Reviews & Ratings for Barska Gladiator 10-30x60mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars — 4 reviews — Page 1

Nearly all binoculars and telescopes are made in the same few factories in China, regardless of brand name. Getting any binoculars under $400 will probably need collimation adjustments to get proper focus and sharp images. That's just how it is. Barska optics are just as good as Orion, Celestron, Bushnell and all the other consumer grade telescope sellers that come from the same factory. If your binoculars won't focus or the image is less than sharp, just research how to adjust collimation, take the time and trouble to do it and get the most out of your purchase. I use mine for astronomy and astrophotography and they work great. Not thrilled with the ruby lens coating for my specific use but for terrestrial views, it really sharpens the image. The Gladiator series this size and smaller use a BK7 prism while the larger sizes utilize the better BAK4 prisms which is kind of a big deal for night time, deep sky astronomy but for typical daytime use, most people won't notice much if any difference. These are zoom style binos so know that trying to keep them still at over 2 pounds of weight is not easy. You'll want to use these with a tripod or other support mount when zoomed any amount beyond the minimum 10 power. Think about your usage needs and choose wisely to avoid remorse, regret or feeling the need to write a review about something you bought in error or do not know how to setup and properly use and maintain.

From Dunhams listed at $79.99, Special Sale at $49.99. Adjust eyespan and action "cracks" and binds. Adjusting eyepiece shifts focus. Picture was never right so removed left rubber eye-cup and found ocular lens cross-threaded at about a 25 degree angle. No response from company after 2 week so removed ocular and tried to reseat myself. Ocular is retained by three tiny set screws with sharp points.
Since all lens seats and retainers are PLASTIC not metal, it was a mess. Can't think of anything to praise as these are just %50 worth of junque.
Pros: none, really
Cons: cheap construction, jerky hesitant action