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Are all Barska Spotters crap??

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budperm View Drop Down
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    Posted: January/12/2009 at 18:23
Does anybody have personal experience withthe Barska Colorado 20-60X60 Waterproof Spotter scope?  I am about out of $$$ and am looking for something to use at the range at 100 & 200yds while siting in and playing.
 
I have a line on one for under $75.  I known you always get what you paid for but will it be worth it to bother.
 
All opinions are welcomed....some may even be listened toWink
 
Thanks
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote smitty Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 20:05
I think you are wasting your money on it.  I'd go with an inexpensive 12x binocular for that price over a pos spotter. 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Monster Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 20:15
Save your money we sell this spotting scope at the place I work and we carry no quality optics. Just put it this way barska is the best optic we sell......
"Get Busy Livin' or get busy dyin'" -Red (Shawshank Redemption)
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote tahqua Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 20:24
Hey Bud, that looks like the Whitefish Point Light House on your avatar. I know that area very well Wink
Cheap optics get hammered quite a bit around here and Barska is not the exception but the rule. Especially in something that is high magnification and variable zoom. I find it bothersome that the manufacturers that have the lowest quality lenses put them in high powered variable units that let that stand out. If they could just put out some reliable fixed powers at a low price they would have more support with me.
With that said, I can offer no solutions because everyone has only variables in this price bracket. I can tell you from experience that cheap ones are hard on the eyes, contrast and resolution is poor, and eye relief is nil.
But, for $75, give it a shot. If it makes you happy, great. If not, come back and visit us again and we can steer you elsewhere at a different price point.
Good Luck!




Edited by tahqua - January/12/2009 at 20:25
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 20:30
Yeah Smitty,
 
The more I read the less I like. 
Its just that I went hog wild at Xmas and bought a new 270Win. a Lee 50th anniversary Reloader kit, a new Elite 4200 2.5-10X40 that I  found for under $300 and a couple hundred dollars of Loading supplies!  All I need to complete the chain in  a half descent spotter.
 
If I still had a wife I'd be in DEEP KIMCHI brother, but I don't so now I' am just deep in debt!
 
Guns are still cheaper than women and you get to play with them longer!!!
 
Like my daddy always said, Guns are forever.  Women, like wine,  improve with age...right up until the time they turn to VINEGAR!Ouch
 
 
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 20:37
The more I research the more it looks like I need to blow the budget. 
 
I haven't really seen anything negative about the Stokes Sandpiper and I could probably squeeze another $200-250 on the CC.
 
Sure wish SWFA carried them! 
 
What prices are everybody seeing the sandpiper for??
 
I saw Lucnik mention $199 but I doubt that deal is still around.
If so, I sure can't find it yet!
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote trigger29 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 21:07
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Does anybody have personal experience withthe Barska Colorado 20-60X60 Waterproof Spotter scope?  I am about out of $$$ and am looking for something to use at the range at 100 & 200yds while siting in and playing.
 
I have a line on one for under $75.  I known you always get what you paid for but will it be worth it to bother.
 
All opinions are welcomed....some may even be listened toWink
 
Thanks
 
Crap?? Uhh, Yeah pretty much.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 21:18
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Does anybody have personal experience with the Barska..spotting scope...I have a line on one for under $75..I known you always get what you paid for but will it be worth it to bother.
Thanks


For $75 you could probably use it to crack nuts.

Barska is borrowing from other manufacturers designs, they now offer such Spotting Scopes as the Naturescape ED (Extra Low Dispersion), which is also Phase Coated, and Fully Multic-Coated, but at over $300 it is out of your price range.

Honestly, you would probably enjoy, and have alot more fun with, a Nikon Action 12x50 or 16x50 binocular, that you can carry around your neck, and use both eyes to view through.

Do a Google Search and you can find the Nikon binoculars for around $70.
I had the Nikon Action 16x50mm binocular, and for daytime viewing it is a better investment than a Barska $75 scope.

I use a Barska 30x80mm X-Trail giant binocular for long distance wildlife and bird watching, but, I also have several tripods and a selfstanding monopod to mount it on.

When you buy, purchase your optics from those companies that offer a good return policy, that way, you can always get your money back, if it is not to your liking.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 21:30
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Does anybody have personal experience with the Barska..spotting scope...I have a line on one for under $75..I known you always get what you paid for but will it be worth it to bother.
Thanks


For $75 you could probably use it to crack nuts.

Barska is borrowing from other manufacturers designs, they now offer such Spotting Scopes as the Naturescape ED (Extra Low Dispersion), which is also Phase Coated, and Fully Multic-Coated, but at over $300 it is out of your price range.

Honestly, you would probably enjoy, and have alot more fun with, a Nikon Action 12x50 or 16x50 binocular, that you can carry around your neck, and use both eyes to view through.

Do a Google Search and you can find the Nikon binoculars for around $70.
I had the Nikon Action 16x50mm binocular, and for daytime viewing it is a better investment than a Barska $75 scope.

I use a Barska 30x80mm X-Trail giant binocular for long distance wildlife and bird watching, but, I also have several tripods and a selfstanding monopod to mount it on.

When you buy, purchase your optics from those companies that offer a good return policy, that way, you can always get your money back, if it is not to your liking.
 
Umm, we sell Nikon and have a pretty good return policy, BIRD WATCHER.  We also have a 110% Low Price Guarntee, BIRD WATCHER.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 21:46
Originally posted by Chris Farris Chris Farris wrote:



Umm, we sell Nikon and have a pretty good return policy, BIRD WATCHER.  We also have a 110% Low Price Guarntee, BIRD WATCHER.


My apologies Chris, I was not aware of any SWFA Nikon Spotting Scope for under $75.

Bird Watcher

Edited by Bird Watcher - January/12/2009 at 21:53
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 22:04
Thanks to all for the sound advice.
 
Birdwatcher...just in case you weren't sure, you were just spanked by papa Farris.
 
I had a feeling that everybody would dish the Barska...after all Wally World carries them LOL.
 
I was at the Gun Show in Baltimore last weekend and looked thru both NcStar & Barska spotters.  I couldn't even see a Sodium Vapor light at hi mag and the light was on!  How can they market such junk?
 
Anyway, since I wear glasses and WANT generous eye relief I decided to go with a Vortex Stokes Sandpiper which has excellent reviews in the Birdie communityand eye relief 4-16mm.  Yes Sir!  with 15-45X65mm it should fill all my requirements...ie 100-300yds at the range. 
From what I've read it is excellent upto at least 30X.  I was able to find them clearanced below $200 with free 8X40 Binos thrown in.   It  seems that the in-line version has been discontionued in favor of the angled eye-piece version.  They still carry Vortex's VIP Lifetime warranty.
 
Now I am going to feed my CC to the shreader before I am overcome with another urge!
 
@#%^^#$@  too late.  Scope rings.....YEAH!......
"Peace is that brief glorious moment in history when everybody stands around reloading".
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote rifle looney Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 22:26
Someone once wrote it like this......... BARFSKA
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/12/2009 at 22:35
[QUOTE=budperm] Thanks to all for the sound advice.
 

Birdwatcher...just in case you weren't sure, you were just spanked
QUOTE]

Happens everytime I try to rescue someone. 8>}
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote anweis Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 06:24
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Anyway, since I wear glasses and WANT generous eye relief I decided to go with a Vortex Stokes Sandpiper which has excellent reviews in the Birdie communityand eye relief 4-16mm. 
 
They are excellent scopes for excellent price.
 
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 06:28
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Does anybody have personal experience withthe Barska Colorado 20-60X60 Waterproof Spotter scope?  I am about out of $$$ and am looking for something to use at the range at 100 & 200yds while siting in and playing.
 
I have a line on one for under $75.  I known you always get what you paid for but will it be worth it to bother.
 
All opinions are welcomed....some may even be listened toWink
 
Thanks
I have one I was given as a gift.  I use it, but it is painful.  Truthfully, I can see the target/bullet holes at 500yd better with my Springfield Armory 6-20x56 scope.  The Barska spotter is so fuzzy it is difficult to tell whether there are holes or lines.  The scope, at least, is clear.  While the magnification is certainly lacking, it is easier to make out the bullet holes. 
I would prefer I had not received it. 
Save up for a few months and get a better one... you'll thank me later. 
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote budperm Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 07:34
NO good deed goes unpunished my friend!
 
Don't let it stop you from throwing the lifeline to the next guy!
 
Thanks for the advice!
 
B
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Chris Farris Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 10:51
Originally posted by Bird Watcher Bird Watcher wrote:

Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

Thanks to all for the sound advice.
 

Birdwatcher...just in case you weren't sure, you were just spanked
QUOTE]

Happens everytime I try to rescue someone. 8>}
 
How's that?
 
You can say whatever you want about Barska, that does not bother me.  I've said many times before that they are low end, china, crap.  My problem with your post that you seemed to miss, were the two statements in red.
 
Do a Google Search and you can find the Nikon binoculars for around $70.

When you buy, purchase your optics from those companies that offer a good return policy, that way, you can always get your money back, if it is not to your liking.
 
Why go out of your way and ask him to go elsewhere?  We are a stocking Nikon distributor (no one buys for less than we do) and we have a 110% low price guarantee.
 
You were suggesting he go elsewhere and get a Nikon binocular.  I don't understand your reply.
 
[QUOTE=Bird Watcher] 
My apologies Chris, I was not aware of any SWFA Nikon Spotting Scope for under $75.

Bird Watcher
 
It's no big deal in the overall scheme of things, just a little disrespectful in my opinion...not to mention a direct violation of our very simple and basic rules.
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 13:18
Originally posted by budperm budperm wrote:

I am about out of $$$

I have a line on one for under $75. 


Chris,

That was what I was responding to initally. Look for a brand name(bino vs. scope), on the internet, for $75 or less.
My apologies for using the word "internet", I should have said SWFA. 8>)

B.W.


Edited by Bird Watcher - January/13/2009 at 13:47
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bird Watcher Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 13:22
[QUOTE=budperm]

  I was able to find them clearanced below $200 with free 8X40 Binos thrown in.   It  seems that the in-line version has been discontionued in favor of the angled eye-piece version.  They still carry Vortex's VIP Lifetime warranty.
QUOTE]

Chris,

Sounds like he has made his purchase, but not at the stated $$ level.

B.W.

Edited by Bird Watcher - January/13/2009 at 13:41
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Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote lucznik Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: January/13/2009 at 13:54
Originally posted by Chris Farris Chris Farris wrote:

 
You can say whatever you want about Barska, that does not bother me.  I've said many times before that they are low end, china, crap. 

Chris,

Not wanting to cause any additional friction here but, I am a bit curious.  Since you believe Barska products to be "low end, china, crap" (a sentiment I echo), why do you carry them at all?
What if the hokey pokey really is what it's all about?
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