Tactical monoculars – Buying guide & Comparison
If you are in the market for the best tactical monocular money can get you but you don’t have the time to read a lot of specialized tactical monocular reviews, this introductory paragraph should help you out. After doing the research on your behalf, we have concluded that the Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical is the model you should have your eyes on. This unit comes supplied with a roof prism and has a magnification ratio of 8x. What is more, the model features a Vortex R/T Ranging Reticle that also has reticle focus so that you can correctly estimate the distance between you and the object that you are observing. If the Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical is out of stock, we suggest that you give the Wingspan Optics Titan 12X50 High Powered a good look as it is a reliable alternative.
Comparison table
Our Top Choice
A tactical monocular that packs superior performance in a compact housing that is easy to carry around, this model from Vortex Optics will prove useful in a wide range of situations. Its 8x magnification provides you with the ability to bring targets closer to your eye without being affected by the natural shake of your hand. A utility clip makes it easy to attach to your belt so that you won’t have to worry that you might lose it.
Using the distance reticle can prove distracting and annoying, some buyers say.
An excellent compact tactical monocular that offers above average performance.
2nd Best
For those who need more magnification power, this 12x model will surely satisfy their requirements. At the same time, the large lens diameter, which is 50mm, will capture enough light to ensure that even in dim light conditions, you will be able to see your target clearly. The single hand focus is another great plus for this model that allows you to adjust the image without any glitches. Waterproof and resistant to other extreme conditions, it is a must-have.
The field of view is narrow, according to some reviewers who are dissatisfied with its performance.
A unit capable of facing the most adverse weather conditions.
Also To Consider
If you want the image you see through your monocular to be bright and clear, this model should be on your list. The overall optics quality justifies the expense, and you can rest assured that you’re making a sound investment since the rugged housing will protect the monocular against most damage. The model is designed with ergonomics in mind, and you will be able to adjust the focus using one hand. It is both waterproof and fog proof.
The rubber eyepiece can be uncomfortable and adjusting it is no picnic, either, according to some.
A monocular with excellent behavior in the field, due to its tough construction.
Finding the best outdoor monocular is no easy task, especially if you are new to this field of products. Moreover, currently, the market seems to be flooded with similar models that make the decision even more difficult. To give you a hand, we have put together a list of features that you might like to consider before selecting a unit.
Magnification
As you probably already know, when it comes to choosing a quality optical device, its ability to magnify the image is one of the most important qualities that it can have. Usually, when touching upon this subject, specialists advise that one settles for a product that has a magnification ratio between 6 and 8 and a relatively wide objective lens.
The reason for this has to do with the fact that, units that have these characteristics can produce a clear, undistorted image. Also, these models are quite affordable. However, if you find yourself in the need of more powerful device, it is crucial that you know that these latter models are a bit more costly.
Additionally, it is not recommendable that one settles for a product that comes equipped with a high magnification ratio and a small lens diameter as these instruments might prove ill fit for tactical purposes. Their main disadvantage is the fact that they do not offer its users a wide enough field of view, and this might interfere with what you might require.
Coatings and glass quality
Another key feature that a best hunting monocular should come provided with is coatings. When applied to the unit’s glass surfaces, a coating can actually improve the quality of the image produced by the device. What is more, coatings make the models more durable and overall reliable.
However, there are some aspects that you should know about coatings. For instance, there are different layers of coating that an instrument can have. Thus, there are coated devices, multi-coated ones, fully coated optics and fully multi-coated instruments. The best products are those that are fully multi-coated, as they have all their glass surfaces covered in protective substances. Yet, fully multi-coated items are the most expensive
Nonetheless, the discussion about coatings is incomplete if we don’t bring up another aspect, and that is glass quality. According to the experts, a reliable model has to be constructed from valuable materials that have previously been extensively tested to prove their worth.
In order to settle this issue, we suggest that you go online and check what previous buyers of the products that you like had to say about those particular items.
Tips and tricks
Before going online and ordering the first monocular that you find up for sale, it might be wise that you pay attention to a few additional aspects.
First things first, always make sure that the product that you want to order fits your needs. For example, because you are searching for a tactical unit, it is advisable that you select a product that is portable. Hence, be sure to check the unit’s dimensions and weight.
Besides, the ease of use is another factor you might want to think about. Therefore, if you are a novice, it is recommendable that you purchase a product that does not require a lot of manual settings or other otherwise avoidable procedures.
Last but not least, the design should also be seen as a priority. So, depending on your needs, you should either choose a smaller model that uses a roof prism, or a wider one that was constructed using a Porro, or a Galilean prism.
5 Best Tactical Monoculars (Reviews) in 2024
Because we know how tricky finding a quality model can be, we took it upon ourselves to put together a list of units that are both reliable and cost-efficient. So, give it a read and select the model you consider fit.
Contents
1. Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical Monocular
With a great price to value ratio and overall positive reviews, the Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical is a model that should not go unnoticed. Equipped with a roof prism and a ranging reticle that can help you correctly approximate the distance between you and the target, this product is said to be worth the money.
Among the features that make it stand out is the fact that it was outlined so that it has a roof prism, a reason why the model is quite lightweight and small in size. Moreover, this monocular has fully multi-coated glass surfaces that deliver its users bright, clear images.
As a plus, this model is waterproof fogproof and shockproof, and it can safely be used in the outdoors without fear of it being affected by the changing weather. Additionally, the product contains O-ring seals, nitrogen gas purging, as well as tough rubber armor that makes it even safer.
This model is very sturdy, coming with waterproof and fog proof abilities and being very resistant to shock.
You can use it safely outdoors without running the risk of being unprepared in the face of the changing weather.
The very tough rubber coating acts as an armor and the ring seals do a great job too.
The Vortex Optics Solo R/T Tactical is lightweight and quite small due to the roof prism that it incorporates. This feature and the fact that the glass surfaces are multi-coated make this model highly performant in terms of image clarity and brightness.
When discussing the negatives, most people would say that this model’s main focus ring is a bit too stiff and that will make it very hard for the user to adjust it and focus. At longer distances, this issue is more observable because focusing becomes even more difficult.
2. Wingspan Optics Titan 12X50 High Powered Monocular
Another model that you might want to take a good look at is the Wingspan Optics Titan 12X50 High Powered. This device has an extraordinary magnification ratio of on less than 12x as well as a sizeable lens diameter of 50 mm. Consequently, those buying it will be offered quality and precise images.
This model can be focused using just one hand and it comes shipped with a tripod made out of stainless steel. Thus, you can secure the device on the tripod and avoid holding it in your hand over a long period of time.
Additionally, this monocular is said to be waterproof, fogproof, climate-proof as well as drop proof. Furthermore, the model has a durable body armour that guarantees that this device is safe from being damages while used. As its current users point out, this model is built to last for decades of heavy use. Moreover, the device has practical features like the ability to mounted on a tripod.
Getting an object in focus should be easy with this monocular. You can do that with just one hand.
For more stability, the model comes with a tripod made of stainless steel. That is very useful when you intend on using it for long periods of time and you don’t want your hand to get tired.
Precise images are offered by the large lens diameter of 50mm, or 2 inches, helped by the impressive magnification ratio of 12x. That is why the manufacturers state it’s one of the most powerful monoculars in its category on the market.
Although this is a very good product, its biggest flaw is that the field of view is not wide at all. And if you’re trying to look at objects in the distance, at 1000 yards you get a field of view of about 250 feet, which is quite low for some users.
3. Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 Monocular
Made by the same manufacturer like the previous product that we have discussed, the Wingspan Optics Explorer High Powered 12X50 is also worthy of your attention. In fact, this unit shares a few similar features with the before mentioned alternative. Namely, it has a 12x magnification and a 50mm lens.
Even more so, this device features a durable external armor that can protect the unit in case of unforeseen accidents. Also, this product comes shipped with an additional tripod that provides a hands-free steady viewing many might find appealing
Furthermore, the model is suitable for outdoor use, as it is waterproof and fogproof. In fact, the device is said to prevent moisture, dust, and/or debris from getting inside the monocular and cause unclear viewings. Ergo, you can use it in basically any environment without fearing that it will underperform.
Highly resistant to adverse weather, you can use this model in any environment and you will still get quality images with it.
It is waterproof and fog proof, thus preventing moisture from setting in and it also does well against dust or debris.
It comes with an external rubber casing that will protect it from falls or bumps.
The weight and size are also quite good, allowing you to carry it around with ease and use it without your hand or arms getting sore.
The monocular provides good quality when trying to view objects even further away and that is due to its 12x magnifying ratio.
Although it’s capable of letting you see distant objects pretty clear, you can find it quite hard to make it focus. There is always an element of blurriness in the image, as some buyers have said.
4. Vortex Optics Solo 10×25 Waterproof Monocular
If you are looking for a feasible monocular but you don’t want to invest a lot of money in a product of this type, we recommend that you take a good look at the Vortex Optics Solo 10×25 Waterproof.
Apart from having a hard to beat price, this model is feature packed. For example, the device comes outfitted with fully multi-coated glass surfaces that can deliver bright images. Besides, this product is quite compact and lightweight, a reason why many consider it very portable. Also, the unit is said to be easy to handle.
Additionally, this monocular has adjustable twist-up eyecups that you can use to customize the precision and the clarity of the viewing. This feature comes in handy if you are a glasses wearer as it can prove more comfortable than the alternative units that the market has to offer.
It’s very portable and works great as a monocular that you can always carry in your backpack and quickly get it out to look at something.
It has an easy-to-achieve focus, due to the sensible focus ring movement.
Reflected light is not an issue with this monocular because the optics provide a bright image. They also help with making the whole picture clear.
It also seems rugged enough so you won’t have to worry if you drop it, and that is ensured by the rubber that covers it and that makes it non-slippery.
The eye relief can be an issue to some because it’s a bit too short. And that is not great, particularly for people that wear glasses. Due to this, focusing is more difficult for them. However, even users that don’t wear glasses have complained that the monocular is not easy to focus.
5. Wingspan Optics Adventure 10X50 Wide View Monocular
Last but not least, we couldn’t have ended this top without mentioning the Wingspan Optics Adventure 10X50 Wide View. This model comes provided with a 10x magnification ratio and a 50mm lens. Therefore, it is safe to say that the unit has a wide enough field of view. Even more to this point, the manufacturer guarantees that when using the device you can see unparalleled detail at 1000 yards.
Furthermore, this product was outfitted with a quick-access strap slot and a one hand focus system. As a plus, this device is waterproof, fogproof, climate-proof as well as drop proof. Therefore, you don’t have to worry about it being usable in changeable meteorological conditions.
Also, thanks to its durable body armour you can know for sure that it is capable to withstand being accidentally dropped or mishandled. Moreover, this model has great ratings from previous buyers and has a neutral green color that doesn’t make it stand out while in the outdoors.
The 10x magnifying power is certainly something that recommends this monocular, and unlike other similar products, this one delivers good images at long ranges
The materials used in making it feel sturdy and it is waterproof and fog proof and it can be used in many harsh environments.
The rubber that covers it gives it a rugged feeling and the protection that it needs against accidental drops.
In terms of images, it provides quite a wide field of view, and it offers enough brightness and clarity.
Another advantage is that all this performance comes packed in a lightweight monocular. It’s compact and easy to handle
If you are unlucky, you might get a model that is not properly made. The build quality is sometimes doubtful and some users complained that their model either fogged up too quickly, or certain parts fell apart without the monocular being mishandled.
