Review for Barska Gladiator 25-75x100 Waterproof 100mm Spotting Scope w/ Tripod - AD10610 100

Author: Mark Stanford {!} , Ex astronomer, neophyte rifleman, and Rebublican all the way baby!, from Wauconda, IL on Apr 22, 2009
Pros:  Light weight for the size
Cons:  Smallish field of view
Would recommend:  yes

Mark Stanford wrote:

Tripod will hold it up, which is nice. Definitely designed for horizontal, table top use. The scope is a little front heavy, but less than I was expecting and it stays in place on the tripod when yoy aim it. Field of view is kind of narrow, and the eye relief is not that great, but usable. Focus depth field is not that hide, i.e., switching from 150 to 300 foot targets required re-focus. The focus adjustment is smooth and stays in place when set. Looked at the rings of Saturn, several of its moons and the Orion nebula (below the belt, middle of the sword.) I plan to take it to the gun range and use it for sighting hits with a 30/30 at 100 and 200 yards. Based on views in the neighborhood from the 2nd story deck, it looks like it will work well for that. Last time I shot, I borrowed a 60mm lens, 80 power scope (forget what brand, Bushnell? It was camo colored.) Views through this scope look better and it has a wider field of view. For the money, seems like a good value. I'd have loved to had $700-$1000 to spend, but did not. Once thing I've learned in 46 years to buy the best quality stuff, in small quantities, that you can afford. Then take care of the stuff.