Outstanding little scope! - Alpen Shasta Ridge 20-60x80 Waterproof Spotting Scope w/Tripod

I was expecting a decent scope, it is so much better than that! The price was right and well recommended with a decent case and usable tripod (not great, but all metal and sturdy on hard even surfaces). My scope (YMMV) is so much sharper and clearer than anything I have seen for under $1000 (and the difference is subtle: contrast is higher for expensive scopes and Chromatic Aberation or CA, ie. purple fringing, is much less with ED glass).

Even viewing into bright light at lower mag. is great. Only at >50x does the CA against only very bright sky become objectionable and really any zoom can have _some_ CA or suffer other optical problems. There was no noticeable CA under 50x which is astounding without ED/flourite glass! You won't notice this at all when looking at normal subjects, you have to go out of your way (and know what to look for).

I live near the ocean and use it to look for whales close to shore. Near the water, there is always some moisture and viewing is affected. Even still, at 500m measured distance, I can read signs with <1in. text just after sunset at 60x. REALLY, it's that bright and clear! At over 1000m, I can make out details on vehicles and see the edges of feathers on birds (but now fighting the conditions, that is really the limit for _any_ optic, regardless of price/quality). Bottom line, I am astounded at the quality of this optic. I use a lot of expensive optics in photography and this lens is amazing for the price. Now if only I could mount a T-ring (there are threads but the zoom ring is larger than the T mount). Great job Alpen!
Pros: RAZOR Sharp optics, bright viewing, great overall package
Cons: Chromatic Aberation at 50-60x against bright sky

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.