Are you in the hunt for the best monocular for surveillance? If yes, you have come to the right place. A monocular is an indispensable tool for surveillance. Whether you live in a big ranch upcountry or not, a monocular will improve your vision and help you see things clearly that you could otherwise not see with your naked eyes.
Monoculars are compact, lightweight, and highly portable. You can stash them inside your pockets and carry them everywhere you go. But with so many models available on the market, choosing the right monocular for surveillance gets overwhelming, particularly for first-time buyers.
If you are having a difficult time finding the best monocular for surveillance, here is our review of the best models available on the market today. Let’s take a look.
Best Monocular for Surveillance
#1) FEEMIC Monocular Telescope High Power 8×42
FEEMIC Monocular Telescope is one of the best monocular for surveillance for the money. This low-cost monocular provides high-quality images even in low light settings. It has a wide viewing angle and high-quality HD optics which provide the best views. Also, it comes with a low-light-level night vision to help you see things clearly in low light settings.
The monocular is well-built to provide unbeatable durability. It has a durable external protection that withstands rough handling and a shock-absorbing rubber that provides a firm, slip-resistant grip even in wet weather conditions. Moreover, this product is life-waterproof, dust proof and fog resistant to stand the tough weather conditions.
Featuring fully multi-coated lens and large BaK-4 prisms, the monoculars guarantees high light transmission and superior image brightness. Moreover, it is feather light and compact in size for simple one-hand use. Even better, you can mount it on a monocular tripod and enjoy snug, hands-free viewing. To top it all, this multipurpose monocular has an adjustable eyecup that twists up and down to provide comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lens elements
- 8x magnification
- Adjustable eyecup
- Wide viewing angle
- Tripod adaptable
- Compact and lightweight
- Large and high-quality BaK-4 prism
- Built-in lens dust cover
- Waterproof, fog proof and shockproof
- Night vision
#2) Celestron 71210 Nature DX 10×25 Monocular
Celestron is a big name in the field of optics. It’s renowned for its quality and affordable optical instruments and the Nature DX 10×25 Monocular is no exception. This is a multipurpose monocular ideal for multiple applications among them surveillance. It is simple to use and easy to carry everywhere you go.
It features multi-coated optics that increase light transmission and reduce light loss and glare. The result is brighter and sharp sight pictures even in poor light settings. It also comes with a soft rubber eyecup that twists to provide comfortable glassing and ensure ease of use with eyeglasses.
Furthermore, the monocular is light as feather for easy carrying. It’s compact in size and has a diopter focus dial for easy one hand focus. In terms of body design, it has a durable and deep grooved rubber armor that is both shockproof and slip resistant. Other notable accessories included are a handy and secure belt case, lanyard and cleaning cloth.
Features
- 10x zoom power
- Ultra-lightweight and compact in size
- Soft rubber comfortable eyecup
- One hand focus
- Durable and deep grooved rubber armor
- Multi-coated optics
- Waterproof
- 25mm objective lens
#3) Roxant Falcon Monocular Telescope
Another best monocular for surveillance in the Roxant Falcon Monocular telescope. It offers excellent features and great performance. It’s powerful, portable and functional. It is very simple to hold steady with one hand only and very easy to use.
The monocular features fully multi-coated optics that maximize light transmission for bright and clear views. It also utilizes high-quality BaK-4 Prism which guarantees brighter and sharp sight views full of color clarity.
Another good thing about this device is the durable design. It’s lightweight yet solidly built to handle anything thrown at it. Besides that, it has a retractable eyecup that ensures comfortable viewing during long glassing sessions. Plus, you can mount it on a tripod and take its weight off your hands.
Features
- Multiple accessories included
- 10×42 size
- Retractable eyecup
- Comfortable and secure hand strap
- Fully multi-coated optics
- Solid construction
- Lightweight, compact and portable
- Smooth one finger focusing
- Tripod adaptable
#4) Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope
As one of the best monocular for surveillance, the Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope provides clear low light vision which is essential for night time surveillance. It features fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee bright and crisp sight pictures, and a large 18mm BaK-4 prism lens that delivers HD vision.
Weighing just 15.85 ounces, the monocular is feather light for easy portability. It has a comfortable hand strap which prevents it from slipping out of your hand. Moreover, you can mount it on a tripod to get brighter, clearer and more stable images.
This high powered monocular provides the best views regardless of the outdoor activity you are engaged in. It has a powerful 12x magnification that brings distance targets closer. Moreover, it boasts an ultra-large 56mm objective lens which provides a wide field of view that gives you more detail while scanning different objects. It is also IPX7 waterproof and nitrogen-filled to prevent clouding, fogging and moisture damage.
Features
- Wide field of view
- Waterproof and fog-free
- Anti-skid design
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Lightweight design
- Comfortable and secure hand strap
- High 10x magnification
- Large 18mm BaK-4 prism lens
- Sturdy tripod and phone adapter
#5) BOBLOV 32GB Night Vision Monocular
Next on our list is the BOBLOV 32GB Night Vision Monocular. It has a built-in infrared illuminator that provides clear views of objects that are up to 150 yards away in the blackest nights. In clear moonlight, it offers more detail of subjects that are as far as 250 yards away.
The monocular is powered by a 14500 battery that operates for about 90 minutes with the infrared illuminator on and about 2.5 hours when the illuminator is off. Furthermore, it comes with a built-in video recording with sound and a 32GB microSD so you can record what happens in your homestead when the sun sets.
And that’s not all. This monocular comes with a 5x fixed zoom and 8x digital zoom that allows you to zoom in or out on your targets. Additionally, it has a built-in 1.5-inch TFT screen which provides clear sight pictures. Lastly, the focus on this monocular is smooth and accurate making it easy for you to capture clear photos.
Features
- Daytime and nighttime use
- 5x optical zoom and 8x digital zoom
- 14500 rechargeable battery
- Built-in video recording with sound
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Camouflage pattern
- 150-200-yards range in typical nighttime environments
- Built-in 1.5-inch TFT screen
- Adjustable IR brightness
#6) EAGWELL ZOOM Monocular Telescope
The EAGWELL ZOOM Monocular Telescope is an all-purpose night vision monocular suitable for multiple applications among them surveillance. It provides clear vision during the day and at night as well. It is compact in size, lightweight and easy to carry from place to place.
This monocular boasts the highest magnification in our list. It has a powerful 40x magnification for extreme long-range use. Additionally, it features a large 60mm objective lens that collects optimum light and FMC multi-layer coated objective lens which guarantees bright, clear and color accurate views even in low light settings.
Another notable thing about the monocular is that it is well-made to give you many years of use. It has a high-quality and solid frame work to stand the rough outdoor handling. It also comes with a rubber armor that makes it better to grasp and use. To top it all, it has an eyeglass-friendly adjustable eyecup that minimizes eye strain and fatigue during lengthy glassing sessions.
Features
- Tripod adaptable
- Durable framework
- Non-slip rubber coating
- BaK-4 prism
- Adjustable eyecup
- Day and night vision
- Multi-coated objective lens
- Adjustable focusing wheel
- High 40x magnification
- Waterproof and shockproof
- Built-in lens dust cover
#7) ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular
The ESSLNB Night Vision Monocular is a low-cost night vision monocular suitable for surveillance and other outdoor applications. The good thing about this monocular is that it provides both day and night vision capabilities. It comes with a built-in infrared illuminator which provides an effective detection range of up to 650 feet at night.
This high-definition night vision monocular is made with ease of use in mind. First, it’s lightweight and compact in size for simple one-hand operation. Also, it comes with an eyepiece adjustable diopter and a fold down eyecup that provides comfortable views for all users, with or without eyeglasses.
Furthermore, the monocular is toughly built to provide unmatched durability. It has a solid framework that stands up to anything you thrown at it and a tight rubber armor that withstands all weather elements. It is also fully sealed and filled with nitrogen so it is waterproof and fog-resistant. Above all, the monocular comes with a photo shooting and video recording with sound.
Features
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Solid framework
- Threaded tripod mount
- Built-in infrared illuminator
- Rugged rubber armor
- Light and compact in size
- Dual functionality
- 5-inch TFT LCD screen
- Fold down eyecup
- Adjustable diopter
See Also
Criteria for Choosing Best Monocular for Surveillance
Whether you are purchasing your first monocular for surveillance or looking to upgrade you old, worn-out unit, here is what you should look for in the best monocular for surveillance.
Size and Weight
The best monocular for surveillance should be lightweight and compact in size. The last thing you would want is a device that weighs you down when using it. Go for a compact monocular that will fit in your palm and inside your pocket easily. In terms of weight, look for a feather light model that will be easy to carry and hold even during long viewing sessions.
Optical Quality
The quality of the optics that the monocular has can either make or break your viewing experience. Monoculars worth buying have ED or HD glass, high-quality prism coatings and fully coated optics. This guarantees bright, clear and sharp as razor views even in low-light settings.
Eye Relief
If you wear eyeglasses, you’ll need a monocular that has an eye relief that is long enough to provide comfortable viewing even with your glasses on. Look keenly at the type of eyecup that the monocular has as it determines how much eye relief you’ll get. The best models have twist-up or folding eyecups which are good for all users with or without eyeglasses. Also, try to look for a monocular whose eye relief is more than 15mm.
Magnification
Another important thing you should consider is the magnification. High magnification power means that you can see far. However, you’ll need to have steady hands to hold the monocular steadily and stabilize the images. 10-12x is high end for a monocular for surveillance. You might need to have a tripod to stabilize the images. Plus, you will be sacrificing on the field of view.
Models with low magnification of about 5x to 8x are the best. They not only provide a wide field of view, but they are also easier to hold steady.
Field of View
Field of view refers to the maximum area that you can see through the monocular without moving it around. It is measured in feet/meters per 1000 yards. Monocular with low magnification power have the largest field of view. It’s important to have a large field of view so you will be able to spot your targets easily.
Construction and Durability
Both construction and durability of a monocular will determine how reliable it will be. Always buy a monocular that has a durable framework and a rubber armor. The rubber armor will cushion it from shock, impact and falls. It will also give you an ergonomic and slip-resistant grip even when you are wearing gloves.
In addition, make sure that the monocular is both waterproof and fog proof. That way, you will be able to use it in any weather condition.
Advantages of Monocular for Surveillance
- Lightweight, compact and easy one hand use
- Larger peripheral vision
- Monocular for surveillance are more affordable than other surveillance equipment
- One eye adjusts easily to the ambient light so you are able to move from light to low light conditions with ease.
FAQs
- What is the best magnification for a monocular?
5x to 8x. A magnification of 5x to 8x is highly practical for a monocular. It will provide the much-needed field of view for smooth target identification. Additionally, it will be easier to hold steady. If you get a monocular with more than 10x magnification, it’s best to mount it on a tripod as it will be harder to hold steady.
- Are monocular good for surveillance?
Yes. Monoculars have been used for surveillance for many years. The compact and lightweight design makes perfect for surveillance as they are easy to carry around.
- Can you see the moon with monocular?
The moon is a relatively close celestial object. A monocular with a high magnification can help you see the moon in detail than you would see it with your bare eyes. However, if you want the best moon details, you should use a telescope instead.
Final Thoughts
Knowing what you need in a monocular for surveillance will help make the selection process less daunting. Use our guide to weigh in the different features that each monocular presents, then choose the model that works best for your needs. All the monocular listed above are high-quality products suitable for surveillance and other outdoor fun activities.