It seems like everyone has a different idea of what constitutes the “best monocular under $100.” Whatever, I can help! Monocular are a piece of equipment that is used by hunters, hikers, bird watchers, and those who need a lightweight tool that can get them out into the field.
I have reviewed lots of monocular from different brands and recommend eight high-quality monoculars at an affordable price. They are typically more compact than binoculars and lightweight.
Simply read on to learn more about choosing the right one for your specific needs and budget. You’ll also find some great models that are worth considering.
Top 3 Picks
The 10 Best Monoculars Under $100
1. Vortex Optics S105 Solo Monocular (10×25)
The Solo S105 is a great all-around value, with fully multi-coated lenses, you can see sharp and crystal clear images in low light conditions. The lightweight optics are decent for the price range, offering a moderate amount of eye relief.
The lens is 100% waterproof and is fog proof too. All you have to do is screw the lens into place and you’re ready to watch the birds, hike or go on a fishing trip.
The Vortex Optics Solo monocular weighs only 0.55 pounds, just like a mini device, and only $79.00. Also this monocular are fully rubber armored, that ensure it extremely durable.
A monocular depends upon what you are trying to do with it, and this versatility makes having one in your pocket or bag a truly excellent idea. Basically they are ideal for hiking and backpacking.
We also reviewed 12 best night vision monoculars here, incase if you want to use on 100% darkness area!
2. Gosky Titan 12X50 High Power Prism Monocular
If you are looking for a high-powered monocular under $100, then the Gosky Titan 12×50 is perfect for you. The Gosky Titan 12×50 High Power is a solid monocular that can be used to go on outdoor activities such as hunting, bird watching, hiking, and camping. It will give you clear and bright images as it has high quality BAK4 prism glass and a fully multi-coated lens coating.
We can say that this is the one of the budget friendly monoculars with powerful features. The Gosky Titan has a feature of solid framework and shock-absorbing rubber armor which is usable to any weather conditions.
The device also O-ring sealed optics, which is a key factor in making it waterproof, fog proof and dustproof. The Gosky Titan is lightweight too and its superior optics are combined with the best optics.
It has also a quick smartphone holder that really suitable for photographers and who looking to have a suitable device at a low price.
Check this guide if you looking for a monocular that works for long range observation
3. Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
The Wingspan Optics Explorer optics are extremely clear, with a good amount of eye relief. It comes with an objective lens diameter of 50mm and has a magnification ability of 12x power which enables you to view far away objects that are not clear otherwise.
If you are looking for a great value, this is an excellent option. It features an durable external armor for protection against the elements.
The ergonomic design help you to focus your target very easily and can get clearer & brighter range of view. They are typically more compact than binoculars and lighter weight, making them ideal for hikers, photographers, hunters.
Read More: 11 Best thermal imaging monoculars, that works for day and nighttime.
4. Pankoo 40X60 Monocular Telescope
Pankoo has been a leading manufacturer of monocular and telescopes in China. This company is the one of the best suppliers in the industry of optics, they have a great team to provide you with excellent products and services.
This Pankoo 40×60 monocular telescope features a 419ft/1000yds field of view and has 40mm large objective lens which is great to make you see things further away, so that you can see magnified objects.
Its weight is only 0.66 pounds. The lenses are excellent in image quality and its visibility is very clear. The Pankoo 40×60 telescope also possess fully multi-coated broadband coating which will provide you with the maximum viewing clarity at all times as well as it provides you with better amazing images.
The monocular is perfect for the nature lover and the buyer who wants to view things further away.
If you love birdwatching, consider this article on 15 best monoculars for birdwatchers.
5. Celestron Nature 10×25 Monocular
The Celestron Nature is a great monocular for your more detailed viewing, as it has a magnification ability of 10x which will let you see things further away.
It also has a field of view of 304ft and its objective lens diameter is 25mm. This monocular provides you with bright and clear images and it is one of the most affordable monoculars in this list.
Celestron is an American manufacturer of optical equipments, that produces binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes, microscopes and etc. They are well-known in the optics industry for their high powered binoculars and other optics accessory.
It is waterproof and fog proof to ensure that you enjoy your activities without worrying about the effects it can have on your device.
The Celestron Nature monocular is a great choice for the nature lover, hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts.
Read more on the 7 Thermal Monoculars for Coyote Hunters.
6. Occer 10X42 High Power Monocular Telescope
The Occer 10×42 High Power Monocular Telescope is an excellent value for the money. It is a high-power monocular with magnification of 10x which will offer you a great view.
It has a 42mm objective lens diameter and its field of view is 419ft/1000yds. The monocular is waterproof and fog proof, so that it can be used in any conditions. It comes with an adjustable eyecup, which best fit for glasses wearers.
The 18mm large eyepiece with BAK4 prism ensures the best viewing clarity and the images are bright and clear.
It has also a HD dual focus in the multi-coated zoom lens that works for get a closer view with clear image. The main surprise is, this high power monocular only $30.99, so you don’t even have to break your budget.
If you like to see stars in the sky you may check a article on monocular for stargazing.
7. VIVREAL 12X55 Monocular Telescope
The VIVREAL 12×55 High Power Monocular is one of the affordable monoculars with excellent features. VIVREAL device has a good magnification ability of 12x which will give you a long range of view with an objective lens diameter of 55mm.
Providing HD imaging by the optical system of FMC lens and BAK-4 prism. The device is also IPX7 waterproof, dustproof and fog proof, so you can use it in any weather conditions.
With this 55mm objective lens diameter offer a full 360ft view at 1000 yds. If you searching for a device that allows you to attach smartphone, then VIVREAL 12X55 is right for you. This is a small device and weight is 1.72 pounds, but it’s not much better than a binocular, you can carry it easily on your backpack and can use it one-handed operation.
If you have specific requirements like searching for a high quality monocular under $100 and built-in smartphone holder, then check this article on 8 monoculars for cell phone use.
8. COCOCAM 20X50 BAK4 Prism Monocular
The COCOCAM 20×50 is a high powered zoom monocular for users who want to get a close distance view and that can be use with smartphones.
BAK4 prism with high light transmittance, it allows you to get a bright and clear view, even in dim lighting.
IPX7 waterproof grade & 100% nitrogen filling design ensure it waterproof, fogproof and dustproof.
You can attach your smartphone to the monocular and use it as a telescope or telephoto lens. The product also comes with a neck strap, which makes it easy to carry around in your bag or for taking with you walking along the shoreline.
The device weighs only 650g, suitable for who looking to have a lightweight and compact monocular on his/her backpack for comfortable hiking.
We also gives an overview about this device on a article about way to choose a long distance monocular.
If you don’t have experience in the optics industry please check my monocular buying guide from here, below are our some tips & tricks for you.
Tips & Hints For Buyer’s
Before buy a monocular, please check the following things:
Objective lens diameter. You need to consider what you want to use your device for. If you are bird watching, consider getting a 40mm class. If you want to use it for general use, then get a 50mm objective lens diameter. – Magnification power of the lens such as 8x or 10x, etc. This will let you have a better view.
Field of view, because monocular is used for detailed views so consider it carefully. It can be important if you buy this device for bird watching.
Optical system, make sure it has a BAK4 prism, otherwise it may not give you the best viewing experience or can cause some poor image quality issues. – Weight, which will make your device easy transportation and handling on your backpack or hand bag.
Size of the device, if you plan to attach your smartphone to the monocular. Many monoculars these days come with attachments for attaching smartphone or other devices such as mini dome cameras for photography.
Waterproof/fog proof/touch proof/dustproof or not. You need to consider it carefully since monocular will be used in many different environments and when you are on a hike, you can encounter many different weather conditions.
Price, how much you can pay for? We do not want to break your budget, but if you like this device, you should get the right one and it worths what you pay for.
Brand (manufacturer or brand), do some research about the brands that produce similar products with your intended device. Many monocular brands have a long time producing devices and they have a long/good reputation in your local area or in many other countries. Such as Vortex Optics, they are well-known in optics industry for high quality binoculars, telescope and others. And that’s why the Vortex Optics S105 Solo is on our top list.
There are many types of monoculars available in the market. Some are made for professional use and some are for general use only. When you are choosing a monocular, consider above overview and tips.
Monocular is also alternative of binoculars and are used by many people to get a clear view of object which is far away. It has a binocular eyepieces which is just half of the binoculars. Check out our related guide on binoculars less than $100.
Final Thoughts For Gear Odds Family
Of course, monocular is not the same with binoculars, but they are related and can use together. Monocular is designed to be used one-handed operation, it’s a close-up viewing device that can be attached to smartphone or camera using an adapter.
You will find binoculars and monoculars in many things you use on a daily basis. Such as your smartphone, camera’s, remote control…etc.
If you ever want to look through something that has a long distance, such as checking that rock over there or seeing how far your friend is away from you on the other side of the beach. You can use monoculars to help you see it in detail. Also, it’s perfect for bird watching, hiking, touring and outdoor activities like camping etc.
