Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens Review

Let’s Dive into Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens

As an outdoor and tactical gear specialist with over a decade of experience, I’ve seen countless spotting scopes come and go. When I first laid eyes on the Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens, I was intrigued by its promise of portability, optical performance, and affordability. The Barska Colorado series aims to bring quality viewing to both the target range and the wilderness, a combination that caught my attention.

I needed a reliable spotting scope that wouldn’t break the bank, but still provided a clear view at various distances. I was tired of squinting through binoculars or relying on unreliable rangefinders to check my groupings downrange. My initial unboxing experience was fairly standard; the scope felt surprisingly lightweight, although the included tripod seemed a bit less robust than I anticipated.

Compared to a higher-end Leupold spotting scope I’ve used in the past (a significant price jump) or a basic Bushnell I keep as a backup, the Barska appeared to offer a solid middle ground. I picked the Barska for its advertised waterproof features, the magnification range, and the complete package with a tripod and carrying case. While not blown away, I was cautiously optimistic and eager to test its performance in the field.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test took place at my local outdoor shooting range, under bright, sunny conditions. I set up the Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope approximately 25 yards away from my target. Acquiring the target at 20x magnification was easy, and focusing was relatively straightforward.

However, cranking the zoom up to 60x revealed some significant limitations. The image became noticeably darker and shakier, even with the tripod. While the scope’s performance was adequate at lower magnifications, the 60x setting was only usable in the best lighting conditions.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use in varying weather conditions, including a few light rain showers, the Barska has held up reasonably well. The rubber armor provides a decent grip and seems to offer some protection against minor bumps and scrapes. I have noticed that the blue lens coating can attract dust and fingerprints, requiring frequent cleaning.

The tripod, while lightweight and portable, remains a weak point; it’s somewhat flimsy and prone to wobbling, especially at higher magnifications. Compared to my experiences with more expensive spotting scopes, the Barska’s optical clarity and image brightness fall short, particularly in low-light situations. It serves its purpose for casual range use, but it wouldn’t be my first choice for serious observation or hunting.

Breaking Down the Features of Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens

Specifications

The Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens boasts the following specifications:

• Magnification: 20x-60x Zoom Power. This allows for versatile viewing from moderate to long distances, but the higher end suffers from clarity issues.
• Objective Lens: 60mm. The size of the objective lens affects light gathering; 60mm is decent but not exceptional for low-light performance.
• Waterproof: Yes. This offers peace of mind during inclement weather.
• Fogproof: Yes. Nitrogen purging prevents internal fogging, maintaining clear visibility in changing temperatures.
• Prism Glass: BK-7. BK-7 glass is a common type of prism glass; it’s adequate but not as high-end as BAK4 glass, which provides better light transmission and image clarity.
• Eyepiece System: Straight. The straight eyepiece is a matter of personal preference; some prefer angled eyepieces for more comfortable viewing at certain angles.
• Exit Pupil: 3-1mm. The exit pupil refers to the diameter of the light beam exiting the eyepiece; a larger exit pupil is generally better for low-light viewing.
• Optical Coating: Fully Coated. Fully coated optics mean that all air-to-glass surfaces have a single layer coating, which is better than coated, but not as good as multi-coated or fully multi-coated.
• Field of View: 91/30 – 45/15 (ft@1000yds/m@1000m). This refers to the width of the viewable area at a given distance; a wider field of view makes it easier to locate and track moving objects.
• Close Focus: 7m. This is the minimum distance at which the scope can focus; 7 meters is adequate for most applications.
• Eye Relief: 18.1-15.2mm. This is the distance from the eyepiece to the eye where the full field of view is visible; longer eye relief is better for those who wear glasses.
• Included Accessories: Pan-head tripod, Carrying Case, Neck Strap. The included accessories provide added value and convenience.

These specifications translate to a spotting scope that is functional and portable, but with some compromises in optical quality and stability. The waterproof and fogproof features are valuable for outdoor use, but the BK-7 prism glass and fully coated optics limit the scope’s low-light performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope performs adequately for its intended purpose: spotting targets at moderate ranges. The zoom function provides versatility, but image quality degrades significantly at higher magnifications. At 100 yards, I could usually discern bullet holes on paper targets, but clarity was not exceptional.

The scope’s strengths lie in its portability and ease of use. Its weaknesses are in its optical quality and tripod stability. It meets expectations for a budget-friendly spotting scope, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The Barska features a basic, functional design with a rubber-armored exterior. It feels relatively lightweight and easy to handle, but the build quality isn’t particularly robust. The focus knob is easy to reach and operate, but it can be somewhat stiff. There is a slight learning curve to smoothly zoom in while maintaining focus.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience so far, the Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope should last for several years with proper care. The rubber armor provides some protection against impacts, but I wouldn’t subject it to heavy abuse. Cleaning the lenses regularly is essential to maintain optimal image quality.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Barska comes with a pan-head tripod, a carrying case, and a neck strap. There are no readily apparent customization options, such as interchangeable eyepieces. Compatibility with third-party tripods is possible, but may require an adapter.

Pros and Cons of Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens

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Who Should Buy Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens?

The Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope is perfect for casual target shooters, bird watchers on a budget, and anyone who needs a portable and affordable spotting scope for general observation. It’s a good entry-level option for those who are new to spotting scopes and don’t want to invest in a more expensive model.

Those who require exceptional optical clarity, high magnification performance, or a sturdy tripod should skip this product. Serious hunters or professional observers would likely be better served by a higher-end spotting scope. A sturdier tripod would greatly improve the user experience with the Barska.

Conclusion on Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens

The Barska 20-60×60 Colorado WP Spotting Scope w/ Tripod, Blue Lens offers a decent value proposition for its price point. It’s a functional and portable spotting scope that’s suitable for a variety of casual applications. However, its optical quality and tripod stability are limited, particularly at higher magnifications.

I would recommend it to those who are on a tight budget and need a basic spotting scope for occasional use. If you need crystal-clear images at long distances, you’ll need to invest in a more expensive model. Overall, the Barska Colorado is a reasonable entry-level option that gets the job done without breaking the bank. If you are looking for a low-cost spotting scope, then this might be the scope for you.