I bought this because I started to get into long distance archery and wanted a spotting scope that could attach to my phone to utilize my phone camera zoom if needed. I tried it out for the first time at an outdoor archery range and was blown away by the clarity of the lens. I compared it side by side with my friend's $650 optic and we couldn't tell the difference. For the price, I really don't think there is comparable monocular optic out there.

The Python 12x52 Range Master Ultra HD is a very nice monocular, but for the price ($299.97 at the time of this review), I expected more.The Monocular ItselfHolding the Range Master HD, it feels like a high-quality product and looks better than a lot of "alphabet-soup-brand" products available online. It produces very clear images, but even if you have very steady hands, you'll need a tripod to get the most value out of it; to be clear: that's not a quality issue with the monocular, but a side-effect of the 12x magnification it provides. As a point of reference, I can read small, far-away text more easily with a weaker 8x monocular than I can while holding the Range Master HD; once a tripod is introduced, the Range Master HD gains the clear advantage (no pun intended).I often test new gear by looking at the wildlife in our backyard though a glass window before eventually taking it outdoors. In the case of the Range Master HD, this initial test proved to be very disappointing because I had trouble focusing it with or without a tripod. Through additional testing (including proper outdoor use) I determined that the Range Master HD is more sensitive to being used behind glass than any other monoculars, binoculars, or camera lenses I own, so look elsewhere if this is your intended use. If you plan to use the monocular while outside, it produces very nice, sharp images -- but you're not likely to spot small, intricate details on a far away bird (or animal of your choice) without the aid of a tripod or other stabilizing device.Everything ElseThe included padded hand strap is unnecessarily bulky, looks and feels cheap compared to the monocular, and is tricky to fit in the carrying case. I replaced mine with a simple silicone band.The included smartphone adapter works well enough, but it's the same, cheap plastic adapter you'll find with a $20 monocular. Again, it works fine, but it's hardly worthy of being included with a $300 bundle, especially considering that the Python website hints at the fact that it was Python who was the first to "offer this functionality."The "leather" carrying case is a vintage-looking vinyl atrocity -- I'd say it needs to go back to the 1980s and stay there, but that would be an insult to the hard case of my Bushnell binoculars which are actually from the 80s. A simple ballistic nylon case would have been a better choice for a modern monocular. The case does work, but you'll find yourself fighting to stuff the hand strap into it, and there is no room for the phone adapter.Did I mention I actually like the Range Master HD? There's a lot to like (check out the lengthy description), but at this price, I would have expected premium-quality accessories, and maybe even ED glass.

So, let me start with what this product is not. This is not the cheapest monocular. If you are looking for that, there are a bunch of glued together scopes on amazon you can buy going for 50, 60 or 70 bucks. Please don’t expect anything else than a little laugh with one of those. If you actually want to buy glass and use it to scan scenery, observe nature, watch stars and travel to see rare birds, do yourself a favor and invest a few dollars more. The following monoculars can all be used as actual tools to extend your view and reveal beautiful details.As a base point, I used my Leica 8x20 Monovid to compare it against the Range Master UHD. They are quite different, because the Leica has a smaller objective diameter, offers less magnification and costs almost twice as much, but offers marginally better color plasticity, depth and is more compact.I personally like using monoculars and have bought several high-end Alpha glass binoculars as well, costing in the range from $1600 all the way up to $3200. Trust me, once you use ‘Alpha Glass’ you simply can’t go back! Its an experience to watch through those.The Range Master UHD was released about 1 month ago and came up wile I was searching around on amazon. With its unique 12x52, it was a logical addition to my collection.My current monocular collection consists of the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10x42, which currently retails for $150, the previously mentioned Leica 8x20 Monovid, which I like using on hikes and goes for $579 and the Vortex Optics Recon R/T 15x50, which retails for $599.Obviously, the Leica and the Vortex Recon are a significant bump up from the Bushnell in terms of optical performance, I could not tell the same comparing them to the Python.The Python Range Masters optically performance superb and can even compare to the likes of a Leica!The included smartphone adapter does what they show, you can attach your smartphone and have the view displayed on the screen. Its a great function and neither the Leica, nor the Vortex or Bushnell have something comparable included. I was a bit skeptical if it would work, but it works flawlessly and using a tripod will provide you with truly unique view. This practically transforms the 12x52 Range Master into something that is only limited to the phone you attach to it. With my Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra I get up to 112x magnification, which seems surreal for a device that portable and compact. I can definitely see this scaling well with newer models, which makes this optic a great investment to enjoy for years to come.The included hand strap and leather bag are of great quality and feel great. I still use the Leica most of the time, but I see myself grabbing the Python Range Master now more and more, especially when it gets darker outside, the Range Master simply offers more light with its bigger objective lens than the Leica, which gives you a brighter and clearer image even after sunset.Build quality is solid. The magnesium body makes the scope extremely light, despite being larger than the Bushnell and the Leica, normally seen on products in the thousands.I say, spend that money and get something that is guaranteed to do what it says it does. I have previously bought Monoculars on amazon before for 50 dollars and even less, all among the top bestsellers in their category. Its like buying a guarantee to be disappointed with the product. You will be frustrated to have spent that money. I have not heard from the PYTHON brand before, but this product is equal or better in quality to a Leica Monovid or a Vortex Reccon, both retailing for almost twice as much.I bought this scope because 12x52 is a unique combination I haven’t seen before and a great addition to my kit. The Range Master UHD performed above expectations, came very well packaged with a great accessory kit, which in my opinion is superior to what Leica and Vortex ship with their Monoculars.It’s packaging is comparable to a pair of Swarovskis I have purchased, which are known to be the pinnacle of optics.I’m sure that these will offer me good service for many years to come.

It’s a monocular, which is great, because often with age our eyes have slightly different vision strengths and I simply don’t want to go outside always wearing glasses and using binoculars with them starts causing a headache. My right eye is better than my left and using my Zeiss Conquest binoculars always gives me a slight discomfort without glasses. The Range Master was pretty much the best solution I wasn’t looking for.For one, its lightweight and super compact. More compact than my Zeiss HD Conquest 8x42!Using only one eye and one hand for viewing and focus feels like I can focus more intensely when using this monocular on a specific object. It somehow pulls out details I haven’t seen before and is more focused than the wider view of my binoculars.We have purchased a few monoculars here on amazon before and most of them are small toys from china claiming to have funny numbers like 100x80, tricking people who don’t know much about optics. This here on the other hand can be used professionally.I took the Range Master on a birding trip and haven’t missed my Conquest for one second. Considering the price difference, this is simply crazy.The Range Master is super sharp and bright. I use optics more in the traditional sense, so for me the smartphone adapter and the whole digiscoping thing was not really a big factor, but I have to confess that I was wrong.On my manfrotto tripod with the smartphone attached, the Range Master literally transform into a panorama spotting scope with my iPhone 14 Pro MAX 6.7” inch screen, I can use the smartphones autofocus, video recording and image capture and even zoom feature.The internal smartphone camera also has innate stabilization which locks focus on the target. With the flexible tripod head, which can be moved in all direction, you can easily follow a bird in flight, without loosing focus, all automatic on my big smartphone screen. I simply sit back and enjoy the view. Wow, truly fascinating technology!

The lens itself was fine; however, the phone attachment did not hold the phone in place. I had two other people try and they could not get the phone to remain fixed either. I emailed the company and did not get a response.

I just purchased this scope, and I have to say, I'm blown away by the image quality. We are surrounded by really beautiful nature where I live and this scope captures it all in excellent clarity. I can't believe what I was missing! The clarity, sharpness, and colors are simply stunning. I've used binoculars before, but none of them have come close to the level of detail I can see with this one.Whether I'm using it for birdwatching, hiking, or just observing nature around me, this Python 12x52 puts a smile on my face every day! It's super easy to adjust and focus, and even my 8-year-old loves it. The 12x magnification is perfect for getting up really, really close. I can see the small hairs on a bird's wing.It's not the cheapest option out there, but who in the world wants their eyes to be damaged by cheap plastic glass? Definitely not me or my kids! I always pay a premium for good optics, and the quality and performance here make more than up for the price.If you want to see the world in a whole new way, the Python 12x52 Range Master Ultra HD is definitely the way to go!