Alpen Optics Apex XP 8x56 ED

• 8x56 low-light format: The combination of 8x magnification and a 56 mm objective produces a large 7.0 mm exit pupil, helping the binocular stay bright and easy to view through at dawn, dusk, and in shaded woodland.
• ED glass with premium prism coatings: Extra-low-dispersion optics work with PXA phase coating and HR metallic coatings to improve contrast, reduce color fringing, and preserve detail when scanning distant game or birds against complex backgrounds.
• Comfortable long-viewing ergonomics: With 17.5 mm eye relief, central focusing, and diopter adjustment on both eyepieces, the binocular is easier to tune precisely for extended observation, including for many eyeglass wearers.
• Weather-ready construction: A waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen-filled housing keeps the optical system clear when moving between temperatures or glassing in wet conditions.
• Tripod adaptable design: The binocular can be mounted on a tripod for steadier long sessions, which helps reduce fatigue and makes fine detail easier to pick out in low light or over open ground.

About the Alpen Optics Apex XP Series

Alpen Optics Apex XP sits above the standard Apex line as the brand’s more premium binocular family, built for users who need stronger optical performance for hunting, birding, long-range observation, and general outdoor use. The series currently includes 8x42 ED, 8x56 ED, and 10x42 ED models, giving the range a clear spread from all-round field binoculars to low-light specialists. Across the line, Alpen Optics combines ED glass with BaK-4 prisms, PXA phase coatings, and HR metallic prism coatings to improve resolution, contrast, and color fidelity while maintaining strong light transmission.

The design philosophy of the series is practical rather than overly specialized. Waterproof, nitrogen-purged construction makes the binoculars suitable for changing weather and repeated field use, while the optical system is tuned to deliver a bright, high-contrast image that remains useful in difficult light. Within the Alpen Optics lineup, the Apex XP family is aimed at users who want more refined glass and coatings than entry-level models, but still want a binocular that is straightforward to carry, focus, and use in real outdoor conditions.

About the Alpen Optics Apex XP 8x56 ED

Alpen Optics Apex XP 8x56 ED is the low-light specialist of the series. Its 8x magnification gives a steady, easy-to-hold view, while the 56 mm objective lenses gather substantially more light than compact daytime binoculars. In practice, that makes this model particularly well suited to hunting at dawn and dusk, woodland observation, and any situation where image brightness matters more than higher magnification. The generous 7.0 mm exit pupil also helps the binocular feel forgiving in use, making it quicker to align with the eyes when scanning from awkward positions or in fading light.

The optical system is built around ED glass, which helps control chromatic aberration and keeps edges cleaner around dark branches, animals, or birds seen against bright sky. Alpen Optics pairs this with fully multi-coated lenses, PXA phase coating, and HR metallic prism coatings to preserve contrast and brightness through the prism system. A 101 m/1000 m field of view gives enough width for tracking movement without making the image feel too narrow, while 17.5 mm eye relief supports comfortable extended viewing.

Mechanically, the binocular is set up for practical field use. Central focusing allows quick adjustment as viewing distances change, and diopter adjustment on both eyepieces helps fine-tune the image to the user’s eyesight. The waterproof, fogproof, nitrogen-filled housing is intended for wet mornings, cold-to-warm transitions, and general outdoor exposure, while tripod adaptability adds stability for long observation sessions from a hide, stand, or hillside vantage point.

About Alpen Optics

Alpen Optics was founded by Tim Gardner in December 1996, and the company’s history identifies Rancho Cucamonga, California as its headquarters. Alpen Optics introduced its first products in 1997 and has focused on sport optics across several categories, including binoculars, spotting scopes, riflescopes, and thermal optics. Its binocular range includes lines such as Apex XP, Teton, and Rainier, each aimed at different levels of performance and use.

The brand is particularly known for combining practical field-oriented designs with recognizable optical technologies. In its binoculars, Alpen Optics uses features such as BaK-4 prisms, PXA phase coating, and HR metallic coatings, while higher-tier models also incorporate ED glass. The Alpen Optics trademarks and designs were acquired by Explore Scientific in 2018, linking the brand to a broader optics portfolio while maintaining its focus on observation and hunting optics.

Main Features

• Magnification: 8.00 x
• Objective lens diameter: 56.00 mm
• Prism type: Porro
• Field of view: 101.00 m/1000m
• Field of view (angular): 5.80 °
• Exit pupil: 7.00 mm
• Eye relief: 17.50 mm
• Close focus: 9.80 m
• Light transmission: 95 %
• Lens coating: Fully Multicoated
• Focusing system: Central
• Diopter adjustment: On both eye-pieces
• Body type: Single hinge
• Waterproof: Yes
• Fogproof: Yes
• Nitrogen filled: Yes
• Tripod adaptable: Yes
• Material: Metal & Plastic
• Dimensions: 174.00 mm x 149.00 mm x 63.00 mm
• Weight: 1142.00 g

Warranty

2 years. Alpen Optics states a 2-year warranty for this binocular, making the coverage period clear for buyers who want a defined term rather than an open-ended policy description.

In the Box

• Cleaning pen