Customer Reviews

Alpen BAK4 LE Rubber Covered Monocular

5 star:		(2)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I bought this to keep on my motorcycle so I needed something tough and durable. I was originally in search of some kind of telescoping spyglass, but after doing some reading I found that to be undesireable. When I first used the Alpen monocular I thought "My God thats a horrible corona!" Of course, after popping out the rubber bucket around the eyepiece, all was solved.

Optics on this unit are very good. Multicoated, BAK4 prism, everything you want in an optic. The magnification (8x25) is right around the power where you can get a good magnification and still be able to hold it steady, which is why I chose this over a 10x25. Mine was great for viewing boating bikini babes at our local reservoir, Yaks in the wild, topless hairy hippie chicks at the hot springs, and various rock formations and details of the Grand Canyon. I've even used it for spotting at the gun range, only at about 50yds, but I could make out the patterns.

The rubber coating is slip resistant and durable. I wish it had some caps (instead of the cheap vinyl pouch) but thats okay. The field of view could be better I guess, but I havent any problems and every image I view is bright and sharp. Plus the focus ring is smooth allowing me to focus fast.

All in all, for around $50, its the best value I found for the quality and I'm happy with my purchase. If I bought another I might try the Alpen 10x25 Alpen Monocular 10 x 25 BAK4 LE Rubber Covered Binocular to see how the view/steadiness differs.

The Alpen 8 x 25 monocular has excellent optics, sufficent eye relief to allow full field of view while wearing eyeglasses, very acceptable brightness with a generous exit pupil, and a very durable rubber cover. The only improvements I could wish for would be a slighly more compact size and either a lens cover or a better closure on the included case to keep dust of the lens.

Great monocular. Good grip, easy focus, plenty of light for a bright view. Got it for looking at details at basketball games. Now I use it for a close look at birds in my backyard and everything while hiking. Also use it to see the scores at neighborhood tennis matches when the score markers are three courts away. I just put it in my pocket, which it fills, and away I go. I purchased a lanyard which keeps it close at hand. It is not as small as my old Bunton, but it is higher quality and won't get water it, which is what ruined my Bunton.

I have one bad eye so I always found binoculars a pain because I would have to close the bad eye to focus and see through the side with the good eye. These monoculars are just right for me. I like the small size for handling and storage. The strength is enough for my casual use. I just like to have them when I am out driving in case I spot an animal or need a closer look at something in the field. I am not a professional bird watcher or hunter and don't know how good they would be for that.

Nice easy focusing wheel (you are doing this all the time) and great optics. Alpen's customer service is helpful and makes an exchange a pleasant experience. Highly recommended.

I have had other, similar priced monoculars. This Alpen appears to have better optics; refreshingly sharp and bright. The focus is smooth and is able to focus to about 9' away, closer than I had expected (the specification is 3.5 meters). The eye relief is enough for viewing with glasses. The included belt loop carry case looks serviceable. The monocular is larger and heavier than others I have owned, but perhaps the added weight and size lends stability to the viewing. The only thing I miss is a twist up eye cup. The rubber fold down eye cup provided is less convenient.