Customer Reviews

Barska Gladiator 9-27x25 Compact Zoom Binocular

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

The Barska Gladiator 9-27x25 is a compact zoom binocular that is heavy on features but light on the budget. Its built-around rubber armoring feels tough and the lens clear. The zoom controls are easy to reach but the controls in my particular binocular is kinda hard to twist (probably needs a little "break-in"). I have a comparable size (but not magnification) Olympus Tracker 8-16x25 and the Barska is comparable in performance. Although Barska is not yet (but quickly catching up) a GIANT compared to the usual players in the optics field, i.e. Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Leica, Steiner, etc; it has a wide array of optics that is budget-friendly. The 9-27x magnification in this particular model/class is MORE than what you will find in another comparable brand name binoculars. As with any other zoom binoculars that doesnt have an IS (image stabilization), you will have shakiness at the higher or maximum magnification. The only thing I would ask Barska is to put a tripod mount on any of their multiple zoom binoculars (despite being compact). Having this ability reduces the shake. Overall it is a world-class binocular in a not-so-world class price!

We took it to Alaska and it worked well. If you use full zoom then you really have to be still else the image is all fussy.

Well, I just got these in mid May and they're really compact. Great magnification for the size of binoc. One thing is a little off on the design- the eyepieces are a tad wide for my eyes. Never had that happen on a pair of binoculars before. Being a tour guide I need a good compact pair to "find the wildlife" for guests. Nope, my eyes are neither small nor close together ;) If you're a guy I guess you'll probably have no problem with them. Second thing is that the L. eyepiece started losing focus immediately. I started on 0 (neutral), and every couple of days I had to reset it to farther towards + to make both eyes a clear focus. I'm now at the end of the +, so I'm sending them back to be fixed. You get what you pay for I suppose. Otherwise good product for the inexpensive price. I'll be interested to see how the warranty takes care of this problem.

Well, I just called Barska in CA and they said they would replace the defective pair for another $10. Plus I have to pay to ship the crummy product back to them. My $38 binocs just cost me $58. Don't buy Barskas. I'd give it a 1 star but you can't change your rating once you've starred it apparently.

4 stars out of 5 only because they are a little bulky but they are clear and easy to zoom.

I had this for several years now with very minimal use. The inside elements came loose and is now useless. Cannot get perfect focus sometimes no matter how you adjust. The zoom is great though, but dims the viewfinder as you zoom farther, kind of like a camera zoom lens.

When the zoom is increased, the view gets really distorted and blurry... for general use it's ok.

Purchased these for a LSU football game with bad seating. They worked well for what we paid. We liked that they came with belt loop carry case so they were perfect for football or baseball game.
Small, compact, with good zoom power.

I am fairly pleased with these, the only negative I can offer is the field of view at wide angle is smaller than I would like, probably because it starts at 9x, intstead of 7x. They are comfortable, compact, and easy to use. For the price paid they are a nice little compact general use binoc, good for sports.