Tasco SPL856 opinions?

[vespine]

Trying to google something with the word "review" in it is quick becoming a pet peeve of mine! Pretty much all the hits you get back are a thousand shop sites inviting user's to review the product, obviously NONE of them actually have useful reviews if anything at all.

I'm specifically referring to these: Tasco 8x 56mm Giants - SPL856.

http://www.astronomyonline.com.au/De...ID=798&cid=301

What do people think? I have to admit, I actuall saw them on eBay for $200 and damn it, just couldn't help myself. Hopefully I won't regret it too much

I really like the idea of 8x56, most people say 7x50 or 10x50 are a good starting point, well 10x50 seemed a little bit narrow for the objective size, but then 7x50 seemed a bit too "stock standard", so 8x56 seems like a nice little step up.

I mean really, for binocs that retail over $400 I shouldn't be too disappointed right? Unless I get a cheap knock off or something I guess which isn't impossible. Only thing I noticed is that they are listed as MC not FMC, that may mean they aren't quite as good as FMC but doesn't mean they are necessarily "crap" right"? I guess I'm just looking for some reassurance while I wait for shipping Anyone actually had a look through a pair of these babies?

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

better to ask questions before you commit to purchase.
hope the binos will serve you well.
you can pick up the occasional bargain on ebay from honest private sellers, but as a general rule I steer clear of ebay dealers.

[ausastronomer (John Bambury)]

Originally Posted by janoskiss

better to ask questions before you commit to purchase.

Agreed

Originally Posted by janoskiss

as a general rule I steer clear of ebay dealers.

Agreed.

They should be ok optically, I doubt they will be anything above the ordinary. Tasco are not a manufacturer only a distributor. Many years ago some Tasco Optical products were made by Vixen and Towa in Japan and are of very high quality. I am pretty sure all current Tasco products are manufactured in the far east and this has been the case for at least the last 6 years, probably a lot longer.

It's worth noting that these binoculars are listed on Tasco's International Website but not listed on Tasco's Australian Website which indicates they have been sourced from an Overseas Tasco distributor. This "may" present "local" Warranty issues in the future, if they were to develop a fault.

They are also reasonably heavy to hand hold and create a 7mm exit pupil which is too large IMO, unless you are young and/or have very dark skies. In addition the eye-relief is not stated, I would guess about 12mm, which is fine for non-eyeglass wearers.

$245 would have bought you these Pentax 10x50 PCF WP II binoculars which I would think would be superior to those Tasco's in most aspects as an all round astronomy binocular.

CS-John B

[vespine]

Damned eBayers preying on my 'too eager' vulnerabilities I generally am quite cautious with ebay, the fact that I saw them on www.astronomyonline.com.au for the SALE price of $395 and most American sites have them for US $150 - $200 is what made me get a little too eager....

So what's the disadvantage of large exit pupil and is "almost 30" still considered young in that regard? Had a quick look around and on the celestron site it says "Having a large exit pupil is advantageous under low light conditions and at night."

Well, anyway, I'll see soon enough Really I was about this close ---> <--- to this post being about a telescope not a pair of binoculars so I have reigned my enthusiasm in some what I promise I'll ask questions FIRST next time..... promise....

[johnno]

Hi,
I have to say,we are probably all guilty of impulsive buying,especially when we are very keen to get something that "looks",like a good bargain,
and I am just as guilty as anyone else.

But,once bitten we usually learn to curb our impulses.

I agree,with John,(Ausastronomer) The Pentax 10x50s would have been a much better buy,INMHO.

I notice these are Roof Prism Binoculars.

One of the problems with roof prism Binoculars,is they are USUALLY,not as bright or as SHARP,as a similar sized Porro Prism,unless you pay large Amounts of money IE > $1000.

I hope you have got a good set of Binoculars,and get many years of use from them.

Best Regards.
John

[Starkler (Geoff)]

I bought a pair of 10x50 binos from ebay as the specs all looked good, but when I got them it was apparent they were the worst binos I have ever had the misfortune to look through.

IMO ebay is a clearance outlet for rubbish nobody would ever buy given the chance to actually inspect the item first. True bargains are few and far between, especially with opticals.

[janoskiss (Steve H)]

And if Geoff's post hasn't depressed you enough...

Here is one place where you will find some very nice budget binos (plus good advice and great service too): www.aoe.com.au
I used to own the 7x50HG (till I left it behind after an all-nighter in the hills ). The contrast and transmission was superb thanks to the excellent coatings. Hunted down quite a few of galaxies with that pair.

Here is another dealer with great bargain binos (but you need to know what you want): www.andrewscom.com.au

The Saxons you bought will probably need a tripod to be useful. I tried the 9x63 model which is the same sort of construction and it was awkward to hand-hold.