Article By: Christina Harris
Published On: May 30, 2022 , Last updated on : February 6, 2023
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Monoculars are compact telescopes designed to magnify the view in one eye. That’s essentially the difference between them and binoculars, which are focused on both eyes. Monocular telescopes offer a similarly long-range vision and are equally great for watching birds, the night sky, etc. And when paired with your iPhone, the possibilities are endless because of the amazing cameras. Today, we’ll help you pick out the best monocular telescope for iPhone among a good range of options.
Using a telescope lens for iPhone is not the most common, especially because the products are not widely recognized for their application. Which is why we took out the best and most popular telescopes for iPhone and listed them chronologically. We will provide these smartphone monocular telescope reviews and explain their utilization when it comes to iPhone. Let’s get down to it.
Gosky Monocular Telescope
Overall the best monocular telescope for iPhone. Highly durable, powerful lens, waterproof, and able to withstand any weather condition. Can easily be paired with iPhone or any smartphone.
10x zoom with high contrast images and field of view. It’s also lightweight and durable as well. While the accessories don’t always promise the advertised quality, it’s an ideal package with every other positive feature.
The lightest and most compact monocular telescope if you’re looking for a basic solution. Coupled with a 16x zoom lens, it’s still easy to use with one hand on the go.
Dual focus with a larger field of view, ensuring clear and brighter images at the same time. Its 12x zoom is not always up to the mark, but the durability and convenience make up for most necessities.
Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision
It boasts of being a capable solution to low night vision, offering better low-light images. However, the quality is not always consistent. But it’s compact, lightweight, and a go-to choice for monoculars in general.
Wider diameter and a large prism lens allow more light to provide clear images from afar. Aside from being an expensive monocular in its category, a good choice overall.
Similar to the monocular telescopes in the market, it comes with a BAK-4 lens, a large diameter, and bright images straight out of your iPhone when combined.
The only telescope lens for iPhone in this list, offering two separate eyepieces for better focus. The refractor-type lens is perfect for stargazing, bird watching, taking night sky images, and so on.
There are several reasons you need a monocular telescope on your iPhone. The monocular telescope can be used as an external lens that allows you to do many exciting things.
A monocular telescope can be attached to an iPhone for magnification and closer observation of distant objects or landscapes. This can be useful for outdoor photography, such as bird photography or photography that requires closer inspection. If you want to take a picture of a bird sitting on a tree at a long distance, you have to attach a monocular telescope to your iPhone and capture the photo. Moreover, the monocular telescope is useful for astronomic photography on iPhone.
Apart from that, you can also use the monocular telescope for bird watching, stargazing or observing an object.
Best monocular telescope lens for iPhone | Top 13 picks
In this search for the best monocular telescope for iPhone, we’ve considered both features, flexibility, and compatibility while choosing them. In addition, these are the most used iPhone telescope lenses by users that stood the test of durability. You can use these mini telescopes for stargazing or bird watching and take photos when attached to iPhone.
List of the best monocular telescopes for iPhone
Gosky Monocular Telescope
Pankoo High Power Monocular
Gosky Titan High Power Prism Monocular
Pankoo Prism Compact Monoculars
Viajero Monocular Telescope
Pankoo Monocular Telescope with Smartphone Holder
Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision
Adasion HD Monocular Telescope
Viajero Waterproof Monocular Telescope
VIVREAL Monocular Telescope
DIFOO Monocular Telescope for Smartphone
IBanana Bifocal Scope Monocular
Zhumell Portable Refractor Telescope
Best monocular telescope lens for iPhone based on different traits
Overall Best monocular telescope lens: Gosky Monocular Telescope
Best monocular lens for bird watching: Pankoo High Power Monocular
Best monocular lens for stargazing: Gosky Titan High Power Prism Monocular
Best monocular night vision lens: Viajero Waterproof Monocular Telescope
Best monocular lens for surveillance: VIVREAL Monocular Telescope
Now let’s see the details of 13 individual monocular lenses. In individual monocular lens reviews, we show the product features, pros and cons, and the necessary points to make a purchase decision.
Gosky Monocular Telescope
Product Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Millimeters
Magnification: 12×55
Weight: 15.85 ounces
Dimensions: 3.25 x 2.12 x 6.95 inches
If you are in the market for the best monocular telescope for iPhone, look no further than this amazing product from Gosky. This cell phone adapter mount is one-size-fits-all. It means you can use this with almost all smartphones to enhance the visual, including any iPhone model.
According to our research, the Gosky Monocular Telescope is the overall best monocular telescope lens for your iPhone. Compared to other monocular telescope lenses in the market, this lens is better in terms of durability, feature, quality of visibility, accuracy, material, and price.
12x high power magnification
Waterproof and ideal for all weather conditions
Perfect for bird watching, hiking, hunting, etc.
Highly durable
Compatible with all iPhone models, as well as most smartphones
Cons :
A bit pricey
This Gosky zoom monocular telescope features BAK-4 Prism, one of the best optical solutions to produce the clearest images. So you won’t go wrong if you’re looking for the best zoom monocular with uncompromised viewing quality.
On top of everything, it’s perfect for any weather in any condition, whether it’s hiking, mountaineering, or just bird watching for you. It’s fully waterproof, fog-proof, and prevents dust and debris, thanks to the rubber armor. Overall, this particular product precedes Gosky’s reputation as the best telescope attachment for iPhone.
Next in this list of the best monocular telescope reviews is Pankoo, an all-around solution for stargazing, sightseeing, traveling, etc. Its high-power zoom telescope brings distant objects in HD right on your iPhone screen. Coupling with the phone is also easy using the included adapter in the box.
The Pankoo High Power Monocular lens is best for watching birds. Using this lens, you can see and capture the finest details of every bird. So, you can see birds sitting on trees at a long distance.
Pros:
10x high power zoom
Ensures high resolution and contrast image with iPhone
Ideal for sports, hiking, traveling, etc.
Waterproof and fog-proof
Lightweight
Cons:
Eyecup and tripod material are average
Pankoo monocular telescopes specialize in being versatile, lightweight, and excellent viewing range. You can catch more details than ever using monoculars compared to iPhone binoculars because they can be paired with any smartphone. Pankoo gives you added flexibility, alongside tons of valuable features like waterproof, fog-proof, tripod in the box, etc.
The BAK-4 Prism ensures that you receive high-definition images through your iPhone no matter the distance. So if you want to enjoy sports from the galley, explore wildlife from afar, and record everything on the go, try this adjustable monocular telescope with ease.
Another contestant is the best monocular telescope for iPhone from Gosky; this particular product is similar to its predecessor. The only difference is that it’s smaller, lighter, has 12×50 zoom, and costs a bit less. But the quality here is unquestionable, as it brings everything a monocular telescope should offer.
The Gosky Titan High Power Prism Monocular lens is best for stargazing and watching stars. Apart from that, you can also use it for astrographic photo capture using your iPhone.
12x zooming power
Solid build with shock-absorbent design
Waterproof and dustproof
Adjustable eye-cups
Cons:
Optics and accessories fall short when it comes to competitors
Gosky Titan monocular comes with 50 millimeters lens diameter that opens up to light as much as possible. In other words, you won’t have any issues catching objects at great distances with clear images. It’s also compatible with all iPhone models and can be coupled with any other smartphone as well.
The included tripod in the box makes a perfect combination with the Gosky Titan. Therefore, it’s one of the, if not the best monocular telescope for stargazing and bird watching that provides a steady performance throughout the experience.
Another Pankoo monocular telescope with promising quality, offering more of a compact solution this time. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a mini telescope for stargazing to go with your iPhone. This Pankoo monocular is extremely handy, incredibly lightweight, and super easy to use on the go.
Pros:
One of the lightest monocular telescopes
16x magnification
Compact design with one-hand usability
Still waterproof
Cons :
Zooming is not as powerful as advertised
Box comes with no tripod
If you’re wondering how to use monocular telescope with iPhone without being an expert, this is an ideal solution. Pankoo Prism Compact monocular is a one-handed, lightweight, simple telescope attachment for iPhone that’s easy to couple and utilize for any activities. It features a BAK-4 Prism lens that is capable of producing high-quality images while being smaller in size.
When it comes to the best telescope for iPhone astrophotography, bird watching, or sports watching, the Viajero HD monocular is a sure contender. Along with top-of-the-line BAK-4 Prism and FMC lens coating, it’s small in size and fits perfectly in one hand. What’s more, you can pair it with any smartphone, not just iPhone and its relatives.
Pros:
12x zoom ability
Large field of view with a dual focus
Sharp and clear image through a 50 mm large lens
Durable structure and waterproof
Good night vision ability
Cons:
Loose connection sometimes when coupled with a smartphone
Viajero monocular takes pride in its dual focus type, a separating feature from other items on this list. It’s best for hunting, bird watching, hiking; basically anything you’d explore outdoors and want to keep records of. Besides, Viajero provides almost every essential accessory in the box, including a smartphone holder, tripod, cleaning cloth, hand strap, etc.
This HD dual-focus monocular telescope from Pankoo is a good choice if you’re looking for a suitable partner in hiking, traveling, sightseeing, etc. Similar to other Pankoo starscope monoculars for iPhone, its zooming and imaging capabilities are easily up to the mark.
Pros:
Scope with HD dual focus
Suitable for adults and kids alike
10x zoom
Provides colorful images right through your iPhone
Cons:
Build quality is average
Focusing is hard sometimes
Pankoo specializes in monocular telescopes for smartphones, and they did a great job with this 40×60 variant. Its large 60 mm lens diameter lets more light through and keeps far objects sharp and clear. Therefore, you can easily pair one with your iPhone and take pictures and videos from afar with ease. A clear choice if you’re in search of the best monocular telescope for iPhone.
Evershop Monocular Telescope with Low Night Vision
Product Specifications:
Objective Lens Diameter: 50 Millimeters
Magnification: 12×50
Weight: 19.04 ounces
Dimensions: 2.76 x 1.73 x 6.1 inches
When it comes to the best starscope monoculars for iPhone and their reviews, the Evershop telescope stands out well. Its powerful 12×50 magnification serves as both a telephoto lens and a monocular telescope. That is to say, you can use it separately for stargazing, or you can incorporate it with your iPhone to capture and record.
Pros:
12×50 HD zoom
Low night vision
Compact size for one-hand usability
Phone adapter and tripod in the box
Cons:
Night vision doesn’t work that effectively
This iPhone monocular telescope comes with low night vision. It means you will have the slightest problem with sightseeing, stargazing, astrophotography, and so on. While the night vision is not always up to the mark, the Evershop telescope doesn’t come short with its other features; making it one of the best monoculars for iPhone.
Next in our list of best monocular reviews is the Adasion HD telescope, a perfect combination of versatility and quality. Both bright and low light views are present in this monocular telescope, thanks to the large 12×56 lens. It’s a widely recognized device among users as it offers clearer images no matter the distance or situation, making it a worthy contender as the best monocular telescope for iPhone.
Pros:
18 mm large BAK-4 Prism lens
Wider diameter provides more light and low light support
Lightweight and compact design
Cons:
Expensive
The smartphone mount connection is loose sometimes
However, the price is slightly more than other monoculars in this category. But in terms of features, it doesn’t fall short. The Adasion telescope is waterproof and includes a hand strap, smartphone mount, tripod, and everything out of the box. Overall, an ideal setup for stargazing, locating the moon, watching wildlife, etc.
Viajero monoculars are excellent for your iPhone and other smartphones, and this one is no different. Its 12×50 zoom telescope is ideal for taking pictures and watching the farthest objects using Android and iPhone devices. So if you’re wondering how to take pictures through a telescope with an iPhone while exploring, here’s a good choice.
The Viajero Waterproof Monocular Telescope lens is best for low-light night vision. Using this lens, you can see and capture objects at very long distances on dark nights. However, we found better visibility in the moonlight. Still, this telescope lens is our top choice for low-light night vision.
Pros:
12×50 HD monocular
High light transmission rate
Reasonable price
Cons:
Cheap material accessories in the box
This Viajero waterproof monocular comes with a BAK-4 Prism lens to provide clear and sharp images from anywhere. It also promises to provide a larger field of view, up to a whopping 1000 yards. The build quality is waterproof and shockproof, making it a fantastic companion for traveling, hiking, watching sports, wildlife, and more.
Next in our search for the best monocular telescope for iPhone is the 42-millimeter VIVREAL single lens. If you’re looking for the best telescope attachment for iPhone but want to keep it basic, this is the product for you. It has a smaller lens diameter than other monoculars in this category but still provides clear and sharp images.
The VIVREAL Monocular Telescope lens is our best choice for surveillance. You can observe different objects at a long distance using this lens. Though other lenses in our list can be used for surveillance, we found better results for surveillance using the Viveral monocular telescope lens in our research. This lens accurately detects and holds objects for better surveillance.
Pros:
12×42 HD magnification
IPx7 Waterproof and fog proof
High contrast images with a great field of view
Compatible with almost all smartphones
Cons:
Smaller lens diameter
A bit pricey for the material
Sometimes the most basic solution can be the one we need for certain situations. This VIVREAL monocular can be a simple companion for your outdoor activities like hiking, mountaineering, bird watching, and so on. Its size contrasts with the quality of images and the distance it covers, especially when combined with an iPhone.
Best smartphone monocular telescope reviews should include alternatives from all aspects, so here’s another quality brand— DIFOO. They provide monoculars compatible with all smartphones, and this one is particularly good for an iPhone. It’s an IPX7 Nitrogen-Filled waterproof single-lens telescope with complete accessories right out of the box.
Pros:
16×50 high power lens
Wide-angle view in HD
Strong and durable material
Comes with a single eye patch to help focus better
Cons:
The viewing area is not as advertised
The DIFOO telescope for iPhone can be the go-to solution for your outdoor exploration. In other words, it’s among the best monoculars for bird watching, golfing, sports watching, and whatnot. What’s more, the box comes with all accessories and an additional eye patch, a convenient tool to better focus with one eye.
In our monocular reviews to find the best monocular telescope for iPhone, this one is promised to have the most magnification power by far. The IBanana bifocal monocular scope has a diameter of 100 millimeters and is able to zoom 80x, as advertised.
Pros :
80×100 HD monocular
Wider lens diameter to allow more light
Comes with a tripod and smartphone attachment
Cons :
Magnification is not 80x as advertised
Accessories quality is not up to the mark
This particular monocular has the widest lens size of all the products in this smartphone monocular telescope review. Therefore, more light can come through, resulting in better images from a distance. Moreover, the superior zoom quality can easily make it the best monocular telescope for stargazing or bird watching.
The last entry in our list of the best monocular telescope for iPhone is something special. It’s more of a telescope than a simple monocular and looks the part as well. Slightly bigger in size and delivery, this Zhumell product is a refractor telescope with coated glass optics. Refractor telescopes are used in astronomy, spyglasses, long-focus lenses, etc. Hence, this one is arguably the best monocular telescope for stargazing or taking moon pictures with your iPhone.
Pros:
120x zoom lens
Refractor telescope for best viewing from a distance
Two eyepieces included for one telescope
Reasonable price
Cons :
Heavier and bulkier than other monoculars
A bit complicated to use
The Zhumell portable refractor telescope comes with two different eyepieces featuring a 20mm and 8mm lens. It means that you have two factors in determining and laying out the field of view, making it easier to focus and get a better view. It also comes with a tripod, mobile adapter, 3 pieces of Barlow lens, and many other accessories. A complete package for your exploration and outdoor activities.
We hope this smartphone monocular telescope review helps you explore and make a decision in your purchase. A detailed guide is what you need in search of the best monocular telescope for iPhone in an over saturated market. While you’re picking the bit, check out other recommendations on the best Bluetooth microphones for iPhone. In addition, you can also read our take on the best waterproof cases to protect your iPhone better.
