This monocular doubles as a powerful zoom lens for your smartphone

Unlike typical portable monoculars with a magnification range from 4x - 10x, this universal lens attachment enables a remarkable 40x - 60x zoom in a backpack-friendly package.

Using a simple clip, it attaches to any smartphone, quickly enabling powerful optical zoom. With this large monocular and your tiny smartphone camera lens, you'd think it would be tricky to get a steady hand-held shot. But an opposable tripod attachment keeps it steady as can be.

For me, smartphone camera lens attachments are often hard to justify. Device-specific connectors are rendered useless with a phone update, and restricted size attempts to maintain pocketability are often at the cost of quality.

This lens dodges both of those common issues and even functions as a standalone compact telescope. Get one for 70% off in the Boing Boing Store for just $37.95.

Also check out the Boing Boing Store's 2016 Holiday Gift Guide to treat yourself or someone close to you.