Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular with LCD digital compass, thermometer, clock

by Alpen

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 6 x 2 x 6 inches ; 2 pounds
• Shipping Weight: 3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S.
• ASIN: B000G2EUOO
• Item model number: 625
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #10,666 in Camera & Photo (See Top 100 in Camera & Photo)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: September 15, 2006

Product Description

Alpen Trail-Tec binoculars are not only waterproof and fogproof, but they will help you get home as well! These binoculars feature a thermometer, clock, and compass all displayed on a LCD screen located on the top of the body. Not only do you get great optics, but you can also check direction and temperature as well as knowing if you will be on time for dinner. Long eye relief is also designed into this binocular which is great if you wear glasses. BaK4 multi-coated optics deliver a bright crisp image and they include a durable carrying case and wide neck strap. Backed by Alpen's lifetime warranty against defects in materials and workmanship. Batteries are included.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars I like them., April 5, 2010

By 

Vince Biasiotta "Tr00per" (Cleveland, Oh) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular with LCD digital compass, thermometer, clock (Electronics)

The Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular is very good. It has all the features I wanted, good optics, multicoated, waterproof/fog-proof, and compact. I used them in the woods the first day I they arrived, compliments of a good sized exit pupil. Bright image, I was really surprised the moment I started using them as to how large the image appeared. I own two other pair of Binoculars, a compact Bushnell 12x25 and a Meade 10x50. This is easily better than both, and neither of them are waterproof or fog-proof. Don't be fooled by the 28mm objective lens, you may think that is small, but these have the feel and performance of full size. Lens covers are securely attached and will not fall off easily, twist down eyelid covers offer great choice when wearing glasses.
Now the bad. The product was made in China, that in itself is not intrinsically bad but Alpen really promotes it's American made so i was surprised to see this. Do not buy this for the compass/thermometer/clock feature. The time is the only thing that works correctly, I can give you better compass coordinates by dead reckoning than this, the temp is close but not exactly accurate. It even says on the box that this was not made for or intended to be used for navigation, it is a waste of space on the unit.
In summation I would never pay the 100.00 retail price for these, 50 tops. I purchased for 29.99. I have to take that into consideration for my review, are there better performing optics, yes. But I challenge you to find a better pair of BAK-4 prism , multi-coated, waterproof/fog-proof binoculars for 30 dollars. Most water proof optics will cost you 60 dollars or more easy for the lowest priced model. So in summation, these are the best combination of pro grade optics and compact size for the most unbelievable price. I am thrilled with my purchase. The one and only reason I did not give this 5 stars was the electronics on this were laughable. Hey if you want the best go spend 500 dollars for Steiner Marine Binoculars, if you don't have the money or the need for something like those, Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular are worth it. Will be great for Birding and camping.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Alpen 8x28 trail-tec waterproof binoculars, April 14, 2010

By 

James M. Leslie (Baltimore Maryland) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular with LCD digital compass, thermometer, clock (Electronics)

I just received a pair of 8x28 Alpen trail-tec binoculars. Based on the fact that they have 28mm objectives I was expecting fairly small binoculars. But, no. They are full size for roof prism binoculars. I wish they had sized it properly. The objective lenses are recessed about an inch and have a clear flat glass in front making them appear larger than 28mm. This, at least serves to protect them. They also have rubber covers that are permanently attached by straps to the front of the frame. I like that since it serves to prevent loss, but you have to take care thet they don't get in front of the objectives during use. The sholder strap, which is wide and comfortable, tapers to attach to a synthetic flat strap, which is however too large and loosly woven to easily go through the attachments on the side of the binoculars and the buckles, making it difficult to get them in. Performance-wise they work quite well with eyeglasses. I can easily see the full field with my glasses on and it seems normally wide. I was afraid that with only a 305 foot coverage at 100 meters/yards the view would be rather pipe-like. But it is fine. The middle third of the field is quite sharp and clear but the resolution degrades to the edge fairly rapidly. Nevertheless, the effect is satisfactory. The collimation and diopter adjustments seem fine. The frame/housing seems to be plastic and works fine but does not give the feel of quality nor does it have a very quality appearance. The case is a fabric like lite canvas and seems fine. There is a space for extras - a map perhaps or spare batteries. I did not evaluate the compass, clock, or thermometer as it is the optics I am interested in. I probably won't use the electronics. If it really is waterproof and fogproof as claimed it will be well worth the 29.99 I paid for it through Amazon.com KY-store, but I don't think it would be mistaken for a $150 pair which was, I understand, the original MSRP. I think it is now out of production. Shipment from San Francisco was fast and it was well packed.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great for the price!, June 9, 2010

By 

Jeepman "Smith" (Louisiana, USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Alpen TRAIL-TEC 8x28 Waterproof binocular with LCD digital compass, thermometer, clock (Electronics)

These binoculars seem to do all they're supposed to. If you compare them to similar binoculars from other manufacturers that cost $30 or $40 more, they're great. Mine came simply packaged in perfect working order with batteries loaded and functioning properly and even a spare set. Time and compass work adequate though with a very small display. Thermometer seems to take a loooong time to adjust but it does get there. They feel heavy and durable enough, but not too heavy, and construction seems good. Neck strap is better than most. View is easy to set and adjust for all four members of my family and again, they do what they're supposed to, bring distant things closer. Image is sharp and viewing them with glasses is no problem for me. Bottom line is they're not as good as 10x50's from top optics manufacturers but they seem as good to me as others of the same style costing much more. A great bargain for the price!