The Yukon Advanced Optics Scout 20x50 is a modern interpretation of the old fashioned spyglass.  The rubber-armored scope collapses into a 9-inch package and comes with a nice zippered canvas case that has a belt-loop for easy carrying at the hip.  The scope has a focal length of about 360-millimeters and extends to 14.5 inches for use.  The user rotates the eyepiece to focus.  While it doesnt come with any tripod, the scope is 1/4-20 threaded for easy mounting on standard camera tripods.  A gun sight is molded into the scopes body for easy target acquisition.  The Scout features fully multi-coated optics and a fixed 20x magnification.  It is light-weight, easy to carry, and priced to sell at around $40.

The Yukon Scout is a wonderfully useful scope.  It fits neatly into a glove compartment.  When we saw some alligators on a road trip, we were ready with the Scout and it allowed us wonderfully sharp views that had a usable field of view while letting us see the details of  each and every scute.  To deploy the scope, you simply pull it out, uncap it, extend the tube fully, and focus with the rotating eyepiece.  My wife and I found simply this scope very easy to use.  At 20x, the fairly lightweight scope is easily hand-held for short periods of time.  In addition, the belt loop on the carrying case makes it easy to take on a hike.  The Yukon has a focus distance of about 33 feet which makes it a little tough to use on the closest birds, but the carrying case makes it easier to manage both a spotting scope and other things like a dog on a leash.      

  Overall, from a convenience, economic, and quality perspective, it is tough to beat the Yukon Advanced Optics Scout.
      

From: | Created on: 10/16/2009 1:48:54 PM