Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars – Powerful Full Size Porro Prism, Black

Description

The Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars (Tasco model 170165) are full-size porro prism binoculars with 16x magnification and large 50mm objective lenses. They are built for long-distance viewing from a fixed spot, such as a deer stand, a hilltop, a boat deck or a backyard, and they are tripod adaptable for steady viewing at high power.

Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars Overview

The Tasco Essentials line delivers basic, dependable optics at an entry-level price. This model uses a classic porro prism layout, the offset-barrel design that gives a wide, natural-looking image with good depth perception at a modest cost. A center focus wheel adjusts both barrels together, and fold-down eyecups make it easier to see the full image while wearing glasses.

Big Magnification, Big Glass

Sixteen power is a lot of magnification for a handheld binocular. It lets you judge antlers, read distant signs or watch wildlife across a wide field, but it also makes every tremor in your hands visible. The 50mm objectives gather more light than compact models, and the exit pupil of about 3mm keeps the image reasonably bright in daylight and early evening. For the steadiest view, rest them on a solid surface or mount them on a tripod.

Tripod Ready

A threaded socket lets you attach a standard binocular tripod adapter, sold separately. Once mounted, 16x power becomes far more usable, and you can scan the same area for long periods without arm fatigue. This setup is popular for glassing open country, watching a food plot, or birding from a fixed position.

Size and Weight

At about 38.6 ounces and roughly 8 inches long, this is a full-size binocular. It is comfortable around the neck for short walks but heavy for all-day hiking. The included strap and case protect the optics during transport, and the case keeps dust off the lenses in a truck or blind.

Porro Versus Roof Prism

Porro prism binoculars use offset barrels that bend the light path in a Z shape. At this price, that design usually delivers a brighter, more three-dimensional image than a roof prism of similar cost. The trade-off is a wider, bulkier body. Roof prism models are slimmer and easier to pack, but good ones cost more to build. For a budget high-power binocular used mainly from one spot, a porro design is a sensible choice.

Getting a Sharp Image

Set the barrel width to match your eyes so you see a single round image. Close your right eye and focus with the center wheel on a distant object, then close your left eye and fine-tune with the right-eye diopter. After that, the center wheel alone keeps everything sharp.

Care Tips

Keep the lens covers on when not in use, clean the glass with a soft brush and lens cloth, and store the binocular dry. Porro prism binoculars can be knocked out of alignment by hard drops, so treat them gently and keep them in the case when traveling.

Honest Limitations

High magnification narrows the field of view and amplifies hand shake. The weight makes these better suited to stationary use than to long hikes. The lens coatings are entry level, so expect less contrast and low-light performance than premium glass. A tripod adapter is not included. Only one verified product photo is currently available from distributors for this model.

Specifications

• Brand: Tasco
• Line: Essentials
• Model: 170165
• UPC: 046162461624
• Magnification: 16x
• Objective: 50mm
• Prism: Porro
• Focus: Center focus
• Eyecups: Fold-down
• Tripod adaptable: Yes, adapter sold separately
• Length: about 8 inches
• Weight: about 38.6 oz
• Includes: Strap and case
• Color: Black

Before You Buy

Decide whether you will mostly view from one spot or carry the binocular all day. Binoculars are not firearms, so no FFL transfer is needed and they ship straight to your door.

Who It Is For

The Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars are a great fit for stand hunters, landowners watching fields, boaters and backyard observers who want maximum reach for the money.

Buy the Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars at MAG5 Firearms

MAG5 Firearms is a family-owned FFL in Collegeville, Pennsylvania. Order the Tasco Essentials 16×50 Binoculars online, or browse our optics section for binoculars, tripods and rangefinders. For factory details, visit Tasco by Bushnell.