Reviews & Ratings for Vortex Solo 8x36mm Monocular — 26 reviews — Page 1

A family member wanted a monocular. Having been impressed with the Vortex binoculars and spotting scopes I'd tried, I ordered this monocular for her. I tried it yesterday watching birds at a nearby feeder and was pleased at the clarity and simplicity. Focus is a single knurled knob, and that's all one needs to mess with unless you want to screw the eye cup in or out. Unlike binoculars, you don't have to change the inter-eye distance when passing it between people, so it's easier to pass around than binocs. The unit takes up 1/3 the space of binoculars, which makes it easy to take with you anywhere, or keep out on a table, and is particularly helpful for people who live in small spaces. It came with a nice soft case.

This monocular is phenomenal. I can’t say enough good things about it. It fits in the hand perfectly.

This Vortex Solo 8x36mm Monocular has very good glass (not HD though), is simple and easy to use, and very lightweight and portable. It typically costs (on sale) around $30 less than the tactical rangefinder Vortex Solo 8x36 Monocular, and is just as good if you don't need to measure distances. Both are very good purchases for the money, and I expect to use often over many years. Recommended buy (either one).

Crisp, light gathering monocular that i use indoors for archery. The clarity of image and objective size are fantastic. Of course, given the 36 mm size, it is not small compared to a 25mm lens. If you don't mind that, for the price it's unbeatable.

Had been looking at these for quite awhile, but finally pulled the trigger when I found I was going to Alaska. Was surprised at how good the optics are for the price. In fact, at the just sub-$100 price I got with holiday discount, it was a steal. Very bright. The reported eye relief of 18mm seems about right (important as I wear glasses). Just the hint of vignetting the last ~5% towards edge (normal for any sub-$500 optics). Haven’t yet checked chromatic aberration (need just the right white target and lighting to test). Decent heft without being heavy — doesn’t feel cheap in hand, undoubtedly aided by the thick and grippy rubber coating. Has a weird “lug” which I finally figured out is probably to keep it from rolling off a flat surface. Only two drawbacks. 1.) Because of coating (which is a plus for gripping and optics protection) it’s bulky and doesn’t fit in smaller pockets for portability. 2.) The eyecup mechanism — seems a bit clunky. But, again, that sub-$100 price — can't have everything.

I have used this for a couple of hunting seasons. It's small, compact, can fit in your pocket of hang on your neck and doesn't get in the way. Wouldn't go without it.

This Vortex monocular is super clear, easy to use. Focus is amazing. Highly recommend

The only gripe is no lens covers, but that's not indicative of the mono itself. The device is excellent for an intermediate shooter like me. I've used it once at infoor range and once at outdoor range. Effective range for targets shooting is a little over 100 yards for me, but for spotting/scouting, it would be good much further. Plan on using it for hunting this year as I'm trying to keep my carry load as lightweight as possible. I asked Vortex about covers and they don't make for this. They gave me one dimension for ocular lens only.

Great little monocular nice and compact to carry around. Clear vision. Seems good build quality. Only 4 stars because lense covers would be nice to keep clean and protected. Used it on a trip out west and came in handy a few times

Nice to have on my belt when doing chores and don't want to carry my binoculars. Light weight. Clear image. Easy to hold and focus. Works well with my glasses. Solid construction. Belt clip and carrying case are nice and handy. I just wish it had lens caps for when on my belt and not in the case.