ALPEN Waterproof Fogproof Spotting Scopes. Straight or 45 Degree Models Available with BAK4 High Index or BK7 Glass, and Fully Multi-Coated or Multi-Coated Optics. Table-top Tripod and Field Carrying Case Included

I bought mine in 2015 and enjoyed it from the start. In December of 2017 I had some issues with it and after a short phone call with a pleasant person at Alpen I sent it back and got a new one in the mail about a week later. I think this model is even better than the one it replaced. There's a keeper on the eyepiece cap now and I think this one is sharper and brighter than the one I bought a few years ago. Really a good scope and given it's performance quite a value. You would have to spend a lot more to get a noticeable improvement in the clarity and brightness of the image. This scope, like all spotting scopes benefits greatly from a good sturdy tripod. You can't afford to cheap out on a tripod, but Craigslist if full of deals on used tripods that will work fine with this nice piece of optics. It really helps a lot, especially at the high mag end.

Based on customer service, warranty coverage, and product quality, I rate this product 5 stars. I purchased the Model 788 20-60X80 scope w/45 degree eye piece in 2010. It got plenty of field use. 2 weeks ago, one of the lens elements fell out of alignment and was rattling around inside the scope housing. No drops or other scope abuse was involved. I called Alpen Optics and promptly received a return authorization number for repair service under provisions of the product's lifetime warranty. I paid $25 for return shipping and insurance. Within 10 days Alpen sent back a new scope as a replacement. The replacement scope include the full package of tripod, carrying case, and lens caps. The new scope seems to be of good quality, so we'll see how it holds up.

My first scope so I have nothing to compare it to. If it is as good as the reviews on the birding sites, it deserves 5 stars for its performance per dollar value, especially with the best price from Pro Impact Boxing. Only one focus knob, but I have no problems and reviews rate its single control better than most scopes with 2, course and fine, adjustments. Color aberration rated as good or better than scopes with ED or HD glass costing more than twice as much. I see a green or blue halo which I use as an indicator if I am over or under focus. Once in focus, the halo goes away and the colors are true and that's at 60x on a hazy day.

Just got the scope, but compared it to a Vortex Diamondback in a store; the Alpen was brighter and sharper all the way. I also looked through some high dollar glass, which was brighter, but not 5 times better that would justify the 2 grand price difference.For my pocketbook, the Alpen is a lot of scope for the money.

This thing is big! But what I would expect with an 80mm lens.Pro:* Decent light gathering.* Controls are smooth, especially focus. Which means you're not moving the scope alot to get it set.* Very nice rotation ring allows rotation of eyepiece to a comfortable position without needing a tripod head to be able to do it.* Good eye relief.* Simple effective eye relief adjustment.* Securely fitting lens caps. Front screws on, eye piece cap is friction fit.Con:* Cheap tripod, pretty much useless. I already have a nice tripod, so not a big deal to me.* Cheap zipper on carrying bag* Chromatic aberration at higher zoom.I'd rather have the money spent on a nicer bag with maybe a form fitted foam to protect the scope. My friends and I really enjoy this scope. It is not small and portable. I wouldn't want to do alot of bushwacking with frequent setup and breakdown but if you are going to a range or setting up an observation point, this is a relatively inexpensive choice. You can pay 5-10 times as much for a top-notch scope with these glass and zoom specs, but I wouldn't unless I used this weekly or professionally. I would definitely purchase again.

This scope was ordered after reading over a hundred reviews for various scopes. The scope arrived within 48 hours and I used it at Myakka State Park to identify Green and Blue-winged Teal at over 400 yards. Herons, Egrets, Limpkins, Hawks, Eagles, Osprey, etc. have never looked so clear to me. Over 20 other birders tried the scope and all were favorably impressed. This scope does NOT have ED or Fluoride glass but is quite bright with better clarity than I expected. It weighs only 56oz., has a strong durable body, is fogproof/waterproof, has sunscreens at each end, is able to rotate within the tripod ring, and is comfortable to use while wearing glasses. Buying this scope was a no-brainer. I paid only $300 for this heavily discounted scope at Amazon- most scopes selling for $1200-5000 ARE clearer at higher magnifications (50-60x), but they're not 4 to 10 times better in my opinion. The included tripod would work for target shooting but a birder will need a taller, sturdy tripod. The included nylon case does protect the scope but you'd be better off upgrading to a see thru case which can be used on the tripod and is more easily carried. Alpen sells these as well.

If you have a few grand to drop on a Svarovski, then go nuts, and I'm sure you won't be disappointed. But if you don't want to get a second job just to get a high quality spotting scope, this is it.I did quite a bit of research on affordable scopes and found this one to be highly rated both by birding magazines AND customers who bought it. This is the first scope that my wife and I have purchased so we don't have much to compare it to, but we LOVE this scope. Nothing about it seems cheap to me; it feels very high quality. The images are crystal clear, and the zoom function is easy to use.We use the scope for birding, and I have absolutely no complaints.