Best monocular

Although binoculars are the obvious choice when you want to bring a distant view closer, the monocular has lots going for it. By losing the bulk needed for two eyes, you can easily slip one in your pocket, making them ideal for hiking and hunting and just as useful at a large concert or match. They are perfect for using one-handed when shooting.

There’s a wide range of monoculars to choose from but the best ones will be well protected for use outdoors in wet, muddy environments. Although not usually as powerful as binoculars, their small size doesn’t mean you can’t get decent magnification and a sharp image with a good optical system inside a tube that is waterproof and fog-proof. Look for a wide view lens if you plan to use it to spot wildlife in the landscape. Here are the monoculars we recommend.