The Shooting Wire

Wednesday, September 30, 2026  ■  Optics

Sightmark Introduces Solitude HD Micro and Compact Spotting Scopes

Sightmark is expanding its spotting scope lineup with two new Solitude HD models built for hunters, birders and wildlife observers who need dedicated long-range glass without committing to a full-size spotting scope. The new Solitude HD 9-27x56 Micro Spotting Scope and Solitude HD 15-45x65 Compact Spotting Scope deliver two different balances of portability, magnification and optical performance for users who carry their equipment into the field.

The Solitude HD 9-27x56 Micro is the smaller and lighter of the two. Measuring just 7.7 inches long and weighing 21.6 ounces, the Micro is designed for backcountry hunts, daypacks, travel and other applications where space and weight matter. Its 56mm objective and 9-27x magnification range give users a versatile 3x optical zoom for scanning terrain at low power before magnifying distant subjects for closer observation.

Fully multi-coated ED glass helps suppress chromatic aberration while maintaining true color and edge-to-edge clarity. The Micro transmits roughly 85% of available light and has a twilight factor of 38.9, allowing it to retain useful detail as daylight begins to fade.

For users who want more magnification and greater light-gathering capability, the Solitude HD 15-45x65 Compact pairs a larger 65mm objective with a 15-45x magnification range. Fully multi-coated HD glass and AR-coated Porro and Half-Penta prisms transmit roughly 80% of available light while resolving detail finer than three arcseconds. Its 54.1 twilight factor and 6.6 relative brightness make the Compact particularly well suited to longer observation sessions around dawn and dusk.

At 13.4 inches long and 55.9 ounces, the Compact remains packable while providing the additional reach needed for observing distant game, wildlife, terrain and targets.

Both Solitude HD spotting scopes use a 45-degree angled eyepiece designed to keep the user in a comfortable viewing position during extended glassing sessions. Twist-up eyecups and diopter adjustments allow the eyepiece to be fitted to the individual observer, while smooth helical focus systems provide precise control without the bulk of a large external focus knob.

Both models are also designed around modern tripod and digiscoping use. The Micro includes an ARCA-Swiss adapter plate and a standard 1/4-20 mounting interface, allowing it to mount to ARCA-compatible or conventional tripod systems without additional hardware. The Compact incorporates an ARCA-Swiss foot directly into the scope and retains 1/4-20 compatibility.

The Compact adds a rotating tripod collar with a locking knob, allowing the body and eyepiece to rotate independently of the tripod. This makes it easier to share the scope between observers or reposition the eyepiece when glassing alongside a rifle.

Digiscoping-optimized eyepieces on both models are compatible with popular smartphone and DSLR adapters, allowing hunters and outdoor observers to capture photos and video of distant subjects. The capability gives users a practical way to document wildlife sightings, review game while scouting or record distant targets.

The Solitude HD family is built for field use with rubber-armored polymer bodies, nitrogen-purged optical systems and IPX5 water resistance. Both models are fogproof and designed to handle changing temperatures and wet conditions encountered in the field. The Compact also includes a built-in extendable sunshade to reduce glare and help protect the objective from rain and stray light.

With two distinct sizes, the Solitude HD family allows users to choose the spotting scope that fits the way they travel and glass. The 9-27x56 Micro prioritizes minimum packed size and weight, while the 15-45x65 Compact provides greater magnification, a larger objective and additional tripod versatility for users who need more reach.

Sightmark Solitude HD 9-27x56 Micro Highlights

Sightmark Solitude HD 15-45x65 Compact Highlights

Visit Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube to learn more about Sightmark® products.

About Sightmark: Sightmark manufactures award-winning products including riflescopes, gun sights, laser sights, digital night vision, thermal riflescopes, flashlights, bore sights and other cutting edge, premium shooting accessories. Inspired by military and law enforcement technology, Sightmark products are designed for competition, shooting, hunting, home defense, personal safety and other tactical applications. For more information about Sightmark products, visit www.sightmark.com. For media requests related to Sightmark, please email mediarelations@sightmark.com.