10 Best Monocular Telescopes 2025 in the United States

The Vortex Optics Solo Monocular is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and easy-to-use monocular. With an 8x magnification and a 25mm objective lens, it provides a good balance of zoom and brightness—enough to see details clearly without making the view too shaky or dim. The fully multi-coated lenses help improve image clarity and light transmission, so your view stays crisp even in lower light. Its small size and light weight (only 5.6 ounces) make it very portable and convenient for hiking, birdwatching, or casual outdoor use.

The monocular is designed to withstand tough conditions, with rubber armor for a secure grip and durability, plus it's waterproof and fogproof thanks to nitrogen purging and sealing. This means you can rely on it in rainy or humid environments without worrying about damage or fogged-up lenses. The adjustable eyecup is a nice touch, allowing comfortable viewing whether or not you wear glasses.

One downside is that with a 25mm lens, the field of view might be a bit narrow compared to larger models, which means you see less area at once. Also, it uses manual focus, which is common but might require a bit of practice to get sharp images quickly. The product comes with a strong lifetime warranty, which adds peace of mind. This monocular is well suited for beginners or casual users who want a durable, lightweight, and reliable optic for everyday outdoor activities without needing advanced features or high-end specs.

The Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8x36 Monocular is designed for those who need a reliable and portable observation tool. With 8x magnification and a 36mm objective lens, this monocular allows for clear and detailed viewing. The fully multi-coated lenses with anti-reflective coatings enhance light gathering, making it suitable for low light conditions. The flared eyecup is a thoughtful addition, blocking out stray light and enhancing comfort, particularly for users with glasses.

The large focus wheel and smaller reticle focus ensure users can easily adjust the image clarity and reticle for precise target milling. Weighing just 12.8 ounces and measuring 5.4 x 2.3 x 2.5 inches, it's compact and lightweight, ideal for carrying in the field. The utility clip facilitates quick access by attaching to a vest or belt, and the textured rubber armor offers a non-slip grip while ensuring durability.

Its waterproof and fogproof design, achieved through O-ring sealing and nitrogen purging, makes it reliable in various weather conditions. The unlimited, unconditional lifetime VIP Warranty is a standout feature, offering peace of mind with its promise to repair or replace the monocular if it becomes damaged or defective, excluding loss, theft, or cosmetic damage that doesn't affect performance. However, the need for a battery for the reflex finderscope might be a minor inconvenience for some users. Despite this, the Vortex Optics Solo R/T 8x36 Monocular stands out as a versatile and durable choice for those needing a dependable optical device for observation and range estimation.