12 best monoculars

Review of the best according to the editorial board. On the selection criteria. This material is subjective and does not constitute advertising and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.

Monoculars hold a special place among magnifying devices. In contrast to binoculars and spotting scopes, monocles are favorably distinguished by their lower price, compactness and lightness. At the same time, these devices allow you to successfully observe the world around you. A wide range of monoculars is sold in our country, which have different prices and technical characteristics. Our experts' advice will help potential buyers find the right device.

Selection recommendations

Increase. One of the main characteristics of any magnifying device is magnification. Monocles are capable of magnifying an object from 2 to 50 times. Hunters, fishermen and nature lovers can stop their eyes on devices with a magnification of 8-15 times. Experts advise not to chase multiplicity if the user puts image quality first. Most of the models have constant multiplicity, they are lighter and more reliable, cheaper and are easy to use. Adjustable multiplicity allows you to quickly switch to objects located at different distances. The magnification is indicated on the body of the monocle as a mark (first number).

Objective diameter. In addition to the multiplicity, the marking indicates the size of the front lens (second number). Basically it is the diameter of the built-in lens, indicated in millimeters. The larger the lens, the higher the optical aperture. Monocles with a larger lens diameter will have a brighter image. In addition, with a larger lens, you can observe at dusk. However, it should be taken into account that an increase in the front lens leads to an increase in overall dimensions and weight, as well as an increase in its cost.

Field of view at a distance of 1 km. Another indicator will be important for hunters or zoologists. This is a linear field of view. A distance of 1 km is taken as a reference point, at which the width of the visible field is determined by two extreme points. Knowing the value of the linear field of view, you can calculate the index of the angular field of view.

Minimum focusing distance. Different monocles are capable of producing a sharp image at a certain distance. The minimum focusing distance is expressed in meters. The smaller this indicator, the closer the distance will be a clear increase.

Additional functions. Modern monoculars are equipped with a number of useful functions.

1. A shockproof housing is required when surveillance is conducted in extreme or field conditions. In the event of a fall, the device will remain functional.
2. Filling the housing with an inert gas (nitrogen, argon) prevents condensation from forming on the inner surfaces of the optics.
3. The retractable eyecup provides the most comfortable position of the human eye relative to the eyepiece. Soft rubber pads make observation even more comfortable.
4. To get a high-quality picture, the monocle must be held still. In heavy models, manufacturers make a special socket for attaching to a tripod. It is recommended to use the stand for devices with a magnification higher than 15x.
5. An important parameter for hunters is the distance to the object. Some monoculars are equipped with a rangefinder reticle. The premium models are equipped with digital rangefinders that are powered by batteries.
6. A useful accessory for storing an expensive optical device is a secure case.

Our review includes the 12 best monoculars. You can buy these devices in specialized stores in our country. When allocating seats, the editorial staff of the journal proceeded from the opinion of the expert community, taking into account the feedback from domestic users.

Rating of the best monoculars

Nomination	a place	Name of product	price
Rating of the best monoculars	1	LEICA MONOVID 8X20	RUB 37,500
	2	VORTEX 15×50 Recon	RUB 46 130
	3	Zeiss Monocular 10×25 T	RUB 26,990
	4	Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10×42 191142	RUB 16,000
	5	LEVENHUK Vegas ED 10×50	RUB 15 520
	6	Steiner 8×22 Miniscope Monocular	RUB 6,231
	7	LEVENHUK Wise PLUS 10×42	RUB 4,949
	8	BRESSER Zoomar 8-25×25	RUB 6 586
	9	KOMZ MP 15×50	RUB 3,680
	10	Veber 8×42 WP with compass	RUB 3,699
	11	LEVENHUK Atom 10×42	RUR 2,414
	12	KOMZ MP2 8×30	RUB 2,920

LEICA MONOVID 8X20

Rating: 4.9

The compactness (width 36 mm) and lightness (112 g) attracted the attention of experts professional monocular LEICA MONOVID 8X20. The German optical instrument is equipped with a weather-resistant aluminum housing. An inert gas is injected inside the monocle, it prevents fogging of glass lenses and eyepiece. The maximum magnification is 8x, for focusing a minimum distance of 1.8 m is required. The manufacturer has taken care of the waterproofness of its product, with the monocular you can submerge under water to a depth of 5 m. For convenience, there is a retractable eyecup. The model becomes the winner of our review.

Users are satisfied with the workmanship and technical parameters of the monocle. The disadvantage of this model is its high price.

Advantages

• compactness and lightness;
• German quality;
• detection efficiency;
• moisture resistance.

disadvantages

• high price.

VORTEX 15×50 Recon

Rating: 4.8

The American development VORTEX 15×50 Recon has the maximum magnification (15 times) among the monocles of our review. Experts appreciated the large lens diameter (50 mm), rich equipment. The manufacturer equipped the device with an impact-resistant case, filled the interior with an inert gas, and installed low-dispersion lenses with a multilayer coating. A retractable eyecup is responsible for ease of use. But in terms of overall dimensions (width 178 mm) and weight (431 g), the monocular is inferior to many competitors. In addition, the model costs more than the winner of the review. The device is in second place.

Russian consumers have no complaints about the build quality and functionality. They are dissatisfied with the high price and bulkiness.

Advantages

• 15x magnification;
• shockproof housing;
• moisture resistance;
• high-quality assembly.

disadvantages

• high price;
• bulkiness.

Zeiss Monocular 10×25 T

Rating: 4.7

The monocular Zeiss Monocular 10×25 T has attracted the attention of experts for its versatility and practicality. It is suitable both for studying wildlife and for watching a performance. Its compact size and light weight (88 g) make it possible to carry the optical device in a handbag or in a jacket pocket. The model demonstrates 10x magnification, the lens diameter is 25 mm. But the minimum focusing distance is quite large (4.5 m). By organizing the assembly in Hungary, the German developer managed to get an attractive price.

Consumers are satisfied with the convenience of the monocular, you can use it without removing your glasses. The model is inferior to the leaders of the review in terms of equipment, it is not equipped with a retractable eyecup, there is no inert gas inside.

Advantages

• lightness and compactness;
• 10x magnification;
• moisture resistance;
• case included.

disadvantages

• modest equipment;
• long focusing distance.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10×42 191142

Rating: 4.6

The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10×42 monocular provides a clear enlarged image. Experts liked the ED Prime Phasing Coated Glass Prism and the Multi-Coated Lenses. The model is made in a waterproof design, the manufacturer has applied the patented RainGuard HD technology (water-repellent coating on the lens). The device demonstrates a 10x magnification, the objective diameter is 42 mm, the minimum focusing distance is 1.9 m. The retractable eyecup should be inserted into the monocular asset, filling the inner space with an inert gas.

Russian hunters are satisfied with the quality of the picture, ease of use, and all-weather qualities. To the disadvantages of the model, they include a large weight (374 g).

Advantages

• waterproof optics;
• 10x magnification;
• short focusing distance;
• retractable eyecup.

disadvantages

• great weight.

LEVENHUK Vegas ED 10×50

Rating: 4.5

The LEVENHUK Vegas ED 10×50 device belongs to the high-end monoculars. The manufacturer has equipped its product with ED lenses, a large lens (50 mm), and a tripod mount. The monocular is able to qualitatively increase the studied object by 10 times. The minimum focusing distance is 2 m. The field of view looks decent at a distance of 1 km (103 m). The inner space is filled with inert gas; rubber eyecups are provided for easy observation. The disadvantages of the device include a plastic case, but there is a possibility of mounting it on a tripod. Supplied with a secure case.

Domestic users liked the clarity of the image, 10x magnification, high-quality assembly. But without a tripod, it's hard to get the perfect picture without shaking.

Advantages

• high-quality optics;
• inert gas;
• wide field of view;
• clarity of the image.

disadvantages

• plastic case;
• tripod required.

Steiner 8×22 Miniscope Monocular

Rating: 4.5

The Steiner 8×22 Miniscope Monocular consists of two parts. The experts praised the first-class color rendering, sharp and contrasting images. The device easily changes its shape due to its two-part design. It has compact dimensions and low weight (80 g). A distinctive feature of the optical device is the Sport Auto-Focus system, which automatically adjusts focus. True, the minimum focusing distance is quite large 4 m. A wide field of view (115 m at a distance of 1 km) provides the monocular with a 22 mm lens. The model closes the TOP-6 of our review.

Users liked the picture quality, small size and lightness. Of the minuses, the plastic case is noted, the lack of fastening for a lace.

Advantages

• great image;
• lightness and compactness;
• broad overview;
• original design.

disadvantages

• plastic case;
• small lens.

LEVENHUK Wise PLUS 10×42

Rating: 4.4

The optimal combination of price and quality helped the LEVENHUK Wise PLUS 10×42 monocular to take its rightful place in our review. The experts liked the clarity of the picture the most. Since the monocular is lightweight, it is easy to hold in your hand, so the image is not distorted much. The manufacturer installed a socket in the case for attaching the device to a tripod. The monocular allows you to observe single objects or conduct a panoramic view (101 m). Due to the inert atmosphere in the optical system, the monocle feels confident in a wide temperature range of -15 … + 60 ° C.

Consumers praise the sharp image, rubber eyecups, and compact size. They consider the disadvantage of the model to be a short-lived case, the lack of attachment at the protective lens cap.

Advantages

• clear picture;
• 10x magnification;
• wide temperature range;
• rubberized body.

disadvantages

• flimsy case;
• sharpness is worse at the edges.

BRESSER Zoomar 8-25×25

Rating: 4.3

The closest focusing distance (0.5 m) stands out from the competition with the BRESSER Zoomar 8-25×25 monocular. The optics of the device are made of VK-7 glass, the manufacturer has brightened the lenses, which results in a bright and clear picture. The monocular body is made of aluminum, the experts highly appreciated the tightness of the product. The presence of rubber eyecups allows people with glasses to comfortably observe nature. The German-Chinese manufacturer has equipped its product with a zoom, it allows you to smoothly change the magnification from 8 to 25. The set includes a nylon carrying case.

But users doubt the ability of the monocle to provide 25x magnification, due to the small lens diameter (25 mm), the model has a weak aperture.

Advantages

• minimum focusing distance;
• affordable price;
• durable body;
• rubber eyecups.

disadvantages

• weak aperture;
• unreliable case.

KOMZ MP 15×50

Rating: 4.2

The domestic monocular KOMZ MP 15×50 is equipped with an excellent optical system. It is based on a porro-prism made of high quality glass with a multi-layer coating. The device has 15x magnification, the objective lens diameter is 50 mm. The experts noted the built-in rangefinder scale. But the quality factor of the device had a negative impact on the weight (500 g) and overall dimensions, but the manufacturer did not provide a socket for mounting to a tripod. There are two versions on sale: right- and left-hand.

The device is in steady demand among domestic hunters. They are satisfied with the quality of the optics and the low price. Among the shortcomings are poor equipment, an inconvenient rubber eyecup and a limited field of view (80 m).

Advantages

• low price;
• 15x magnification;
• rangefinder scale;
• durable aluminum housing.

disadvantages

• poor equipment;
• small field of view.

Veber 8×42 WP with compass

Rating: 4.2

The Russian-Chinese product Veber 8×42 WP closes the top ten monoculars in our review. The model stands out from the competition with a built-in compass and rangefinder. The monocular demonstrates 8x magnification, the objective lens diameter is 42 mm. The Roof prism is made of VAK-4 glass, the lenses have a multilayer coating. The rubberized housing reliably protects the optics from dust and moisture (IP65), the interior is filled with inert gas. In this case, the weight of the multifunctional device is 300 g. Convenience in operation is provided by a retractable eyecup.

Domestic users praise the monocular for its rich equipment, affordable price and high-quality optics. The long focusing distance (5 m) causes dissatisfaction.

Advantages

• high-quality optics;
• rich equipment;
• inert gas;
• rubberized body.

disadvantages

• long focusing distance;
• limited multiplicity.

LEVENHUK Atom 10×42

Rating: 4.1

The monocular LEVENHUK Atom 10×42 stands out with the most attractive price among the competitors in our review. Experts bring 10x magnification, a wide field of view (113 m), and a rubberized metal case to the asset of the model. The manufacturer has provided for the possibility of mounting the device on a tripod, although the weight of the product does not exceed 300 g. The optical system of the monocular consists of glass coated elements. The large eye relief and swing-out eyecup design provide comfort for users with impaired vision.

Domestic users liked the monocular for its high-quality assembly, good equipment and 10x magnification. Of the minuses, there is a weak protection against moisture, a long focusing distance (5 m).

Advantages

• wide field of view;
• rubberized body;
• ease of use;
• good equipment.

disadvantages

• weak moisture protection;
• long focusing distance.

KOMZ MP2 8×30

Rating: 4.0

One of the most popular monoculars in Russia is the domestic development KOMZ MP2 8×30. The Kazan device has the most reviews on NM, most of them are positive. The device has an 8x magnification, 30mm lens. Experts consider the device to be the best option for those who like hunting, fishing and outdoor recreation. The manufacturer has applied a ruby ​​multi-layer coating to the glass elements, which enhances the practical properties of the device. A rangefinder reticle is built into the monocular, it makes it easier to determine the distance to the object. A high-quality protective case should be included in the asset of the model.

The inconvenient shape of the case, too easy rotation of the eyepiece, and weak protection against moisture did not allow us to rise higher in the review of the model.

Advantages

• low price;
• rangefinder grid;
• protective case;
• ruby coated optics.

disadvantages

• inconvenient body shape;
• weak protection against moisture.

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Attention! This rating is subjective and does not constitute an advertisement and does not serve as a purchase guide. Before buying, you need to consult with a specialist.