ALPEN PRO 10x42

Price: $170
Contact: alpenoutdoor.com

It's a rare product that defies one of the most justified axioms in the optics industry: that quality is directly proportional to price. This full-size binocular from Alpen offers optical quality that you'd expect to pay two or three times as much to get from another brand. While its plain exterior could be enhanced with more user-friendly features, it's the glass that is the soul of any optical instrument, and this Alpen shines- literally- with quality. Its resolution matched or exceeded that of binoculars costing 10 times as much, and its tight focus and relatively low weight impressed the test team. Alpen has been quietly changing minds- and buying habits- among American consumers for several years now, and this full-size entry is another winner. You could pay much more for a binocular from a better-known brand, but with these Alpens you get quality at a great price.

TESTERS' COMMENTS: Why is this priced so low?; Solid middle-of-the-road bino; Wish it had thumb detents.

Image Quality:****
Low-Light Rating:**
Design:*** Price/Value:****
GREAT BUY

Click here to see THE VIDEO of the Optics Test