Tasco?

Hi,
I am considering to buy a Tasco (OS541) to use on my boat. When reading about it, it seems good - 7x50, compass, individual eyepiece and rangefinder. However, the quality of the optics is not that easy to get an impression of just by reading.

Is the Tasco os541 a good choice or do you recommend me to look at something else?
Money is of course always a concern but decent quality comes first.

Peter

The Tasco OffShore binoculars are good performers for the money. You're spending a bit more for the compass, but the exit pupil is large enough for good low light viewing. If you want a better picture, $200.00 is on the low side.

Steve's right. The OS541 is a good value. For just a bit more, though, you can step up to the premium name in marine binoculars, Steiner, with their basic Steiner 575

Thank you both!

I do like the compass in the binoculars but good optics are obviously more important.

Three additional questions:
1. Is there a Steiner or other quality alternative with compass at a reasonable price?
2. How does the Tasco 541 rate against the Bushnell Marine (the 13750x)?
3. Is the optics in the Steiner that much better that I should consider an alternative without compass before the Tasco?

Regards
Peter

Hi

The next step up in a Steiner is the Navigator Pro For a choice that is optically as good with a compass, try the Nikon Sport and Marinewith compass. Really one of the best values in a serious marine bino.

The Tasco is better than the Bushnell. You get what you pay for, here.

If you are trying to squeeze the budegt, the tasco is fine, but you will see a difference with a better bino, yes.

Hi and thanks again!

If I try to summarize then:
Low budget with compass: Tasco 541
Without compass: Steiner
Good optics quality and compass: Nikon

A final (?) additional question:
In the description of the Steiner binoculars, autofocus is this something special or is it just the normal IF?

Peter

Hi

It's Steiner lingo for normal IF

Hi Again!

Obviously there was one more thing before the decision:

When reading about the Nikon 7443 I become uncertain if the compass is illuminated or not? If not, is it the Steiner that is the alternative in the same class but with an illuminated compass?

Regards
Peter

No, but I'd still rate the Nikon every bit as good or better in terms of optics and construction.