Introduction
If you are a wildlife photographer, hiker, birdwatcher, or sports follower, a pair of binoculars is quite familiar to you. But do you know you can get the same reliable view without carrying those weighty tools always?
Yes, monoculars make this happen nowadays. They are lightweight, compact, and portable tiny tools to bring the faraway up close. More importantly, they let you take pictures when used with a smartphone. It does both the jobs of a binocular and a telescope but differently offering a one-handed operation.
On that note, I came up with the 7 best monocular telescopes for phones that offer an outstanding viewing experience.
So, let’s get straight to the discussion.
Best Monocular for iPhone Photography 2023
Surely, monoculars have evolved a lot throughout the years. Now they are more concise, sleek, and powerful compared to those age-old devices.
But you need to pick the right tool that reigns supreme. Therefore, you should go through our top selection below to make an informed purchase.
01: Gskyer 70mm Astronomical Refracting Telescope with Phone Adapter
Key feature:
Quality Optics: 400mm(f/5.7) focal length and 70mm aperture, fully coated optics glass lens. that is a perfect telescope for astronomers to explore stars and the moon.
Product Dimensions: 24.8 x 4.92 x 8.46 inches
Item Weight: 5.7 pounds
Wireless Remote: Free includes one smartphone adapter and one Wireless camera remote
Satisfaction: you will get a TWO-YEAR warranty. And any kind of technical support from a team of experts within 24 hours.
If you are looking for a perfect tool to view the moon and the stars, I got a premium quality and beginner-friendly telescope for you right here. This is made by the leading manufacturer Gskyer. So, rest assured about the optical quality of this device.
However, the greatest convenience of this tiny tool is that it comes with a tripod and a carrying bag. And the bag is wide enough to carry both the telescope and the tripod.
Having a 400mm focal length ensures an up-close view for astronomers. Besides, the fully coated optics glass lens is completely safe for your eyes.
Next, it includes a smartphone adapter and a wireless remote. Resultantly, it’s readily usable with your cell phone to capture celestial photographs.
As the aluminum alloy tripod allows some adjustable viewpoints, you can enjoy wildlife views from several positions.
Best of all, the assembly is no rocket science at all. Even if you have just stepped into the stargazing world, you can set it up correctly. That’s what makes this telescope a perfect suit for beginners.
So, I highly recommend it as one of the best monocular telescopes for stargazing.
Pros
- ✔High magnification power for a better view
- ✔Suitable for amateurs as well
- ✔Provides high-resolution images
- ✔Quick and easy setup
- ✔Quality tool in an affordable budget
Cons
- ✘Manufacturing materials could be better
- ✘Capturing the moon is a bit challenging
02: Gosky High Definition Monocular Telescope
Key feature:
Quality Optics: 12×55 high power magnification – have the best view in your adventures.
Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.12 x 6.95 inches
Item Weight:5.7 pounds
Sport Type: Especially, this product is designed for any outdoor enthusiast, this monocular is perfect for hiking, hunting, bird watching, watching wildlife, scenery, climbing, and other outdoor activities.
Protections: Waterproof, fog proof, dust-proof, and shockproof design – Completely sealed and 100% nitrogen-filled makes it fog and rainproof to obstruct dust, moisture, and waste from getting inside the monocular.
Satisfaction: you will get any kind of customer service and technical support from a team of experts within a Lifetime. 24 hours!
Need the best view on your next outdoor adventure? I have a quick solution for you. Enjoy crystal-clear outdoor vision with this waterproof monocular that offers high-resolution images.
Aside from being waterproof, it is also dustproof, fog proof, and shockproof. And it outplays other competitors in terms of providing long-eye relief.
Also, you can have a 12x closer view with this monocular telescope compared to its contemporary tools. No wonder this makes the best choice as a go-to device for hiking, hunting, birdwatching, camping, climbing, mountaineering, wildlife viewing, etc.
Coming with a smartphone adapter, it is one of the best monoculars for long-distance viewing when connected to your latest cell phone model.
Moreover, there are adjustable eye-cups that allow viewing through the tool with or without eyeglasses. And thanks to the flexible tripod mount threads to fit all types of tripods.
What’s more surprising is that you can use this telescope even in the toughest weather conditions. It is a slip-free device that comes with rubber armor for better protection.
Although it’s a high-end monocular, rest assured that all its amenities pay for the high price tag. Especially, the 55mm fully multi-coated objective lens offers greater magnification than ever in outdoor viewing.
Pros
- ✔Crisp and clear image
- ✔Better clarity in an outdoor viewing
- ✔Non-slip rubber armor
- ✔A balanced and firm grip
- ✔12x closer view
Cons
- ✘A bit high-priced
- ✘Poor glass quality
03: CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes with Tripod & Phone Adapter
Key feature:
Quality Optics: The 20-60x60mm Spotting Scopes are designed to last FOREVER with a NON-SLIP Rubber Cover, NITROGEN Filling, Fully Multi-Coating & Sturdy Eyepiece.
Product Dimensions (L x W x H): Item Package Dimensions 18.5 x 8.75 x 4.5 inches and Item Dimensions 12.99 x 5.91 x 2.95 inches
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof
Item Weight: 1.63 Kilograms
Sport Type: This is a high-powered monocular. So you can use it for Target Shooting, Stargazing, Bird Watching, Hunting, Wildlife Monitoring, or Law Enforcement.
Protections: The GlassHawk Scope is nitrogen purged with a Sealed O-Ring to 100% Waterproof, fog proof, and shockproof.
Color: Green 20-60x60mm
Satisfaction: LIFETIME WARRANTY. you will get any kind of customer service and technical support from a team of experts within a Lifetime. 24 hours!
Next, I have an outstanding non-reflective spotting scope from Creative XP; the name needs no introduction.
Similar to the Gosky High Definition Monocular Telescope, it includes a fully multi-coated lens to ensure a clear image. Moreover, the telescope comes waterproof as well.
Are you finding the best monocular for bird watching? Yes, it is Being designed especially for bird watching, the scope can withstand all kinds of harsh environments. It comes with fog-proof optical surfaces for better performance in extreme weather.
Another good thing about this spotting scope is the FMC lenses that are scratch-resistant. And the full package includes a durable tripod, a protective case, a phone adapter, and a photo clicker. Surely, all these accessories seal the deal by offering a premium-level performance.
Most importantly, this tool is made to last. The manufacturing materials are high-quality, which makes the device long-lasting. And the phone adapter is pretty versatile to be connected to. So, you can consider it as the best starscope monocular for iphone.
Having a wide range of magnification, which varies from 20x to 60x, it is a great choice for target shooting or spotting wild game for hunting.
If only the tripod was of better quality, I could be delighted with this spotting scope. But as it is quite functional, you can go for this scope anyway.
Pros
- ✔A 60x magnification without any divergence
- ✔Very easy to use
- ✔O-ring sealed outer part is waterproof
- ✔Scratch-free FMC lenses
- ✔Easy to zoom and focus while photographing
Cons
- ✘All other accessories following the scope are not that useful
- ✘The magnification adjustment ring is a bit tight
04: Gosky 20-60×60 HD Spotting Scope
Key Feature:
Quality Optics: Adjustable powerful 20-60x zoom magnification allows and Fully multi-coated 60mm green film objective lens. so, this is a high power monocular.
Product Dimensions: 14.2 x 6.3 x 3.5 inches
Item Weight: 2.65 pounds
Sport Type: Perfect for target shooting, bird watching, viewing the stars or moon, great for hunting, hiking, and animal watching.
Water Resistance Level: This is waterproof, you to use it in different weather
Satisfaction: one-year warranty and life-long customer service.
If you need a perfect spotting scope for hunting, target shooting, or birdwatching, look no further and go for this tiny tool right away.
Being engineered with 60mm of objective lens diameter and 13mm focal length, it always offers a powerful magnification that you can adjust based on your need.
Talking of the multi-coated lens performance, it provides a field view at 50-110ft/1000 yards. Therefore, it delivers clear, bright, and high-contrast images even when there is not enough brightness.
Above all, the 45-degree angled eyepiece allows a comfortable vision while hunting, camping, archery, or outdoor sporting.
And thanks to its durable architecture, you can use it anywhere. The specialized rubber armor offers a no-slip grip with an excellent external safety. Furthermore, the high-quality armor works great at absorbing shocks in extreme conditions.
It also includes an O-ring seal like the CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes with Tripod & Phone Adapter. As a result, the seal prevents moisture, dirt, and debris from affecting the scope.
If you need a portable device to view the distant world through your smartphone screen, nothing can beat its superior optical quality. Besides, the scope comes with all sorts of accessories like a carrying case, eyepiece, lens protection cover, and cleaning cloth.
That’s why carrying and maintaining the tool becomes a breeze with minimum effort.
Pros
- ✔Sturdy and stable construction
- ✔Comes with a full range of accessories
- ✔Waterproof design
- ✔Increased light transmission for brighter images
- ✔Amazing shock protection
Cons
- ✘The images become grainy as the magnification increases
- ✘The phone adapter doesn’t work up to the expectation
05: Gosky Titan 12×50 High Power Prism Monocular
Key Feature:
Quality Optics: 12X55 High Power Magnification and Light-Gathering 55Mm Objective Wide Lens.
Product Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.12 x 6.95 inches
Item Weight: 15.85 Ounces
Sport Type: Perfect For Hiking, Hunting, Climbing, Bird Watching, Ball Games, Concerts, Watching Wildlife And Scenery.
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof, fog proof, dust-proof, and shockproof design – Completely sealed.
Next, I have another amazing monocular from Gosky that is compatible with almost all smartphones on the market right now. So, you can easily choose this as the best starscope monocular for the iphone.
Aside from compatibility, the monocular also takes pride in offering professional performance with nitrogen-filled optics. Resultantly, it remains waterproof, shockproof, and dustproof in any weather condition.
Also, you will love the large BAK-4 Prism inside that performs pretty well to capture a clearer view. On top of that, you can observe every detail while sightseeing or watching wildlife.
Tired of the sudden slips a monocular often causes? Not anymore. This comes with a solid framework with rubber armor that keeps the tool protected.
And the most exclusive opportunity of this device is that you can connect it to a tripod even with a binocular adapter. Above all, the adjustable eye-cups ensure a relaxed viewing position, be it with or without glasses.
You will also know the difference once you use the 50mm FMC lens that lets 45% more light in. That’s why you get better clarity and crispness while photographing your favorite object.
However, it’s difficult to use just with hands without a tripod. I hope that doesn’t create an issue.
Pros
- ✔Very well-made monocular
- ✔Comes with a lot of accessories
- ✔Bright and clear view
- ✔Easily adjustable focus
- ✔Premium-quality lens
Cons
- ✘A bit too huge in size
- ✘You need to take an iPhone 6S+ out of the case to connect it to the adapter
06: Gosky Monocular Spotting Scope Mount for Smartphones
Key Feature:
Quality Optics: Variable 20x to 60x magnification and dynamic lens focusing system. Fully multi-coated 80mm green film objective lens.
Product Dimensions: 17.32 x 5.12 x 3.94 inches.
Item Weight: 4.36 pounds
Sport Type: Perfect for target shooting, archery, hunting, bird watching, wildlife watching, scenery, outdoor sporting, hiking, camping, astronomical observation, etc.
Water Resistance Level: Nitrogen-filled waterproof and fog-proof design.
On the sixth spot of this review, let’s meet a simple yet sturdy tool that is compatible with binoculars, monoculars, telescopes, microscopes, and whatnot.
If you are looking for something to last longer, go for it without any delay. As the main part is made of zinc alloy, no other tool can compete with its longevity level. It’s way more durable than Aluminum.
All thanks to the flexible eyepiece diameter of 28mm-47mm, a high-resolution optical view is offered.
You may worry about your phone’s safety. But when you connect the phone through the adjustable locking mechanism, no way the screen will be affected or touched by anything else.
Best of all, the compact architecture and lightweight design make the tool a decent deal.
If you are using it for the first time, you need to follow an easy three-step assembly. Once it’s done, you are ready to use your mobile as a video camera to capture the world.
Pros
- ✔Beginner-friendly skywatcher
- ✔Very budget-friendly
- ✔Fits a wide variety of tools
- ✔Exceptional durability
- ✔Comes with a shield that blocks stray light
Cons
- ✘Doesn’t fit all devices as advertised
- ✘No springs are included for clamping the phone
07: VIVREAL High Powered Monocular Telescope
Key feature:
Quality Optics: 12X50 high power magnification and light-gathering 50mm objective wide lens.
Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.7 x 2.4 inches.
Item Weight: 8 ounces
Sport Type: perfect for Hiking, Hunting, Climbing, and Bird watching.
Water Resistance Level: Waterproof and fog-proof design.
Satisfaction: 2-YEARS WARRANTY service.
Lastly, meet a battery-powered monocular scope from VIVREAL that comes with a 50mm objective lens diameter. Having a fully multi-coated lens, the 1.1-pound center focus scope is an affordable one in every aspect.
Want to enjoy distant beauty to the fullest? Then rely on this 12x full magnification monocular with 360ft, 1000Yds large field view. Besides, the picture quality is incredibly great.
Unlike an average telescope, this high-performing tool features advanced optics technology which results in optimum light transition. No wonder it offers the most colorful images ever, even in low-light areas.
Talking of the ergonomic design, you can easily focus on the target. On top of that, it allows an easy one-handed operation with a comfortable and balanced grip to offer absolute accuracy.
Above all, it weighs only 0.61 pounds. So, you can hold it and adjust the focus simultaneously using a single hand. What a great alternative to those bulky telescopes that result in hand fatigue, isn’t it?
Featuring a screw hole, it easily connects the tripod to ensure user convenience. Therefore, you get to enjoy more stability while observing birds or nature with every tiny detail.
For example, if you visit Cox’s Bazar, the longest beach in the world, or Venice in Italy, it will be useful for you to enjoy nature there.
Pros
- ✔Portable, comfortable, and compact
- ✔A hassle-free single-handed operation
- ✔Very lightweight construction
- ✔Multipurpose use
- ✔Adjustable rotating eyepiece for better viewing position
Cons
- ✘Sometimes the images appear to be dimmer
- ✘The attachments are poor in quality
Buying Guide to Getting The Best Monocular Telescope for iPhone
At this point, let’s discuss how to find the ideal monoculars out of so many options. Some deciding factors draw the line between an average and an outstanding monocular telescope. Let’s check them out below.
- Portability
Well, you are choosing a monocular over a binocular as it’s lightweight, right? So, portability is an issue here. Being a lighter tool, it must have the advantage of being carried easily because you are going to use it mostly outdoors. This is most advantage of monocular vs binocular.
- Smartphone Mount
As you are going to use the tool with a smartphone, the mount should be sturdy and reliable one not to harm your phone. It must secure the phone to prevent accidental slips.
- Magnification
Now, that’s a real thing to look for. But that depends on you whether you need a lower or higher magnification. If your object is fast-moving, a lower range will help more. And for viewing distant objects, higher magnification is good.
- Objective Lens Size
In terms of lenses, bigger is always better for capturing sharp images. But remember that it will make the monoculars heavier.
FAQ
Are monocular telescopes suitable for all types of outdoor activities?
While monocular telescopes are versatile, they are best suited for certain activities like birdwatching, hiking, and stargazing. However, they may not be ideal for activities that require continuous, rapid focusing, such as fast-moving sports.
Can monocular telescopes be used by eyeglass wearers?
Many monoculars come with adjustable eye-cups that can be used with or without eyeglasses. It’s important to check the specifications to ensure the monocular you choose accommodates eyeglass wearers.
Do all monocular telescopes come with smartphone adapters?
Not all monocular telescopes include smartphone adapters. If smartphone compatibility is important to you, make sure to select a model that explicitly mentions this feature.
How important is waterproof and fog-proof design for a monocular telescope?
Weather-resistant features are important if you plan to use your monocular telescope in various outdoor conditions. A waterproof and fog-proof design ensures the device remains functional even in rain, mist, or extreme humidity.
What is the difference between monocular and binocular telescopes in terms of weight and portability?
Monoculars are typically lighter and more portable than binoculars, making them a great choice for those who prefer a compact and lightweight option for outdoor activities.
Can monocular telescopes capture high-quality images of distant objects?
The image quality of monocular telescopes depends on factors like magnification and lens quality. Higher magnification models with quality optics and larger objective lenses are more likely to provide clearer and sharper images of distant objects.
Do monocular telescopes require a tripod for stable viewing?
While a tripod can enhance stability and reduce hand fatigue, not all monocular telescopes require one. Some models are designed for handheld use, offering stability and ease of use without additional equipment.
Are there any limitations to using monocular telescopes with smartphones?
When using a smartphone with a monocular telescope, you may encounter limitations related to the compatibility of your phone model, alignment, and image clarity. Ensure that the smartphone mount of your monocular works well with your specific phone model.
How can I clean and maintain my monocular telescope for long-lasting use?
Cleaning and maintaining your monocular involve using a lens cleaning kit and avoiding contact with abrasive materials. It’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper care and storage to ensure the longevity of your device.
What is the ideal monocular telescope for casual users who are new to stargazing and birdwatching?
For beginners, it’s best to choose a monocular telescope that offers ease of use, clear optics, and smartphone compatibility. Models with lower to mid-range magnification are often more user-friendly for those new to the hobby.
Final Words
Have you found the best monocular telescope for a phone already? If not, how about trying the Gosky Titan 12×50 High Power Prism Monocular? This tool offers the best value for money with a wide range of versatility. Or else, the CREATIVE XP Spotting Scopes with Tripod & Phone Adapter also makes a good choice overall.
However, regardless of your pick from our top seven selections, you will have a great time filming wildlife or observing the stars.