Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars Review

Let’s Talk About Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars are designed as an affordable option for outdoor enthusiasts. Rothco, known for their tactical and military-inspired gear, aims to provide versatility with its variable zoom and robust build. These binoculars promise clear viewing from 8x to 24x magnification, making them suitable for various activities from bird watching to target spotting.

I had been searching for an all-purpose binocular that wouldn’t break the bank for casual observation and occasional hunting trips. Specifically, I needed something with a variable zoom to quickly switch between wide-field viewing and close-up detail. The promise of 8-24x magnification in the Rothco model seemed to fit the bill perfectly.

Upon unboxing, the binoculars felt surprisingly solid, thanks to the rubber armoring. The weight felt balanced, not too heavy for prolonged use, but substantial enough to feel durable. The soft fold-down eyecups were a welcome feature, indicating attention to user comfort.

Compared to a Bushnell Falcon 7×35 that I already owned, the Rothco offered significantly more magnification. While a Vortex Diamondback 10×42 provided clearer glass, the Rothco’s zoom capability swayed me towards its potential versatility. I chose the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars for its adjustable zoom, hoping to get decent performance across a wider range of viewing distances.

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The build felt reassuringly rugged, but I was eager to see how the image quality would hold up at higher magnifications. Whether these binoculars would live up to the hype of being both versatile and budget-friendly remained to be seen.

Real-World Testing: Putting Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars at a local shooting range. I needed to spot bullet holes on paper targets at 100-200 yards. The weather was clear, but slightly overcast, which can sometimes affect image clarity.

The binoculars performed adequately at 8x magnification, providing a reasonably wide field of view. As I zoomed in, however, the image quality deteriorated noticeably, becoming darker and less sharp. The focusing wheel was responsive, but achieving a crisp image at 24x required significant fiddling.

The only issue I experienced during the first use was the difficulty of maintaining a steady image at higher magnifications without a tripod. Also, the red ruby coated lens made colors seem a little off.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars in various conditions, their limitations became more apparent. While the rubber armoring has protected them from minor bumps and scratches, the optical performance hasn’t improved. The hinge connecting the two barrels remains solid and moves smoothly.

The binoculars have seen use in light rain and dusty environments. While the rubber coating provides a degree of weather resistance, I’ve noticed that the lens requires frequent cleaning to maintain a decent image. Cleaning is straightforward with the included lens cloth.

Compared to my experience with higher-end binoculars, like Leupold’s BX-4 series, the Rothco model falls short in optical clarity and low-light performance. However, considering the price difference, the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars provide acceptable utility for casual use.

Breaking Down the Features of Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars

Specifications

• The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars feature a magnification range of 8-24x. This allows the user to switch between a wide field of view and a more detailed close-up.

• The 50mm objective lens is designed to gather ample light for a brighter image. However, the quality of the glass and coatings play a significant role in the actual brightness.

• The Porro prism system is a traditional design that offers good depth perception. It also tends to result in a wider body compared to roof prism binoculars.

• The optical coating is described as “coated,” which is a vague term. It suggests a basic level of anti-reflective treatment, but likely not the multi-layer coatings found on higher-end optics.

• The center focus system allows for simultaneous adjustment of both eyepieces. This is a common and generally user-friendly design.

Performance & Functionality

At lower magnifications (8x-12x), the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars perform reasonably well for general observation. The image is bright enough for daytime use, and the field of view is adequate.

As the magnification increases, the image becomes noticeably darker and softer. This is due to the limitations of the optics and the decreasing amount of light reaching the eye. Sharpness suffers significantly at 24x, making it difficult to resolve fine details.

The binoculars meet basic expectations for casual observation. However, they fall short for more demanding tasks like detailed birdwatching or long-range target spotting, where image clarity is paramount.

Design & Ergonomics

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars have a classic Porro prism design with a robust, rubber-armored body. The rubber coating provides a decent grip, even in wet conditions.

The binoculars feel relatively comfortable to hold, though they can become tiring during extended use due to their weight and bulk. The fold-down eyecups accommodate users with and without eyeglasses, although the eye relief is somewhat limited.

There is a slight learning curve in achieving a sharp image, especially when zooming. The center focus knob is easy to reach but requires precise adjustments to obtain optimal focus.

Durability & Maintenance

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars appear to be reasonably durable, thanks to the rubber armoring and solid construction. However, the long-term reliability of the internal mechanisms is uncertain.

Maintenance is straightforward, requiring only occasional cleaning of the lenses with the provided cloth. Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive materials, which could damage the coatings.

With proper care, the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars should last for several years of occasional use. However, they are unlikely to withstand the rigors of heavy, professional use.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars come with a basic carrying case and a neck strap. These are functional but not particularly high-quality.

There are no readily apparent customization options for the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars. The included case and strap are adequate for basic use.

Unfortunately, there is no tripod mount. This severely limits the binoculars utility.

Pros and Cons of Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars

Who Should Buy Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars?

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars are perfect for casual campers, hikers, and sporting event attendees. Those who need a versatile binocular for occasional use and are not overly concerned with top-tier optical performance would benefit from these.

Hunters and serious birdwatchers who demand high image clarity and low-light performance should skip this product. Anyone who needs a stable platform for long-range viewing should also avoid it due to the lack of a tripod mount.

A must-have accessory would be a high-quality lens cleaning kit to maintain optimal image clarity.

Conclusion on Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars

The Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars offer a mixed bag of features and performance. They provide a useful zoom range and a durable build at an affordable price.

The value proposition is decent, considering the price point. However, buyers should be aware of the limitations in optical quality, especially at higher magnifications.

I would cautiously recommend the Rothco 8-24x50mm Porro Prism Zoom Binoculars to those seeking an inexpensive and versatile binocular for casual use. Just don’t expect top-tier performance. If you’re on a budget and need adjustable zoom, give them a try.