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

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.

. 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

I bought both the 8x25 and 8x36 model, and kept them both.The 8x25 I will keep for traveling. The optics are clear, I like the focus mechanism, the entire thing is solid.The 8x36 one I prefer a lot. It’s bigger, but fits better in my normal size male hand, feels even more solid, and is brighter. I will keep it for boating, where it has almost completely replaced my use of the binoculars. Being able t use it with one hand means it’s easier to steady yourself and so there is less jiggle to the image. Has a very solid belt clip that I’m not using at the moment but I bet it’s good.

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 have two of these. I have one at home and use it to watch birds, deer, ducks, foxes and other wildlife on my property. The second one, I use for work inspecting utility poles. It’s light enough to carry without lugging me down and slip right into and out of a pocket with ease. The 10x magnification and stability is great for reading the names and numbers on overhead tags. It’s easy to use and pretty rugged with the rubber exterior. It is difficult to fog up and the optics are crystal clear. They are pricey but if you’re looking for a quick, rugged, clear & compact optic, this one works really well!

The good:1. Good quality2. Fog resistant compared to others I have3. Clear glass, very clear4. Wide viewThings you might not like:It's a little bulky, you can't fit it into most pockets.The clip works, but it's a little heavy.One handed operation for focusing...probably not realistic.Great quality and optics, but don't compare it to their rifle scopes...those are better.

Very nice monocular, very sharp and bright, lightweight. Happy with my decision.

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.