Barska X-trail 15x70 Binocularw/Tripod Adapter & Tripod
Binding: Electronics
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
Average customer rating: 3.5
List price: $125.00
Price: $59.99
Best 3 customer reviews
Barska X-Trail 15x70 Binoculars (4 star review)
I was pleased with the performance, the field of vision, and the light weight. Carrying case leaves a lot to be desired, as does the shoulder strap.
Best binoculars I own. (5 star review)
I have binoculars from Nikon, Bushnell, and others. All my binoculars have shortcomings, none are perfect. But believe me, money will not buy better than this.
Best binoculars I own. (5 star review)
I have binoculars from Nikon, Bushnell, and others. All my binoculars have shortcomings, none are perfect. But believe me, money will not buy better than this.
Worst 3 customer reviews
Great for headaches and frustration. (1 star review)
I ordered these binoculars to learn more about the sky. Sure these binoculars are big and impressive looking but that is about the extent of their worth. I ordered the first pair and they provided me with the biggest non-alcohol induced headache I've ever experienced. The images were miles off and when my brain tried to merge them I felt like I just rode space mountain 7 times. I boxed them up and due to Amazon's convenient return policy, I sent them back for a refund.
The next day, against better judgement, I thought that maybe I just had gotten a bad pair and again decided to order this same model. Out of the box, I didn't even have to look through them to see a defect as the part of the plastic body surrounding the eyepiece was cracked. I still gave it the benefit of the doubt and waited until the stars came out only to learn that Jupiter apparently has a twin as does its moons. I had my wife verify this as I thought I was crazy. These were boxed up and sent back for a refund with no intention to order again.
I think part of the reason for the horrible shape of this model is Barska's packaging. The binoculars are in plastic in a soft case in plastic then placed in a flimsy cereal box - no joke! The aluminum tripod is wrapped in bubble wrap and is jammed between the already too tight box and the binoculars. Then the over-stuffed box has plastic on the outside of it. Basically it is 3 plastic bags and a cereal box that house the fragile optics and this makes no sense to me. I wrap my garbage up better than this. Don't risk the frustration - the bargain price just isn't worth it.
The next day, against better judgement, I thought that maybe I just had gotten a bad pair and again decided to order this same model. Out of the box, I didn't even have to look through them to see a defect as the part of the plastic body surrounding the eyepiece was cracked. I still gave it the benefit of the doubt and waited until the stars came out only to learn that Jupiter apparently has a twin as does its moons. I had my wife verify this as I thought I was crazy. These were boxed up and sent back for a refund with no intention to order again.
I think part of the reason for the horrible shape of this model is Barska's packaging. The binoculars are in plastic in a soft case in plastic then placed in a flimsy cereal box - no joke! The aluminum tripod is wrapped in bubble wrap and is jammed between the already too tight box and the binoculars. Then the over-stuffed box has plastic on the outside of it. Basically it is 3 plastic bags and a cereal box that house the fragile optics and this makes no sense to me. I wrap my garbage up better than this. Don't risk the frustration - the bargain price just isn't worth it.
Barska X-trail 15x70 (3 star review)
Overall, a very good binocular. It is pretty much what I expected in terms of finish, clarity and weight. The company's description is pretty accurate.
My main use will be glassing from close proximity to a vehicle; I do not intend to pack it very far. So, the weight is not too much of an issue to me, heavier even, has an advantage in keeping the sight picture from shaking too much.
For those trying to pack this unit anywhere, or even in rougher vehicle transport, the case is minimal. Not really a complaint as the marketing literature promised no more. Just a note for those budget minded hikers or bikers that want to take powerfull glass with them: Double wrap or find a better form of protection for it.
An improvement from my perspective would be twofold. First, find a way to attach the tripod adapter without having to remove a screw on cover cap. I have no doubt that I will eventually lose this cover cap over time (knowing myself as I do). Second, the included tripod is cute and small, to the point of being of questionable value for my porposes. A window adapter would be much more useable. Otherwise, a full sized tripod would probably be OK for most.
The last issue I have is related to all above. The carring case has no accomadation for the tripod adapter or tripod. So again, knowing me as I know myself, I wouldn't be too surprised to find one or both of these accessories missing at some point.
Final recommendation is pending some prolonged field time. Isn't that the real test with binoculars? A few hours looking through them will really decide their value to me.
My main use will be glassing from close proximity to a vehicle; I do not intend to pack it very far. So, the weight is not too much of an issue to me, heavier even, has an advantage in keeping the sight picture from shaking too much.
For those trying to pack this unit anywhere, or even in rougher vehicle transport, the case is minimal. Not really a complaint as the marketing literature promised no more. Just a note for those budget minded hikers or bikers that want to take powerfull glass with them: Double wrap or find a better form of protection for it.
An improvement from my perspective would be twofold. First, find a way to attach the tripod adapter without having to remove a screw on cover cap. I have no doubt that I will eventually lose this cover cap over time (knowing myself as I do). Second, the included tripod is cute and small, to the point of being of questionable value for my porposes. A window adapter would be much more useable. Otherwise, a full sized tripod would probably be OK for most.
The last issue I have is related to all above. The carring case has no accomadation for the tripod adapter or tripod. So again, knowing me as I know myself, I wouldn't be too surprised to find one or both of these accessories missing at some point.
Final recommendation is pending some prolonged field time. Isn't that the real test with binoculars? A few hours looking through them will really decide their value to me.
good optics & solid construction, but... (3 star review)
The thread pitch on the focuser is to high so even very light pressure on the eye pieces causes them to rack back in; thus if you let your eyes or glasses touch the eyepieces you need to hold onto the focusing knob. Other than this the closest I could get them to focus was about 3X the specified close fucos distance. Otherwise very little color fringing and good sharpness all the way to the edge of field. Eye relief is nice I can get almost the whole FOV while wearing glasses. and when locked the tabletop tripod is acually quite solid
VERY disappointing to see such an easily corrected mistake in the focuser of a nice pair of binoculars with incredible "bang for the buck"
VERY disappointing to see such an easily corrected mistake in the focuser of a nice pair of binoculars with incredible "bang for the buck"
Product Description
The X-trail series is made for the great outdoors! They are not only top-performance and extremely rugged, but offer an amazing value for quality optics and durability. From a wide selection of binoculars featuring wide-angled fullsize to high-powered large porros and different magnifications, you will find an X-trail to fit your style. Whether you are out in the forest or inside an arena, have them trail along with you! Backed by Limited Lifetime Warranty.