Ever tried zooming in on something cool with your phone camera, only to end up with a shaky, pixelated blob? Yeah, same here. (I’m still mad that I didn’t snap any good flicks of Kaytranada when I saw him live.)
That’s why I picked up this high-definition monocular telescope—and for under $40 (reg. $54.99), it’s quickly become my go-to tool for anything that requires better-than-human vision.
This compact scope offers 50×60 magnification, which basically means I can clearly see details on things I used to squint at from a distance, like the squirrel warzone in my backyard, or the setlist taped to a stage from the lawn section. The BAK4 prism and multi-coated lens tech are designed to enhance clarity and contrast while reducing glare, and it actually delivers. Even in lower light (read: that weird golden hour when everything looks cool), the image stays crisp.
I’ve also been using it as a sidekick on hikes. It weighs less than a pound and fits easily into a side pocket. Bonus: the eyepiece flips up, which is a win for anyone wearing glasses. And it comes with a tripod and a smartphone mount, so I can snap wildlife shots that don’t look like they were taken from space.
Don’t get me wrong—this isn’t a replacement for a pro telescope. You’re not spotting Saturn’s rings with it. But for everyday use? Spotting birds in the park or your backyard, checking out the moon, tracking down the source of that mysterious noise across the field? It nails the job.
It’s the kind of gadget that doesn’t take itself too seriously, but still manages to be surprisingly useful. Plus, it’s way cheaper than anything else with similar magnification and clarity.
If you’re the kind of person who likes seeing what others miss—whether you’re exploring the outdoors, vibing at a concert (while you’re chilling in the nosebleed section), or just trying to one-up your friends’ blurry zoom photos—this monocular’s a solid pickup.
This HD monocular telescope won’t last long on the shelves, so grab it now while it’s just $39.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
_
High-Definition Monocular Telescope
The post Your phone’s zoom is trash, but this pocket telescope’s isn’t appeared first on Popular Science.
