First lets look at magnification, the Monocular has the highest magnification at 12x, then following is the Binocular with 10.5x magnification, and last is the Telephoto with 6x magnification. This tells us which product will allow us to see a distant object closer.

Field of view is not to be confused with wide angle view, which pertains to the Binoculars ability to cover both eyes allowing for easy tracking over a wider area. The field of view for the Binocular and Monocular are listed in yards, measuring length and the field of view for the Telephoto lens is listed in degrees, measuring angle as most camera lenses are.

Focusing on the weight, the Binocular is larger weighing 1 lb 12 oz, the Monocular is lighter weighing 1 lb 2 oz, and lastly the Telephoto Lens is the lightest and smallest weighing 7.6 oz. If compactness is important to you, the weight differences will help guide your decision making.

Now that you have had a breakdown on each product's technicalities, let's talk about ways to best utilize each.

Binocular, stemming from the Greek root “bi-” meaning two, is a double barreled optical device used to observe distant objects. The double barrel feature is what allows for easy tracking of moving objects. With a wider angle view, you can see a wider area of space which enables you to not have to move your binoculars as much.

The binocular is also ergonomically crafted, allowing for comfort for long watching sessions. Whether your activity includes watching a moving object, or watching and waiting for long periods of time, the Binocular is your perfect companion.

Activities:
Bird watching
Whale watching
Stargazing
Hiking
Surveying Terrain

Features to Note:
Wide Angle View
Easily Track Moving Objects
Long Observation Sessions

Monocular, stemming from the Greek root “mono-” meaning one, is a single barreled optical device used to observe distant objects. The Monocular is light and compact, making it easy for quick spotting. The Monocular can be used for similar activities like the Binocular, but to a different degree.

Some people opt for the Monocular when they want to carry light, and prefer to only use it for surveying an area or spotting an object rather than an extended watching session. When the Binocular and Monocular are paired together you get optimal viewing scenarios.

Activities:
Bird watching
Whale watching
Stargazing
Hiking
Surveying Terrain

Features to Note:
Light
Compact
Single Handed Use
Casual Viewing

Telephoto, stemming from the greek root “tele-” meaning far, or distant, is a lens that is capable of taking photos of distant objects. The Telephoto Lens is not meant to be used to observe distant objects like the Binocular and Monocular.

The Telephoto 6x is an optical zoom lens, meant to take portrait shots of distant objects. Remember that the Telephoto is an optical lens add on to your iPhone that elevates the standard iPhone camera. Although it allows you to see far, just like any camera with zoom capabilities, you wouldn't use a camera's zoom feature solely for viewing distant objects.

Activities:
Wildlife Photography
Landscape Photography
Low Light Photography
Urban Photography
Portrait Photography

Features to Note:
Low Light Performance
6x Optical Zoom Lens
Adjustable Focus Wheel
Sharp Images

Follow along in the video below as we share more about what the Telephoto 6x is capable of like creating natural bokeh: