A hand-held telescope, also known as a spyglass, is an optical device used to magnify distant objects. It is typically held in the hand and consists of a tube with lenses at either end. The lenses are used to focus light from the object being viewed, allowing the user to see it more clearly. Hand-held telescopes are often used for recreational activities such as bird watching or stargazing. They can also be used for navigation purposes, such as spotting landmarks or ships at sea.