Magnification/price good - design not so good. - Barska 25-125x88 WP Benchmark Spotting Scope w/ Handheld Tripod, Table Top Tripod, Soft Carrying Case, Hard Case

Why do I say poor optics yet recommend it? Where can you get 125X for $140 without buying an astronomical telescope? I could spend $220 for a Bushnell 20X-60X but that's not 125X.

Impossible to get a crisp clear image at any zoom factor. BUT, good enough to see bullet holes in a distant target, read the target brand name at 125 ft. (and get a headache). Also if your eye is not snugged up tight to the eyepiece any light entering the eyepiece from your end returns an undesirable reflection of a disk to your eye. So I guess that's what happens when you don't design a scope using adequate coated lenses in appropriate groups to reduce glare, bloom, improve focus, etc.

Balance: The tripod mount is located so far back that the heavy weight of the scope is far forward. I worry that it may break. DO NOT CARRY THIS SCOPE ON THE TRIPOD, it may not last.

So if you are willing to accept these limitations, you will not be "happy" with the image but your wallet might.

Why did I buy it? I got tired of my childhood 3 ft long 60X telescope sticking out of my backpack when going to the 100 yd range. Have not taken this to the range yet, only the back yard.
Pros: 125X magnification, large objective lens, decent price
Cons: Poor optics, tripod mount in unbalanced location.

This review was written in the old system and had content requirements that are different than reviews written today.