Vortex Optics Solo 10×36 Monocular

After working with some Vortex Optics over the summer time, I requested them to ship their Solo 10×36 monocular for evaluation. I’d been interested in compact optics for vary use and normal glassing. Spent a pair hours with this factor between the vary and simply being out and about, sufficient time to know if the glass is well worth the cash or if it’s one thing to skip.

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Specs: Vortex Solo 10×36 Monocular

The Solo sits in an attention-grabbing spot. Greater goal than their compact 10×25 mannequin, however nonetheless pocketable. Ten energy magnification in one thing you possibly can really carry with out enthusiastic about it. On paper, it checks the correct bins. The query is whether or not it delivers in precise use. Earlier than moving into what it’s really like to make use of, right here’s what you’re working with:

Magnification: 10xGoal Lens Diameter: 36mmEye Aid: 15mmArea of View: 315 toes @ 1000 yardsShut Focus: 16.4 toesExit Pupil: 3.6mmTwilight Issue: 18.97Size: 4.9 inchesWeight: 9.7 oz (with clip)Waterproof/Fogproof: Sure (O-ring sealed, nitrogen purged)Lens Coatings: Absolutely multi-coatedPhysique: Rubber armored polycarbonateEyecup: Twist-up/downIncluded: Neck lanyard, utility clip, carrying case

The Solo is available in a number of totally different configurations. That is the ten×36 – larger goal than the compact 10×25, which implies higher gentle gathering. In addition they make an 8×36 if you’d like a wider discipline of view and steadier picture. The ten×36 is available in at $189.99 however I’ve seen it on sale pretty regularly. 

“From bowhunters to backpackers, the Solo® Monocular delivers highly effective magnification in an ultra-compact design that’s made for anybody who must pack gentle. Slip it into your pocket, clip it securely in your pack, and belief it to deliver the small print nearer whereas standing as much as powerful discipline use.”

First Impressions: Vortex Solo 10×36 Monocular

Proper out of the field, this factor has some heft to it. Not in a foul approach, it simply feels extra substantial than I anticipated for a monocular. Provides it a top quality really feel fairly than low cost plastic. The rubber armor is thick the place it must be, and the entire thing suits in your hand with out feeling awkward.

The belt clip is burly. Heavy-duty sufficient that I’m not anxious about it failing, although if I owned one, I’d in all probability ditch it for searching. This appears higher suited to a pocket or pouch the place it gained’t snag on brush or gear.

Talking of the included  pouch… I hate it. Open sides, velcro closure. In case you’re making an attempt to be quiet within the woods, velcro is in regards to the worst potential selection. That is at the least partially marketed towards hunters, proper? Why would you place one thing designed that can assist you see distant recreation within the noisiest container possible? 

One factor that shocked me: the main focus wheel wasn’t stiff in any respect. I’d learn complaints about this being a standard challenge with these monoculars, however this one turned out easy proper from the beginning. No two-handed wrestling match to get a pointy picture. Simply twist, and also you’re executed. If it was a problem its not anymore.

Vary Time: Vortex Solo 10×36 Monocular

The glass is nice. That’s actually what issues with any optic, and Vortex delivers right here like they normally do. Heart sharpness is great, edges keep clear sufficient that I’m not annoyed making an attempt to select particulars. No bizarre coloration fringing that I observed, no fuzzy spots that made me query what I used to be taking a look at.

I examined this largely in good daylight, so I can’t converse to the way it performs in prolonged actual world use at daybreak or nightfall. The few occasions a cloud rolled overhead and lower the sunshine, it didn’t shake my confidence. Gentle transmission appeared positive for what I used to be doing. The 36mm goal pulls in sufficient gentle that I wasn’t squinting or straining.

At 10x magnification, you’d count on some shakiness when handholding. There’s some, but it surely’s very manageable. The load really helps right here,  offers you one thing to stabilize towards fairly than making an attempt to carry a featherweight tube completely nonetheless. I might glass for a couple of minutes at a time with out my arm getting drained or the picture bouncing round an excessive amount of.

The 16.4-foot minimal focus is a bit limiting, however that’s the tradeoff you settle for with 10x. In case you needed the additional attain, which is the entire level of 10x over 8x – you’re not making an attempt to look at one thing 10 toes away anyway. For long-range glassing, it’s not a problem.

I don’t put on glasses when I’m out and about, so I can’t touch upon the attention reduction with eyewear. So far as security glasses on the vary I didn’t really feel stained or restricted. With out glasses, it was snug. Twist-up eyecup labored positive, stayed the place I put it.

One factor price mentioning: no lens caps doesn’t hassle me. The target finish has sufficient rubber armor that the glass sits recessed and guarded. Plus, Vortex has that limitless lifetime guarantee they constructed their fame on. In case you one way or the other handle to scratch or crack a lens, they’ll deal with it. That’s price greater than a plastic cap that you just’ll lose in per week anyway.

Remaining Ideas: Vortex Solo 10×36 Monocular

For round $130 road value, this can be a strong piece of equipment. The glass high quality is what I’ve come to count on from Vortex – clear, vivid, no bizarre points that make me second-guess what I’m taking a look at. It’s sufficiently small to toss in a variety bag or jacket pocket with out enthusiastic about it, substantial sufficient that it doesn’t really feel like a toy. Reviewing one thing like that is admittedly bizarre. It’s a tube that magnifies issues. There’s no set off to tug, no recoil to handle, no teams to measure. You’re mainly checking if the glass is evident, if it magnifies what you level it at, and whether or not it’s a ache to make use of. On all three counts, this delivers.

If I’m being nitpicky, the one factor that caught me off guard was the load. It’s heavier than I anticipated for a monocular, although that ended up being an excellent factor. Makes it really feel like high quality {hardware}, not low cost plastic junk. Will it substitute binoculars? No. However that’s not the purpose. That is for when it’s essential attain out and establish one thing and don’t need to carry a full set of binos. Vary periods the place you need to examine impacts with out strolling downrange. Mountain climbing while you need to glass distant ridges with out the majority. Fast checks within the discipline while you’re already carrying an excessive amount of gear.

If I used to be shopping for optics on this class, the value could be fully justifiable for what you get. This is able to go straight into a variety bag. I’d take it searching with out hesitation. It’s precisely what it claims to be, a compact, sturdy monocular with good glass that you may really afford.

In closing, I need to say thanks to Vortex Optics for permitting AllOutdoor and myself the chance to check out their Solo 10×36 Monocular. That’s enormously appreciated. Additionally, we want to know what all of you guys and gals assume. Do you consider this monocular is price spending your cash on? Would you’re taking this out to the vary or within the discipline? Tell us your entire ideas within the Feedback under! We at all times recognize your suggestions.

Sam.S

Author | TheFirearmBlog
Author | AllOutdoor.com Instagram | sfsgunsmith Previous soul, licensed gunsmith, revealed writer, avid firearm historical past learner, and appreciator of outdated and distinctive weapons.