Sierra 20-60x80 Dual Speed Spotting Scope (20-60x Magnification, 80mm Lens Diameter)

When I was buying binoculars twenty years ago they cost about the same as they do now - except that the quality of the coatings applied has greatly improved since then. Philosophically it is a measure of increasing prosperity that a sophisticated product like this spotting scope can now be bought for a mere £155 - quite a lot less than an inferior product in 1995. It is very well finished with armoured rubber and is supplied with an excellent 'stay on' padded protective cover that should enable the owner to use this scope in a tropical monsoon. This item alone is worth around £15 - 20.The optics are excellent and very fine focusing adjustment is provided for on this model, though it takes a little time to do so. I took the scope to the Thames at Rainham where the river is broadening into the estuary. A van parked diagonally across on the other side, barely visible to the naked eye, had the name 'James Ward Limited' written in blue letters on its rear doors. I was using about 35 x zoom. As a simple test I compared the scope with my Kronos 20 x 60 binoculars and at 20 x the Bar & Stroud was far brighter and also sharper, with no evident edge distortion, despite the dull weather. I could clearly see washing hanging on the green balconies of a block of flats I recognized in Barking, about six miles away.This scope only weighs 1,59 kg (1.85kg with the case), a downside to which is slight movement on my (good) tripod on a windy day. It is 14 inches (36cm) long and fits into my cycling back pack, along with the tripod, so it is quite practical for me to thus travel to the river by bike.Barr and Stroud were Scottish engineers who first supplied optical range finders to the Royal Navy in 1892. Soon they had equipped the entire fleet. I dare say the hardware now comes from the far east, as is usual today (I believe from Japan) but that's the international economy of the 21st century. If you want to spend £500 or so on a spotting scope go ahead, but please be aware that you will be getting a rather poor return on about £345 of that money. Personally I'd rather spend that on a holiday....

Very good at x20. At x60, it's a bit harder to focus to 100% sharpness. That said I use it mostly as a spotting scope on an air rifle range which is under foliage and the light is quite low. I took it out in broad sunlight the other day to look at seagulls and it was easier to get a sharp picture at x60.The glue on the eyepiece must have been old or something because the rubber ocular ring fell off. Not a disaster in itself but mildly annoying. Note it comes with a great canvas case, which once on doesn't need to be removed. One can access the eye piece, focusing ring and lens cap with draw strings and velcro, so the scope is well protected. The sling is also a bonus. Note, the scope doesn't come with a tripod, so I bought one of those separately.For the money paid, I am very happy with it.

Good value. The optics are good with a clear image and very easy focusing. Have only used in garden at the moment. Will try later in the year to use wild

I have to say having just received it I cannot say anything about it's long term use but I am blown away with this scope for under £160 - I just did not realise I could get that much for so little money, it really is that good.Some of my mates have scopes in the £600-800 bracket and I know people who have the ones that go into 4 figures - this one does not look out of place alongside them with it's weather jacket on and even in dim light it performs well. Being heavily into bird photography most of my money goes on lenses for that so I couldn't really shell out too much for a scope but I think I have made the perfect budget choice.It also comes with a 10 year limited warranty.

I am a wildlife enthusiast of over 40 years. I researched and took my time in deciding on the best scope for me, what I wanted it for and for my bank balance. This scope is fantastic value for the money.It is easy to carry. Easy to use. Durable. I would recommend this scope to anyone taking up bird watching etc.

Wow more than pleased. This is the first spotter scope I have bought and it has opened up a whole new worldfor me. Seeing details on Birds and Animals not seen before. Watching some Dolphins playing out to see that could not even be seen with the naked eye. Etremely pleased. The Waterproof cover supplied is convenient and offers additional protection. Nice bright viewfinder. One minor criticism as a photographer I want to attach my Digital SLR camera and have not yet found a reasonably priced adapter so have had to cobble something together. If I had to buy a manufacturers lens to do the same job as this scope the cost would be hundreds more and I suspect the wight would be considerable more as well. Get a reasonable tripod for steadier viewing.

Excellent scope

It exceeded my expectations, good clean lines, a very nice practical cover, the optics , you could see the wing-nut on a TV aerial at about 200yds !