The Simmons 82060 20-60x60 Spotting Scope is a popular choice among bird watchers, hunters, and nature enthusiasts seeking an affordable entry into the world of high-power observation. But how does it actually perform? This in-depth review will delve into the scope's strengths and weaknesses, helping you decide if it's the right fit for your needs.
Optics and Image Quality
The Simmons 82060 boasts a 60mm objective lens, promising good light gathering capabilities, particularly beneficial in low-light conditions. The 20-60x zoom range offers versatility, allowing you to adjust magnification based on the distance to your target. In practice, the image quality is decent for its price point. You'll find sharp, clear images at lower magnifications (around 20-30x). However, as you increase magnification to the higher end (50-60x), image clarity and sharpness might degrade slightly, particularly in less-than-ideal atmospheric conditions. This is a common trait among scopes in this price bracket. Chromatic aberration (color fringing) is noticeable at higher magnifications as well.
Key Considerations:
- Light Transmission: The 60mm objective lens performs admirably in well-lit conditions, offering bright and detailed views. However, don't expect miracles in very low light; image brightness will naturally decrease.
- Sharpness: Expect good sharpness at lower magnification settings. Higher magnifications will show some softness, particularly in less-than-ideal viewing conditions.
- Chromatic Aberration: While present, the chromatic aberration isn't excessively distracting, especially considering the price.
Build Quality and Durability
The Simmons 82060 features a relatively sturdy build for its price. The body is primarily constructed from plastic, which keeps the weight down but might not feel as robust as higher-end metal-bodied scopes. The tripod mount is standard and compatible with most tripods, although you might want to invest in a sturdy, stable tripod for optimal viewing experience at higher magnifications. While it's not designed for extreme conditions, the scope shows decent resistance to everyday bumps and scrapes.
Key Considerations:
- Weight: The lightweight design is advantageous for portability.
- Durability: While functional, it's not a heavy-duty scope and may not withstand extreme weather or rough handling as well as higher-priced models.
- Tripod Compatibility: Standard tripod mount makes it compatible with most tripods.
Ease of Use and Features
The focus wheel is smooth and relatively easy to use, allowing for precise focusing. The zoom adjustment is equally intuitive. There are no advanced features like image stabilization, which is typical for scopes in this price range. The included carrying case provides basic protection, but a more robust case might be a worthwhile investment for long-term protection.
Key Considerations:
- Focusing: Smooth and precise focusing is a definite positive.
- Zoom Control: Easy zoom adjustment makes it user-friendly.
- Accessories: The basic carrying case is functional, but a better case might be desirable for added protection.
Value and Conclusion
The Simmons 20-60x60 spotting scope represents good value for its price. It's an excellent entry-level option for beginners or casual users who don't require professional-grade optics. While it doesn't match the performance of higher-end models, its strengths in portability, ease of use, and decent optical performance for the price make it a worthy contender. If you're on a budget and need a reliable scope for bird watching, hunting, or general nature observation, the Simmons 82060 is a solid choice. However, if you demand top-tier image quality and superior build, you should consider investing in a higher-priced model.
Overall Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars.
