. These products reduce immensely eye fatigue and headaches.
Monoculars, on the other hand, is super compact, lightweight and ready to use. They offer the same magnification as in binoculars but twice as versatile. You also don’t have to invest a lot to buy a high-quality monocular.
For hunting, especially when scouting and watching are required, a binocular is a great option. However, for bow hunting or bird hunting, a lightweight, flexible monocular is a better choice here.
How does monocular work?
This is such a big question. To fully answer it, you need to look fully at how a monocular magnifies objects in distance and why lens size plays an important role here.
To make a distant object clearer, prism lenses are used to absorb light and magnify whatever targets you are looking at. A prism includes a pointed tip and a base that shape like a pyramid. When light heats the lens, it bends so that light moves toward the pointed top, resulting in clearer and bigger images.
Most monoculars adopt lens size somewhere between 20mm to 42mm. Of course, the higher the lens size the better; however, you have to compromise the weight and compactness.
How do you use a monocular?
It is quite simple to use and maintain a monocular. To use a monocular, please follow these steps:
You should use your vision stronger eye to look through the monocular. If you wear glasses, you need some custom adjustments to go along with it. Lying down on your stomach would be helpful.
Adjust the lens as you wish. If you want to track or trace targets with a monocular, you need to set the device according to your level of comfort. You should always target the object (moving or still) before setting the monocular. Remember to refocus your optic device to clear the view.
Your monocular needs maintenance. Always use lens cap to protect the lens and clear it after use with soft clothes.
Conclusion
This article aims at giving honest and detailed reviews on the best monoculars for hunting. I believe that you and your desire gear is just one shopping away. Hopefully, you have found your trusted companion after reading this review.
