BARSKA Spotter SV 15-45x50 Angled & Rotatable Spotting Scope w/ Tripod & Soft Case

Tripod has 2 screws that de-threaded when tightened. "Rotatable" eyepiece moves circular, but not up and down allowing the viewing to be straight. Hadn't had a chance to test the optics, since the tripod never worked. Product is long in length, about 16". I ordered a replacement in hopes that the tripod works.

I ordered this to keep an eye on some bald eagles that roost in a tree about 50 yards from my house. When it arrived, the eyepiece was broken (apparently at the factory, not in shipping) so I sent it back. The second one arrived in perfect condition. The previous reviewer is correct that it doesn't focus well at the highest magnification. But in the medium zoom range it works fine, and I think better than most binoculars at this price. I can see every feather on the eagles, and watch them blinking their eyes. Solidly built and a good-looking scope. I think this would be a good first telescope for a child; it comes all in one piece, i.e. no assembly required except to attach the tripod, and doesn't feel like a toy.

This scope seems like a great deal: it comes from a reputable company, looks good, has a carrying case and table-top tripod included. And when you first use it, it seems great. But then, if you really set it up properly, on a stable full-size tripod, and try to view something, you'll notice that it can't focus at high magnifications - anything above 30X or so. Now I certainly don't expect Leica (or even Pentax) quality at this price, but I expect to see SOMETHING. At high magnifications, all you can see is a very low-contrast blur, no detail at all. If you stick to 15-25X, it's fine. But that's not what I buy a scope for. It's going back.

For the money this spotter scope is a great bargain, had no problem seeing All rounds fired at 100 yards.