Shooting 15-45x60: Meade Kestrel vs. Alpen Compact #728

Hal · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Hi,

I thought I had sent this through earlier today, but don't see it in the forum. Sorry if it's a repeat msg.

We are comparing the Meade 15-45x60mm Kestrel vs. Alpen 15-45x60mm Compact #728. Alpen seems to fill the bill for us: Porro prism, angled eyepiece, BaK-4, eye relief 15-18mm, waterproof/fogproof. Our main concern with the Alpen is it being compact. Does compact size negatively affect the prism in any way? Five questions on the Meade: 1. What is the glass used? 2. What is the eye relief? 3. Is it porro lens? 4. What is the downside on no fogproofing, and does it matter enough to be a factor in a decision? This will be used for my son to shoot .22LR at 30 feet, 100 and 200 yds. Will either scope let us see .22LR holes at those distances? At comparable prices and both multicoated, if the Meade comes with soft case, hard case and what appears to be better tripod, does that mean the Alpen is actually a better scope? For us the scope is more imporant than the extras. We're trying to stay under $200.

Or is there a third scope you'd recommend with these features?

Sorry, lot of questions in one paragraph.

Thx,
Hal

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

Go with the Alpen - eye relief is definitely better, as are the optics and overall quality. Yes, going with compact system is more of a challenge, optically, though I would still rate the Alpen as the better choice.

A 60mm scope at this price can do the job at 200 yards under ideal conditions, but there is little margin for error. It's going to be a stretch. You might want to think about an 80mm scope, such as the Celestron Ultima 80. It's about as close as you can come to something at this price that will do the job, reliably.
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Hal · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Thanks Joanie.

I just checked out the Celestron. It's a possibility. Questions: Is it multicoated, and does it use BaK-4? Concerns: I see it's water resistant but not water or fog proof. Could you speak to the difference,especially lack of fogproofing? My son will be shooting matches and weather (rain) could be a factor.

Hal

Hal · Joined: 27 Nov 2007 Posts: 11

Joanie,
Skip the Q on multicoated. I just have to learn to read. I assume it's a porro prism?
Thanks again,
Hal

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

That's old info. celestron now guarqantees it to be waterproof. Yes, it is Bak4, so not to worry.

By the way, the eye relief on the Meade is a weak 11-13mm. Not even close to what you need.
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Guest · Posted: Fri May 02, 2008 12:25 pm Post subject:

Thanks Joanie.
That might be the one then.
Could you speak to fogproof a little? What exactly does it prevent, and what would cause fogging in the first place? How important of a feature is it?

Hal

Jne_K · Site Admin Joined: 24 Sep 2003 Posts: 5509

Hi

Glad to help.

Waterproof and fogproof go hand in hand. An optic that is waterproof is also generally fogproof, meaning it is guaranteed by the manufacturer under the terms of their warranty not to leak or fog INTERNALLY under normal use. Any optic can fog externally. No way to prevent that.

If an optic that is labeled as waterpoof does leak, it means the manufacturer is liable for the cost of the repair. Only the word waterproof counts, though. If an optic is labeled with anything else - water resistant, climateproof, rainproof and so on - you are liable for the cost of a repair when an optic leaks.

Internal fogging is caused by mositure condensing inside the optic - this is the fog. The fog may slowly clear up, but once an optic has fogged, it will fog, again and, of course, it typically happens when you need it most. Normally, a manufacturer will replace the air (which contains fog producing water vapor) in an optic with an inert gas, typically nitrogen, which contains no water vapor. Even if you live in a dry climate, waterproof is a useful feature. A waterproof optic is better sealed against the elements, not just against water, but also dust and dirt. This adds to the lifespan of the optic.

The good news is that the vast majority of binoculars, spotting scopes, refilescopes and so on are waterproof. Most likely to find non-waterproof on the cheap stuff.
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