MINOX MD 50 W Spotting Scopes with eyepiece 16-30x (not removeable)

A great little scope. Sharp optics at maximum magnification. Compact and solidly built. I purchased this scope for holiday travel and as a compromise on those occasions when I don't want to carry bulkier heavy optics. I experience the focus barrel as firm and smooth; the zoom eyepiece as initially stiff and smooth, but nevertheless I adjust to both quickly (see update below). It is not as good as the best Nikon, Vortex and Opticron have to offer in this size scope but then they are well over twice the price of the Minox; so it represents excellent value for money. Only the most demanding and critical would not be satisfied by the performance at the price. I only have one minor criticism to make. As a spectacle wearer, a little more eye relief would be welcome. At maximum magnification under some conditions, I have to gain close contact with the eyepiece in order to see the full field of view. However, put in context, this is a minor criticism since eyesight is different and unique. On the Minox website the close focus distance is stated as 5 metres, however I can obtain sharp focus at a range of 2.1 metres (6 feet & 10.5 inches) at both 16x and 30x magnification, so the close focus abilities of this scope are excellent.I thought that the lack of a stay on case - it comes with a light zip pouch for packing - would be an irritation but it is so solidly built that I do not fear using it without a protective case, which is a nice freedom. It comes with a tethered objective lens cap which is very handy and can be removed if not desired. The zoom eyepiece is also accompanied by a light protective cylinder that screws over the top; so that you can be confident that it will not be damaged when packed in a case for travelling.I was really surprised how well it performs in low light conditions. I have used it to watch birds at sunset over dark mudflats and in woods at dawn on cloudy days to observe Hawfinch. In really low light the performance does drop off, but even the very best scopes can be challenged in low light conditions. The Minox is an excellent buy in the mid price bracket.Update 19/03/2018: I have found that when I have not used the scope for a while and during cold weather, the zoom eyepiece becomes stiffer to move. However I have also discovered that the remedy under these situations is to twist the zoom operation backwards and forwards from 16 to 30 magnification two or three times, and this then frees up the stiffness making it easier to use.

Very compact lightweight scope. Clear sharp images when focussed, but focus and zoom controls are quite stiff, so hopefully will ease off with time. Ideal to put in a rucksack for casual use but at 30x magnification and with 50mm object lens cannot match up to the larger spotting scopes with bigger magnification. Well made and good value, ideal for those who don't want to carry heavy equipment around. Comes with case which would have been better ready made with a hole to accommodate the mount for use on a tripod.

Lightweight but solidly built, this compact spotting scope is difficult to fault. For the price the optics are good, giving a clear undistorted image even at its highest magnification (x30), although it's limitations show up in poorer light conditions. The zoom is smooth, and all in all it's a very comfortable and easy thing to use. The focus mechanism is quite stiff so it can be a bit of a strain on my old arthritic fingers on a cold day, and maybe would be a bit tricky for a child to operate. But given the overall quality of the 'scope this is a small gripe indeed. OK, it's not top-end optics, but it's not top-end price either.Image quality- three stars.Build quality- five stars.Value for money- four stars.

a nice compact well made scope with weltzar - quality germany lens . i use with a monopod for general walking - field trekking

My first scope, purchased after looking through someone elses. Not disappointed used it for bird watching and general long distance viewing. I could make out people (all be it blurred dots) moving on a tower 8 miles away on a clear sunny day. Purchased a phone holder and a camera attachment to take photos, but my first results were poor, probably down to me, hopefully in time I will get this sorted. The focus adjusment is stiff and annoying if you forget this then move the lens on the tripod when its focused on something specific. Just thinking of buying another for a xmas present.

Nice compact size and good quality and optics for the price.

Sehr kompaktes Spektiv mit hervorragdendem Preis-/Leistungsverhältnis...

compatto leggero e veramente luminoso e nitido

Lo uso para tiro con pistola, se ven los impactos del .22 a 50 mt perfectamente muy luminoso y muy nítido, estoy muy contento con la compra

Je m'attendais à mieux ! Sur le papier elle a tout d'une grande en plus petit, mais à l'usage on déchante assez rapidement ! Pour du tir sportif à 25 m. ou à 50 m. cette petite longue vue peut convenir à la condition impérative que le temps soit clair. Au-delà de cette distance même avec de très bons yeux, c'est pratiquement mission impossible ! La bague de mise au point située sur le corps de la lunette est peu précise ce qui n'arrange pas la visibilité des cibles.En conclusion, pratique comme lunette d'appoint pour les courtes distances (moins de 50 m.).