Vortex Solo 10x36 Monocular

A fab little product, bought it straight after using one belonging to someone else at a shoot - was surprised at the time how clear and well defined the view was so immediately decided to get one for myself. Very steady view compared to binoculars, and incredibly easy to use, quicker to set up for obvious reason of using only one eye. Carrying it also much easier than binoculars, just clip on your belt, weighs very little and doesn't weigh down your neck. In summary, clarity of view and ease of use makes it a highly recommended product

Bought one last fall. Works better than I was expecting. Good image with only starlight, IR illuminator really brightens things up. There will be some small imperfections in the imagebut this is expected in these devices and explained in the manual, I did not find them bothersome. Note that like a binocular there are two focus controls. You use the front barrel first and then fine tune with the eyepiece.Overall I am very happy with it.

B&H makes it worth to purchase.

Was looking all over the net for the lowest price for this particular monocular and the last place I looked was B&H. Not only did they have it at the lowest price they added a bonus keychain light. Monocular originally was released about 11 years ago or more at around $179.99 found at most places at $125.99 bought at B&H $101.99. Arrived fast with great packaging as usual from B&H.Monocular has some heft but not to much, comes with a soft belt case, very clear and comes with a belt clip and rugged. I purchased mainly for the large objective lens and the greater magnification. Disappointed with the magnification a bit but that could just be me not familiar with monocular or binocular also doesn't come lens caps. Lifetime warranty by Vortex.Vortex might be ... MoreWas looking all over the net for the lowest price for this particular monocular and the last place I looked was B&H. Not only did they have it at the lowest price they added a bonus keychain light. Monocular originally was released about 11 years ago or more at around $179.99 found at most places at $125.99 bought at B&H $101.99. Arrived fast with great packaging as usual from B&H.Monocular has some heft but not to much, comes with a soft belt case, very clear and comes with a belt clip and rugged. I purchased mainly for the large objective lens and the greater magnification. Disappointed with the magnification a bit but that could just be me not familiar with monocular or binocular also doesn't come lens caps. Lifetime warranty by Vortex.Vortex might be releasing an updated version of this or other monocular so get one while you can at this price.

Can’t wait to use it hunting

I purchased at Bass Pro three days prior to writing this review. I haven’t had the opportunity to use the monocular for which I purchased it, hunting. However, I am in Gatlinburg, TN at the mountains and it proves itself already. Crystal clear viewing with ample magnification. One note, I asked is there one of the three monoculars sold at bass pro that you would eliminate right off...to clerk. He said I would go with the vortex or oculus for their lifetime warranty. So if u take a chance on the other, more bulky one that is a 10x42 that only has 1 yr warranty. Good luck. I read warranty on vortex. Only one built since 1960’s in the United States. Lifetime warranty, no need for receipt or anything. Unconditional repair or replacement. My friend that is a warranty. ... MoreI purchased at Bass Pro three days prior to writing this review. I haven’t had the opportunity to use the monocular for which I purchased it, hunting. However, I am in Gatlinburg, TN at the mountains and it proves itself already. Crystal clear viewing with ample magnification. One note, I asked is there one of the three monoculars sold at bass pro that you would eliminate right off...to clerk. He said I would go with the vortex or oculus for their lifetime warranty. So if u take a chance on the other, more bulky one that is a 10x42 that only has 1 yr warranty. Good luck. I read warranty on vortex. Only one built since 1960’s in the United States. Lifetime warranty, no need for receipt or anything. Unconditional repair or replacement. My friend that is a warranty. Some people say buy American! Well if all companies who would build their products in the US and back it up with that warranty, then I would buy those in a second also. I’m proud of my purchase. By the way my vortex was like $65 out the door. The Oculus was more expensive $70’s plus tax best I remember ..both are 10x25. Great case, lanyard and lens cloth

Excellent Optics

Lifelong monocular user , my VORTEX SOLO 10x36 is the best optical device I have ever owned . After buying it at SPORTSMANS WAREHOUSE took it , the same day scouting out hunting sites for later . Saw nothing interesting without using optics , then used the VORTEX SOLO 10X36. The precise clarity and detail were amazing.Within seconds I spotted several groups of animals off in the distance . I now keep it in my main hiking bag . Recently spotted an animal where I wasn’t expecting one and realized it was actually on the next hill over , crystal clear. With the lanyard , the clip and the padded case it is very user friendly, while also staying secure . Good investment !

Excellent monocular for the price!

I got this as a gift from my wife for Christmas. I have had it for about two weeks now and find my self using it more than I thought I would. As a firearm enthusiast I thought I would use when I go out shooting as a quick spotting option to my Vortex 12x50 binos and spotting scope (I forget the brand but it s an inexpensive one from Cabelas). I find myself using this monocular fairly often in my truck to look at or read things that are distant. Its small and its easily obscured by my hand so I dont draw attention to myself. And no I'm not some weirdo, but I have used to look at birds, helicopters, and other objects I was curious about and to read signs at a distance (never while the truck is moving!). Anyway, again at this price range, the glass is really good and ... MoreI got this as a gift from my wife for Christmas. I have had it for about two weeks now and find my self using it more than I thought I would. As a firearm enthusiast I thought I would use when I go out shooting as a quick spotting option to my Vortex 12x50 binos and spotting scope (I forget the brand but it s an inexpensive one from Cabelas). I find myself using this monocular fairly often in my truck to look at or read things that are distant. Its small and its easily obscured by my hand so I dont draw attention to myself. And no I'm not some weirdo, but I have used to look at birds, helicopters, and other objects I was curious about and to read signs at a distance (never while the truck is moving!). Anyway, again at this price range, the glass is really good and the focus ring works well. My only complaint might be that the focus ring is too close to the eyepiece and that makes it a little difficult to focus in on things while I'm looking through it. I have several Vortex products and this one also does not disappoint. I have dropped it once when I opened my truck door from about 5 feet and it was fine. It seems to be very ruggedly built and the outer shell is very grippy.As far as cons I go, aside form the focus ring issue i mentioned above which isn't a big deal, I wish it had a tripod mount on the bottom. I'm not sure if any of the larger versions have it but my 10x25 does not. I get thats its small but still would have been nice to be able to able to use it on a more stable platform like a tripod or mono pod even. Last thing is I wish it came with is lens covers to protect the glass. The included case is decent but lens caps would have been a nice add to protect the glass when the monocular is not in the case.All said and done, at this price point for Vortex quality its a smokin' deal!

Great Monocular

I've purchased 4 of these over several years. My wife and I each carry one when hiking (the other two were gifts). They are less cumbersome then binoculars to pack. The optics quality is great and you can't beat the warranty.

Nice size nice eye relief great monocular

Good combination of size and eye relief / field of view. Fantastic monocular in the $100 range. I also have a 10x25 which I really like a lot because of the size but this one is not a lot bigger but the eye relief and field of view is so much better I have been taking this one out more and more. If I had to keep only one, this would be the one. Its all around combination of size and performance is fantastic. Clarity and focus is really good. Rugged construction. Would be nice to have good flip lens covers and a better lanyard out of the box but its ok , lens seems to be durable enough that its not necessary. Lanyard wise LOC makes a sweet rangefinder lanyard that I use for this and my Vortex rangefinder and really makes it so much more convenient out in field and ... MoreGood combination of size and eye relief / field of view. Fantastic monocular in the $100 range. I also have a 10x25 which I really like a lot because of the size but this one is not a lot bigger but the eye relief and field of view is so much better I have been taking this one out more and more. If I had to keep only one, this would be the one. Its all around combination of size and performance is fantastic. Clarity and focus is really good. Rugged construction. Would be nice to have good flip lens covers and a better lanyard out of the box but its ok , lens seems to be durable enough that its not necessary. Lanyard wise LOC makes a sweet rangefinder lanyard that I use for this and my Vortex rangefinder and really makes it so much more convenient out in field and ups the feel of quality ridding of the cheap lanyard that comes with it. Case is ok, I use it basically to protect the lens which is about all its good for. Overall two thumbs up for me! Great monocular. Price to quality ratio is a solid 5 stars

Solo Monocular

The Solo monocular is exactly what I wanted. It provides great clarity when viewing wildlife and is so compact, I can always take it with me.My only disappointment is the lanyard which became unthreaded on first use. I tried to rethread it, but the hole is so tiny that I cannot pass a needle through it. I'd really like to use the lanyard.

Solo Monocular is the perfect size and clarity

Bought the Solo to take on my varmint hunting and sight seeing trips. Some types of hunts don't require binoculars. Too much weight around the neck if you have calls, radios, etc. If your hunt requires extended periods of glassing, this is optic is not for you. But for a quick peak to verify game or to identify something of interest, this optic in 10X32 is the perfect magnification, excellent clarity with adequate field of view. The only negative feedback is no lens caps are provided, especially given the insignificant cost. Lens protection is a must in inclement weather and just good all around practice. Secondly, the strap is guaranteed to break ending the day with a lost optic. DO NOT trust this cheap strap. The Solo comes in 2 sizes, don't bother with the ... MoreBought the Solo to take on my varmint hunting and sight seeing trips. Some types of hunts don't require binoculars. Too much weight around the neck if you have calls, radios, etc. If your hunt requires extended periods of glassing, this is optic is not for you. But for a quick peak to verify game or to identify something of interest, this optic in 10X32 is the perfect magnification, excellent clarity with adequate field of view. The only negative feedback is no lens caps are provided, especially given the insignificant cost. Lens protection is a must in inclement weather and just good all around practice. Secondly, the strap is guaranteed to break ending the day with a lost optic. DO NOT trust this cheap strap. The Solo comes in 2 sizes, don't bother with the smaller 25mm optic, it'll give you eyestrain and probably a headache. Vortex lens clarity is not in the Swarovski category, but at this price, you are 95% there. You won't be able to tell the difference unless you're an "optics snob".