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Helping a Reader find their Ideal Monocular for Travel and Hiking

Calendar March 11, 2025 | Posted by Best Binocular Reviews
Selection of Monoculars and compact Binoculars

When it comes to selecting a pair of binoculars, spotting scope, or in this case a monocular for your particular needs, the sheer number of choices can be overwhelming – especially if you’re new to optics.

Recently, a reader reached out to me for advice on purchasing their first monocular: They were looking for a high-quality yet compact option within a $200 budget for travel and hiking.

The conversation we had went back and forth until we arrived at an option that would work for them. So below I have highlighted several key considerations that I feel would also be useful for anyone else in a similar situation:

Why Choose a Monocular Over Binoculars?

One of the first things to determine is why a monocular is the right choice. In this case, portability and weight were the main concerns. Monoculars are generally lighter and take up less space than binoculars, making them ideal for hikers who want to keep their pack as light as possible.

Monocular vs Binoculars - an in depth guide
Monocular vs Binoculars – an in-depth guide

However, monoculars also have a number of drawbacks to them and there are many other factors to take into account when deciding between these two similar, but at the same time very different instruments.

So before completely deciding between the two, I encouraged them to take a look at my in-depth guide and video on Monocular vs Binoculars and then get back to me, which they did and were happy with the option of a monocular over a binocular.

Key Factors to Consider

From there it was all about deciding which s+monocular would be right for their needs and below are some of the main aspects that you should consider. This is actually very similar to choosing a binocular and thus if you need more information, be sure to also check out the Binocular Buyer and User Guides section on BBR for more.

Magnification and Objective Lens Size

Monoculars are often listed with specifications such as 8x25 or 10x42. These numbers represent:

  • Magnification (the first number): How many times closer an object appears compared to the naked eye.
  • Objective lens diameter (the second number): The size of the front lens in millimeters, which affects light-gathering ability and image brightness.

For general hiking and travel use, an 8x or 10x magnification is ideal. Higher magnifications may seem appealing, but they also make the image shakier and reduce the field of view.

More Info:
The main aspects of a monocular are very similar to that of a binocular, so for more information, be sure to check out the following links:

Eye Relief (for Glasses Wearers)

Since the user wears prescription glasses, eye relief is crucial. Eye relief is the distance at which you can hold the monocular from your eye while still seeing the full image. Ideally, you want at least 15mm of eye relief to comfortably use the monocular with glasses.

More Info:

Size and Weight

For outdoor activities, weight and compactness are essential. A balance between optical performance and portability is key—too small, and you sacrifice image quality; too large, and it defeats the purpose of choosing a monocular over binoculars.

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Durability and Waterproofing

Since the monocular will be used on hikes, it should be waterproof and fog-proof to handle different weather conditions. Rubber armor and a sturdy build will also improve durability.

More Info:

Comparing the Options

The reader was considering the following monoculars:

Vortex Solo Monocular
Vortex Solo 8x36 Monocular

Vortex Solo Series

    • 8x25 & 10x25: Very compact and lightweight (approx. 5.6 oz / 158g), good for casual use but smaller objective lenses mean less light transmission.
    • 8x36 & 10x36: Slightly larger but with improved image brightness, good eye relief (~18mm on the 8x36).
    • 8x36 R/T: Includes a reticle for ranging, useful for navigation but unnecessary for general hiking.
    • Pros: Lightweight, durable, waterproof, fog-proof, good eye relief.
    • Cons: Smaller models (8x25, 10x25) may struggle in low light.

    Opticron WP Mono 8x30 Monocular

    Made in Japan, the Opticron WP Mono 8x30 offers impressive optics in a compact, budget-friendly design. It delivers performance beyond expectations for its price.

    Key Features

    • 8x30mm configuration
    • Fully multi-coated optics & BaK-4 roof prism
    • Waterproof & nitrogen-filled for fog-proofing
    • Twist-up eyecup & eyepiece focus
    • 383ft @ 1000 yds FOV, 16.4ft close focus
    • 11mm eye relief
    • Made in Japan – Lifetime Warranty

    I’ve used this monocular on hikes and a recent kayaking trip—it’s tough, lightweight, and easy to carry anywhere without worry. While it doesn’t feature top-tier optics, Opticron has struck a smart balance between price and performance.

    Price: At under $140 / £110, the WP Mono 8x30 is excellent value for those needing a small, high-performing monocular without overspending. Highly recommended!

    Bushnell Legend 10x42 Ultra HD

      • Magnification & Lens: 10x42 for bright, clear images.
      • Eye Relief: ~18mm, good for glasses wearers.
      • Weight: Heavier (12.4 oz / 352g) than the Vortex Solo but still manageable.
      • Durability: Waterproof, fog-proof, with a rugged design.
      • Pros: Excellent clarity and brightness, phase-coated optics for sharp images.
      • Cons: Larger and heavier than the Vortex Solo models.

      Monocular Recommendation for This Use Case

      For a balance of portability, quality, and price, the Vortex Solo 8x36 monocular seemed to me to be the best choice. It offers a good field of view, solid low-light performance for its size, and has 18mm of eye relief, making it comfortable for glasses wearers. It’s also fully waterproof and rugged enough for outdoor use.

      If size and weight are less of a concern, the Bushnell Legend 10x42 Ultra HD would be a good option for image brightness (especially in low light), but at the cost of added bulk.

      Final Thoughts

      When choosing a monocular, it’s crucial to consider where and how you’ll be using it. For hikers and travelers who prioritize compactness, the Vortex Solo 8x36 is a fantastic option, however, you could go even smaller with an option like the 25mm Vortex Solo, but just be aware you will see a drop in optical performance (especially image brightness in low light).

      Those wanting superior optical performance at the expense of extra weight may prefer a larger, full-sized (around 42mm lens) monocular like the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD for example.

      I hope this guide helps simplify the selection process. If you have any questions or need further recommendations, feel free to reach out!

      Further Reading:

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