Ar-silc.org is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Learn more

The Best Monocular Telescope For Astronomy: 2024 List

Brandon Forder
  Apr 19, 2024 2:09 PM

Whether you're an astronomy novice or an experienced professional, the best monocular telescope for you depends on your needs. For example, you may want a compact telescope that's easy to carry and store. You may also want a telescope that's capable of high-resolution images. There are many different monocular telescopes on the market today, so it's not hard to find one that suits your needs.


Compare Products

Last update on 2024-04-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42

Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 monocular telescope for astronomy is a compact roof prism monocular with a large objective lens that provides excellent light transmission and clear images. With a redesigned body and improved Oasis multi-layer optical coatings, this monocular offers high contrast and accurate color rendition for nature observation.

The Oregon-4 PC monocular retains the classic features of the original Oregon-4, including a long eye-relief, an external focuser, and a wide exit pupil. It features Bushnell's ED Prime HD glass to produce bright images with excellent contrast, and it is a great tool for nature observation.

It is waterproof to three meters, has a neoprene carrying strap, and comes with a leather carry case. The 8x42 monocular also comes with a 32GB microSD card, which is perfect for recording videos. It features a smooth focuser, and a wraparound tripod mount. The BAK4 prisms are filled with nitrogen gas to prevent internal fogging.

The monocular is a bit heavier than other monoculars, but it is also more rugged. The BAK-4 prisms are backed by a 30-year manufacturer guarantee. The monocular features an easy-grip rubberized coating, and it has close focus from 60 inches. It has an onboard IR illuminator that lets you see long-range subjects comfortably day or night. The onboard WiFi allows you to live-stream footage and control the zoom.

The monocular features a wide field of view, which is ideal for birding and wildlife observation. The monocular features 8x magnification, and it is also available in a 10x magnification model. The monocular has a rubberized exterior with phase-corrected glass prisms for clear images. It has multi-coated optics, which helps to reduce glare and enhance color.

Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 x 42

Whether you are looking for a telescope for astronomy or bird watching, the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10 x 42 monocular telescope is a good choice. This compact monocular telescope for astronomy provides an impressive image quality and features all-weather performance.

Bushnell's Legend Ultra HD Monocular is a compact, lightweight monocular that features an all-weather design, fully multi-coated lenses, and a sealed and water-resistant housing. This telescope for astronomy also has an easy-grip ridge on top of the external focuser and a twist-up eye cup for secure grip. It also comes with a removable tripod mount socket and a padded oversized carrying case.

Despite its compact size, the Legend Ultra HD Monocular offers excellent field performance, and the monocular can be used with a tripod, window mount, or hand held. It also features a removable tripod mount socket and a belt clip.

The Legend Ultra HD Monocular is also waterproof, and features BaK-4 roof prisms and ED Prime Extra Low Dispersion glass. These prisms enhance optical clarity when focusing on distant objects. They are also square shaped, and improve light transmission. The BaK-4 prisms also pair with the multi-coated optics to broaden the field of view.

The lenses on the Legend Ultra HD Monocular are fully multi-coated with Ultra Wide Band coating, and the prisms are PC-3 phase-coated. This coating dramatically improves light transmission, and eliminates glare. The monocular also features a proprietary moisture repellant coating that increases resolution, enhances contrast, and maximizes light in the FOV.

The monocular is also fog and water-resistant. The Rainguard HD water-repellent lens coating prevents condensation and water from beads up on the lens, and the polycarbonate lens is splash-proof. The monocular comes with a stainless steel belt clip that allows quick access.

Viking Cygnus 8x25

Whether you are looking for a high-powered monocular for stargazing or a low-cost monocular for birdwatching, the Viking Cygnus 8x25 is an excellent choice. Its comfortable grip and soft pouch will make it easy to hold, and the large focus wheel will make it easy to find a clear image.

Another key feature of this monocular is its rubberised armouring. This is a good choice for hikers and birdwatchers, as it will protect your eye from rain, snow, and other wet conditions.

Another great feature of this monocular is its built-in WiFi, which will allow you to live stream video and control the zoom. It also features an onboard IR illuminator, which makes it easy to take pictures of distant subjects during the day or night.

The Viking Cygnus 8x25 has a solid construction and a recessed objective lens. The rubber lens cap is comfortable to hold, and there are finger grooves on the lens for a steady grip. The focus dial is smooth and easy to use, and the rubber armouring is durable and waterproof.

While the field of view is not a defining feature of the Cygnus, it is an impressive feat of engineering. The main tube extends outwards from the eye-cup, so there's no need for a tripod. ED glass and prisms provide excellent contrast and clarity.

The monocular weighs 131 grams, making it easy to carry around. The Opticron BGA WP 8x42 is a good option for outdoor use, and it has a smooth focuser and sound optics. It is also nitrogen-filled and waterproof to three meters. Its eye relief is generous, and the lens is coated to reduce internal reflection.

Olivon 8-24x40

Designed to be lightweight and compact, the Olivon 8-24x40 monocular telescope for astronomy is a worthy addition to your collection. The monocular features 8x to 24x magnification, a 1.6m close focus, and is powered by fully multi-coated optics. It also features a built-in 1.4-inch tripod adaptor, a lanyard, and a small pouch.

The multi-coated optics are coupled with a small 1.4-inch tripod adaptor to allow for a stable viewing experience. The best part is that the prism-based monocular also comes with a protective case, eyepiece covers, and a cleaning cloth.

The BK-7 prism-based monocular is a great deal for the money. It features multi-coated optics, a hefty 10-year manufacturer warranty, and a built-in 1.4-inch telescope adaptor. It also comes with a neck strap, a protective case, and a cleaning cloth. Its multi-coated optics are complemented by an easy-grit rubberized coating. The Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 roof prism monocular features top-of-the-line optics, wide-field viewing, and phase-corrected prism coatings. It is also nitrogen-filled to prevent internal fogging.

The Orion 10-25x42 is another option for impressive lunar viewing. It features multi-coated optics, an adjustable zoom, and a waterproof and fogproof housing. It also has a nice sized objective lens, and comes with a soft nylon case, a wrist strap, and a soft padded carrying bag. This compact and nimble monocular makes it easy to see the night sky and navigate your surroundings. Its a good choice for the beginner or for the seasoned pro who is looking for a rugged, waterproof, and high-quality monocular. It may not be the best choice for stargazing, but it is a good choice for daytime or nighttime viewing.

Orion 10-25x42

Whether you're looking to view the stars or bullseye targets, the Orion 10-25x42 Zoom Waterproof Monocular is a great choice. It's super-portable and features 10x to 25x power magnification, a 42mm objective lens, and a 3.3deg to 2.4deg field of view. It's also waterproof and comes with a soft nylon case.

The focus mechanism is smooth, and allows you to see crisp images of subjects. It also protects the optics from accidental bumping. The focus wheel is a center wheel, which ensures that your subjects are clearly visible. You can also adjust your magnification to see more details.

The Orion 10-25x42 Zoom Waterproof monocular is designed to withstand virtually any weather condition. It comes with a removable carry strap and a small tripod adapter socket. It also features a rubber-armored body, a twist-up rubber eyeguard, and a soft nylon case.

The Nikon monocular is a very good entry-level monocular. It offers an excellent grip on the exterior through a rubberized body, and the glass is very light and tripod adaptable. It's also compact enough to use with one hand. However, it doesn't come with lens caps. It's also quite expensive, at about a pound.

Monoculars are a great entry-level option for stargazing. They're easy to use and lightweight, and they're half the size of binoculars. They're also cheaper. You'll be able to see more of the night sky with a monocular, and you'll be able to share it with others.

Compared to binoculars, monoculars have a smaller field of view. They're also less bulky, and they can be easily carried in a backpack. However, they can't provide as much magnification as a larger telescope.


4.3
3 ratings