What Makes Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight Stand Out?
The Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight spotting scope promises versatility and affordability for outdoor enthusiasts. Marketed towards targeting, hunting, bird watching and general observation, it aims to provide clear views across a wide range of scenarios, all while maintaining a budget-friendly price point.
I was looking for a spotting scope that could pull double duty: helping me sight in rifles at the range and allowing me to observe wildlife on my backcountry hunts. I needed something rugged enough to handle the elements, but also clear enough to reliably spot bullet holes at 200 yards and beyond.
Upon unboxing, the Barska Colorado feels surprisingly solid for its price. The rubber armor gives it a reassuring heft and suggests it can withstand some bumps and scrapes.
I considered the Celestron Ultima 80 and the Bushnell Trophy Xtreme spotting scopes. The Barska Colorado, with its included tripod and carrying case, seemed to offer the best value proposition for someone just getting into spotting scopes.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. While it certainly wasn’t the high-end glass I’m used to, the Barska Colorado seemed to offer a decent set of features and build quality for the price point, piquing my curiosity to see how it performed in the field.
Real-World Testing: Putting Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial test occurred at an outdoor shooting range on a bright, sunny day. I wanted to evaluate its clarity and ease of use while sighting in a new hunting rifle at 100 and 200 yards.
The image quality at 20x magnification was acceptable, allowing me to see bullet holes on paper targets at 100 yards without much strain. However, the image became noticeably darker and less sharp as I cranked up the magnification towards 60x, and mirage became a significant issue at longer distances.
The focusing knob was smooth and easy to adjust, and the straight eyepiece allowed for comfortable viewing while prone. The included tripod, however, felt a bit flimsy and prone to wobbling, especially in windy conditions.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Barska Colorado has held up reasonably well, considering its price point. The rubber armor has protected it from minor bumps and scratches during transport, and the waterproof design has proven effective in light rain.
While the optics haven’t degraded noticeably, the tripod has become even more wobbly over time. The carrying case is adequate for storage and transport, but the strap is uncomfortable for long carries.
Compared to higher-end spotting scopes I’ve used in the past, the Barska Colorado falls short in terms of image quality and overall build quality. However, considering its significantly lower price, it provides a serviceable viewing experience for casual observation and basic range use.
Breaking Down the Features of Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight
Specifications
- Magnification: 20-60x, providing a versatile zoom range for various viewing distances. This allows the user to adjust the magnification depending on the target distance and clarity needs.
- Objective Lens: 60mm, which gathers light for a brighter image, especially in low-light conditions. A larger objective lens generally results in a brighter image, but also increases the size and weight of the scope.
- Prism Type: Porro, known for their traditional design and good image quality. Porro prisms offer a wider field of view compared to roof prisms, which are typically found in more compact spotting scopes.
- Eyepiece System: Straight, offering a direct line of sight. This design is simpler and often more comfortable for prolonged viewing, but may not be ideal for all viewing angles.
- Optical Coating: Fully Coated, which helps to maximize light transmission and reduce glare. Full coating indicates that all air-to-glass surfaces have a single layer coating, which improves image brightness and contrast.
- Field of View: 106.5/35.5 ft@1000yds at 20x and 46.9/15.4 ft@1000yds at 60x. This specification indicates the width of the viewing area at a given distance, decreasing as magnification increases.
- Close Focus: 26ft/8m, allowing for detailed observation of nearby objects. A shorter close focus distance is ideal for observing wildlife or other subjects at close range.
- Eye Relief: 14.5mm-11.2mm, providing comfortable viewing distance for users with or without eyeglasses. Sufficient eye relief is essential for comfortable viewing, especially for eyeglass wearers.
- Waterproof: Yes, protecting the scope from moisture damage. This feature is crucial for outdoor use in various weather conditions.
- Fogproof: Yes (Nitrogen CO2), preventing internal fogging in humid conditions. Nitrogen or Argon purging prevents condensation from forming inside the scope.
Performance & Functionality
The Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight offers adequate performance for its intended purpose. At lower magnifications (20-40x), the image is reasonably clear and bright, making it suitable for general observation and target shooting at shorter distances.
However, at higher magnifications (40-60x), the image quality deteriorates significantly, with noticeable loss of brightness and sharpness. The included tripod is unstable, making it difficult to maintain a steady image at higher magnifications.
The scope meets basic expectations for an entry-level spotting scope, but it falls short of delivering high-end optical performance. The build quality is adequate, but the image quality and tripod stability could be improved.
Design & Ergonomics
The Barska Colorado features a traditional spotting scope design with a straight eyepiece and rubber armor. The rubber armor provides a comfortable grip and protects the scope from minor impacts.
The focusing knob is smooth and easy to operate, even with gloves on. However, the straight eyepiece may not be ideal for all viewing positions, especially when observing objects at steep angles.
The scope is relatively lightweight (30 oz), making it easy to carry in the field. However, the included tripod is bulky and unstable, negating some of the weight savings.
Durability & Maintenance
The Barska Colorado appears to be reasonably durable, thanks to its rubber armor and waterproof design. However, the quality of the internal components is unknown, and long-term durability is uncertain.
The scope is relatively easy to clean with a soft cloth. However, the tripod requires periodic tightening of the leg locks to maintain stability.
With proper care, the Barska Colorado should last for several years of moderate use. However, it is unlikely to withstand the same level of abuse as higher-end spotting scopes.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Barska Colorado comes with a pan-head tripod and carrying case. The tripod is basic but functional, while the carrying case provides adequate protection for storage and transport.
There are no readily available customization options for the Barska Colorado. However, the standard tripod mount allows it to be used with other tripods.
While the Barska Colorado is not designed for extensive customization, its basic features and included accessories provide a functional out-of-the-box experience. Its primary selling point is its affordability.
Pros and Cons of Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight
Pros
- Affordable price point makes it accessible to beginners.
- Waterproof and fogproof design for use in various weather conditions.
- Versatile 20-60x magnification range for different viewing distances.
- Included tripod and carrying case provide a complete package.
- Rubber armor for added protection and grip.
Cons
- Image quality degrades significantly at higher magnifications.
- Included tripod is unstable and prone to wobbling.
- Limited customization options.
Who Should Buy Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight?
The Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight is perfect for beginner bird watchers, casual target shooters, and anyone looking for an affordable entry-level spotting scope. It’s also a good option for hunters on a tight budget who need a basic spotting scope for scouting and target identification.
Those who demand high-end optical performance, require a stable tripod for long-range viewing, or need a spotting scope for professional use should skip this product. Consider investing in a higher-quality spotting scope from a reputable brand like Vortex, Leupold, or Swarovski.
A sturdier tripod is a must-have accessory to improve stability and image clarity. Consider investing in a higher-quality tripod from a reputable brand like Manfrotto or Slik.
Conclusion on Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight
The Barska Colorado 20-60×60 Waterproof Straight offers a decent value proposition for its price. It’s an affordable entry point into the world of spotting scopes, providing a functional viewing experience for casual observation and basic target shooting.
The price is justified for what you get – a basic, waterproof spotting scope with an included tripod and carrying case. However, don’t expect high-end optical performance or rock-solid stability.
I would recommend the Barska Colorado to beginners and budget-conscious users who understand its limitations. If you’re looking for a step up in image quality and stability, be prepared to spend significantly more.
If you’re just starting out and need a basic spotting scope without breaking the bank, the Barska Colorado might be the perfect fit. Get out there and start exploring the world around you!