Home » Spotting Scopes » Barska 15-40x50mm Colorado Spotting Scope Review (Straight - CO11500)

Barska 15-40x50mm Colorado Spotting Scope Review (Straight - CO11500)


This article contains affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase via these links.

Barska 15-40x50 Colorado Spotting Scope on Tripod sideon
Image Credit - Barska

Viewing Configuration: Straight
Magnification: 15-40X
Power Variability: Yes
Adjustable Eyepieces: No
Eyepiece included: Yes
Objective Diameter: 60 mm
Close Focus Distance: 26.24 ft @ 15X
Length: 9.5 inches
Weight: 48 oz
Field of View: 150 ft/1000 yards
Eye Relief/Exit Pupil: 13-10 mm/3.5-1.2 mm
Optics Coatings: Fully coated
Glass: BK7
Focus System: Focus knob/Single focus
Waterproof/Fog-proof: Yes/Yes
Digiscope adaptable: Yes

Best Uses: For the Range, Bird Watching, Wildlife Observation

Barska 15-40X50 Colorado Review

The 15-40X50 Colorado spotting scope is a cheap and readily available spotter that gets you glassing right now. That's exactly what you want and need when you're wanting to spend as little as possible, and spending as little as possible is something Barska specializes in when it comes to the optics market.

Barska Spotting Scope up close
Image Credit - Barska

This Barska scope is the epitome of getting entry level quality for below entry level prices. It has fully coated optics, high power, and BK7 glass. It's lightweight and compact for a spotting scope, and it even comes with a couple of accessories thrown into the already ridiculously low price.

Surprisingly, the budget spotter is fully rubber armored to absorb shock from accidental abuse, and it's weatherproof! These features are far beyond mediocre for the price. It's easy to use, especially in low power, with its smooth focusing wheel.

When it comes to approval from the masses, the majority say it's worth its price range. Granted, it works better under ideal conditions and around 50-100 yards, but it does come with a kit that gets the beginner started. When you can get this spotter online for a literal steal, there's no losing when it comes to buying a Barska!

Pros:

  • Price
  • Entry level
  • Easy to use
  • Equipment included
  • Weatherproof

Cons:

  • Not for long range use

Barska 15-40x50 Colorado Q&A:

What is the Colorado's Spotting Scope Usable Range?

For seeing groupings at the range, your best bet is going to be between 50-100 yards, according to the masses. For 100-200 yards, you might want to incorporate splatter targets for a larger and more identifiable hit. For large and static targets, you could get out to a few hundred yards.

With those estimations, if you're observing wildlife under ideal conditions, you should be able to see usable data within that range.

Is Image Quality Blurry at 40X?

Optical clarity is difficult to maintain the higher the magnification. With only BK7 glass and fully coated lenses, image quality will suffer at max power and most likely will be somewhat blurry. Focusing may become more difficult, and use with a tripod will become essential to steady the image for better clarity.

Does the 40x50 Colorado Spotting Scope have a Warranty?

This Barska Colorado spotter does have a warranty, it's the Limited Lifetime Warranty. You'll have the first 21 days to inspect and return your purchase if you're unsatisfied with it. After that, you'll be responsible for the shipping costs and a standard processing fee for any future repairs or replacements that's covered under warranty.

YouTube video

What are the Extra Equipment that comes with the Colorado Spotter?

The 15-40X50 Colorado spotting scope comes with a mini table top tripod and a soft carrying case. It's basically everything you need for a beginner spotter and a beginner user. However, some users found that upgrading the tripod with a higher quality improved stability quality on the spotter.

There have been complaints of the included table top tripod not lasting long enough before breaking.

Can the 40x50 Colorado be used with a Camera Tripod?

The spotting scope has a standard bushing for attachment to universal tripod adapters, so you can essentially use a tripod of your choosing. It's also digiscope adaptable with the correct adapters to get recording or taking snap shots while glassing.

Can Barska's Colorado Spotting Scope be used Freehand?

Using this spotting scope without a tripod will prove to be difficult. With 15X as the lowest power, you may still experience shaking and stability issues. Leaning on the ground or against a tree may help, but it's best used on a tripod of some sort, and it will be essential if you use the zoom feature.

Does the Barska Spotting Scope "Lock onto the Target?"

The spotting scope doesn't feature a target acquisition reticle or mode to "lock onto a target" as advertising suggests. Instead, it means that you have 15X power with a wide field of view to scan and find your target. You can then zoom in to higher power up to 40X for details on your target that consequently narrows the field of view.

What is the Field of View on the Barska Colorado Spotting Scope?

The widest field of view of 150 feet at 1000 yards can be achieved at 15X. This means that you'll be able to see 150 feet from left to right of the entire image through the eyepiece of the spotting scope. This field of view (FOV) will shrink as the image gets larger when you magnify using the zoom feature to increase power.

Noteworthy Features:

  • 15-40X, excellent to 100 yards, capable of going further
  • Unbelievable low price
  • For short range use to achieve the best clarity
  • Fully weatherproof with accessories to ensure easy setup and durability
  • Compact and lightweight spotting scope

Our Verdict on the Barska Colorado 15-40x50 Spotting Scope

The scoop on the scope is, the BARSKA 15-40X50 spotting scope is a cheap optic that gets you glassing today. When you need something for literally a few bucks in a jiffy, Barska has the lineup. However, you might be disappointed if you're looking for unparalleled clarity beyond 100 yards.

Barska 15-40x50mm close up of eyepiece
Image Credit - Barska

In the price range for under $100, you may as well check out the Emarth 20-60x60AE Spotting Scope that's practically built for use at the range. You might be surprised at its performance and its very light weight!

It would be impossible for any brand to manufacture a world-class spotter for under $100. But, at least Barska provides more than one spotting scope that are functional, usable, and efficient for real-life budgets.

We have to hand it to them, in general, they perform as expected for the money. But, this Colorado spotter's quality undoubtedly outdoes the ridiculous, low price tag!

Further Reading

Photo of author

Simon Cuthbert - Founder

Simon is an avid outdoor enthusiast and the founder of Target Tamers. He is passionate about bringing you the most up to date, accurate & understandable information on sports optics of all kinds and for all applications. Simon has contributed to notable publications online and teaches beginners the technical side of optics through his extensive library of optics guides.

Never Miss a Thing!

Get Our Latest Guides & Field Tests Straight to Your Inbox

Leave a Comment

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

As Featured Footer Image