The Vortex Optics 10x36 Monocular is superbly capable for birdwatching, outdoor activities and even basic astronomy — now with a $50 saving in this Adorama deal

The Vortex Optics 10x36 Waterproof Monoculars with Live Science deals logo
(Image credit: Future)

A monocular can be a great addition to your outdoor gear, perfect for easily observing wildlife, admiring beautiful landscapes or even doing basic astronomy. Right now at Adorama, you can pick up a fantastic deal on one of the most budget-friendly monoculars, the Vortex Solo 10x36, which is currently at its lowest price of the year at just $129.99.

Buy the Vortex Optics Solo 10x36 Waterproof Monocular for $129.99 at Adorama.

The Vortex Optics Solo 10x36 monocular has over 1500+ five-star ratings on Amazon, and in our review of its 8x36 sibling we summed up its performance by saying, "The Vortex Optics monocular is a capable performer with a lightweight, tough design, impressive image clarity and good low-light capabilities."

Vortex Optics Solo 10x36 Monocular
Vortex Optics Solo 10x36 Monocular: was $179.99 now $129.99 at Adorama US

Save $50 on the excellent Vortex 10x36 monocular. As well as the 10x magnification and 36mm objectives lens, the Solo is small and lightweight at just 9.7 oz. The fully multi-coated lenses, increased light transmission and resolution give superb image quality. Vortex also has an unlimited and unconditional lifetime warranty.

Full review: Vortex 8x36 Monocular


The 10x magnification on the Vorex Monocular provides a wide field of view ideal for various outdoor activities, from birdwatching to hiking, allowing users to observe wildlife and landscapes up close.

It also functions well in low light, so it can be used for viewing the night sky with the 36mm objective lens keeping views as bright as possible

Green rubber armor protects the monocular against bumps and knocks as well as a non-slip grip. The Vortex is also Nitrogen-purged and O-ring sealed, making it waterproof and fogproof in any environment.

One of the real highlights for buying though is the unlimited and unconditional lifetime warranty. Vortex promises to repair or replace your item if it becomes damaged/defective. However, it doesn't cover loss, theft, deliberate damage or cosmetic damage that doesn't hinder performance.


Key features: 10x magnification, 36mm objective lens, small, lightweight with fully multi-coated lenses. Waterproof and durable.

Product launched: May 2012.

Price history: The current $129.99 deal price is the cheapest this monocular has been this year. Outside of the current deal, the lowest price for this model we've seen has been during the Black Friday sales at $119.99.

Price comparison: Amazon: $129.99 | B&H Photo: $129.99

Reviews consensus: We awarded the Vortex Solo 8x36 Monocular 3/5 stars in our review, praising it for its excellent image quality and performance. We also noted its thoughtful design and meticulously crafted and rugged build.

✅ Buy it if: You want a lightweight, easy-to-operate monocular with crisp image quality that's backed with an unlimited, unconditional and lifetime warranty.

❌ Don't buy it if: You have a bigger budget and want enhanced optical quality and magnification power. If that's the case, we'd recommend the Canon Powershot Zoom Digital Monocular — which boasts an 800mm zoom capability and can capture high-quality photos and videos.

Check out our other guides to the best air purifiers, air purifiers for allergies, the best telescopes, microscopes for students, binoculars, rowing machines, electric toothbrushes and more.

Paul Brett
Deals writer

Paul is a deals writer for Live Science and writes across the stable of Sports and Knowledge brands at Future. He has previously worked in cycling media and authored numerous articles on Bike Perfect, Cycling News and Cycling Weekly. Paul is an award-winning photographer having won Mountain Photographer of the Year with Trail Magazine and has a passionate interest in all things photography. A keen hiker and mountaineer he has written and published his own book – Mountaineering in the Scottish Highlands and founded Proper Adventure magazine. Paul will be found most weekends with his camera in hand either at cycling events or on a mountain summit.

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