Binoculars are not something we put a lot of thought into until we find ourselves in need of a good pair. Then we find ourselves wondering exactly what it is that we should be looking for, how do we know if one pair is superior, or inferior, to another? Should I go with a “big” name that runs the price up just for the privilege of having their logo stamped on something I own? Or can I get comparable or even better quality from another brand that isn’t going to charge me for the advertising hype?
That’s what I find myself wondering when I’m asked to look over some binoculars and render up an objective opinion on them. Am I some expert on binoculars all of a sudden? Or am I just a normal example of Susie Shopper or Brandon Buyer who really needs some input from others in order to make an informed decision?
Putting the mental gymnastics aside, I decided to just check out the binoculars and let the product speak for itself. I couldn’t ask it direct questions about itself, of course, so I had to do a bit of homework on my own. The first thing that I wanted to know was where these pretty yellow binoculars came from.
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Where are the Barska 10×25 Compact Waterproof binoculars made?
I have to admit I was a bit surprised to find out the Colorado series of Barska binoculars aren’t made in Colorado. In fact, apparently none of them are made there. The company is based out of Pomona, CA, and describes itself as a sport optics company with a worldwide brand recognition.
They don’t limit their goods to binoculars, either. They make different types of precision sports optics products, from scopes for rifles to telescopes. They proudly assert their global presence on their website, claiming distributers in over 40 countries.
Ok. Sounds like a solid, reputable company to me. They have a very professional looking website and all their contact information is there. So far, I’m impressed.
What makes these binoculars special?
The most important thing that I need to know about these binoculars is whether they are going to meet my needs or not. So I’m looking at the specs on them. The first thing I notice is the color. This snappy yellow with black rubber trim is looking sleek and sporty.
But if yellow isn’t my color, there is also a style available in pink with black trim. Also, snappy and sporty looking. Having a choice of colors is always a good thing, especially for the ladies. But surely there is more to these binoculars than the color.
The next thing that I notice is they are stamped “waterproof”. That’s a big plus. The last thing I want to worry about is causing damage to the optics because they get wet. Especially if I’m going to be using them on a camping trip with the kids, I don’t want to worry about a little rain or having to fish them out of the creek.
These binoculars are also lightweight and compact, weighing in at a measly 13.45 ounces, making them easy to carry. On the downside, they don’t come with lens caps, which would be nice, but a small tote bag is included. And they come with a limited lifetime warranty, which is always a good thing.
Click here to see the current deal on this binocular at Amazon.How well can I expect to see with these binoculars?
When it’s all said and done, the bottom line is how well the Barska 10×25 binoculars perform when it comes to trying to see something. These binoculars come with a magnification 10x and a BK 7 prism in the roof and with 25mm blue lenses. What that translates to is you get a 303 feet field of vision at 1000 yards.
Not too shabby. If you need to see something up close and personal, you can get a close focus at 26 feet. What does that mean? That means you can see things really well with these binoculars, both really far away and relatively close.
Any other advantages, or disadvantages, over other brands of binoculars?
One other appealing point I found with these Barska 10×25 Compact Waterproof Binoculars is the fog proof feature. Nothing is more annoying than trying to see something that may only be visible for a few seconds, like some fascinating bird perched on a branch or a fleeting glimpse of a rare animal in the woods, and you get to see nothing because the lenses of your binoculars are fogged up.
That’s not a problem with these Barska 10x25s. That’s enough of a game changer, in my opinion, to make these binoculars worth a serious look. There’s even an attached cord for hanging them around your neck. The other major selling point is the price. These sport sturdy construction, waterproof, dependable lenses, rubber body casing that reduces shock if they’re banged around or while traveling through luggage terminals, and a choice of colors.
All of this for an affordable price. You can go for the binoculars that are $300 or more, but why would you? These Barska 10x25s are solid and durable, and won’t clean out your wallet.
As for disadvantages, the lack of lens covers is about the only negative I can come up with.
The cloth carry bag is nice but not as sturdy as I would like. I’d rather see a more substantial carrying case or packing case for when I’m going on vacation and have to pack them in my luggage for a trip through the airport terminal. But these are minor things that don’t really mount up to enough downside to send me looking for other options in my choice of binoculars.
Check out the current deal for this binocular at AmazonSo remind me why I’m buying these Barska 10×25 Compact Waterproof Binoculars?
I’m buying them for the obvious reasons: they’re affordable, durable, functional, lightweight, compact, waterproof and fog proof, and a choice of colors. That’s a combination that’s hard to beat, hands down.