Alpen Optics Apex Steady 20x42 HD

• Active Image Stabilization: An optical prism compensation system paired with a 2-axis gimbal actively counteracts hand shake, allowing a steady, wobble-free view even at the binocular's full 20x magnification — a magnification level that would normally be unusable handheld.
• High-Definition Optical System: HD glass elements combined with BaK-4 roof prisms deliver bright, detailed images with good edge-to-edge sharpness, even at long viewing distances.
• Triple Lens Coating System: Alpen's UBX multi-layer coating increases light transmission, the PXA phase coating improves contrast and color fidelity, and the LPE (Lotus Pearl Effect) coating causes water to bead and roll off the lenses, keeping the view clear in wet conditions.
• Splash-Proof, Fogproof Construction: An IPX4-rated splash-resistant housing combined with nitrogen-filled, fogproof internals makes the binocular suitable for use in rain or sudden temperature changes.
• Glasses-Friendly Eyepieces: LE (long eye relief) eyepieces with twist-up eyecups and diopter compensation allow eyeglass wearers to access the full field of view comfortably.
• Compact, Lightweight Build: At just 644 g and 185 x 114 x 75 mm, the binocular remains manageable for extended handheld use despite its stabilization hardware.

About the Apex Steady Series

The Alpen Optics Apex Steady series occupies a distinct position within the manufacturer's binocular lineup as its dedicated image-stabilized range. Where conventional binoculars become difficult to hold steady beyond roughly 10x magnification, the Apex Steady series uses active stabilization technology to make significantly higher magnifications practical for handheld glassing.

The series is built around an internal optical prism compensation system working in conjunction with a 2-axis gimbal, which together compensate for hand tremor and minor body movement in real time. This is powered by a standard AA battery, and the binoculars remain usable as conventional (non-stabilized) optics if the battery is depleted in the field.

Apex Steady models are aimed at users who need stable, high-magnification views without the bulk of a spotting scope or the setup time of a tripod — including hunters glassing distant terrain, birdwatchers tracking moving subjects, and users on boats or other unstable platforms. The series pairs its stabilization hardware with HD optical glass, BaK-4 roof prisms, and Alpen's UBX, PXA, and LPE lens coatings to maintain image quality alongside the stabilization benefit. Current Apex Steady models include 14x42, 16x30, and 20x42 configurations, allowing users to select the stabilized magnification level best suited to their application.

About the Model (Alpen Optics Apex Steady 20x42 HD)

The Apex Steady 20x42 HD sits at the top of the series' magnification range, combining a 20x magnification with a 42 mm objective lens. At this magnification, fine detail at long distances — such as identifying game at range or studying distant terrain — becomes possible without a tripod, since the binocular's stabilization system removes the shake that would otherwise make a 20x handheld view unusable.

The model's light intensity figure of 4.41 and twilight factor of 28.98 reflect its 42 mm objective and high magnification, giving it reasonable performance into low light, though the relatively small exit pupil at this power means it performs best in good to moderate light conditions and at dawn or dusk rather than in full darkness. Field of view measures 58 m at 1000 m, and the binocular focuses down to 4 m.

The same UBX, PXA, and LPE coating system used across the series is applied here, supporting bright, contrast-rich images and keeping the lenses clear of water in wet conditions. The housing is splash-proof to IPX4 and fogproof, with rubber armoring for grip. At 644 g and 185 x 114 x 75 mm, the 20x42 HD remains practical to carry despite its stabilization mechanism. LE eyepieces with twist-up eyecups and diopter compensation accommodate eyeglass wearers and allow for quick adjustment between users with different eyesight.

Typical applications include hunting in low light, marine and sailing use, long-distance wildlife observation, and birdwatching — situations where the combination of high magnification and stability provides a meaningful advantage over standard binoculars.

About Alpen Optics

Alpen Optics produces binoculars, riflescopes, spotting scopes, rangefinders, and thermal imaging equipment aimed at hunters, birdwatchers, and outdoor users. The brand is part of the Bresser/JOC (Guangzhou Jinghua Precision Optics) group. Alpen Optics positions its product range around delivering HD optical performance and practical field features — such as image stabilization, laser rangefinding, and weatherproof construction — at accessible price points relative to premium European optics manufacturers, with a focus on hunting, birding, marine, and general outdoor observation use.

Main Features

• Magnification: 20x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
• Prism Type: Roof, BaK-4
• Lens Coatings: UBX (multi-layer), PXA (phase coating), LPE (hydrophobic)
• Image Stabilization: Optical prism compensation with 2-axis gimbal, AA battery powered
• Light Intensity: 4.41
• Twilight Factor: 28.98
• Field of View (1000 m): 58 m
• Close Focus Distance: 4 m
• Water Resistance: Splash-proof, IPX4
• Dimensions (L x W x H): 185 x 114 x 75 mm
• Weight: 644 g
• Tripod Adapter Thread: No

Warranty

The Alpen Optics Apex Steady 20x42 HD is covered by a 10-year warranty.

In the Box

• Apex Steady 20x42 HD Binoculars
• Carrying bag (900D sailcloth, with storage compartment)