Features:

  • 10x magnification and 36mm objectives lens, the Solo Monocular is a small, lightweight optic with fully multi-coated lenses, increasing the light transmission and resolution giving you the clear, crisp images you want.
  • The monocular is fully rubber armored providing a non-slip grip to the user and making it extremely durable.
  • Nitrogen purged and o-ring sealed, the Solo delivers waterproof and fogproof performance in any environment.
  • The adjustable eyecup allows for comfortable viewing with or without glasses.
  • The 36mm Solo comes with a versatile, multi-position utility clip for quick attachment to your equipment or clothing.
Really Nice!

Love this monocular. Got it for use on my kayak and when I go hiking. The image quality is really crystal clear, and just a lot of fun to use. I compared it to my Bushnell binoculars (10x42). The solo 8x36 image was very close in clarity, brightness, and sharpness to my Bushnell binoculars. I also compared it to the vortex 8x25. The brightness just wasn't there. To small for my hand and no belt clip. I'll just say that I'm glad I picked the 8x36. Well worth the extra $50. Just a solid alternative too heavy binoculars. As far as the focusing wheel, it is a little firm to turn but I've gotten used to it. I've learned different ways to hold the monocular with one hand which allows me to push the ring from the bottom with my thumb or on top with my finger to get just the right focus. Definitely not a deal-breaker. Very Happy.

Excellent build quality and superior warranty

I recently purchased Vortex Solo 10x36. I am pleased with the functionality and build quality of the mono and would recommend it to friends. I especially appreciate the Vortex unconditional guarantee. I have a wide range of optical products including binoculars (several), monoculars, various scopes (many), and ranging devices. I have had no problems and have been quite pleased with previous Vortex products (spotting scope and high-end binoculars). I typically use my Solo out on hikes and bird watching when I don’t want to lug the much heavier binocs. The Solo is replacing an older pair of Nikon binocs (8x25) that has a hinge wearing out. The mag difference between the 8x binocs and the 10x Solo is quite noticeable. The Solo also has noticeably better brightness and image crispness than the small binocs. Of course the field of view (FOV) of the Solo is significantly smaller. Size wise the Solo is 5 in tall and 2 inches in diameter fitting nicely in a one-hand hold. The focusing ring inboard of the eyepiece is rather stiff. I typically use my off hand to focus. The lanyard loop is large and designed to be worn around the neck. A belt clip is attached. However, a screw hole for tripod mounting is lacking as are lens covers.

Outstanding.....love this monocular.

Outstanding monocular. Vortex is amazing for the money. So far, I have used this mainly for spotting backyard pests before putting the cross hairs on them and it is fabulous. The 10x36 is great for my needs. 20 out to 100 yards, no problem. They are great in low light as well. Compact and a dream to loom through. Yes, the focus ring is on the stiff side but it will loosen a little with use and for how clear the glass is, who cares?! Yet another Vortex product I am very, very happy with. I only wish the mounting block for the belt clip was removable. It's a small thing and not a deal breaker.

Meeting expectations thus far...

Have used Vortex Solo 10x36 for a month, mostly in a wildlife refuge & for bird watching; it's optics, size and ease of handling all meet my highest expectations. The lanyard, which I hadn't realized comes with it until opening the box, makes carrying it very convenient and, similar--in that sense--to the way I maintained binoculars while walking or bicycling. Contrary to some other reviewers' experience, so far i do not find the focus wheel--which has nubs on it like that of the helm of a ship-- difficult to turn or adjust. In the absence of a high power spotting scope, I prefer the 10 magnification over lower levels, as often birds are often too far to easily identify and, the little bit of extra closeness can make a difference; sometimes applying both hands helps me to keep it steady. However, potential purchasers should be aware that, if their hand tends to shake more than normal, a magnification of 8 is likely preferable for them.

Mikey likes it

This is a nice piece of work for the money. The optics are pretty clear mostly throughout the field of view, bright and crisp and higher quality than a low-mid level of 12x binoculars I have, for sure. I have put some pics on the page just simply and low-tech-ly using my galaxy sII pressed up against the scope... it is the following: a no-zoom but through the scope shot (the clear one) and a using full-camera-zoom shot (the less clear one.) Doing this fairly rough-focused method spending 5 seconds to align provided this result. Might have been better if I had tweaked the monocular shot a little. So, not too shabby even doing this Neolithic man method. Also, a pic of it in my fairly small hand (5'3" of pure manhood, BTW.)

Top quality, Clear View, Compact, Lightweight...BELT CLIP

Crystal clear view, compact,lightweight, and has a BELT CLIP! The belt clip is a huge attribute for this monocular, as most do not have one on them. The big lip allows it to easily clip to my front pocket, and it is tight enough to not fall off. I did fall twice at our archery event - landed on the monocular both times...aside from a couple battle scars, it continued to work flawlessly. The rubberized outside seems to protect it as well as make it easy to hold. Has adjustment to work with glasses and without them. I really liked them compared to carrying a full-sized binocular. Field of view is a little smaller than binocular, but that was to be expected. Still, I was able to see exactly what I needed quickly and easily.

Very satisfied!

I've only just received this monocular, both so far I'm very pleased. The product arrived on time and is new-in-box. It focuses easily, with a bright, clear image. I am glad I went with the 8x36, as opposed to a 10 or 12 power. At 8x the image shake is not too bad, but I can imagine how much harder it would be to handle anything more without a stable platform. I've read several reviews that mention a poorly made case, but my case is fine. It's a bit snug but seems well-made. Maybe it's a later model? I will probably just use the case for storage anyway, as the belt clip or lanyard will be more convenient. Perfect for archery.

Impressive Monocular

A little larger than most monocular but so bright, sharp, clear, great quality image color, well made, a joy to use. Like a high quality camera lens! Very pleased with it. Came with a tight fitting stretch type case or sleeve for carry, more of a holster. I carry it in a small zip pouch for a small camera while it's in it's factory holster for traveling in my truck. Remove from my camera case and leave camera case in my truck, and carry on my belt with the factory holster. No lens caps! Decided not to buy the add on caps offered by Amazon. Since their caps are not specifically for this model although they would probably work, I doubt they would stay on and I would probably lose them. Still, very impressed with this particular model. A real joy to use!

nice compromise

In the trade off on cost vs utility vs weight this is a good compromise. You get about 2/3 of the field of view vs my exact same pair as binoculars... but its striking how much more natural it is using a binocular vs monocular. Kid f best to leave both eyes open. I keep this one in my car to use in a pinch or when travelling, and keep my other set when i need a better view or will be looking for extended periods of time.

Nice value and a useful gadget for wildlife viewing!

Good optical clarity and nice overall quality for the money. A very useful addition to a hike or other outdoor activity. Not so expensive that I’d be afraid to use it. Focus adjustment is stiff but not in a way that I deducted stars.

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