Best Monocular for Smartphone: Top Picks and Expert Guide 2023

Discover our carefully curated selection of the top monoculars for smartphones, enhancing your photography experience and providing exceptional magnification and image quality.

Best Monoculars for Smartphones

With these key factors in mind, we have researched and tested numerous monoculars on the market to find the ideal options for enhancing your smartphone viewing experience.

Join us as we examine the top contenders that combine exceptional performance with convenience and versatility.

Fadaoos 80×100 Monocular Telescope for Smartphone

Fadaoos 80x100 Monocular Telescope

An ideal option for those seeking a portable and user-friendly monocular for their smartphones, offering impressive performance despite some minor drawbacks.

Pros

  • Great range and precise focus
  • Lightweight and comfortable grip
  • Includes a convenient carrying case

Cons

  • Attachment and focusing can be tricky
  • May be too large and heavy for some users
  • Adequate but not exceptional low light performance

The Fadaoos 80×100 Monocular Telescope is a well-built monocular for smartphone use that provides good range and highly precise focusing. Being lightweight and featuring a comfortable rubber grip, it is easy to carry around and use in various environments. The included carrying case adds a nice touch and helps protect the telescope when not in use.

However, users have noted some issues with the attachment and focusing process when connecting the monocular to their smartphones. While it may take some time to get used to, it can be a bit frustrating for those who need quick, efficient photo-taking opportunities.

In terms of size and weight, some users have found the Fadaoos 80×100 Monocular to be too bulky and heavy for their preferences. This is a matter of personal preference, but it is worth considering before making your purchase.

Lastly, the low light performance of this monocular is adequate but not particularly exceptional. It works well enough for most use cases, but those hoping for outstanding low-light capabilities may want to look elsewhere. Overall, the Fadaoos 80×100 Monocular Telescope provides solid performance and is worth considering for smartphone users in need of a portable and user-friendly monocular.

80×100 Monocular-Telescope

80x100 Monocular-Telescope

The PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a user-friendly and reliable choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a high-quality monocular that works with any smartphone.

Pros

  • HD magnification with clear and sharp image
  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Compatible with any smartphone

Cons

  • Some users experience difficulty with phone holder
  • Magnifying effect might need improvement
  • Adjusting focus can be finicky for some users

The PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope offers 80 times magnification and a 100 mm objective lens diameter, using fully coated optical technology for bright and clear images. It is ideal for stargazing, hunting, birdwatching, and various outdoor activities like hiking, camping, or just enjoying distant scenery.

With its lightweight and compact design, you can easily carry this monocular with one hand or pack it in your bag without taking up much space. Additionally, its compatibility with any smartphone makes it an attractive choice for those wanting to capture stunning images on their outdoor adventures.

The monocular is equipped with a quick positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod to ensure steady and high-definition images. The built-in low-light-level night vision feature allows you to see objects in low light conditions, while the adjustable eye cup accommodates users with or without glasses.

Despite its promising features, some users have reported difficulty with the phone holder, and others have mentioned that the magnifying effect could be better. However, overall, the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope offers excellent value for its price and has earned a positive reputation among users seeking a reliable and user-friendly monocular for their smartphone.

80×100 Monocular-Telescope for Smartphone

80x100 Monocular-Telescope

The PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a versatile and user-friendly light-weight option for outdoor enthusiasts and smartphone photographers, offering a cost-efficient and portable solution for magnified viewing.

Pros

  • 80×100 HD magnification with clear and sharp image quality
  • Wide scope view with top line view, suitable for various outdoor activities
  • Compatible with most smartphones and comfortable for glasses-wearers

Cons

  • Some users report difficulty using the included phone holder
  • Small field of view compared to other monoculars
  • Limited low-light-level night vision capabilities

The PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope delivers an impressive 80 times magnification; making it perfect for users who enjoy bird watching, hunting, or attending outdoor sporting events. Its compact design and compatibility with most smartphones allow users to easily photograph their discoveries or share their experiences with others.

Equipped with a BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens, this monocular provides bright and high-contrast images while maintaining a relatively small size and light weight. However, some users may find the field of view somewhat limited when compared to other monoculars, making it less ideal for users who require a more extensive view.

While the monocular can be paired with many devices and is suitable for glasses-wearers, the included phone holder does not always accommodate every device. Users may need to experiment with different mounting options. Additionally, the monocular does come with low-light-level night vision but may not perform as well as other options in night-time settings.

Overall, the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a great choice for those who want a durable, high-quality, and portable option for outdoor viewing experiences. Its compatibility with smartphones makes it appealing for photographers, but those seeking a wider field of view or more advanced night vision functionalities might need to consider other alternatives on the market.

OXK Optics 12×56 High Power Monocular Telescope

12x56 High Power Monocular Telescope

The OXK Optics monocular is an excellent choice for nature enthusiasts who want a powerful, high-quality telescope for bird watching, hiking, and more.

Pros

  • 12x magnification provides exceptional viewing experience
  • Large BAK-4 prism and FMC lens coating ensures vibrant, clear images
  • Comes with smartphone holder and tripod for stable photography

Cons

  • Larger and heavier than some competitors
  • May not be suitable for those with very limited smartphone compatibility
  • May require some practice to maximize viewing experience

The OXK Optics 12×56 High Power Monocular Telescope offers an impressive 12x magnification, providing a fantastic watching experience for outdoor adventures such as bird watching, hiking, and camping. Additionally, the 25mm large eyepieces and 56mm large objective lens secure more light transmission, ensuring a brighter and larger field of view.

One of the standout features of this monocular is the large BAK-4 prism and premium FMC lens coating. This technology increases light transmission and reduces reflection, providing clear, high-contrast, and color-accurate images. The monocular is comfortable to use for extended periods, regardless of whether you wear glasses or not.

The included smartphone holder and tripod are of high quality, allowing for clear, bright, and shakeless images. Compatibility is excellent across a wide range of smartphones, though it’s essential to ensure your phone will work with the holder before purchasing. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to take stunning photos of various sceneries from a distance as far as 325ft/1200 yds.

In conclusion, the OXK Optics 12×56 High Power Monocular Telescope is a top choice for those seeking a powerful, high-quality viewing experience. Practical accessories like the smartphone holder and tripod further enhance its value, making it an excellent investment for any outdoor enthusiast.

Fyzpaea 80×90 HD Monocular for Smartphone

Fyzpaea Monocular

A quality monocular that brings the world closer to your smartphone with exceptional clarity and compatibility.

Pros

  • Highly versatile for various outdoor activities
  • Compatible with all kinds of smartphones
  • BAK-4 prism and FMC lens for crystal-clear images

Cons

  • Limited low-light performance at 1500yd
  • May require a tripod for steady shots
  • Not for professional use or high-level stargazing

The Fyzpaea 80×90 HD Monocular for Smartphone is an excellent outdoor companion for enthusiasts who love observing nature or attending sporting events. Its compatibility with all kinds of smartphones makes it extra convenient for capturing amazing images with ease. You’ll be able to take stunning pictures of birds and wildlife, as well as share those precious moments with friends and family.

Using BAK-4 prism and FMC lens technology, the monocular ensures that your photos and videos will have exceptional clarity and vividness. This will make every adventure unforgettable, even if you’re just stargazing in your backyard. However, it’s essential to note that this device is not suitable for professional astronomical observations or high-level stargazing experiences.

Weighing just 1.1 pound and measuring 6 x 2.6 x 2.2 inches, the Fyzpaea monocular is quite portable, making it easy to carry around. Its waterproof feature also allows you to use it in various weather conditions without worrying about damaging the device. Keep in mind that for the best results, you may need a tripod to keep the monocular steady while recording or taking photos.

Overall, the Fyzpaea 80×90 HD Monocular for Smartphone is a great purchase for outdoor enthusiasts who want to enhance their experiences and capture the beauty of nature with their smartphones. However, it may not satisfy those who need professional-level performance or primary low-light capabilities. With its affordable price and versatile features, it’s an excellent addition to any nature lover’s toolkit.

80×100 Monocular-Telescope for Smartphone

80x100 Monocular-Telescope

The 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a solid choice for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a compact and versatile device for smartphones.

Pros

  • Impressive 80×100 HD magnification
  • Compact, lightweight, and easy-to-use design
  • Compatible with any smartphone

Cons

  • Smartphone bracket can be unstable
  • Limited low-light performance
  • May take time to learn attachment setup

The PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope provides an exceptional 80×100 HD magnification, making distant sceneries appear clearer and sharper. Its compact, lightweight design allows for easy one-handed operation, which makes it a practical solution for various outdoor activities like bird watching, hiking, and camping.

This monocular comes with a quick-positioning smartphone bracket and a tripod, allowing compatibility with numerous smartphone models. Stargazers, hunters, and wildlife enthusiasts can effortlessly share high-definition images of their adventures with friends. However, some users have reported that the smartphone bracket can be unstable or challenging to adjust, potentially affecting image quality.

One downside to the 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is its limited low-light performance, which may not be suitable for nighttime or dimly-lit environments. Additionally, while the device is equipped with a smartphone attachment, some users may experience a learning curve in setting it up, and remote control compatibility could be improved.

Overall, the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular-Telescope is a reliable option for those who need an easy-to-use monocular that integrates well with their smartphones. While it does have a few drawbacks, such as low-light limitations, the benefits of its impressive magnification and portability make it worth considering.

JIPNO 12×50 High Power Monocular Telescope

JIPNO Monocular Telescope

The JIPNO 12×50 Monocular is a versatile and reliable choice for nature enthusiasts who want to capture stunning views and images with their smartphone.

Pros

  • Powerful 12×50 magnification
  • High-quality smartphone adapter and tripod
  • Waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof design

Cons

  • Focusing ring might be difficult to use
  • Limited instruction manual
  • Possible learning curve for phone adapter

The JIPNO 12×50 High Power Monocular Telescope provides an impressive 12x magnification and a wide field of view, making it perfect for bird watching, traveling, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor adventures. The BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens ensure high contrast and resolution images, giving you a clear and detailed view of any subject.

What sets this monocular apart is the smartphone adapter and tripod that come with it. The adapter is easy to install and compatible with various smartphone models, allowing you to capture bright and stable photos of your outdoor experiences. The tripod adds stability, ensuring shake-free images.

The compact, ergonomic design of the JIPNO monocular makes it comfortable and easy to use with one hand. The IPX7 Nitrogen-filled design ensures that the monocular is waterproof, fog-proof, and dustproof, allowing you to use it in various weather conditions without worrying about damaging the telescope.

Although the focusing ring can be challenging to use, and the instructions for the phone holder might be unclear, the overall performance and quality of the JIPNO 12×50 monocular make it a great investment for outdoor enthusiasts who want to document their adventures using their smartphone.

Majestik+ 80X100 Monocular Telescope

Majestik+ Monocular

The Majestik+ 80X100 Monocular Telescope is a highly recommended option for outdoor enthusiasts seeking vivid, clear images and compatibility with smartphones.

Pros

  • High-powered magnification and large objective lens
  • Crystal clear images with BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lens
  • Smartphone compatibility and includes metal tripod

Cons

  • Night vision limited to low light conditions
  • The focus may require fine adjustments
  • Smartphone bracket might not fit all phone models

The Majestik+ 80X100 Monocular Telescope is an impressive device, offering powerful 80X magnification and a 100mm objective lens diameter. In my recent hiking trip, it enabled me to spot wildlife and admire the beautiful landscape with an exceptional level of clarity. Its high-quality BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lens leave no room for complaints.

One of the standout features of this monocular is its compatibility with smartphones. I quickly attached my phone to the provided holder and metal tripod, making it easy to capture memories and share my adventures with friends. The image quality was superb, and switching between devices was hassle-free.

The low light night vision feature is satisfactory, though not as effective in pitch-black conditions. During twilight or early morning, the monocular performs well. Keep in mind that fine adjustments to the focus might be necessary to ensure a crisp image.

The only minor drawback I encountered was the smartphone bracket. It may not fit all phone models, so it’s essential to verify compatibility before purchase.

In conclusion, the Majestik+ 80X100 Monocular Telescope is a fantastic investment for outdoor enthusiasts who are interested in capturing bright and clear images with their smartphone. With its high-powered magnification and top-notch optics, it certainly lived up to my expectations and enhanced my hiking experience.

KACNON 10-30X50 Monocular Telescope

KACNON Monocular

The KACNON 10-30X50 Monocular Telescope is a versatile and reliable option for those seeking a high-quality monocular with smartphone compatibility.

Pros

  • 10-30X variable magnification and 1000m field of view
  • 22mm large eyepiece with BAK4 prism and FMC green multi-coating
  • Upgraded retractable tripod and rotating ball tripod head

Cons

  • Slight loss of light gathering at 30x magnification
  • Difficult to adjust the phone adapter
  • Image gets blurry at maximum zoom

The KACNON 10-30X50 Monocular Telescope impresses with its 10-30X variable magnification, offering a wide field of view (up to 1000m) to capture distant objects clearly. Its ergonomic one-handed design allows for easy adjustments, while the large 22mm eyepiece and BAK4 prism provide a comfortable viewing experience. The FMC green multi-coating enhances brightness and color contrast, even in low light conditions.

One of the standout features of this monocular is its upgraded retractable tripod and rotating ball tripod head. The flexible tripod delivers more stability than plastic alternatives, while the rotating ball head allows for precise angle adjustments. As a result, it’s easier to focus on targets accurately and quickly.

In terms of smartphone compatibility, the KACNON monocular comes with an upgraded directly-pulled smartphone adapter, making it more user-friendly and stable. Although connecting the adapter to the monocular can be a bit tricky, once set up, it supports high-resolution photo and video capture with a variety of smartphones.

On the downside, some users might find the image to get blurry at maximum zoom. Additionally, the light gathering at 30x magnification is reduced, which might affect the overall viewing experience. Despite these minor drawbacks, the KACNON 10-30X50 Monocular Telescope remains a portable, waterproof, and reliable option for various activities like bird watching, hunting, camping, and concerts.

MD.LIFE 80×100 HD Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Adapter

MD.LIFE 80x100 HD Monocular Telescope

The MD.LIFE 80×100 HD Monocular Telescope offers a high-quality viewing experience for nature enthusiasts, making it a great purchase.

Pros

  • 80x magnification with 100mm objective lens
  • High-quality build and BAK-4 prism
  • Comes with a stable tripod and phone adapter

Cons

  • Field of view might be narrow for some users
  • Smartphone adapter might be difficult to use
  • Not ideal for high-end or professional use

The MD.LIFE 80×100 HD Monocular Telescope provides a clear and bright image with its powerful 80x magnification and 100mm objective lens. The large BAK-4 Prism and FMC Fully Multi-coated lens elements give excellent light transmission and low distortion, making it perfect for bird watching, stargazing, hunting, and various outdoor activities.

One great feature of this monocular telescope is the sturdy tripod and phone adapter, which allows users to take steady and shake-free images. The tripod is more durable than others often found in competing products, enabling you to capture the best images possible with just a single click.

Weighing in at just over a pound, the compact and lightweight design of this monocular makes it convenient for single-hand use. The adjustable eye cups and rubber armor exterior add to the comfort and ease of handling. It also comes with a hand strap and carrying case for added convenience.

On the downside, the field of view might be too narrow for some users, which can make it challenging to aim accurately. The smartphone adapter might not work well for everyone, but overall, the MD.LIFE 80×100 HD Monocular Telescope is an excellent choice for those looking for a high-quality, affordable viewing experience while exploring the outdoors.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best monocular for your smartphone, there are several factors to consider. We’ll offer guidance on what to look for when making your choice.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter: The first thing to consider is the magnification and objective lens diameter. Magnification refers to the power of the monocular to bring distant objects closer, while the objective lens diameter is the size of the lens that gathers light. A larger lens diameter (e.g., 50mm) will provide a brighter image and better low-light performance. However, keep in mind that higher magnification and larger lens diameter may also result in a heavier monocular.

Field of View: Another important factor is the field of view (FOV), which refers to the area visible through the monocular. Generally speaking, a wider FOV is preferable for observing landscapes, while a narrower FOV is suitable for focusing on single objects at a distance. The unit of measurement for FOV is usually feet at 1,000 yards.

Optical Quality

Lens Coating: The quality of the lenses is crucial for a satisfactory viewing experience. Look for a monocular with fully multi-coated (FMC) lenses, which offer superior light transmission and reduced glare.

Prism Type: Monoculars come with different types of prisms: roof prisms are generally more durable and compact, while Porro prisms offer better image quality. Choose the one that best suits your preference and usage scenarios.

Durability and User Experience

Waterproof and Fog-proof: If you plan to use your monocular outdoors, make sure it has waterproof and fog-proof features. This will ensure that your monocular remains functional despite changes in the weather and environment.

Size and Weight: For smartphone usage, portability is essential. Look for a monocular with a compact design and lightweight construction, so it’s comfortable to carry around and easy to attach to your phone.

Smartphone Compatibility: Check for compatibility with your specific smartphone model and any required accessories, such as smartphone cases or mounting accessories.

Keep these factors in mind while shopping for a monocular for your smartphone. By tailoring your selection to your specific needs, you can find the perfect monocular to enhance your smartphone photography and viewing experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top monoculars for bird watching on smartphones?

The top monoculars for bird watching on smartphones include the Gosky Titan 12X50 and the Wingspan Optics Explorer. These offer high-quality optics, durability, and user-friendly features like smartphone adaptability, making them great options for birdwatchers.

Which monocular has the best compatibility with various smartphones?

Monoculars with universal smartphone adapters, such as the Celestron NexYZ, offer the best compatibility across different smartphone models. These adapters have adjustable clamps that can securely fit most popular smartphones, ensuring compatibility and ease of use.

Which monocular offers the greatest value for money?

For those on a budget, the Vortex Optics Solo 10X25 Monocular is a great option. It provides good optical quality, is compact, and has a durable design, making it ideal for outdoor use. Its affordability, along with these features, makes it a great value for money choice.

What are the best compact monoculars for smartphones?

If portability is a priority, consider the Aurosports 8×25 or the Opticron Savanna WP 6×30. Both are compact, lightweight, and easy to carry around. They also offer decent optical performance, making them suitable for various smartphone applications.

What are the most powerful monoculars for smartphone use?

Models like the Barska 20×50 Gladiator and the Orion 10-25×42 provide higher magnification, making them suitable for long-range observation. These powerful monoculars can be paired with smartphones to capture high-quality images or videos at a distance.

Which monocular is ideal for smartphone-integrated hunting or hiking?

The Bushnell Equinox Z and the ATN OTS-HD are great choices for smartphone-integrated hunting or hiking. They offer features like digital night vision, video recording, and built-in Wi-Fi, allowing users to easily pair them with smartphones for an enhanced outdoor experience.

 
Julian Goldie - Owner of ChiperBirds.com

Julian Goldie

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at [email protected] for assistance.