Vortex Recce 8×32 Pro HD Monocular RP-100

This Vortex Monocular is not ready for prime time. It is full of design flaws that limit its utility.The case is too small for the device. Even with the pocket clip outside the case, it is tight and one must use two hands to put the scope in the case. The ideal case for a monocular would allow a “quick look” with a drop-in, easy-out case.The pocket clip is in the wrong place and is not adjustable. It is right where one’s hands need to hold the bottom of the scope. Were it on the right or left sides, it would not interfere with the use of the scope.The rubber tab that holds the objective lens cap onto the body of the monocular is placed exactly at the pocket clip, which is on the bottom of the scope and cannot be relocated. Every time you slip this monoc onto a pocket, the pocket lip will run over the rubber tab for the lens cap, sometimes even opening it. Sure, you can rotate the rubber objective lens cap so that the tab is off to the side, but then when you open the cap to use the scope, the cap will not be dangling straight down, but rather flopping out to the side. This is a very poor designThe focus wheel is far too stiff for one handed focus. Some monoculars (e.g Vixen brand) has a smooth and easy focus wheel. This Vortext model has a very stiff focus wheel that prevents easy use. Even trying to loosen it over a couple weeks of avid use did not loosen the wheel. I have other waterproof binoculars and scopes that do not have a difficult to turn focus wheel like this one. You will be using two hands to focus, period.The focus wheel is in the wrong place, forcing a use to hold the scope out by the objective end, and focusing with the non-supporting hand nearer the eyepiece. You’ll have to try to use it to know what I mean. The wheel should be further out to allow holding the monocular near the eyepiece.The eyepiece lens shade is, as another reviewer mentioned, made from thin rubber like a tire inner tube. It feels flimsy and cheap, particularly when folding it down for eyeglass users. Also, one small tug and it falls off.The glass and view is good, but not as good as my other ED pieces of kit. Although it is bright through the 32mm objective, the focus is difficult…objects appear sharp, but not ultra-sharp. Objects always appear slightly out of focus when compared to a one-eyed view through a tube of my ED glass binocular. Because the focus wheel is overly tight, fine focus is difficult. The glass works well in dim conditions compared to smaller objective monoculars (eg Vixen 8×16), but once in light conditions, the competitors’ monoculars are simply easier to carry and to use.The price at three hundred dollars is extreme once one sees ands uses the scope. It is not nearly worth that price as other manufacturers offer similar warranties (e.g Bushnell ED mono, Zeiss, etc.), and have better functionality.The objective lens cap is fine and works well, but pops off every single time when one pulls the scope in and out of the too-tight storage case. On the other end, the eye lens cap is atrocious. It simply tucks inside the rubber eye shade, and as such cannot be used with the eye shade rolled down or removed. It pops out constantly, and is a nuisance.The MRAD reticle is useable, but it is very hard to use the reticle focus knob as it is sticky and difficult to twist. While the silhouettes seem like a good idea…and they are acceptable if you solely use this monoc for manual distancing…they get in the way of the one clear viewing pane of the monocular. Why? The reticle itself is placed slightly off-center (unlike the Bushnell ED monocular), which is nice for viewing through the right lower pane. However, the head and shoulders silhouettes, unique to Vortex, hog up the viewing pane making this not a great choice for those that will use it for both distancing by reticle and general viewing.I am sorry that I cannot recommend this monocular. I much prefer any of the Vixen monoculars, and others have great reviews of the Bushnell ED Monocular, and if one can afford it, Zeiss or Leica monoculars. At the exact same price of this Vortex Recce Pro is the Zeiss Terra ED Compact binoculars, which weigh in at exactly the same 11 ounces; this is a consideration that one should make when looking for portability and great glass (the reviews for that binocular are exquisite).I regret the purchase of this Vortex Recce Pro Monocular.

Excellent glass. I can only ding it because the focusing ring is quite stiff and hard to manipulate quickly.

The quality of these is great. Maybe a little heavier and longer than expected, but I’m willing to trade that for durability in the backcountry. Easy to focus, clear and accurate colors. I only own Vortex because of the warranty, too.

Not overly powerful magnification, but for its size, this product has good clarity and focus for hiking and outside exploration where you don’t want to carry binocular lenses.

焦点の合わせがシビアではあるが明るく、歪みもないて大変良い。