VortexOptics Solo Monocular 10x25 - Adjustable Eyecup, Fully Multi-Coated Lenses, Rubber Armor, Non-Slip Grip, Fogproof, Waterproof - Unlimited, Unconditional Warranty

I've owned a much more expensive 10x25 monocular in the past, and this one - at a fraction of the price - is at least as good, and maybe better. I like that you can use it with one hand only, and I like the crisp clear images. The only thing I'm not so keen on is that it is rather wide, and doesn't fit into my rucksack pocket. Having said that however - with the supplied lanyard attached - it fits conveniently into my shirt pocket, and is ready for instant use.

I was looking for a small yet powerful and light weight monocular that I can take on hikes, one that is easy to use, good value for the money, and that will survive the rough and tumble. This little monocular fits the bill, and more. It is well made, great quality. The pouch it comes with is all you need. I would highly, highly recommend.But ..... using it makes me dizzy, the magnification is too strong for my eyes so I will return. A real bummer that has nothing to do with the product. I am not even sure I would be able to handle a 8x...

Purchased this item to carry with me every day in my computer bag to have for quick viewing of wildlife or items that are too far away to see with the naked eye. Works very well and my grandsons really like it as well.The only issue I have found (and the only reason I did not give it 5 stars) is the eye relief as I am a glasses wearer, but for the price and size it works very well. I can make it work with a slight blackout ring around the outside due to glasses wear and short eye relief. Good focus ring movement and very easy to acquire the subject. Very bright optics as all Vortex items I have tried. Very compact and light. it is pretty rugged as well. This has what has become a standard in better quality optics, the twist up eye cup and it works well and stays in place.I would recommend this for anyone that is not a glasses wearer that wants compact, clear and bright optics in a monocular. If you are a fellow glasses wearer and as I have learned to do, tolerate short eye relief, it is not too bad for us either. I could not find another product that was this compact and good optics quality that has long enough eye relief for glasses wearers.

The power is just right and pretty clear (better than I expected for certain). So far the waterproof sealing and coatings have worked fine. The size and weight are great. It focuses quite close (much better than my previous Pentax binoculars) and isn't really picky focus wise (meaning the lens elements are not such that constant focusing is necessary). Perfectly adequate and then some for bird watching and so many other pursuits. The balance of price and performance is perfect.The soft case and strap it comes with are adequate but cheap and probably will not adequately protect the monocular indefinitely as the case has openings at the top and bottom and a snap closure for using on a belt which is convenient but potentially problematic. The strap uses a plastic snap buckle which is also very convenient, but likewise potentially problematic. But don't let those issues stand in your way as they are not necessarily issues at all as many will prefer those conveniences to the rock solid rigidity of fixed closures and they are easily replaced for cheap. The eyepiece screws out and snaps in place for viewing and it does so with a lack of authority that leads me to believe that it will not always function solidly, but should that day come it will be easy enough to permanently fix the position and add a very short amount to the length as well as the additional protection that brings the lens. The monocular itself is well worth the cost notwithstanding these possible imperfections.

This monocular is small, functional and durable. I've used it extensively since receiving it from amazon. It's multi coated lense doesn't fog up and is crystal clear. I recommend getting the 10x for it's light gathering capability but I'm sure the 8x functions well also. It's also ergonomically designed and can in fact be easily adjusted using only one hand. It feels right in the hand and the carrying strap is perfect for any bow hunter who intends to wear this monocular while shooting, it doesn't get in the way of the string and is of no concern, allowing me to focus on the my shot while hunting. I've also crawled around while bow hunting in sand and grit with this Vortex monocular and it cleaned up amazingly well some sand and grit did get in the adjustment ring but after it dried up I simply blew it away. I've permanently attached the carrying case to my fanny pack and intend to take the monocular on all my hunting and scouting adventures.

I wanted the most power I could get in handheld. Some sites noted that higher powers are hard to hold steady, and this seems to be true. I do not have an 8x, but in hindsight, I might should have gotten that. This 10x does shake a bit. One needs to hold your breath and get steady. I chose the 25mm lens just from cost and size. I'm looking at birds at my feeder and yard critters, thus I don't need the wide field of view, and the wider instrument. DO NOTE: I got a carrying case for this, that is totally unnecessary. The additional case if fine Contrary to some reviews, the case that comes with this is perfectly fine ... actually better than the secondary case. I'll keep the secondary case in the event I change my mind or find another use for it. All said, seems like a good value for the money.