Hunting enthusiasts and long-distance travelers always collect the necessary equipment, among which a monocular is a must-have. It is designed for observation and is distinguished by its compactness and lightweight. Despite the traditionally large selection of powerful optical devices of different types, monoculars have a steady customer demand. Among the models are top-rated devices useful for camping, hunting, or fishing. The purpose depends on the functionality of the devices their degree of protection when exposed to adverse factors in operation. These products have one function - to track the selected object, and in this case, the picture's brightness is of secondary importance. The benefit is evident if you compare monoculars with binoculars in price components. You can buy the first one almost twice as cheap. Another significant advantage is its small size, high durability, and the possibility of making a covert observation. The choice of monoculars on the shelves of tourist and hunting stores is quite broad, so it is necessary to approach the purchase of this device carefully. For this reason, we decided to devote our today's review to the best monoculars in 2022. Before we start analyzing the characteristics of specific models, let's understand the main qualities that you should pay attention to when buying a monocular.
Essential Characteristics of a Monocular
The basic design is similar to both binoculars and spyglasses. The main difference is in the overall size and form. As we have already noted, the monocular is small and compact, but the magnification and power are somewhat less. The design has three main elements - the objective lens, the ocular itself, and a rotating prism system. When choosing a device, pay close attention to the diversity, which indicates the degree of maximum approximation of the object. The space between the lenses should be filled with nitrogen or argon - these gases cannot accumulate water vapor. This technological solution will not allow the lenses to fog up from the inside in cold or wet weather and under sharp temperature changes. The most modern models are equipped with dioptric adjustment. The eyepiece includes changing the dioptric characteristics, usually within plus or minus 5D. Not all people have good vision, and having glasses makes it very difficult to use this equipment. In compiling our review of the best monoculars of the year, we considered positive user feedback and the unit's value for money. Now let's take a look at a few of the most popular models on the market.
1AGM ASP-Micro TM-160
The AGM ASP-Micro TM-160 handheld thermal monocular is at the top of our review. Of course, the price of this device corresponds to all its qualitative characteristics. With a 100% guarantee, we can say that having bought the AGM ASP-Micro TM-160, its owner will never regret his purchase. The monocular is equipped with a 160×120 infrared detector and a 720×540 LCOS display. It supports surveillance, highest temperature target tracking, distance measurement, a Wi-Fi hotspot, and so on. The built-in high-sensitivity heat detector provides a clear image even in total darkness—battery life: Up to 7 hours of continuous operation (with Wi-Fi hotspot turned off).
Advantages: Availability of "distance measurement" function, hot spot marking, availability of Wi-Fi and access point, the ability to take pictures, record video, and set parameters through the application after connecting to a smartphone.
Disadvantages: Relatively high cost
2BRESSER Nautic 8x25 WP
A small-sized optical device housed in a waterproof case. The construction is equipped with high-quality multi-layer enlightenment to ensure that the picture is as clear and contrasted as possible. The model takes up virtually no space, so the monocular will be convenient for you on trips, vacations, or the hunt. Another advantage is the retractable eyecups, which increase the comfort of use. The objective lens is 25 mm in diameter and provides 8x magnification. A special cloth for wiping the ocular is supplied with this product. The product is only 11 cm long and weighs 156 grams.
Advantages: Comfortable model with built-in compass and rangefinder, twist-out eyecup, allows clear viewing even at twilight.
Disadvantages: The case for storage and transportation is not very convenient, no protective cap on the front lens.
3Bushnell Legend Ultra HD Monocular 10x42 Tactical
Many hunters prefer this device for several reasons. First, it can be used for long periods of observation of a moving object in such a way that your eyes will not get tired at all. The diameter of the lens is 42 mm - this provides the necessary amount of light flow to form a clear picture even in the twilight of the day. The lenses are coated with Fully Multi-coated (FMC) technology. Many microscopic layers on the lens and prism provide 99% of the light flux. Dimensions are small - 374 grams of weight and 150x80 mm. There is a built-in sighting reticle, allowing determining the distance to the object and correctly calculating the trajectory of bullet flight. Accordingly, it will take considerably less time to aim.
Advantages: unique sealing rings, body filled with dry nitrogen, nano-coated lenses, anti-reflective coating, high-quality build.
Disadvantages: Relatively high cost
4Hawke Nature Trek Monocular 15x50
A good monocular in its price segment. It is designed for both urban and outdoor use. The design has a sufficiently large diameter of the lens - 50 mm. The maximum magnification is 15x. All these points allow you to get an excellent picture. With the help of this monocular, it is possible to observe when there is a lack of light. This monocular will suit people who prefer outdoor activities, particularly long hiking trips. A diopter focusing function is provided. The body is rubberized and reliably protected against moisture penetration. It has a special socket for mounting on a tripod, and the tripod itself comes with the device. Inside the monocular is pumped nitrogen.
Advantages: short minimum focusing distance - it is only 2.5 meters, the presence of a convenient and compact tripod, availability of flip and removable covers for optics.
Disadvantages: The weight of the device and the relatively high cost.
5Bresser National Geographic 3x25
The Bresser National Geographic 3x25 is a lightweight and compact night vision instrument. It is designed to observe low light conditions or darkness at short to medium distances. It can also be used as a conventional monocular for daytime comment. The objective lens is 25 mm in diameter, and the magnification is 3x. ъ The model uses a high-performance light-sensitive sensor, and the lens is coated with a multi-layer anti-reflection coating. All of this together provides high-quality, bright images. At a distance of 100 meters, the device's field of view is 17 m. The intensity of the infrared illuminator is adjustable. The color display of the instrument is also equipped with a brightness adjustment system. Settings are retained when the unit is switched off. The field of view in poor light conditions is more than 200 meters. An infrared illuminator is used when working in complete darkness. An infrared illuminator is used - it provides visibility up to 60 meters. The carefully thought-out design of the device makes operation extremely simple and understandable, even for beginners. A tripod socket is provided in the case - this makes it possible to conduct stationary observations.
Advantages: Compact size, attractive appearance, reliability, and durability.
Disadvantages: not a lot of running time. When the illuminator is off, the operation time from one set of batteries is 6 hours when it is on - 4 hours.
6NVMT YUKON SPARTAN 1х24
The NVMT Spartan is Yukon's new line of night vision devices and is available in several models. NVMT Spartan 1x24 with the mask is designed for observation in twilight or complete darkness. It is a passive type of device. It does not require artificial light sources because the use of built-in infrared illumination of high power dramatically increases the effectiveness of observation. The device features good ergonomics, compact size, and convenient location of controls. The surface of the device is rough, not smooth, for extreme field conditions. The single magnification of the monocular ensures no disorientation in the terrain, which provides its comfortable use.
Advantages: Users particularly like the swivel mount in this model.
Disadvantages: the single magnification, although it corresponds to the price.
7BERING OPTICS WAKE2 2,5х40 G1
The Wake2 night monocular is designed for nighttime observation of animals or people at distances up to 200 m. It has a high-aperture lens with a wide field of view. The optics are qualitatively optimized for night conditions. Powerful infrared illumination is built into the device for operation in areas with no natural light sources (mountain canyons, basements, caves, inside buildings, cellars, tunnels). The Wake2 night vision monocular protects the image intensifier tube against sudden and unexpected light overloads. It can be used with a standard tripod. Because of its economic power consumption, the Wake2 monocular works up to 60 hours on a single battery. The package includes the instrument, a bag, an instruction manual, and a wiping cloth.
Advantages: High-quality optics, infrared illumination, good battery
Disadvantages: The maximum viewing distance is only 200 meters.
The review of the best monoculars in 2022 has come to its conclusion. We have tried to collect the essential information on each model to choose the suitable device for you. If you need an inexpensive device for quick detection of an object and the possibility to move it in a pocket of a bag or pants, monoculars are your best choice. If you need to carry out a long observation of the object and the importance of a wide-angle of view, you should pay attention to binoculars.