Vortex Optics 8x36 Solo Tactical R/T Waterproof Monocular with Reticle Focus

2025-08-23T20:00:00

Vortex has a great warranty and is a great product for the price!

Michael H.

Originally posted at

2025-07-28T20:00:00

Overall this monocular is "good enough. " It does lack with visibility as I wear glasses and sometimes it is easier to just prop the glasses up and look through this optic. Besides that, the clarity and ease-of-use makes it my go-to for quick scouting sessions.

Matthew K.

Originally posted at

2025-05-24T20:00:00

Vortex decided to make ranging easy with an easy to use reticle, clear glass, and easy focus adjustment. This product comes with a velcro belt pouch. Read the manual for proper instructions on how to use the reticle!

Maxwell M.

Originally posted at

2025-04-15T20:00:00

Clear picture, for the money you cant really beat it. Just a little math knowledge needed to utilize

adam g.

Originally posted at

2025-04-08T20:00:00

Optic is great. Crystal clear during the day and night. The clip on the optic is super useful, especially considering the case they include which is basically useless. Reticle comes in handy in certain situations. Magnification vs field of view is perfect for urban environments, I haven't had a situation over the last year or more where more mag would have been necessary. I really wish the case would have used a single nylon molle rather than the belt loop, seems a bit half-witted with the prevalence of molle on rifle and duty bags. Solid recon optic, not a spotting scope or long range surveillance device. Will definitely buy again if something happens to my current, though it's pretty rugged so hoping not to need to.

D M.

Originally posted at

2025-03-29T20:00:00

A great item for hiking, camping, hunting, or shooting. I have added this to my daily carry bag. Used to to spot deer and used the reticle to get an idea how far away the animal was. Would be a great item for a spotter to call wind corrections.

Dylan K.

Originally posted at

2025-03-25T20:00:00

This product is easy to carry and use. The view is super clear.

Sonnie C.

Originally posted at

2025-02-25T19:00:00

This is a nice little optic for hunting or backpacking that you can carry on your hip belt. Small, light, decent lens quality. Basically the perfect answer for backpacking and light glassing when bino are just more size and weight than you want to deal with.

Harold G.

Originally posted at

2025-02-19T19:00:00

You won't get as much out of this as if you were using binoculars but for what it is, it works pretty well. Perfect for clipping on your belt while walking around, or to keep in the console of the truck for quick spotting. Clear glass and fits nice in the hand.

Cole M.

Originally posted at

2025-01-30T19:00:00

This Optics is an extremely useful tool for quick observation and measurement. the range estimation tool is extremely helpful. The retical is perfect. I would advise using a Lanyard when securing it to your kit. I wish the clip was a little bit skinnyer but that is about it. Monuculars are great tools that typically are more robust than Binoculars due to there lack of moving parts. Additionally it is easier to hold up a monocular for long periods of time.

Joe G.

Originally posted at

2024-12-31T19:00:00

This is my second Vortex monocular; the first one, which I left in a patrol vehicle after my shift, is likely currently in use by another officer. Great optics for the price. You don't want your zoom to be more than 8-10x for a handheld monocular; otherwise, it would be hard to keep the picture stable. The glass on it is good enough for use in the dark, enabling you to read plates from a distance and observe hand-to-hand transactions. It is not a spotting scope, and it is not designed to replace it. It is designed as a handheld optic for quick deployment. If you are working a partner car, this device enables your passenger officer to use it while you are following the vehicle. This version of Solo comes with MRAD reticle and a clip. The reticle is good, but I would suggest using a more powerful optic if you are a spotter for a shooter. Be aware that the 10x36 version has a shorter eye relief and narrower field of view.  

Nikita U.

Originally posted at

2024-12-30T19:00:00

I like how compact it is. I carry it in my radio Chest harness On search and rescue missons. It is very nice for sightseeing.

Sherwin M.

Originally posted at

2024-12-29T19:00:00

Very robust build, crystal clear glass for mountaineering.

William E.

Originally posted at

2024-12-08T19:00:00

I dont think there's a more useful optic at this price point. It has good glass, a etched reticle, doesn't require batteries, and can literally fit in your cup holder or even in your pocket! This thing is always within arms reach in my truck and therefore gets used more than almost any optic I own! You don't have to worry about heat or cold destroying electronics and you don't have to worry about leaking batteries! It's a minimalist optic that punches above Its price point.

Trenton B.

Originally posted at

2024-11-07T19:00:00

I purchased this monocular for target identification while hunting where high magnification is not needed. The glass is clear and bright near darkness. The focus wheel is easy to use and doesn't require excessive motion. I like the grip construction, and the belt clip is better than expected. The only downside for me is that twist eyecup is easier to collapse than I would prefer. This item has a permanent place in my deer hunting vest.

Alton W.

Originally posted at

2024-09-17T20:00:00

This monocular is a great peace of gear for the money. Weather you're range finding or just spotting this monocular works great! The mil reticle is small enough that it doesn't get in the way when spotting but it's still big enough to easily and accurately be able to range find. Its small size allows you to pack it with you anywhere and forget that you have it. I'd highly recommend this product to any outdoorsman.

Cooper H.

Originally posted at

2024-08-22T20:00:00

The compact form-factor makes this practical for quick sighting and range estimation when you don't have binoculars or a rangefinder at hand. Great glass quality, reticle, and ergonomics. Pocket clip is a good idea, but lens covers would make it more practical. The carrying case could use a larger velcro area. Regardless, highly recommend if you need some glass on the go.

Alex B.

Originally posted at

2024-08-04T20:00:00

I got this as a light option to bring with me on hikes or when I get a little nosey. I was surprised at how clear the glass was. I think in the future I'll get one of their range finders with Lidar, but this was great for a quick and cheap option. I did not like the soft case that comes with it, on the other hand, the idea was to be light weight, so I can't complain. I would have liked to see screw-on caps or rubber caps. If you want to keep it clean, you need to keep the cloth it comes with handy or buy some aftermarket caps.

Kevin T.

Originally posted at

2024-08-02T20:00:00

it is small enough that you can always have it with you, and the magnification and clarity it provides you'll always want it. I have carried it around my neck, in the provided pouch on my belt, clipped to molle webbing, and inside a M4 mag pouch. it's a great optic to always have available for anyone that spends time outdoors.

August A.

Originally posted at

2024-04-03T20:00:00

I really like this monocular, its handy without having to take out your primary binoculars in the woods. The built in ranging reticule is an absolute must when glassing game. Overall a purposefully well built piece of gear to accompany you in the outdoors.

Joseph H.

Originally posted at

2024-04-01T20:00:00

8x is amazing to get a peek at anything on hikes, while out camping, etc. I have even brought it to a few sports games - I've been in the nosebleeds at a basketball game and it's crazy seeing so close up you can see the players eyes move! The glass is extremely clear, and I feel good about being backed up by Vortex's lifetime warranty. I also feel that the reticle is a nice addition despite not really needing it - I find it doesn't get in the way when observing things through the monocular, but it will be nice to have if I ever need to range something or estimate the distance away it is. Could easily be used as a spotting scope at the range as well.

Jack L.

Originally posted at

2024-03-01T19:00:00

First, these are NOT binoculars, so the comparison is not fair. Small and handy. We use these to quickly scan an area to spot game, routes, hazards etc. Once set, we use binos for more comfortable, long term observation.

Steve P.

Originally posted at

2024-02-26T19:00:00

These are exactly what I was looking for. Good description and great product.

Jon B.

Originally posted at

2024-02-22T19:00:00

3x is just what I needed. It is a nice size and very good view. The range finder is probably not necessary for me since I'm really only using at the Range. Also the range finder needs research to understand how to use

Kevin K.

Originally posted at

2024-01-20T19:00:00

Well made. Great warranty. Clear glass. Good price. Fits very nicely on my pack for quick access.

Charles W.

Originally posted at

2024-01-19T19:00:00

Hand grip is comfortable, picture is crystal clear, weight isnt too heavy.

Joseph A.

Originally posted at

2024-01-19T19:00:00

Great for easy spotting along with rang finding.

Bo B.

Originally posted at

2023-12-23T19:00:00

Very wide field of view, great glass since it's fixed 8x. Use it at the range for viewing targets, the reticle is sharp and once you understand the formulas it can be useful for ranging relatively quick and it is accurate.

hunter h.

Originally posted at

2023-12-22T19:00:00

Cheaper glass with ok light transmission and minor fishbowl issues. Good little optic for the price.

Kane A.

Originally posted at

2023-11-08T19:00:00

- Clear glass - Great to use as a quick lightweight/compact alternative to a spotting scope - Sturdy - Reticle is extremely useful with a little math

Brian H.

Originally posted at