Tasco Binoculars Review | 6 Bestselling Models Reviewed

In my ongoing effort to apprise people of the what is available in the market, I have reviewed some Tasco binoculars to help you decide if any of these optical instruments are a good fit for your purposes. Before we get to them, I have some useful knowledge to share about binoculars. 

A Pair in the Hand is Worth the Look

Are Tasco Binoculars any good? In our opinion, yes.  For the money, Tasco binos are worth it. You get good lenses, great magnification and a wide selection to hit almost any budget. We review binoculars all the time and the Tasco binoculars we chose below are some of the best glasses we’ve come across.

Selecting a pair of binoculars is not so hard, if you know what you are looking for. If you are new to these devices, the prospects of finding a useful pair of field glasses can seem daunting. This is why I recommend Tasco binoculars as they produce a variety of binoculars at an economical price point so that you can try several pairs to see for yourself how they perform. While that is useful, I caution you to learn a little bit about how these visual devices are designed and why they do what they do, or don’t do, before you plunk down your money. In the meantime, I am here to provide useful and helpful knowledge to help you select the right pair of binoculars for your needs.

A Little Bit about Tasco Binoculars

Tasco is an American-based optics brand originally founded in the 1950s. Most of their line of binos are made in the USA. Today, Tasco’s parent company also owns Bushnell, a name familiar to many who know a good pair of binoculars when they look through them. What I like about Tasco binoculars is that they are low-budget, high-quality optics offering a range of dimensions, finishes, magnifications and objective lenses to satisfy both the novice and the experienced hunters out there, whether you are hunting game or hunting for inexpensive, quality binoculars. 

Critics of low-budget optics are justified in their reasoning, but that should have no influence on those who are sincerely interested in leaving the fancy frills, bells and whistles aside for efficiently built, premium binoculars made with the best glass, variety of types of binoculars, weatherproofing and waterproofing, variety of finishes and the lowest ticket prices on the market.

Tasco proves that binoculars do not have to set you back to the tune of one month’s mortgage payment, and that is not meant to diminish the value of a very expensive pair of binoculars. I just find that Tasco is truly dedicated to enhancing your outdoor experience and allowing you to get lost in the details without having to break the bank. 

Tasco Targets a Range of Binoculars to Suit Many Uses

Tasco produces binoculars that range from 7x to 12x magnifications with objectives ranging from 25mm to 50mm. Available in compact, mid-size and full-size binoculars, each has their own merit depending on their use. For instance, compact binoculars give you the convenience of mobility, but they tend to be limited in their power. There is a compact pair of Tasco binoculars I have reviewed that are remarkably versatile.

The range of options available through Tasco answers to every interest out there, including but not limited to: 

• Hunters
• Hikers
• Birders
• Wildlife Watchers
• Marine Life Watchers
• Stargazers
• Safari Trips
• Fishermen
• Sports Fans
• Concert, Theater and Opera Glasses
• Horse Racing
• Backyard Nature Lovers

You are already ahead of the game when you buy a pair of Tasco binoculars because they are known for their quality optics. In addition, all their glasses are either multi-coated or fully-coated for optimal clarity and brightness. Tasco offers both porro prism and roof prism systems for a mere fraction of the price charged by the competition. Tasco binoculars are designed to give you a lifetime of satisfaction because they pack their products with the latest features and build them to exacting quality control standards.

Tasco Binoculars Vs The Competition

Tasco’s low-priced binoculars allows viewers to try any number of different features without spending a fortune while achieving a sense of satisfaction. Their quality is comparable to the costlier competition such as Steiner, Zeiss and Leica and gives you the chance to narrow your search for the optimal pair of glasses. There are professionals in the field who have developed a loyalty to the brands they use, and that is to be expected. When you have grown accustomed to the way a particular set of glasses performs, you tend to swear by them.

I like the fact that Tasco gives users, both new and experienced, a chance to vary their collection and try different binoculars without depleting their resources. Once you have used Tasco binoculars and gained a feel for how get the best results, you can venture forth and view through some of these costlier brands to get a personal experience of the differences. Bushnell prices are nominally higher, but their performance is possibly the closest by comparison to Tasco’s build.

Prerequisites to Buying and Using Binoculars

There is much to consider when seeking the right pair of binoculars, some of which include the following:

• Magnification versus Mass
• Field of View
• Prism Type
• Optical Quality
• Light Transmission
• Age of the User – relative to the exit pupil
• Shock Resistance
• Waterproofing

Choosing Your Binoculars (Decision Time)

The best place to start when determining how to choose the right pair of binoculars is to decide what you want to use them for. For instance, the bird watcher understands the frustration of being far away from the birds in flight that they want to see up close. They are looking for the details of their beautiful colors and unique feathers. The best binoculars for this type of viewing ranges from 8x to 10x magnifications and features 42 to 50mm objective lenses.

Stargazing

Stargazing is easily accomplished with a variety of optics, but even the amateur astronomer will eventually graduate from basic astronomy binoculars to a larger objective lens and using a tripod to accommodate the heavier weight. You need a set of high-powered binoculars so that you can see well into the night sky. These are certainly something to work toward, but it helps to gain some experience with a variety of magnifications and optics before laying down that kind of money. 

Hunting

The hunter needs to survey the expansive hunting grounds with a pair of binoculars that meets the needs of brightness, clarity of vision and toughness. In addition, low-light conditions encountered either early at dawn or during dusk hours calls for an objective lens that allows the most light on the subject. A range between 42 to 50mm objectives and a magnification of at least 10x are a good place to start. Just keep in mind the larger the lens, the heavier the glasses. 

Horse Racing

Comparing that to horse racing, you need to go for a weaker pair of binoculars that give you more control so that you can follow the fast movement of race horses. A 7x to 8x magnification with a smaller objective lens in the 20s up to about 42mm will serve you well. 

Tasco produces binoculars that answer to the majority of uses. Their sturdy build and reliable performance give you the confidence to develop your knowledge of how binoculars perform and what are the best pair to suit your pursuits. When the purchase price is as convenient as Tasco makes them, you have the chance to experiment with little risk.

The Best Way to use Tasco Binoculars (My Opinion)

Possibly the greatest challenge to beginners using binoculars is how to use them. There is often a high degree of frustration for those without any knowledge of how to focus their glasses. You should be able to view through your binoculars without developing eye strain, fatigue or headache. If any of these things occurs for you, it is most likely due to improper focus.

Tasco provides focus-free models as well as center wheel and diopter adjustments. The focus-free feature really makes it easy to use binoculars without needing to make adjustments. For those binoculars that require you to focus them, once you have dialed in the sharpest image, you can lock the diopter into place so that all you need to adjust is the center focus ring. Rather than try to explain the process of establishing the sharpest, clearest focus on your binoculars, I have come across an informative video that breaks it down nicely.

Why Choose Tasco Binoculars?

I suppose, due to their size and the fact that those who use them tend to be active, binoculars can get pretty beat up. It takes little thought to toss a pair into a bag or backpack without considering the delicate optics. When these are very expensive binoculars, the risk is unthinkable. It doesn’t make sense to part with large sums of money on a pair of binoculars only to wreck them in mishandling. Tasco produces a higher quality, rugged build binocular at a price that encourages use when the risk is so minimal but the reward is so great. It makes them an excellent place to start and a way to have multiple pairs handy.

Tasco Binoculars Reviews – All Model Types

Here are six of the Tasco binoculars I have reviewed for your consideration:

1. Focus Free – TAS100736-BRK 7x 35mm Focus Free Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for an excellent image
• Focus-free
• Cross-grain rubber armor grip for sure handling
• Can be single-handed use
• Only 1.28 lbs
• FOV: 5mm
• Foldable rubber eyecups
• Attractive design
• Tripod adaptable
• Under $60

CONS

• Closer view than 20 yards is a blur
• Not for water activities – neither water- nor fog-proof

These are midsize yet lightweight, fully coated, porro lens binoculars that give you the freedom of never needing to adjust focus; just spot your target and enjoy a closer look. The free-focus feature is set by the manufacturer for a clear, sharp image. This is an advantage for activities that keep you on your toes. You can spot your target quickly with nearly 500 feet in view at 1,000 yards. 

While these 7x 35mm binoculars are not intended for close viewing, say about 20 yards, they are suitable for action. You are seeing objects magnified seven times, and with the 35mm objective lens, they are easily handled without fatigue or wobble. The exit pupil is 5mm, which is excellent for daylight viewing or under stadium lights.

With a 12mm eye relief, this is a pair of binoculars that are easy to use if you wear glasses. Given all these specifications, these glasses are a superb choice for outdoor viewing such as wildlife or sports events and activities. I could have used a pair like these while ballooning not long ago.

2. Essentials – 10-30x 50mm Porro Prism ES10305Z-Black Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for bright, crisp images
• Adjustable 10-30x, 50mm Lenses
• Only 26.4 oz. in weight
• FOV: 192′ @ 10X
• Rugged construction
• Porro Prism
• Usually under $100

CONS

• Not for night time or low-light viewing
• Not tripod adaptable

These Porro Prism binoculars feature 10-30x magnification with HUGE 50mm lenses. These binoculars are ready to join you on the go.  If you are eager to try out a mid-size, all-purpose pair of binoculars for compact pricing, you are at very low risk with these glasses. I am not saying these are in a league with porro binoculars that are priced in the thousands, but they are a fine example of versatile, quality binoculars.

At 10x magnification, they also feature an impressive 192-ft. field of view at 1,000 feet, and close focus is down to 17-feet. The 50mm objective lens means they have a 5mm exit pupil, so they would do alright in low-light as well as being more than ample for daylight. With 15mm eye relief and tripod adaptability, with or without glasses you can use these binoculars for extended viewing. They feature a center focus dial and diopter to get the sharpest image possible.

For this price point, you would not be gambling much to let the kids run around with these binoculars. If you are a beginner wanting to try out a versatile pair of binoculars, you could get your feet wet with these Essentials™ (Porro) – 10-30x 50mm, Mid-Size binoculars, just don’t get these glasses wet since they are not waterproof.

These are binoculars that are suitable to go birding, on safari, hiking, hunting, to view sporting events and stargazing, because they have the the bigger 50mm objective lens, they’re great for seeing stars.

3. Offshore – 10x 25mm Blue Roof TAS200125-BRK Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for bright, crisp images
• Waterproof and fog-proof
• Only 10 oz. in weight
• FOV: 326/1000
• Rugged construct
• Attractive slate blue color
• Under $70

CONS

• Not for night time or low-light viewing
• Not tripod adaptable

These compact, multicoated, roof prism system, 10x 25mm binoculars are ready to join you on the go. Fitting in the palm of one hand, they are under 4-inches square and weigh in at a mere 10 oz. The field of view is 326-feet at 1,000 yards with the close focus at 19.5 feet. These are meant for daylight use with a 2.5mm exit pupil. Considering our eyes will narrow to about 2mm in daylight, you would not be able to see much of anything in low light with these glasses. Subjects are magnified 10-times their size, and the 25mm objective lens accounts for their extremely light weight. I would compare these to Bushnell H2O Waterproof Compact Roof Prism 10×25 Binocular or Nikon 8263 ACULON A30 10x 25mm Binocular.

These are from the Tasco Offshore line of binoculars featuring multi-coated optics to make the most of light transmission while eliminating glare. This is particularly useful when viewing subjects on the water or in marine environments. They are manufactured with rubber o-rings inside the tubes, which have been purged with nitrogen to keep these binoculars clean and dry. They won’t fog and water will not penetrate. They feature a center focus dial and diopter to get the sharpest image possible.

In every way, these are a pair of binoculars that have been specifically designed to capture the close movement of marine life, like whale watching or racing with pods of dolphin as they slip in and out of the water so fast. They feature a stippled grip and rugged armor exterior. With a 9.3mm eye relief, you could use these binoculars with or without glasses, although the preferred distance for glasses is about 12mm. They are small enough to slip into a pocket or backpack. As a hiker, these are a good choice for the multiple encounters such as water or terrain that I may have to navigate.

4. Essentials™ Porro Prism TAS169735-BRK – 7x 35mm, Mid-Size Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for an excellent image
• Armor coating with rubber grip
• Only 21.5 oz
• FOV: 470/1000
• Tripod adaptable
• Foldable rubber eyecups
• Under $25

CONS

• Not waterproof
• Quite large design

I found these fully coated, mid-size Tasco binoculars a pleasant surprise in many ways. For a mid-size pair of glasses, they are lightweight at only 21.5 oz. and feature a porro prism system. If you are eager to try out a mid-size, all-purpose pair of binoculars for compact pricing, you are at very low risk with these glasses. I am not saying these are in a league with porro binoculars that are priced in the thousands, but they are a fine example of versatile, quality binoculars and compare well enough in their performance to Bushnell Falcon 133410 or Celestron UpClose G2 7x 35mm Porro Binocular 71250.

At 7x magnification, they also feature an impressive 470-ft. field of view at 1,000 feet, and close focus is down to 17-feet. The 35mm objective lens means they have a 5mm exit pupil, so they would do alright in low-light as well as being more than ample for daylight. With 15mm eye relief and tripod adaptability, with or without glasses you can use these binoculars for extended viewing. They feature a center focus dial and diopter to get the sharpest image possible.

For this price point, you would not be gambling much to let the kids run around with these binoculars. If you are a beginner wanting to try out a versatile pair of binoculars, you could get your feet wet with these Essentials™ (Porro) – 7x 35mm, Mid-Size binoculars, just don’t get these glasses wet since they are not waterproof. I would either avoid the water or be extraordinarily careful using them around water, but they are fully coated so the glare typically associated with light reflecting off the water is eliminated from view.

These are binoculars that are suitable to go birding, on safari, hiking, hunting, to view sporting events and even stargazing, although the serious stargazer goes for the bigger objective lens.

5. Essentials™ Porro Prism ES82425Z – 8-24x 25mm, Compact Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for an excellent image
• Armor coating with rubber grip
• Only 10.22 oz
• FOV: 190/1000
• Weatherproof
• Attractive design
• Under $40

CONS

• Not waterproof
• Not tripod adaptable
• Not for night time or low-light viewing

I think it is helpful to review a pair of zoom binoculars to explain the benefit of this feature. These fully-coated, porro zoom, compact Tasco binoculars provide the sports enthusiast with an up close and personal view of their favorite players. We are dealing with a smaller objective lens at 25mm, which helps bring the weight down but makes a difference in the brightness upon using the zoom feature. These binoculars compare well with Aurosports 10x 25mm Folding High Powered Binoculars or Bushnell Powerview 8x 25mm Porro Binocular.

The field of view is down to 190-feet at 1,000 yards, and, when using the zoom, this goes down to 130-feet. That usually does not matter because when you are using the zoom, you want that figure or subject isolated and enlarged. So, these binoculars go from 8x to 24x the magnification with the zoom feature. Close focus goes from 20-feet to 23-feet, respectively. This also cuts down the available light, so these glasses are best used in daylight or under stadium lighting. The fully-coated lenses help to optimize brightness.

The exit pupil on these glasses at best is 3.1 and, when zoomed, it drops to 1.0, which is below what the eye naturally restricts in bright light. I do not recommend these glasses in lower light conditions. While they are promoted as suitable for virtually any application, the key to their suitability is what is practical. They are compact, which makes them versatile, weighing in at only 10.22 oz. and sized at only 3.9 inches each in height, width and length. Portability is a major advantage. They can be adjusted for the distance between your eyes and focused with a center focus dial and diopter.

They are weather-resistant, which means they can withstand some weather but are not waterproof. The armor coating features a rubber grip for better control and ease of handling. While this makes them handy for being on the move, or on the go, there are some uses for which the zoom feature is not helpful. For example, birding really needs a larger field of view due to their movement and distance at which you get the best views. While I would not rule out birding with these glasses, the features here could prove to frustrate the viewer more than help them.

Finally, it does fall to personal preference with a zoom lens. With expertise, they can be effective in a range of uses, but the limitations should be heeded if you are expecting different performance. This is why it is important to recognize how the different qualities of the many options of binoculars are best suited for the conditions.

6. Essentials™ Roof Prism 168125B MC Box 10x 25mm Binoculars

PROS

• Tasco® optics for stunning HD quality
• Durable armor coating
• Only 8.4 oz.
• FOV: 300/1000
• Convenient, foldable compact size
• Under $20

CONS

• Not waterproof
• Not tripod adaptable
• Not for night time or low-light viewing

I have saved the best for last. These compact, roof prism, fully-coated 10x 25mm binoculars are a real treat for anyone who wants to enjoy a truly stunning view. For starters, they are all of 8.4 oz. sitting sweetly in the palm of one hand measuring a mere 5 x 3.5 x 2.5 inches. They are even more compact for storing in a pocket or purse because the tubes fold underneath the fixed bridge.

The roof prism system is superior to the porro prism system simply because of the way the optics are constructed inside the barrels. While porro prisms are relatively less expensive, you have the benefit of Tasco’s commitment to providing the highest quality at the lowest price. So, in this line of Essentials MC Box binoculars, you have roof prism glasses that represent a class of more-powerful viewing instruments at an unbelievable price. You could easily afford a pair in every color offering including the brown camo, black, blue, green and red.

You notice right away the difference in physical appearance between roof and porro prism binoculars. Porro binoculars have that classic appearance we have seen in WWII movies and safari pictures where the eye cups are offset from the objective barrels. Roof prism binoculars look more like the letter H when stood up with straight barrels from the eye cups all the way down.

These seemingly tiny binoculars pack a powerful punch with 10x magnification and an unbelievable FOV of 300-ft. at 1,000 yards. The close focus extends to 30-feet, so these are not the glasses for seeing too much that is already close to you. Right off the bat, these are suitable glasses for hunting, birding, safaris, horse races, and, well, just about anything. They are ideal for hiking simply because they are so light and compact for the power they deliver and easy to store in a pocket or wear around the neck all day without any discomfort.

They have a center wheel focus with the diopter. Once you lock in the crisp, HD view, you will find using these binoculars exciting. They compare well to Bushnell Powerview 8x 21mm Compact Folding Roof Prism Binocular, Aurosports 10x 25mm Folding High Powered Binoculars or POLDR 8x 21mm Small Compact Lightweight Binoculars.

In Conclusion

Once you get started using binoculars, you are quickly rewarded with stunning views and details you might never have imagined without them. As you progress in your understanding of the different types of binoculars, you soon figure out what works best for your interests. I have provided a good cross-section of Tasco binoculars for you to consider here, including one free-focus model, an offshore option, a versatile mid-size option, a compact zoom and the impressive MC Box design. Tasco is game changer for most people who are looking for smarter optics they can easily afford to try.

Here’s that video I told you about: