SOLD - Optus 20-60x Zoom Spotting Scope, 60mm Objective, Weatherproof, Tripod, Bag

Optus 20-60x Zoom Spotting Scope, 60mm Objective, Weatherproof, Tripod, Bag

Description

Model: Optus Zoom 20-60x60 Spotting Scope
MPN: 96-12500
EAN: 4007922153827
Objective Lens: 60mm
Zoom: 20 - 60x
Prism: Porro type
Overall Length: 38cm (15 inches)

The Optus 20-60x60 spotting scope has clearly been built to a tight budget, and to be quite frank I wasn't expecting much from it. More fool me, because it's German.

Free economy shipping within the UK!

Now, the Germans have been the world leaders in optical lens manufacture ever since the optician Carl Zeiss set up his first factory and shop in Jena back in 1846. Whilst this telescope's lenses were almost certainly not made by Zeiss, German lensmakers would quite possibly run anyone who dared make poor quality lens out of the country rather than risk their reputation for being the best; as a result, the Optus offers optical quality which is considerably better than expected. In fact, the manufacturer has even provided an aftersales support phone number - something that's unheard of with cheap Chinese spotting scopes.

Build quality is surprisingly good too: the scope has a pleasing heft to suggest the internal parts are metal and glass rather than plastic and that it ought to be able to survive the knocks that all spotting scopes experience when used for their intended outdoor uses, and although the rugged weatherproof coating has a few mysterious bumps and ripples it looks like it should do its job satisfactorily. Focus, achieved via the rotating knob seen in the tenth photo, is smooth and accurate; so too is zoom, achieved by rotating the ring around the eyepiece. The extended lens shroud is a nice touch and works effectively to prevent light sources to the sides of the scope bouncing light off the objective lens and creating "ghosting" image defects, and so is the multi-coating applied to the lens to provide better light transfer and improved colour rendition. The rotating eyecup is also welcome, allowing the scope to be used with either eye as well as being soft enough for use with spectacles and offering plenty of eye relief.

Optus have been very wise. Whatever the price point they designed this scope to was, they decided that it would be a good idea to make the scope itself as good as they possibly could and then cut costs with the cheapest bag and tripod they could find, and that's in no way a criticism. The bag is black nylon and, in this instance, still in good condition despite some marks, but it's a very cheaply-made item which will almost certainly rip sooner or later, so most users will replace it. The tripod is absolutely horrible, probably the worst I've seen in forty years as a photographer and amateur astronomer - made of cheap pressed metal with a head which flops up and down, it's virtually useless. However, Optus have been wise again here and fitted the scope with a standard quarter-inch tripod bushing, as used by just about every camera made in the last 50 years - if you don't already have a replacement, ask around in your local charity shops and you'll probably be able to pick one up for about £5.

All in all, it's not a bad scope at all: plenty good enough for spotting in decent light, satisfactory for general use in all conditions and even good enough for a little light-hearted astronomy. The internet is awash with truly dreadful Chinese scopes, and unless you get very lucky with a Zeiss, Nikon, Celestron or Bushnell you're not going to find anything better at this price.

It's been used and the weatherproof rubber coating has some minor scuffs as a result, but these do not affect use at all and there is no serious damage such as cuts or splits. The tripid bushing is in fine order with no notable wear and has never been cross-threaded; so too are the screws either side of the scope's barrel which allow it to rotate within the tripod mount ring. Focus and zoom are smooth and accurate, and the optics are clean and free of scratches or other damage, with no trace of dust or fungal growth inside the barrel.

Free economy shipping within the UK!

Due to the nature of this item it is not always possible for us to identify any missing parts.
For this reason we ask that you please check the pictures carefully, as these show everything that is included.

Further Details & Enquiries

This item has been very kindly donated to the Arthur Rank Hospice Charity.

Arthur Rank Hospice Charity supports people in Cambridgeshire living with an advanced serious illness or other life-limiting condition and those who need end-of-life care. Our ‘Outstanding’ services are provided free of charge to patients and their families. Our aim is to provide the highest quality care, helping them to make every moment count.

100% of the money raised from this sale will go to the charity.

Our sales team do their best to check each item and ensure that the description and pictures provided are as accurate as possible.

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Domestic Delivery

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Change of Mind

If when you receive your order you are not completely satisfied, you may return the items to us within 30 days for a refund. Returns will be processed within three working days once the goods have been received by us.

Items must be returned to us in the same condition as they were received by you. This includes, but is not limited to: original packaging, original boxes, packaging materials, manuals, blank warranty cards, accessories and documents. We reserve the right to refuse a return or deduct an amount for lost value where the item is returned in a different condition.

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Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will not be held responsible for returns lost or damaged in transit.

Please be aware that it is the responsibility of the customer to cover any delivery charges for returning an unwanted item.

Incorrect/Damaged Goods

We try very hard to ensure that you receive your order in pristine condition. In the unlikely event that your order arrives damaged or faulty, please contact us via eBay immediately, this will be given special priority and you can expect to receive a response within 48 hours, Monday to Friday. Arthur Rank Hospice Charity will cover the cost of domestic return postage for any incorrect or damaged items, subject to the cost of the chosen return method being reasonable. Please contact us before proceeding if unsure.

This one got away