Hunting Washington Forum

Equipment & Gear => Scopes and Optics => Topic started by: 6.8mmARHunter on August 08, 2013, 11:06:27 PM

Title: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: 6.8mmARHunter on August 08, 2013, 11:06:27 PM: I'm looking at the Alpen 390SR model:

http://alpenoptics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=alpen&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=390SR (http://alpenoptics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=alpen&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=390SR)

Anyone have any opinions on this glass?

Thanks,

sam
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: AWS on August 09, 2013, 08:47:01 AM: I'm not much of a binocular guy, but I won a couple of Alpen Optics gift certificates and bought scope for myself and binoculars for my wife, not sure of the model. The binoculars are the nicest I've ever looked through and the scope is great, scopes I know allot more about and have 4200 Elites, Monarchs, Weaver and Leupold hunting scope and Weaver, Leupold and Mueller Target scope. The Alpen XP scope is right up there with the best of mine.

Alpen has nice glass and like Leupold a terrific warrenty so you pretty much have a lifetime set of bino's. Most of Alpens sales are in the bino line and it is what they built their reputation on.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: DOUBLELUNG on August 09, 2013, 09:03:36 AM: Great glass, great warranty. Finish and details are lower quality, and focus controls tend to be stiff.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: C-Money on August 09, 2013, 09:08:21 AM: We have some Alpen binos and they are great! They are a pair we keep in the pickup. I am always very impressed every time I look threw them.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: JackOfAllTrades on August 09, 2013, 10:24:22 AM: Take a look at better glass at a better price from a site sponsor. Zenray optics. The Alpen line just has never floated my boat when you get them side by side with other comparative models. http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html. (http://www.zen-ray.com/shop/binoculars/zrshd.html.)

-Steve
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: CoryTDF on August 09, 2013, 10:28:23 AM: Quote from: samckernan on August 08, 2013, 11:06:27 PM
I'm looking at the Alpen 390SR model:

http://alpenoptics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=alpen&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=390SR (http://alpenoptics.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=alpen&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=390SR)

Anyone have any opinions on this glass?

Thanks,

sam

I have a15-45 spotting scope I bout like ten years ago. There are WAY better optics out there but Alpen does have a REALLY, REALLY good customer service and warranty. I sent my 10 year old spotter in with no questions asked they sent me a new one.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: 6.8mmARHunter on August 09, 2013, 12:20:36 PM: Thanks for the feedback... They sound like a decent company.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: alecvg on August 11, 2013, 08:50:10 PM: Had a pair several years ago. I thought they were crap. Buy Vortex or Zenray if you want a good deal.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: huntnnw on August 12, 2013, 10:09:36 PM: Excellent customer service..they replaced my binos twice no questions asked and upgraded once at no cost
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: Smith_22 on August 12, 2013, 10:14:54 PM: have a pair of the Tetons in 10x42 and they are fantastic. Wish I would have saved a little more and got the raniers, but still great glass. Edge to edge clarity is good, FOV is large, focus knob is a little stiff but image is sharp. Next to my dads EL's the only time I feel they out perform the tetons is at very first and last light, and just by a little.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: 6.8mmARHunter on August 13, 2013, 07:18:39 PM: Quote from: alecvg on August 11, 2013, 08:50:10 PM
Had a pair several years ago. I thought they were crap. Buy Vortex or Zenray if you want a good deal.

Ha-ha... you don't mince words.

I already bought the 10 x 42 Rainiers. I had a $75 gift card at REI, so out of pocket it was about $90. I'm pretty happy. I'll have to check out Vortex or Zenray next time. I think it might be a while though.

BTW, I enjoy you and your Bro's Bear Hunting videos.

Sam
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: longstevo on September 17, 2013, 08:17:29 PM: I hunted with a pair of 10X Alpens for a lot of years, and would be doing so again if the strap hook hadn't broke this summer. I upgraded to Leupold Mojaves.

They were a fine set of eyes, but when I compared them to Dad's Leicas it was like looking through two paper towel rolls. Not bad for a starter set.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: follow maggie on September 17, 2013, 08:52:45 PM: I have an Alpen spotter. The glass is plenty fine for my eyes- I can see clearly at all the ranges I've used it. And, I can afford it.
Title: Re: Alpen Binoculars. Pros and Cons?
Post by: huntnnw on September 18, 2013, 02:00:54 AM: I was in that boat...these are great! then I looked thru the Steiners I now own and cant beleive I used those :chuckle: