Tasco 8x30, Model 320: Poor Man's 8x30 E (1 Viewer)

[OPTIC_NUT]

Tasco doesn't produce too many greats, but they did
make some. One is the Model 320 8x30s.

--460 ft at 1000 yds for FOV. Generous, like the Nikon 8x30 Es.
--A bright clear field, sharp on center, useable sharpness for ~80% fov.
--"Sweet Spot", that is, where I can't see any defocus at all, about 45%.
--short frame, small. Heavy for the size, though.
---The focuser is solid. If you convert the clamp to removeable Loctite,
it's super-solid. Smooth.
---Field has very slight bulge....surprisingly good.
---Eye relief (unscrew cups): ~14mm. I lose a little field, but the field
quality is higher with glasses on, a very-fine ~410ft.

Finally tried it against a Nikon 8x30 E. Not the same at the edges, but
a really great in a compact size. Quite similar in the center 60% of field.

It's no E, but it
makes a great take-with, trainer, or maybe a body double for your Es,
if you are financially worried about thieves, beer and mustard, or kids.
It's well past the generic 8x30 and it has a wide view.
Nice if you are hiking light but want something serious (but don't want
to fall and bust your Es).

As an oldie it shows up fairly often. Hunters kept this one
alive for almost 3 decades.

 

[jaymoynihan]

Tasco doesn't produce too many greats, but they did
make some. One is the Model 320 8x30s.

--460 ft at 1000 yds for FOV. Generous, like the Nikon 8x30 Es.
--A bright clear field, sharp on center, useable sharpness for ~80% fov.
--"Sweet Spot", that is, where I can't see any defocus at all, about 45%.
--short frame, small. Heavy for the size, though.
---The focuser is solid. If you convert the clamp to removeable Loctite,
it's super-solid. Smooth.
---Field has very slight bulge....surprisingly good.
---Eye relief (unscrew cups): ~14mm. I lose a little field, but the field
quality is higher with glasses on, a very-fine ~410ft.

Finally tried it against a Nikon 8x30 E. Not the same at the edges, but
a really great in a compact size. Quite similar in the center 60% of field.

It's no E, but it
makes a great take-with, trainer, or maybe a body double for your Es,
if you are financially worried about thieves, beer and mustard, or kids.
sse cloth, It's well past the generic 8x30 and it has a wide view.
Nice if you are hiking light but want something serious (but don't want
to fall and bust your Es).

As an oldie it shows up fairly often. Hunters kept this one
alive for almost 3 decades.

Just picked a pair of these up at a flea market. with case, lense cloth, instructions, caps, even the little silica gel packet. They are indeed surprisingly good.

 

[OPTIC_NUT]

I love the size!
For those having the chance to handle them before buying like that,
just give the arms a little tug to be sure they weren't bunged.
They should be fairly tight.

Missing eyecup is the most common issue.
I have some spares ... eyecups scrapped from some other models fit.