Home > Consumer Reviews > Barska Lucid 16x32 Compact Binocular (Camouflage)

I bought these and another set of compact binoculars, to replace a set of Tasco 8x21 compact binos that I got about 10 years ago - but recently lost while hiking in eastern Arizona. I have larger binos at home, but wanted something very compact and light in weight that could be carried in my pocket or backpack. I ordered this set of Barska Lucid 16x32 compact binos, along with a set of Tasco Essentials 8x21 Binocular (Black)) from Amazon. Delivery of both sets was very quick. The Barska 16x32 are definitely the more powerful pair and useful for looking at distant objects in a landscape, hawks perched on distant trees, etc..., but they are not quite so sharp, clear and bright as the Tasco 8x21 set -- not really all that surprising as this is a pretty powerful magnification level for a rather small lens size. That said, I wasn't expecting something incredible in this price range, so was pleasantly surprised that they were actually as good as they are. They are definitely serviceable and adequate for what is a pretty low price. I would have rated them a bit higher for their optics, but can't give them more than 3 stars as the focus adjustment wheel is loose and I have to fiddle with it too much and then it tends to creep back out of focus. It may just be that this particular set are slightly defective and perhaps it's more a quality control problem, but regardless, it's annoying and problematic. It's really too bad about the focus adjustment problem as, if that worked as well as on the Tasco 8x21 set that I bought at the same time, they would be a pretty decent set for the cost. One other thing about them is that they are really just a bit larger than what some people might call "pocket binos". However, they are very light in weight and do fit in a larger jacket pocket, so I find them quite convenient -- definitely not as bulky as a regular set of binos, especially in this magnification range.

these binoculars enable you to see terrific detail of objects from a distance. the detail of pike's peak from colorado springs is so great through these it's unbelievable for a pair so compact. as another person stated they are too good for say a ball game but superb for long distance like on a 4x4 trail.

I cannot believe how good these are. I would have paid twice as much. Crystal clear and the magnification is amazing. Also, they fit perfectly in my paintball vest pocket. Outstanding!

Too good actually, unless you want to see very close detail of individual second story roof tiles from half a block away (I do, I'm a property inspector). So for most people these would be better for looking at stuff REALLY far away. Barska also makes a 10x version of these that are more general-use friendly. I bought both and gave the 10x ones to my daughter. She'd only had toy binoculars until now and she loves these. She's three, and with the quality of these binoculars she should have them for a long time!

OK, I didn't really expect that much from these little $20 binos but even given that, I was very disappointed. These binos had the optical clarity of a dirty coke bottle. Sent them back to Amazon.