Tasco binoculars

Tasco binoculars aim is to offer you good binoculars at cheap prices ... do they succeed?...

Tasco - based in Miramar, Florida - has been around forever 50 years.

Founded in 1954 by one George Rosenfield, it was originally called the Tanross Supply Company, and distributed fishing tackle and hardware.

As Tasco gradually increased its products to include binoculars and eyepieces, its name was shortened to Tasco.

Does Rosen field still own the company?

No ... over recent years, the company has changed hands a few times ...

• 1996 - George Rosen field sells the company

• 1998 - Celestron buys Tasco Holdings Inc

• 2002 - Wind Point Partners(parent company of Bushnell) buys Tasco trade name and intellectual property

• 2007 - Wind Point Partners sells Bushnell and Tasco to Mid Ocean Partners and Management (private equity firm)

Nowadays, Tasco has a name for distributing a variety of optical equipment, in particular telescopes to the amateur astronomer.But the company also offers a wide selection of binoculars.

Most of these are extremely cheap - several around the$20 mark, and the majority well under $100.

So, I suppose the main question you're itching to ask is... what is the quality like?...

Tasco binoculars

With their binoculars, you'll find both compact and full-sized, plus ones suited to both long and short distance viewing.Generally speaking, their magnification ranges between 7and 10times, 'though you'll discover a handful of 12s, plus a couple of 16s.

And, with some, you'll enjoy Tasco's unique and special Rubicon covering on the objective lens - excellent for glare-reduction .Tasco binoculars divide up into the following series:

• Essentials

• Offshore

• Sierra

• Sonoma

• Specialty

• World Class

Essentials is their largest group, comprising a tough, weather-resistant group of binoculars at extremely affordable prices.Amongst them, you'll discover compacts, zoom, mid-sized and full-sized.

Offshore is dedicated to marine-oriented binoculars. Fully waterproof, with BAK4 prisms, there are four of them - all 7x50.One offers internal compass and rangefinder, one boasts the special Rubicon-coated objective lens, and all receive good reviews.

Sierra specializes in rugged binoculars suited to bad weather conditions.

Waterproof and fog proof, your choices include two compacts and two full-sized.

Sonoma offers three compacts, and five full-sized binoculars - including 2 wide angles and 3 zooms.

They all have Tasco's Rubicon coating to minimize glare and reflection.

Specialty comprises three compacts, all with unique features, such as built-in compass, time, and temperature.

World Class is their affordable, top-of-the-line field binoculars, with BAK4 roof prism design.

Both compact and full-sized, you have four models to choose from, and all receive good reviews.

Conclusion

Do Tasco achieve their aim of offering quality binoculars at affordable prices?

That all depends on what you call a "quality binocular".Most Tasco binoculars are extremely cheap, and there is no way they compare with the likes of top high-end binoculars.

But there's no doubt they boast an excellent selection of inexpensive binoculars suited to a variety of uses - outdoor, travel, sport, coast guard, boating, etc.

Several of their binoculars also have many satisfied customers, giving good reviews.

All-in-all, excellent as starter binoculars.

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Tasco 165RB Binoculars  Not rated yet
I received these Tasco binoculars as a Christmas present several years ago. I've used them quite a bit and over all, I'm satisfied with them. These binoculars ...

Tasco 10 X 25 #168RB 288FT/1000YDS 94M/1000M  Not rated yet
I purchased these binoculars at a local discount store for use in my hobby of bird watching. I have not been happy and am completely dissatisfied with ...