Being the first time I've bought a spotting scope, reading previous reviews of this and other scopes, this one seemed the most favourable to buy. Out of the box, and on it's first use as a scope for birding, I'd have to say I chose correctly. With easy control of zoom and focus, it's ideal, and allowed me to view birds on a local reserve better than ever before. It has also proved to be waterproof, and although not intended for star or moon gazing, looking at the moon one evening was quite astonishing with the amount of detail it managed to accomplish. It also fits onto my tripod, a Hama Star 61, bought months before it for other purposes.