Best option for birding: spotting scope or monocular?

This guide compares monoculars vs spotting scopes to evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each. With this article we aim to guide you towards an informed decision about which optical instrument is better for your birding interests.

Each section will break down which of the optics features matter most in a good monocular in comparison to a decent spotting scope. We look at the ways in which a spotting scope is similar to a monocular. And we examine how their crucial differences can affect their suitability for a variety of bird watching.

Is a monocular the same as a spotting scope?

The similarities of spotting scopes and monoculars are that they both use a single viewing path. So they can be used by only one eye at a time, depending on your preference. Both monoculars and spotting scopes have a single ocular lens nearest the eye, and a single objective lens, furthest from the eye.

This differs from a pair of binoculars, which has two optical paths and is used with both eyes looking into the ocular lens through to the objective lens at the opposite end of the instrument.

In this regard, both monoculars and spotting scopes are ideal for users who have different vision impairment between eyes. Viewing just requires one eye.

The two instruments are aimed at different purposes. They are more suitable to alternate birding situations.

What is a spotting scope used for?

For extended viewing over a longer time period, spotting scopes are very practical. If most of your birding is going to be done from a stationary position, or you are prepared to take the time and energy to set everything up, then a spotting scope provides excellent quality images.

Their strong magnification and potential zoom provide higher levels of long-distance details. A spotting scope is suitable to use for a greater period of the day due to their light-gathering capabilities, being more effective during low-light conditions early and late in the day.

What is a monocular used for?

If you are viewing on the move, while hiking over a longer distance or camping, then a monocular is very simple and easy to use. It works best for viewing birds at short range. A monocular can be employed rapidly for a quick look at something.

Let’s take a more detailed look at how the two optics differ and how these differences could affect your birding.

What’s the difference between a monocular and a spotting scope?

Size

Where the monocular and the spotting scope begin to differ is their size. Typically the monocular is more compact than the spotting scope. It is shorter and usually also narrower across the body.

There are monoculars with larger dimensions on the market, though, and also more compact versions of the spotting scope. In general, monoculars are significantly smaller.

Magnification

Another difference is in the power of magnification. Spotting scopes are more powerful, starting with a magnification of at least 20x to 30x. From this power, they reach as high as 100x.

Spotting scopes are available in zoom models and so can also have variable magnification. Many models also have interchangeable eyepieces, so you can purchase the body of the binocular with whichever size of objective lens you want. Then you would select the eyepiece separately.

It is possible to choose a suitable eyepiece from a range of different magnifications, depending on your birding requirements. This makes the spotting scope much more versatile in terms of magnification.

In comparison, monoculars only have a fixed power of 7x to 10x. Once you buy a monocular of a certain power, that is the only magnification that you can use it with.

Use with tripod

Due to their significantly higher magnification, spotting scopes should be used mounted on a tripod. In this way, they produce a steadier and therefore clear, better quality image.

In contrast, the lower magnification monoculars are much more easily used free hand. You can just hold the monocular up to the eye without any need for additional support from a tripod. It is always worth bracing your arms against a solid, still object for additional stability, but the monocular doesn’t need to be used with a tripod, reducing the need to carry more weighty gear with you.

Bird watching with a monocular instead of a spotting scope also eliminates any set-up time that it would take to get out the tripod, mount the scope and make sure that all of the legs are placed correctly.

Monoculars are more suited to birding on the go, whereas spotting scopes are more practical for situations where you will be watching stationary or slow-moving birds, from a fixed position.

Field of view

The term ‘field of view’ refers to the width of the area visible through the spotting scope. The differences in magnification power affect the field of view for each instrument.

A wider field of view also allows you to follow moving birds more easily. You’ll feel like you are able to take in a whole panorama, not be limited to a small area of sky.

Conversely, while a narrow field of view would give a better image of a stationary bird, it would also make it less easy to track the bird in flight.

For a spotting scope, due to the increased magnification, its field of view is narrower. The monocular enjoys a wider field of view in comparison to a spotting scope because its magnification power is lower.

Close focus distance

Like field of view, close focus distance describes how much of the landscape you can see through your scope. The measurement tells you how close you can be to an object while still able to focus on it clearly.

Typically, as magnification increases, the minimum close focus distance also increases.

So, in the same way that the magnification dictates the width of the field of view, the spotting scope’s close focus distance is longer than that of the monocular.

In practical terms, this means that the monocular is more suited to viewing objects at close range. The spotting scope cannot be used for birds that are close to you.

Shape

The body of the monocular is typically shaped in a straight line (though there are rare exceptions to this). On the other hand, spotting scopes are available in two shapes: angled or straight bodied.

Both of the shape configurations are popular and we have an article to explain the advantages and disadvantages of both straight spotting scopes and angled spotting scopes.

Angled vs straight spotting scopes: which is best for birding?

Focusing method

Most spotting scopes focus in one of three ways: single knob, double knob, collar (or helical).

With the helical or collar style, the body of the scope rotates. Usually the barrel has a rubber coating or ridged surface to make it easy to grip as you turn it. This design is quick and easy to use.

Alternatively, you will find a focusing knob on top of the scope. This design can be more fiddly to use, especially with thick gloves. The advantage is that it is better for really fine tuning of the focus.

Some manufacturers offer double knobs to focus. One of them can be used for rapid focus to get you roughly in the correct vicinity. Then, the other allows you to make fine adjustments from this point.

There are two main designs of focus mechanisms on monoculars. One way that monoculars focus is by extending or retracting the telescopic body. Or there may be a focusing ring on the body of the monocular. This would be rotated to adjust the focus. The placement of this focus ring can vary from model to model. Sometimes it is next to the eyepiece, or it can be located on the main body.

Less common focusing methods on monoculars include: a sliding button, a focus knob or wheel, or a toggle mechanism.

Eye relief

Eye relief distance refers to the gap between the ocular lens (the glass closest to your eye) and your eye itself.

Monoculars need to be held at a certain distance from your eye in order to effectively view the whole image. This may mean that they are not as comfortable as a spotting scope for longer bird-watching sessions.

Spotting scopes, however, allow you to adjust the eye relief. Most scopes have twist-out eye cups that can be set to different lengths.

This distance of eye relief may need to be altered depending on a few things, such as whether or not you are wearing spectacles or sunglasses, and on the particular shape of your face.

It is an especially important measurement for people who use glasses. In this case, you will need greater eye relief as your eye will be a bit further from the ocular lens. It’s important to get this right to preserve the width of your field of view.

For most information on how eye relief affects your viewing when using a spotting scope, please see this article.

Using a spotting scope with glasses: how much eye relief do I need?

Summary – pros and cons of monoculars compared to spotting scopes

Monocular – advantages

• Lighter – more portable
• Arms don’t get as tired holding it
• Smaller so takes up less room in bag; fits in pocket
• Different sizes available
• Cost less than a spotting scope or binocular
• Handy to carry around the neck and lift to view instantly
• No set-up required so quick and easy to use
• Easier to hold steady without a tripod
• Suitable for birding while hiking and camping
• Good for watching birds at short range
• Can have night vision capabilities

Monocular – disadvantages

• Lower magnification means less detail
• Not as suitable for long distance
• Less effective for tracking birds in flight
• Smaller objective lens than a spotting scope
• Narrower field of view
• Less comfortable for extended use

Summary – pros and cons of spotting scopes compared to monoculars

Spotting scope – advantages

• Higher power of magnification provides great detail
• Better over long distances
• Usually best used with a tripod
• Some models possible to use free hand
• Compact models are similar proportions to binoculars
• Greater choice of models and prices in comparison to monocular
• Close-up accuracy
• Available with zoom function
• Larger objective lens means more light transmission > brighter image
• Better in low light conditions
• Suitable for digiscoping

Spotting scope – disadvantages

• Less portability – makes it more difficult to carry around
• Images can be less stable at higher magnification
• Less easy to use spontaneously – usually needs to be set up and packed away
• More accessories needed – adds weight, bulk and cost
• More costly than monoculars

Summary: now will you choose a monocular or a spotting scope?

Monoculars are most suitable for spontaneous viewing, for spotting birds quickly and easily while on the move. They are simpler, highly portable due to their small size and low weight.

They are very affordable and you can find them in different sizes. The range of monoculars is limited in comparison to spotting scopes. Standards are high, but there are fewer models to choose from.

A greater number of manufacturers produce spotting scopes, in contrast. Therefore there is a larger number of models available. The range of affordability varies from really high-end premium products to more budget-friendly options.

Scopes are suitable for digiscoping. But for viewing birds with steady images a spotting scope usually requires to be set up with a sturdy tripod, which adds the cost of the accessories and makes the whole lot less readily portable than a monocular.

It is worth evaluating the situations in which you plan to use your birding optics. Will you be on the move a lot, or do you tend to travel to one spot and stay there over a longer period of time?

Now that you have a better idea of the similarities and differences between spotting scopes and monoculars, which will you opt for?

For further perspectives on how spotting scopes and monoculars compare to binoculars, take a look at our other articles.

Binoculars vs spotting scope: which is better for birding?

Which is better for birding: monocular or binoculars?