




I recently took the Retro Pirate Telescope out on a weekend trail hike to see if it could handle more than just looking the part. It is a stylish, collapsible monocular that promises decent magnification in a vintage-inspired package.
The construction feels surprisingly rugged, with a waterproof exterior that holds up well against unexpected trail drizzle. Its collapsible design is tight and solid, ensuring it does not wobble when extended to its full 25x zoom capacity.
Using this in the field was straightforward; simply pull it out, extend the tubes, and adjust the focus by sliding it until the image clears. It is a fun, intuitive piece of kit that requires zero technical knowledge to master on the go.
This is perfect for campers, cosplayers, or anyone who wants a functional, unique-looking monocular for scouting vistas without carrying heavy binoculars.
For $39.00, I was thoroughly impressed by how much utility you get from such a compact device. It earns a solid 5/5 rating for combining legitimate zoom performance with a design that stands out from standard tactical gear.