Vortex Optics Solo Monocular 10x36 - Utility Clip, Adjustable Eyecup, Fully Multi-Coated Lenses, Rubber Armor, Non-Slip Grip, Fogproof, Waterproof - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty

Excellent optics. 200 meters I can see 223 holes on white paper. Works very well in low light condition. Lenses must be of high quality and have very good AR coating. This is the only way for the device to work this well. I have been using various optical devices over years and this one is impressive. Good job Vortex.

I purchased this item in February 2021. I carry this when I hike or travel on my motorcycle. I use it mainly to observe wildlife. I like that it is light weight and that I can see clearly thru it. It has survived in temperatures between a little below zero to above 120 degrees. I keep it in the carrying case unless I take it out to use it. Three weeks ago I could not get it to focus. I got onto Amazon to order another and discovered it has a lifetime warranty. So went to Vortex website and contacted them about what happened. I received an email the next day with instructions and a label to send it in for repair or replacement. A new monocular arrived yesterday. I have purchased four Vortex rifle scopes, one Vortex binocular, and this monocular over the last five years. I am very pleased with the quality of their product. I had no idea there was a lifetime warranty with their products. Vortex is a great company and they produce a great product for my needs. I will definitely purchase more from this company.

Not a bird watcher, but rather a infantryman veteran that wanted something compact and easy to pack that's high quality. I'm not doing bounding overwatch, but handling it seems rugged enough for my purpose. It's really easy to use and even though some had trouble adjusting the focus one handed, I had no trouble at all. The image quality is pretty good, and it's quite powerful for it's size and weight. I haven't tried it in low light situations yet, but so far I really like it. I do wish it had some lense and eye cup covers, but that's my only gripe so far.

I bought this for a friend who runs coursing hounds in the desert Southwest, and after a month of using the optic to track her dogs she is very happy. It replaced her toy-quality monocular and the difference in image quality and sharpness are vast. She keeps it on a lanyard around her neck where it is accessible but not heavy. I found it to be sharp, compact enough to carry easily, and not difficult to hold steady. The image quality and brightness are very close to my early-90s Pentax 8x40 roof prism binos, which are all glass, fully coated and heavy. This is very impressive; the Vortex lens coatings really are good. The solid eyecup has a click-stop for eyeglasses and the optics have just enough eye relief to give a full field view. Not having a rubber eyecup is a good idea for something that will be tossed around and pocketed, as is the soft rubber exterior covering. Focus is stiff (maybe due to weather seals?) and not an easy one-handed operation, though there are spikes on the focus collar to improve your grip. Focus might loosen up with use. The soft fins on the rubber grip don't seem to be functional, and will probably catch lint, dirt and other crap with use, but that is about all I can criticize. I bought this and a cheaper Brunton monocular at the same time, and where the Vortex is a completely useful, quality tool that I would recommend to anyone who doesn't have ultimate expectations, the Brunton was much dimmer and wouldn't even focus to infinity so had to be returned. I think it's arguable that the price of the Vortex 8x25 is the least one can expect to pay for a truly functional optic. Based on my late 2012 survey of the alternatives, without spending triple or more the amount, you won't get the significant increase in quality you're looking for. Cheers.

. Anyone familiar with optics knows there is no getting around cheap glass. Spotting scopes under $300 are pretty much useless. Astronomy scopes under $500 will bring you limited satisfaction. That being said, this little monocular is a handy piece of optics in lieu of binocs or a larger scope. It would either be something to keep in your vehicle or if outdoors, have attached to your pack for a quick look at something. I'm glad I got the x36 rather than the x25 as it gives you a lot of light, clarity, and field of view. And you just can't beat the price; it's quite remarkable1

Used for wildlife/bird watching. Better than binoculars? Nah. But it's a nifty scope in a small package that you can take with you everywhere. The build quailty is excellent and Vortex service and warranty are the gold standard. American made. Really appreciate the light weight and compact size. The focus ring takes a little practice. A great tool for those looking for a handy optic that is less cumbersome than binoculars. Seeing more birds because it's small and easy to have on hand whenever I'm outside.

I’ve had monoculars before, but none like this. Solidly built, easy to adjust, clear and zoom is true. Would buy again. Used it at an NFL game, and we’ve used it on walks.

I usually don’t write reviews, but since I went through some extra effort here to trial 4 brands at the same time, so I hope this is helpful information. Background: I wanted to find a good monocular that I can easily throw in my fanny pack or in my pocket in case I need it … mainly for hiking, site-seeing, etc. This is a good time to establish the value of a monocular: It is strictly for go-anywhere compactness – the viewing image will never be as good as a pair of good binoculars (my compact Nikon 7x20 binocs are superior to any monocular I’ve tried). Onto my testing … I tried four different models – at different specs and price points (listed): Vortex Solo ($ 67.00, 10x25): Hi quality construction and grip BUT larger & heavier than most (wouldn’t want it in my pocket). Good optics quality BUT the eyepiece created interference with viewing and adjustment was very stiff. Carson Monozoom ($ 29.99, 7-21x21): Design was funky and the dual controls (separate for magnification (from 7 to 21) and focus made it difficult to use. Optics were just so-so … high magnification was too blurry, low mag was OK. Roxant Viper ($24.99, 10x25): Good quality, compact design (small/light enough to go in your pocket), and the easiest to use. Optics were surprisingly good and the adjustment was the easiest to use. Leonuoraso ($12.79, 10x22): OK quality and easy to hold and use – these were the smallest and lightest of the four. Optics were OK, with a bit lower light coming thru the smaller (x22) aperture. Decision: The Roxant Viper was a stand-out value, providing a good quality compact monocular that hit the right features and compromises – it will be my go-anywhere optics. Due to the super-low price, I also kept the Leonuoraso as a dedicated accessory for my RV (I recently went to Yellowstone and FORGOT to bring any optics – that won’t happen again . I wanted to like the Vortex Solo, but the size and eyepiece awkwardness made it easy to eliminate. The Carson was just too gimmicky and clunky to operate.