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StarScope Monocular of 2024 Review: Is It Legitimate?

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STARSCOPE 10X42 High Definition Monocular

Review Summary

Our Final Verdict

We give StarScope Monocular a rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Build Quality: 4.0/5

Power/Magnification: 2.5/5

Features: 2.5/5

Price: 4.0/5

If you’re in the market for an introductory, low-cost monocular or if you’re shopping for a child, the StarScope Monocular is an outstanding choice. However, if you already own higher-end equipment and are simply looking to add to your collection, it’ll likely disappoint you.

It’s a lightweight and portable monocular that lets you zoom in on objects, and if you get the optional phone mount kit, it lets you dive into photography through a telescope for the first time.

StarScope is undoubtedly a monocular for beginners and amateurs, but don’t let that stop you from getting it if that applies to you. It’s a great way to see if it’s a hobby that you’re interested in without breaking the bank, and if you haven’t already experienced higher-end equipment, you should be thrilled with the results.

Just know that the magnification likely isn’t as powerful as it says that it is, and you’re not getting the sharpest image. But if you don’t have a large budget or you just want to dabble in the monocular market before making a decision, the StarScope Monocular could be exactly what you’re looking for!

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StarScope Monocular – A Quick Look

Pros

  • Affordably priced
  • Easy to use
  • Includes a small aluminum tripod
  • Wide field of view
  • Portable
Cons
  • Magnification claim seems exaggerated
  • Not easy to line up a phone camera
  • Not that crisp

Specifications

Brand Name: StarScope
Model Name: Monocular Telescope G2
Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm
Weight: 5 ounces
Size: 5 x 2.05 x 1.77 inches
Field of View: 1,000 yards
Magnification: 10x
Tripod Size: Up to 6.3”

Magnification and Field of View

One of the top-selling points of the StarScope Monocular is the 10x magnification range and the 1,000-yard field of view. The problem is that the actual results don’t seem like they’re quite that powerful.

But even if the actual magnification range is half of what is advertised, at this price point, you’re not going to find a better deal out there.

Lightweight and Portable

This is by far the best feature of the StarScope Monocular. It weighs just over 1 pound, and it’s 6 inches long. This means it’s extremely easy to take wherever you want.

Whether you want to keep it with you so you can stargaze when the mood strikes or you want to add it to your hunting gear, it’s small and light enough that it’s extremely easy to do so.

STARSCOPE 10X42 High Definition Monocular with box

Using the StarScope Monocular for Smartphone Photography

This is something that StarScope pushes in its ads, but it’s important to note that while the monocular works great with a phone mount kit adapter, without an adapter, it can be extremely frustrating to line up your phone and take pictures.

It does work, but you need the proper equipment to get the results that you want.

Setting Expectations

The biggest issue that people have with the StarScope Monocular is that they set their expectations too high. This is an affordable monocular, and you can’t expect to get the same level of results that you would get with a more expensive, high-end monocular.

Still, for what you pay, you are getting a great deal with the StarScope Monocular.

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FAQ

With so much information out there about the StarScope Monocular, it’s only natural to have a few questions. Here are the answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Does the StarScope Monocular Work?

Yes, the StarScope Monocular works, but it probably doesn’t work quite as well as the advertisements say that it will. However, it does work better than similarly priced products. As long as you’re not expecting a high-end scope at a low-end price, the StarScope Monocular shouldn’t disappoint you.

How Easy Is It to Transport the StarScope Monocular?

It’s incredibly lightweight and small, making it quite portable. This is the biggest advantage of the StarScope Monocular!

Is the StarScope Monocular a Good Choice for Photography?

If you want professional-quality photographs, the StarScope Monocular isn’t what you should get. But if you have invested in a phone mount kit and just want a product to help you take fun photos, it’s a great choice.

As long as you have an adapter, it’s easy to use, and you can take photos of things that you could only dream about otherwise. Just don’t expect to get professional-quality results from your smartphone and a low-priced monocular!

What Is the Resolution When Taking Pictures?

This completely depends on the resolution of your camera. The crispness of the image should look exactly like what you see when you look through the StarScope Monocular, but only if the camera on your smartphone supports that quality image.

Is the StarScope Monocular Waterproof?

The StarScope Monocular is IPX5 water resistant, so you don’t have to worry if you’re out in the rain, even if it’s a downpour. However, if you drop the StarScope Monocular into a full bathtub, lake, or pond, there’s a good chance that it will break.

Image Credit: SolidMaks, Shutterstock

What the Users Say 

Some people rant and rave about how wonderful this monocular is, while others feel like StarScope sold them a dud.

The truth is likely somewhere in between. The problem isn’t necessarily with how the StarScope Monocular performs, it’s how it promises to perform. Critics claim that the magnification isn’t quite as powerful as StarScope claims.

They also state that they aren’t getting the crystal-clear image that StarScope says that they’ll get. Finally, they complain about how challenging it can be to use the smartphone photography features or that they need the adapter to do so.

While the critics aren’t wrong, when you compare this product to other scopes at the same price point, the StarScope Monocular clearly stands apart from the rest.

But if you start comparing it to much more expensive options that claim the same specifications, it can’t keep up and that’s not surprising!

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Conclusion

While the StarScope Monocular might not be quite as functional as its “As Seen On TV” ads would like you to believe, if you’re a newbie to the optical world, this little monocular packs enough of a punch to wow you.

But if you already have other higher-priced optics, chances are that this monocular will disappoint you a bit. Just know what you’re getting, and don’t expect too much at this price point!

About the Author Robert Sparks

Robert’s obsession with all things optical started early in life, when his optician father would bring home prototypes for Robert to play with. Nowadays, Robert is dedicated to helping others find the right optics for their needs. His hobbies include astronomy, astrophysics, and model building. Originally from Newark, NJ, he resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where the nighttime skies are filled with glittering stars.