A man watching birds with monoculars.

Best Monoculars For iPhones and Smartphones: Expert Picks

Monoculars have a long history as handy tools for observing distant objects, and they’ve gained even more popularity thanks to smartphone advancements. Now, you can easily attach them to your iPhone or smartphone to capture images and videos of distant subjects.

After researching and testing various monoculars, we have identified the top options for iPhone and smartphone users. These monoculars offer a range of magnification and image quality, and they are all easy to attach to your device.

Whether you’re a birdwatcher, stargazer, or simply looking to capture better pictures of distant objects, there’s a monocular on our list that will suit your needs.

Best Monoculars for iPhones and Smartphones

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, a bird watcher, or just someone who likes to capture stunning images and videos, then you need to invest in a good monocular for your smartphone. With the advancement in technology, monoculars have become more compact, lightweight, and affordable.

In this article, I have rounded up the best monoculars for iPhones and smartphones that you can buy today. These monoculars are easy to use, offer excellent image quality, and are compatible with most smartphones.

So, whether you are looking for a monocular for bird watching, hunting, or just for capturing stunning images, you will find something that suits your needs and budget in this list.

Pocooe Monocular Telescope

Pocooe Monocular Telescope

I highly recommend the Pocooe Monocular Telescope for anyone looking for a powerful and compact monocular for their smartphone. This product is perfect for outdoor activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and hunting.

Pros

  • The ultra-clear HD image provides extraordinary high-definition image experience, capturing sharp images of the world in the distance.
  • The high power monocular provides a magnification of 12 times, which can be increased up to 80 times when connected to a mobile phone with the adapter.
  • The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry around and is perfect for outdoor activities.

Cons

  • The zoom is not as good as some other monoculars on the market.
  • The cell phone attachment does not line up with every phone, making it difficult to take photos and videos without a tripod.
  • The tripod is not as sturdy as some other tripods on the market.

I was impressed with the Pocooe Monocular Telescope’s advanced German optics, FMC lenses, and BAK4 prisms, which provide a transmittance close to 100%. The monocular’s 23mm eyepiece provides greater vision and clearer imaging compared to the 16/18/20mm small diameter eyepieces on the market.

The compact and lightweight design of the Pocooe Monocular Telescope makes it easy to carry around and is half the weight of a binocular. It is definitely the best choice for outdoor activities such as walking, hiking, and climbing, as it is portable to put in pockets and small bags without extra bulk.

The Pocooe Monocular Telescope is compatible with all iPhones and most other phones, and includes a monocular, phone adapter, and extendable tripod. The 30-day risk-free return and 1-year warranty for replacement without charge provides worry-free support.

Overall, the Pocooe Monocular Telescope is a great choice for anyone looking for a powerful and compact monocular for their smartphone.

PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular Telescope

PhysioPhyx 80x100 Monocular Telescope

I highly recommend the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular Telescope for anyone who enjoys outdoor activities and wants to capture stunning images with their smartphone.

Pros

  • The 80 times magnification and 100 mm object diameter monocular provides a bright and clear image, making it perfect for observing wildlife or landscapes.
  • The compact and lightweight design makes it easy to carry and use with one hand, allowing you to focus on your subject without any distractions.
  • The monocular comes with a smartphone adapter and tripod, making it compatible with any smartphone and easy to remotely control and share images with friends.

Cons

  • The manual focus may take some practice to get used to, but once mastered, it provides precise and accurate focusing.
  • The tripod could be sturdier, but it still does a decent job of keeping the monocular steady.
  • The smartphone adapter could be more secure, but it still holds the phone in place well enough.

I recently took the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular Telescope on a hiking trip and was blown away by the image quality and ease of use. The fully coated lens provided a bright and clear image, even in low light conditions, and the compact design made it easy to carry in my backpack. The smartphone adapter was easy to install and allowed me to capture stunning images and share them with my friends. The only downside was the manual focus, which took some practice to get used to, but once mastered, it provided precise and accurate focusing. Overall, I highly recommend the PhysioPhyx 80×100 Monocular Telescope for anyone who wants to capture stunning images of wildlife or landscapes with their smartphone.

Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope

Adasion 12x56 HD Monocular Telescope

If you’re looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that’s compatible with your smartphone, then the Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The large 18mm BAK4 prism lens provides HD vision, a brighter view, and clear low light vision.
  • The 21mm large eyepiece provides a more comfortable and larger view, and the 12x magnification with 56mm objective diameter wide lens delivers the best view in bird watching and star watching.
  • The upgraded sturdy tripod and phone adapter ensure clearer, brighter, and shakeless images, and the newly universal smartphone adapter is easy to use and fits all kinds of smartphones.

Cons

  • The monocular scope is a bit heavy, weighing in at 15.8 ounces.
  • The smartphone adapter may not fit all types of phone cases.
  • The monocular scope may not be as durable as some other models.

I recently had the chance to try out the Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope, and I have to say that I was really impressed with its performance. The monocular telescope is very easy to use, and the large 18mm BAK4 prism lens provides a very clear and bright image. I was particularly impressed with the low light vision, which allowed me to see things that I wouldn’t have been able to see with other monoculars.

The 21mm large eyepiece is also a great feature, as it provides a more comfortable and larger view. The 12x magnification with 56mm objective diameter wide lens delivers the best view in bird watching and star watching. The upgraded sturdy tripod and phone adapter ensure clearer, brighter, and shakeless images, and the newly universal smartphone adapter is easy to use and fits all kinds of smartphones.

One thing to keep in mind is that the monocular scope is a bit heavy, weighing in at 15.8 ounces. However, the comfortable and portable hand strap makes it easy to carry around. The smartphone adapter may not fit all types of phone cases, so you may need to remove your phone case before using it. Additionally, the monocular scope may not be as durable as some other models, so you’ll need to be careful when handling it.

Overall, I would definitely recommend the Adasion 12×56 HD Monocular Telescope to anyone who’s looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that’s compatible with their smartphone. It’s a great choice for bird watching, wildlife, hiking, camping, concerts, and sports.

Apexel 6×20 HD Mini Monocular Telescope

Apexel 6x20 HD Mini Monocular Telescope

If you’re looking for a portable monocular telescope that can be used with your smartphone, the Apexel 6×20 HD Mini Monocular Telescope is a great choice.

Pros

  • The premium optical glass lenses and BaK4 roof prism with FMC Broadband coating ensure high imaging quality.
  • The mini telescope is easy to carry due to its small size and solid metal alloy body.
  • The monocular’s closet focus distance is as short as 1ft/0.3m, and the optimum working distance is 1.6ft-5ft, making it perfect for a variety of activities.

Cons

  • The monocular may not work with newer iPhones with three camera lenses.
  • The magnification is not as high as some other monoculars on the market.
  • The pictures taken with the monocular may not be as clear as those taken with a professional camera.

I recently used the Apexel 6×20 HD Mini Monocular Telescope while hiking and bird watching, and I was impressed with its imaging quality. The premium optical glass lenses and BaK4 roof prism with FMC Broadband coating ensured that the images were clear and sharp. The mini telescope is easy to carry due to its small size and solid metal alloy body, which is a big plus. The monocular’s closet focus distance is as short as 1ft/0.3m, and the optimum working distance is 1.6ft-5ft, making it perfect for a variety of activities.

However, the monocular may not work with newer iPhones with three camera lenses, so keep that in mind if you have one of those phones. Additionally, the magnification is not as high as some other monoculars on the market, so if you’re looking for something with a higher magnification, this may not be the right choice for you. Finally, the pictures taken with the monocular may not be as clear as those taken with a professional camera, but they are still high quality and great for sharing on social media.

Overall, I would recommend the Apexel 6×20 HD Mini Monocular Telescope to anyone looking for a portable and easy-to-use monocular that can be used with their smartphone.

YaNovate 12X50 Monocular Telescope

YaNovate 12X50 Monocular Telescope

If you’re looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that works well with your smartphone, the YaNovate 12X50 Monocular Telescope is a great option. With its fully FMC multi-coated green lenses, you’ll enjoy clear and sharp images with excellent contrast and clarity. Plus, it comes with a smartphone holder, so you can easily capture and share images with your friends.

Pros

  • The 12x magnification and 50mm object lens diameter provide a super-clear and bright image, making it perfect for outdoor adventures, bird watching, hunting, hiking, camping, travelling, wildlife scenery, concerts, sports, and more.
  • Thanks to the latest optics technology, the night vision zoom monocular equipped with BAK-4 prism and FMC lens that guarantee superior light transmission and brightness.
  • The ergonomic and mini design (5.9″ x 2.1″ x1.7″) allows you to focus on your target quickly and accurately with a single hand, and it’s easy to pop into any pocket. The durable rubber armor with stripes makes it comfortable to use with a non-slip grip, and it’s completely sealed and 100% nitrogen-filled, making it waterproof, fog-proof, dust-proof, and shockproof.

Cons

  • Some users may find the tripod to be a bit flimsy.
  • The monocular may be a bit heavy for some users to hold for extended periods of time.
  • The smartphone holder may not fit all smartphones, so you may need to adjust it to get the best fit.

Overall, I highly recommend the YaNovate 12X50 Monocular Telescope for anyone who wants a high-quality monocular telescope that works well with their smartphone. It’s durable, easy to use, and provides excellent image quality, making it a great choice for outdoor enthusiasts, bird watchers, and more.

Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision

Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision

If you’re looking for a versatile monocular telescope that is compatible with your smartphone, the Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision is a great option.

Pros

  • Provides a full 12x magnification and 50mm object lens diameter for a brighter and clearer image
  • Equipped with BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens, guaranteeing superior light transmission and brightness
  • Comes with a sturdy extendable tripod and a phone holder, freeing your hands while taking an HD picture or video in the distant world

Cons

  • Some users reported difficulty assembling the phone holder in the correct position
  • The wrist strap can only be used with the tripod, not the monocular itself
  • The night vision capability is not as strong as advertised

I recently tested out the Evershop Monocular Telescope and was impressed with its performance. The 12x magnification and 50mm object lens diameter provided a clear and bright image, making it great for bird watching, hiking, and outdoor adventures. The BAK-4 prism and fully multi-coated lens also ensured superior light transmission and brightness, even in low-light conditions.

The included tripod and phone holder were also a nice touch, allowing me to take steady pictures and videos with my smartphone. However, I did have some difficulty assembling the phone holder in the correct position.

While the night vision capability is advertised as low-light, it is not as strong as I had hoped. Overall, the Evershop Monocular Telescope is a great option for those looking for a versatile and high-performing monocular telescope that is compatible with their smartphone.

Oxxyt Monocular Telescope 12X50 with EVA Case Phone Holder, Tripod

Oxxyt Monocular Telescope 12X50

If you are looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that can be attached to your smartphone, the Oxxyt Monocular Telescope 12X50 is an excellent choice. With its impressive lens technology, long eye relief, and single hand focus, this monocular telescope is perfect for bird watching, hiking, hunting, and other outdoor activities.

Pros

  • The 12X magnification allows you to view great distances, making it perfect for outdoor adventures.
  • The latest optics technology, BAK-4 prism, and fully multi-coated lens provide a truer round and better light transmission, even in long distances and low-light-level night vision.
  • The smartphone holder with a tripod lets you attach the small telescope onto your phone camera, making it compatible with iPhones, Samsung, and most other phone models.

Cons

  • The rubber armor body makes it comfortable for use, but it may not be as durable as some other models.
  • The fixed focus on 20mm may not be ideal for all users.
  • The knob/dial/gear is not the greatest.

I recently used the Oxxyt Monocular Telescope 12X50 on a hiking trip and was impressed by its performance. The long eye relief and single hand focus made it easy to quickly and accurately focus on my target, while the smartphone holder allowed me to capture stunning photos and videos.

One thing to keep in mind is that the rubber armor body, while comfortable to use, may not be as durable as some other models. Additionally, the fixed focus on 20mm may not be ideal for all users. However, overall, I would highly recommend the Oxxyt Monocular Telescope 12X50 for anyone looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that can be attached to their smartphone.

Owló Monocular Smartphone Adapter Kit

Owló Monocular Smartphone Adapter Kit

I highly recommend the Owló Monocular Smartphone Adapter Kit for anyone who loves nature, hiking, sports, camping, or travel. With its premium optics, powerful monocular, and smartphone adapter, this kit is perfect for capturing stunning photos and videos of far-off objects and landscapes.

Pros

  • The wide 42mm lens eliminates reflection, glare, and fog, resulting in improved light transmission and sharp, edge-to-edge HD clarity.
  • The universal adapter works with any phone model and securely bolts onto the eyepiece, allowing for long-distance pics to be taken and shared with friends and family with a single click.
  • The upgraded, light aluminum alloy tripod ensures flexibility and image stability, giving you the support you need for the perfect shot.

Cons

  • The assembly instructions can be a bit confusing, but the video tutorial is helpful.
  • The phone holder may not fit some phone models without removing the phone case.
  • The picture quality may not be as good as a professional camera, but it’s still impressive for a smartphone accessory.

The Owló Monocular Smartphone Adapter Kit is the perfect tool for capturing stunning photos and videos of far-off objects and landscapes. With its advanced optics and smartphone adapter, it’s easy to use and produces impressive results. The wide 42mm lens, dielectric and phase-coated BAK4 prism, and 10x magnification make it perfect for birding, stargazing, and other outdoor activities.

The universal adapter works with any phone model, and the tripod ensures flexibility and image stability. The kit comes with a waterproof, shockproof, and floating protective case, making it easy to take with you on the go. Plus, a portion of every order goes towards supporting wildlife and habitat conservation.

Overall, the Owló Monocular Smartphone Adapter Kit is a great investment for anyone who loves outdoor activities and wants to capture stunning photos and videos with their smartphone.

ROXANT Falcon Monocular Telescope

ROXANT Falcon Monocular Telescope

If you’re looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that is compatible with your smartphone, then the ROXANT Falcon Monocular Telescope is definitely worth considering.

Pros

  • The one-finger focusing system makes it easy to use with one hand, allowing for less shake and more stability.
  • The fully multi-coated optics provide excellent image quality and clarity, making it ideal for a variety of outdoor activities, including birdwatching, hiking, and camping.
  • The included smartphone clamp and portable tripod make it easy to take photos and videos with your phone, while the retractable eyecup ensures comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.

Cons

  • The monocular is a bit heavy, which may make it uncomfortable for extended use.
  • Some users have reported that the included tripod is not very stable and may require additional support.
  • The monocular is not waterproof, so it may not be suitable for use in wet or rainy conditions.

In my experience, the ROXANT Falcon Monocular Telescope is a solidly built, yet lightweight monocular that is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The one-finger focusing system is incredibly easy to use, and the fully multi-coated optics provide excellent image quality and clarity.

The included smartphone clamp and portable tripod are also great features, allowing you to easily capture photos and videos with your phone. However, the monocular is a bit heavy, which may make it uncomfortable for extended use, and the included tripod may require additional support to be fully stable.

Overall, if you’re looking for a high-quality monocular telescope that is compatible with your smartphone, then the ROXANT Falcon Monocular Telescope is definitely worth considering. Just be aware that it’s not waterproof and may require additional support for extended use.

PhysioPhyx Monocular

PhysioPhyx Monocular

If you’re looking for a compact and versatile monocular that can be used with your smartphone, then the PhysioPhyx Monocular might be a great option for you.

Pros

  • 80 times magnification and 100 mm object diameter for clear and sharp images
  • Compact and easy to carry with one hand
  • Comes with a smartphone bracket and tripod for easy remote control and sharing of high-definition images

Cons

  • The tripod might not be very sturdy and might need to be braced against a wall or tree for steadiness
  • The smartphone attachment might not work very well with some phone models
  • The monocular might not be very suitable for use in low-light conditions

I recently had the chance to test out the PhysioPhyx Monocular during a hiking trip, and I was impressed by how easy it was to use and how clear and sharp the images were. The 80 times magnification and 100 mm object diameter allowed me to see distant scenery and wildlife with great detail, and the fully coated lens ensured excellent light transmittance and image brightness.

The monocular is also very compact and lightweight, which makes it easy to carry with one hand and use on the go. Additionally, it comes with a smartphone bracket and tripod that allow you to remotely control the monocular and share high-definition images with your friends and family.

However, there are some downsides to the PhysioPhyx Monocular that you should be aware of. The tripod might not be very sturdy and might need to be braced against a wall or tree for steadiness, especially in windy conditions. Additionally, the smartphone attachment might not work very well with some phone models, and the monocular might not be very suitable for use in low-light conditions.

Overall, I would recommend the PhysioPhyx Monocular to anyone who is looking for a versatile and easy-to-use monocular that can be used with their smartphone. It’s a great option for outdoor enthusiasts who want to observe wildlife, go hiking, camping, or travel, and it provides clear and bright images that can be shared with others.

Buying Guide

When looking for the best monocular for your iPhone or smartphone, there are a few things to consider. Here are some features to keep in mind:

Magnification and Lens Size

The magnification and lens size are important factors to consider when choosing a monocular. A higher magnification will allow you to see objects from a farther distance, but it may also make the image shakier and harder to focus. A larger lens size will allow more light to enter the monocular, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, a larger lens may also make the monocular heavier and harder to carry around.

Compatibility with Your Phone

Make sure the monocular you choose is compatible with your phone. Some monoculars may only work with specific phone models or require additional adapters to fit your phone. Check the product specifications to ensure the monocular will work with your phone.

Durability and Waterproofing

Consider the durability and waterproofing of the monocular if you plan on using it in outdoor environments. A monocular with a durable and waterproof design will be able to withstand harsh weather conditions and accidental drops.

Additional Features

Some monoculars may come with additional features such as image stabilization, night vision, or a built-in compass. Consider which features are important to you and choose a monocular that meets your needs.

In summary, when choosing a monocular for your iPhone or smartphone, consider the magnification and lens size, compatibility with your phone, durability and waterproofing, and any additional features that may be important to you.

Author

  • Vince S

    Meet Vince, the passionate founder and author of Learn Bird Watching, boasting 30 years of birding experience. With an unwavering mission to empower fellow bird enthusiasts, Vince shares invaluable wisdom and guidance. As a dedicated moderator and contributor to Quora's Bird Watchers' Club, he actively engages with the birding community, where his insightful answers have garnered over 440,000 views and over 2,670 upvotes. Whether you're a budding birder or a seasoned avian aficionado, his wealth of knowledge is at your service.