Tasco Essentials 8x21 Reviews

Better than the Bushnell 8x21
by Will from Texas, 2010-07-02

So I ordered one of these and one of the Bushnells with the same magnification for about the same price. These work well; the Bushnells were constructed so poorly that I'm having to send them back.

Since these are mass-produced in China I'm sure that quality control is poor, so each set will have different characteristics. But as far as mine went, they have a looser focus than the Bushnells. The Tascos were properly collimated while the Bushnells weren't even close. The Bushnells were so far off that even fiddling with the set-screws didn't fix them. These Tascos also seem brighter than the Bushnells though the light gathering through such a small optic is such that you're not going to be using them at night.

The string-lanyard that's permanently attached to the binoculars is pretty lame--I cut mine off with scissors. The carrying pouch is decent and goes on a belt if you so desire.

For the price I paid these are good binoculars. I have a feeling they're a little on a delicate side since they're cheaply made and seem like they will mis-align or break if dropped or bumped hard.

You might consider ordering two different pairs and then sending back the one that's less well 'crafted.' I'm very glad I didn't just order two of the Bushnells as I originally planned, because these are better.

Tasco
by Linus Rex from Inpls, IN USA, 2010-05-29

Received shipment promptly. These Binoculars were purchased to carry in Auto and work fine for this purpose

LOVE, LOVE LOVE!!!
by Escorbores , 2010-05-15

Thrilled with my purchase! Days before concert and purchased for only $11.95 with free shipping (direct from Amazon, order over $25), needed ASAP so invested in O/N. Arrived beautifully, promptly and extraordinary performance at the concert. Easy to use and even includes instructions to guide you in case you are a first time user like me. Could not ask for better quality in build or image! Exactly what I was looking for and for an even better price than expected! Compact, slim, lightweight, resistant, weatherproof... I could go on and on about its wonders but I will just tell you if your looking for compact concert binos you will not regret this investment. Read up with the manufacturer to confirm specs meet your requirements first to buy with confidence. Amazon mistakenly listed these from Bushnell when I purchased, this is Tasco's "father company", as advised on Bushnell's site but for information on this product go to [...]; both companies are new to me but I am now a solid Tasco fan/cust. and will be purchasing another set of binos for my dad's b.day next week.

Cheap, but not bad
by Michael A. Duvernois from Minneapolis, MN United States, 2010-04-21

Sure, they're pretty poorly made and will break if you drop them, but they're functional and cheap enough for you to leave them in the car and take them when you go for a walk. Lose them and you won't cry. Excellent for the money.

Great little item
by Elflover from Faerland, 2010-04-17

I expected something really cheap, since I was paying so little, but I was very surprised by the excellent quality. About the only thing I would beef up is the strap. The item itself is very well made, if you aren't looking for something costing five times the price, and they feel substantial in the hand.

I bought these for my mother, who is a nursing home patient, in order for her to occupy her time in looking out the window at the birds (and the construction men; as she says, she may be old but she's not dead, lol.) I needed something that was strong enough for her to be able to drop without breaking but light enough for her to hold comfortably. This fits the bill. She's had them for a few months and must have dropped them (from wheelchair height) at least 6 times. They are still holding up beautifully and show no signs of breakage.

I really appreciate the fact that they aren't cheap plastic. There are actually cheap plastic kids ones that are more expensive than this! Great value. Keep in mind, however, that they are very compact; you aren't getting a big binoculars. That, actually, was best for my situation. I couldn't ask for more.