Vortex Recon R/T 15x50 Monocular

What’s missing from optics reviews is how one product truly differs from others, not just regurgitating the manufacturer’s specs. The Vortex Recon truly is different from similar monoculars. I haven’t tried them all, and I’ll likely never own a thousand dollar and up optic, but this is my second high-end Vortex product (I have a spotting scope which is amazing, it provides great images of Saturn and Jupiter) and the difference from other brands is sharpness and clarity of the image. I can make out details with Vortex optics that other brands can’t match. That alone makes this worth paying more for. This monocular is compact and light weight for its power, which makes it easier to hold. On the less than ideal side, the 15x magnification is harder to hold steady, as one would expect. 10x would have been enough I think. With a change to my grip, I’ve adapted to it and it’s gotten less shaky. Second, I can’t honestly say the image is as sharp at the edges as it is in the center, but it’s better than others I’ve had. I don’t feel that’s important since most of what I use this for is seeing things that take up about a quarter of the field of view or less anyway. The edge blur isn’t even noticeable when you focus on the center. Third, I have no use for the reticle, so I wish they offered the monocular without it. It’s easy to ignore, but it would be nice to have the option if it saves a few bucks. It took me a few days to adapt to this monocular, and I wasn’t convinced at first that I’d keep it considering how expensive it is. But it grew on me until I put away my other optics and I’d say if you’re on the fence, just splurge and buy this one and you won’t regret it.

absolutely like the weight vs size vs magnification. this one is my everyday carry . I hike a lot and take it with me. I like the built quality. nice wide focus ring. definitely recommend .

I have both the Vortex Solo R/T 8x36 and the Recon R/T 15x50. I can hold one to each eye for a direct comparison. With the target at 800 yards, the 15x50 provides both increased magnification and a noticeable brighter image. If trying to detect an animal or person at that distance, the 15x50 is significantly better. Is it worth the $450 cost difference, probably not unless you are in a combat situation.

Nice sharp, minimal distortion (at least to my contact lens infused eyes). Focus adjuster isn't where my fingers tend to expect it, but that's a nit. We primarily have ours tripod mounted for ship watching.

I answered someone's question about whether it would go out past 500 meters, and this is what I said: "Yes. The ranging silhouettes go out to 600 meters, but the hashmarks on the reticle are in MRAD, and they give you about 100 mils of total elevation from top to bottom, and a 100 mils of total windage from left to right; and 15X magnification is sufficient for well past 1,000 yards. Vortex glass is not the very best you can get, but it is pretty darn good. I own a couple of Vortex rifle scopes and I am very satisfied with them and have shot past 500 yards with them. The glass in this monocular is comparable to the rifle scopes. My only complaint about this monocular is its size and weight. It is fine as a range instrument in the role of a spotting scope (it comes with a miniature flexible tripod that fits in the same case), and it is fine in a backpack for an extended hunting trip on foot for long range hunting purposes. Where it fails is as an EDC optic for daily use, where the 8x36 Solo R/T is a better choice. I bought my son the Solo R/T for Christmas last year, and it is much lighter and smaller, and more convenient to carry daily in your EDC kit. It has the same reticle, but with "only" about 70 vertical and horizontal mils, and at 8X, it has more than adequate magnification for any uses most of us will run into......even out past 500 yards.....in a package that is significantly smaller and lighter (by comparison, 4X magnification on an ACOG reticle takes you out to 600 yards). Would I recommend the 15X monocular to someone else? Sure. I'm happy with mine. But the truth is that for most people, in most situations, it is a little bit of overkill." I gave this 15X monocular 4 out 5 five stars for EDC use. It is worth 5 stars, but only in limited roles. The 8x32 Solo R/T is probably the better choice for most people who are looking for a monocular that will get regular usage. Most hunters/shooters, myself included, don't need and won't ever use the additional range this monocular provides, even at longer ranges, and the size/weight penalty over the smaller unit is significant. I have no real regrets about having bought mine, and I do use it at the rifle range, but I will likely buy a Solo R/T for myself for EDC use.

I don't know why any hunter trying to cut pack weight would carry bino's when this product is available. It's fantastic. The optics are outstanding. The built in reticle range finder is brilliantly conceived. Works great.

Absolutely awesome scope/monocular. The high power does make it a bit hard to hold still for hand held use but is still useable with practice.

Crystal clear picture. This was a great buy.