Everything i want for my needs - Alpen 20-60x80mm Waterproof Spotting Scope w/Tripod, Travel Case

I searched high and low for a spotter that offers excellent optical quality at a price that is around 500 dollars.

I researched online comparing the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 20-60x80mm, Leupold Ventana and Vortex Diamondback or even the higher end razor. I came across Alpen on birdwatchers websites and they noted that the image quality better than most of the scopes I listed with the exception of the much higher priced Razor.

I tried to go to local shops to check out the scopes I listed, most of them didn't have the eye relief that permitted me to use the scope without taking my glasses off. I looked through the Bushnell and I saw that the colors were kinda washed out. So I took a risk and bought the Alpen based on the online articles and youtube reviews.

My use:
Mainly for range shooting at 50-300m. Will use the scope for bird watching along the rivers and seaside as well.

I have only taken it out to the range and I have to say I'm thoroughly impressed. Being an artist and painter, I'm pretty sensitive to colors and the color reproduction through the scope was very nice. The image seems to pop in 3D. Before I even started spotting bullet holes down range I turned the zoom up to 60X. Immediately I noticed slight chromatic abrasion on the edges of my black circled target used for zeroing my optic but it wasn't so serious that it blurred the edges; the image still remained sharp even with slight heat haze in 30C weather. I was able to make out 10pt Arial font at 50m, the lighter grey grid lines on the target was still clearly visible at 100m.

Spotting .223 holes up to 200m was very easy. 308, obviously was even easier. My friend who was shooting the 308 was so impressed it has convinced him to look into replacing his 80 dollars Celestron.

The Tripod is quite nice for a packaged in deal. I only tried mounting the scope onto the tripod when I first got the scope. At the range I used an old Manfrotto 055Pro tripod and 460mg head that I had lying around; this tripod was ... overkill... for the light weight of the Alpen.

Size and Weight:
The size of the scope is quite large, you could still put it in a backpack if you were to go on a hike and camp or hunt with it but I couldn't recommend using it without a tripod.

Weight is incredibly light, at first I thought it felt cheap because it was so light but the fit and finish of the scope is quite nice with a dark matte green finish.

Controls:
The zoom eyepiece zoom adjustment dial is a little stiff but still very usable with one hand.
The focus dial is a dream to use. Although it is not a dual (coarse and fine) dial, the resistance and movement of the focus dial is so smooth that you can fine tune the focus with ease with your finger tips.

Overall:
I would totally recommend this scope to anyone who is into long range shooting and bird watching