Praktica B00513 Waterproof 15-45x60 Waterproof Spotting Scope

The unit works very well as a tripod mounted spotting scope for target archery. Nice clear image. The focus ring and the eyepiece magnifying adjustments are very stiff requiring two handed operation. Good because once set it does not change and bad because you need two hands. The small size also means its not badly affected in cross winds - larger scopes fell over but this one was OK. Overall if you need a fixed scope that is small and easily carried then this is a great candidate.

I am very pleased with this scope only had it a few days but have found the image quality excellent. This is my first spotting scope and I have no other to compare with but it is very light and compact and for the price very good value. There is very little colour fringing and curvature of straight surfaces is minimal.I dont like the focus ring on the main body as its necessary use causes a lot of movement after adjustment which means having to realign the target each time.The 'instruction sheet' seems an after thought that doesnt quite match this model but this is a petty comment that does not cause a problem in first using.My impression is of not being disappointed if and when I can get a chance to compare with more expensive instruments.

I bought the scope mainly for indoor target range use. Under fluorescent lights it produces a fine clear image. At low to mid magnification it is easy to read hand writing and see fine lines. Image contrast makes for easy viewing with good detail of the image. At the highest magnification it is slightly harder to get fine adjustment on the focus, but that is indoors under artificial light at 25 meters. The field of view at this distance also has to be taken into account. So the low to mid magnification has proven to be best. In comparison to some much older spotting scopes the optics and image quality are far superior. Compared to similar specification scopes of other manufactures, that tend to be much at least twice the price, it really holds it ground. For my primary use it is excellent value and quality. The scope feels quite rugged and of sturdy construction. The mount for stands/tripods is on a rotatable ring which allows for a multitude of mounting options and positions. I've had no problems mounting the scope to three different stands setting the scope anything from 4 inches to 4 feet off the ground. The compact size also makes the scope very easy to transport. It would easily fit in a small rucksack.

I've also used it outdoors in bright sunlight and again the image is very good for such a small scope. The built in extendable sun shade is also very useful outdoors. The zoom lens works smoothly with a little adjustment of the focus from minimum to maximum zoom. At the top end of magnification the image does lose a little of it crispness. But still a very impressive piece of kit.

The only downside to the scope is the stiff focus ring. It does take two hands to focus. One hand to steady and the other to twist the ring. I imagine it will become a little easier to move over time. However for my use I set the scope once and don't need to adjust it.

Overall I'm very impressed with the scope. It has plenty of feautures built in, good optics which produce a very pleasing image. If you want a take anywhere easy to transport scope you won't go too far wrong with this one.