VortexOptics Solo Monocular 8x36 - Utility Clip, Adjustable Eyecup, Fully Multi-Coated Lenses, Rubber Armor, Non-Slip Grip, Fogproof, Waterproof - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty

The field of view is large and can focus extremely well. The twist focus wheel is easy to use but a bit hard to rotate. Its focus function looks very nice and very clear and has a very large focus view area. It can fit in even XL hands and is very tough and the case is very tough and won't break if you drop it from about 5 feet to 6 feet. The lenses are very tough and won't fog up in a humid environment. Great buy for a bug-out bag situation to see threats coming ahead. Very wise purchase tool for tactical and regular uses as well. Like bird watching, hunting, etc.

This is my first and only vortex product and I get the hype. There is very little color fringing and the 8x36 configuration is BRIGHT. The eyecups are great and this thing is built very well. Add in the no fault warranty and these are a winner. I got these when they were on sale for ≈70 bucks and they are a steal for that price. I would say they are a great buy at their regular price too. These are very portable, very clear, and the focusing is precise. I will say that the focus wheel is a tad stiff but overall it is negligible. Buy these if you just want a great monocular. I have tried the cheaper ones and they are passable to good, but these blow those out of the water.

I have had this thing for years now. It’s been hiking and hunting from the swamps of Florida to the mountains of Tennessee and everywhere in between. The only issue I’ve ever had with it was when my young child got ahold of it and pulled the rubber cap off the eye relief adjuster. But it wasn’t worth warranting it out for me so I just stuck it back on and it’s stayed put.The clip on the side is super convenient and I managed to get the case to mount on my kidney straps so it’s right there in the stand or on the move. It works awesome and it’s very light and easier to deal with than a pair of binoculars. It’s held up great and is an awesome choice for anyone.Only bit of advice I can offer is that holding a lot of magnification steady in one hand isn’t easy for everyone. 6x - 12x power is the range I’d always suggest for a monocular. Personally 8x is wear I keep to now if I’m using it on the move.

The rubberized coating is nice and allows a consistent grip regardless of rain or humidity. The focus ring is "firm" but even with my crappy arthritis I can manipulate the ring while holding it one handed. The optics are good quality because I get a clear image even in low light. Glad I opted for the 8x36 because it increases the functionality before and after sunset. The 36mm objective lens really brings in the light. This is also handy in SE Texas where we get frequent overcast and stormy days. The reason I said this monocular is better than binoculars is the balance between size/weight and enhanced vision it gives me to identify objects at distance. That can be a safety issue depending on your use case. I can have this mono on my belt, pack or rig and it's much easier to grab and use quickly than any of my binoculars. The larger binocular case gets in the way too. Currently I have it in a radio case on my chest rig for walking dogs and other outdoor activities. Unfortunately the lanyard was missing so I'll have to rig up something with shock cord or similar material.

Stop shopping/comparing, this is the one you want. I like that it is compact and crystal clear. Quick to focus. I can go from the leaves on the neighbors tree to the logo on the tail of a commercial airplane with much less than a quarter turn of the dial. Did I mention crystal clear. The other two in the photoBarska 10x40Smizze 12x50Function just fine at half the cost or less than the vortex 8x36. BUT…..The compactness and clarity of the vortex are totally worth extra money. Because the view is so clear, the slight lack of magnification isn’t that noticeable…I’d rather see what I’m looking at. Bigger isn’t always better. Looking two blocks away the two cheaper monoculars offer haloing, and a bit more of a shaky view with just a touch of haziness.I’m not an expert glasser but I know you get what you pay for, quality is gonna cost a little more and this little thing is worth every penny!With age my eyes don’t cooperate with one another like they used too so focusing with binoculars is difficult sometimes and down right frustrating. The vortex solo is compact, lightweight, durable, crystal clear with a great field of view (especially compared to my others). The one thing that I’m disappointed about is the absence of lense caps, it’s just odd to me there are none.Ya wanna see things closer, anything will do. Wanna see it quickly and clearly, spend the money for quality. Best bang for my buck!!

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 vortex8x25. 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.