The main benefit of a monocular is the compact size. They can easily be stored in a shirt or pants pocket, or even in a small camera bag. They are also much lighter than a telescope, making them easy to hold for long periods of time.
To get the best use out of a monocular, it should be mounted on a tripod to support the weight. This allows you to use both hands to focus and steady the device, which is important when looking at the night sky.
When using a monocular, it is important to stop down to the lowest power possible to avoid overloading the device.
Contents
TOP 5 Monoculars for stargazing
- Adasion 12x56 HD Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter – Top Pick
- 80x100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
- Evershop 10-20x50 Monocular Telescope
- Emarth High Power 10-30X50 Zoom Monocular Telescope
- Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope, 12x55
1. Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter
- 【12x56 High Power Monocular, High Definition and Super Bright View, Clear Low Light Vision】 Advanced Fully Multi-coated monocular with large 18mm BAK4 prism lens provide HD vision, brighter view and clear low light vision. Dielectric coating & phase coating monocular provide clear, high-contrast and color-accurate images. Perfect for bird watching, wildlife, hiking, camping, concerts and sports.
The Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter is a convenient, high-quality monocular that is perfect for birdwatching, wildlife, hiking, camping, concerts, and sports. The monocular has a large 18mm BAK4 prism lens and a 21mm large eyepiece, which makes viewing objects and details much easier. The built-in tripod and smartphone adapter are also beneficial for taking pictures.
This monocular is perfect for any user, and is especially good for those who want to take pictures of the distant world and share them with friends and families. The monocular is lightweight and comes with a portable hand strap, which prevents the monocular from slipping out of the user’s hands. This unit also comes with a universal smartphone adapter and a sturdy tripod, which provides a clearer and brighter view. The Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter is a great gift for any birder and is cost effective for the quality and features.
- Lightweight;
- Portable;
- Tripod;
- Universal smartphone adapter.
- The monocular is not waterproof.
Specifications
- Brand: Adasion
- Objective Lens Diameter: 56 Millimeters
- Magnification: 12X
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Field of view: 325ft/1000yards
2. 80×100 Monocular-Telescope High Powered for Smartphone
- 【80×100 HD Magnification】80 times magnification, 100 mm object diameter monocular. Using optical technology, this monocular uses a fully coated lens to ensure excellent light transmittance and image brightness, so that your field of vision is brighter, the image is clearer and sharp, and there are no black stripes.
This monocular is perfect for adults and kids who want to see the scenery in the distance. With a fully coated lens, this monocular ensures that the image is clear and there are no black stripes. The monocular is also compact and light, so it is easy to carry out. The monocular has a quick positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod and is compatible with various models of mobile phones. The monocular is perfect for hunting, mountaineering, hiking, animal observation, camping, tourism, concerts, ball games, viewing, and driving.
- Compact and lightweight;
- Clear image;
- Compatible with various mobile phone models.
- Lens may not be fully coated.
Specifications
- Brand: PhysioPhyx
- Objective Lens Diameter: 100 mm
- Magnification: 8X
- Waterproof: IPX7
3. Evershop 10-20×50 Monocular Telescope
- 10-30x50 High Powerful Magnification - This zoom telescope with 10-20x adjustable magnification and large 50mm object lens can easily lock onto your target and zoom in for more details in a distance of 3000m(3280.84Yds). Perfect for target shooting, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, hiking, scenic viewing, camping, outdoor sporting concert, etc
Evershop 10-20×50 Monocular Telescope is a high-quality monocular used in a variety of outdoor activities such as bird watching, wildlife watching, wildlife viewing, hiking, camping, scenic viewing, and much more. This monocular features magnification of 10x to 20x, which can be adjusted to suit the user’s needs. The monocular’s design helps to focus quickly and accurately with one hand, and it also includes a smartphone holder and adjustable tripod stand.
- Magnification of 10x to 20x;
- Design helps focus quickly and accurately with one hand;
- Includes a smartphone holder;
- Includes an adjustable tripod stand.
- No case included.
Specifications
- Brand: Evershop
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 10-20X
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Field of view: 3000m(3280.84Yds)
4. Emarth High Power 10-30X50 Zoom Monocular Telescope
- Portable Zoom Monocular, Gifts for Men - Emarth monocular features a powerful zoom magnification range that adjustable 10x to 30x magnification, use low magnification if you need to see a larger view and handle it steady, zoom in to high magnification when you need to see something longer distance and also want a specific picture
Emarth High Power 10-30X50 Zoom Monocular Telescope is a variable zoom monocular with a 10x-30x magnification range. The monocular is suitable for any occasion, such as hunting, camping, target shooting, bird watching, and watching the scenery. The monocular is water, dust and fog proof with a waterproof rating of IPX7 and is suitable for use in inclement weather conditions. Emarth offers a 30-day money back guarantee and a lifetime quality warranty.
- Zoomable for various distances;
- Waterproof;
- Lightweight;
- Good for various uses.
- Expensive.
Specifications
- Brand: Emarth
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 10-30X
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Field of view: 225-156Ft/1000Yds
5. Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
- 12X50 MAGNIFICATION - See things 12X closer and Get Clearer and Brighter range of view with 50mm lens - The most powerful hand held monocular available in the market today, that also provides the most pleasant and clear view.
The Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular is a 12×50 monocular that is said to be the most powerful monocular in the market today. The eyepiece has a single hand focus which is said to be ergonomic and designed to focus on the target quickly and accurately. The monocular is also waterproof and fogproof and has an external armor that provides a secure grip and protection. This monocular is also said to be the brightest and clearest monocular on the market today.
- Ergonomic;
- Bright and clear;
- Waterproof and fog proof;
- Secure grip and protection.
- Price.
6. Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope
- 12× Magnification & 55mm Objective Lens: This Gosky monocular is equipped with 12×55 high power magnification, which is the best magnification for distance watching. It provides large field of view (352ft/1,000Yds), extending your adventures to greater possibilities.
The Gosky Piper Monocular Telescope is a monocular telescope that has a 12x magnification and a 55mm objective lens. It has a premium FMC lens and BAK-4 prism that offer a clear and sharp picture. It has a lightweight and portable design that prevents it from slipping out of your hands and is waterproof, fog-proof, dustproof, and shockproof. It has a long eye relief that provides an incomparable, comfortable experience.
- 12x magnification;
- Lightweight and portable;
- Long eye relief;
- Clear and sharp image.
- Can’t take pictures with it.
Specifications
- Brand: Gosky
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 12X
- Waterproof: IPX7
- Field of view: 352ft/1,000Yds
What is a monocular telescope?
A monocular telescope is a type of telescope that can be held in one hand. This is typically a small telescope that is designed for viewing terrestrial objects such as stars, planets, and the moon. This type of telescope is also called a “spotting scope” because it can be used to spot objects of interest. Monocular telescopes typically have a shorter focal length than binoculars, making them ideal for stargazing and birdwatching.
Is a Monocular Telescope better than Binoculars?
Monocular telescopes are often thought to be better than binoculars because they are more powerful. However, binoculars have their own advantages. They are cheaper, lighter, and easier to use. So, it really depends on what you need. If you want to see distant objects, then a monocular telescope is probably your best bet. But, if you just want to get a general idea of what’s going on around you, then binoculars might be better.
Monocular Buying Guide
Monoculars are an essential piece of equipment for anyone who loves the outdoors. They are perfect for bird watching, hiking, hunting, and so much more. But with so many different monoculars on the market, it can be hard to know which one is right for you. That’s why we’ve put together this monocular buying guide.
When choosing a monocular, the first thing you need to consider is what you will be using it for. There are different monoculars designed for different activities. For example, bird-watching monoculars are typically small and lightweight so you can easily carry them with you. Hunting monoculars, on the other hand, are usually larger and have more features like night vision.
Once you know what you need the monocular for, you can start looking at different models. There are a few things you should keep in mind when comparing different models. First, consider the optics. The better the optics, the better the image quality will be. Second, look at the field of view. A wider field of view is better for bird watching, while a narrower field of view is better for hunting. Finally, consider the price. Monoculars can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
Once you’ve considered all of these factors, you should have a good idea of which monocular is right for you. So get out there and start exploring the world around you.
Different Types of Monoculars
Monoculars come in a variety of designs and sizes, each with its own specific purpose. Here is a rundown of the most popular types of monoculars.
Galilean Monoculars
The Galilean monocular is the simplest and oldest type of monocular. It is named after Galileo Galilei, who is credited with its invention. This type of monocular uses a single convex lens as its objective lens and a single concave lens as its eyepiece. The eyepiece is usually positioned in front of the objective lens. This design is not very efficient in terms of light gathering and results in a dim image.
Porro Prisms
The Porro prism monocular is a more advanced design that uses two prisms to reflect the light path and produce an erect image. This type of monocular is more compact than the Galilean, but it is also more expensive.
Roof Prisms
The roof prism monocular is the most advanced type of monocular. It uses two prisms in a special configuration to reflect the light path and produce an erect image. This type of monocular is more compact than the Porro prism and offers superior optical performance.
How Do I Choose a Good Monocular?
There are a few things to consider when purchasing a monocular.
- First, decide what you will be using the monoculars for. If you plan on using it for bird watching, then you will need a different type of monocular than if you are using it for hunting.
- Second, consider the size and weight of the monoculars. You don’t want something too large or too small and you want it to be lightweight so you can easily carry it with you.
- Third, decide on your budget. Monoculars can range in price from a few dollars to a few hundred dollars.
- Fourth, check out the reviews of the monocular you are considering to get an idea of what others think of it.
- And finally, make sure you buy from a reputable dealer so you can be sure you are getting a quality product.
Lens Size
The size of the objective lens is one of the main things to look for when choosing a monocular. The lens is the large, round piece of glass at the front of the monocular. The bigger the lens, the more light that can enter the monocular, which means you will be able to see better in low-light conditions. However, a large lens also makes the monocular heavier and more difficult to carry. If you plan on using the monocular for long periods of time or plan on carrying it with you on hikes, then you will want to choose a monocular with a smaller lens.
Magnification
The magnification of the monocular is the number that is printed on the front, such as 8x or 10x. This number refers to how many times larger the image will appear through the monocular than it would with the naked eye. So, if you are looking at an object that is 100 yards away and it appears to be 50 yards away through the monocular, then the monocular has a magnification of 2x. The magnification is the most important factor to consider if you will be using the monocular for bird watching or other activities where you need to see objects that are far away.
Field of View
The field of view is the width of the area that you can see through the monocular. It is usually expressed in feet or meters at a certain distance. For example, a monocular with a field of view of 1000 feet at 1000 yards would mean that you could see an area that is 1000 feet wide and 1000 yards long from a distance of 1000 yards. The field of view is important to consider if you will be using the monocular for activities such as hunting, where you need to be able to see a wide area in order to spot game.
Prism Type
Monoculars usually have either a roof prism or a Porro prism. Roof prisms are usually found in monoculars that are smaller and lighter in weight, while Porro prisms are usually found in monoculars that are larger and have a higher magnification. The type of prism is not as important as the other factors, but it is something to consider if you have a preference.
Night Vision
The first thing you need to consider when choosing a monocular is what you will be using it for. If you plan on using it for night vision, then you need to make sure that the monocular you choose has good night vision capabilities. This means that it should have a high-quality lens and be able to produce a clear image even in low-light conditions.
Lens Coating
Another important factor to consider is the lens coating. The coating on the lens can have a big impact on the quality of the image you see. If you want a clear and sharp image, then you need to make sure that the lens is coated with a material that will allow light to pass through it easily.
Durability
When you are using a monocular, you need to be able to rely on it to withstand the elements. This means that it should be made from durable materials that can withstand being dropped or bumped. You also need to make sure that the lens is protected from scratches.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is an important consideration for anyone who wears glasses. If you wear glasses, you need to make sure that the monocular you choose has enough eye relief to allow you to see the entire image without having to remove your glasses.
Focus
The final factor to consider is the focus. You need to be able to adjust the focus on the monocular so that you can see things that are far away and close up. Make sure that the monocular you choose has a focus that is easy to adjust.
How to use a Monocular Telescope for Stargazing
1. Find a dark location
For your convenience, the location for stargazing should be dark. This will help you see the stars and other objects more clearly. A good place to set up your tripod and telescope is in your backyard away from any bright lights.
2. Use a tripod
When using a telescope, it is important to use a tripod. This will help keep the telescope steady and prevent any blurriness in your images.
3. Use a red-light flashlight
To help preserve your night vision, use a red-light flashlight when setting up your telescope and looking at objects. You can find these flashlights at most stores that sell telescopes and astronomy equipment.
4. Adjust the eyepiece
The eyepiece is the part of the telescope that you look through. You will need to adjust the eyepiece to get a clear image of whatever it is you are trying to view.
5. Use the highest magnification possible
When stargazing, you will want to use the highest magnification possible. This will help you see the stars and other objects more clearly.
6. Center the object you’re trying to view in the middle of the eyepiece
When you have found the object you want to view, center it in the middle of the eyepiece. This will help you get the clearest image possible.
7. Use both hands to hold the telescope steady
To prevent the telescope from moving, use both hands to hold it steady.
8. Experiment with different positions and angles until you find one that gives you the clearest view of whatever it is you’re trying to see
You may need to experiment with different positions and angles to find the clearest view of the object you are trying to view.
9. Take your time
Stargazing can be a relaxing and enjoyable experience. Take your time and enjoy the view.
10. Dress warmly and keep your energy up
Dress warmly and keep your energy up so you can enjoy your time stargazing.
FAQ
Are binoculars or monoculars better for stargazing?
There is no definitive answer to this question. Some people prefer binoculars because they offer a wider field of view, while others find monoculars to be easier to use. Ultimately, it is up to the individual to decide which type of instrument works best for them.
When is the best season for stargazing?
In the Northern Hemisphere, the best season for stargazing is typically from September to November. This is because the weather is typically more stable during this time of year and the nights are longer.
What time of night is better for stargazing?
The best time for stargazing is typically after midnight. This is because the Earth’s rotation causes the stars to appear to move across the sky, so they are more visible when the sky is dark.
What should I wear while stargazing?
Warm, comfortable clothing is always a good idea when stargazing. It is also important to wear dark clothing, as light colors can reflect light and make it more difficult to see the stars.
Conclusion
A good monocular is an important tool for stargazing. It allows you to see objects in the night sky that are otherwise invisible to the naked eye. Monoculars also provide a wider field of view than binoculars, making them ideal for scanning the night sky.
There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a monocular for stargazing. First, choose a monocular with a large objective lens. This will allow you to collect more light, resulting in a brighter image. Second, make sure the monocular is fully coated. This will reduce glare and increase contrast. Finally, consider an adjustable eyepiece. This will allow you to customize the focus to your eyesight, resulting in a sharper image.
With a good monocular, you’ll be able to see craters on the Moon, the rings of Saturn, and even distant galaxies. So don’t go stargazing without one!
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