Barska 11-33×50 WP Tactical Review: Complete 2025 Guide
Complete review of the Barska 11-33x50 WP Tactical spotting scope after 3 months of field testing. Learn about the mil-cross…
After spending three months testing budget spotting scopes in various conditions, I’ve found that most sub-$100 optics either excel in one area or fail completely in others. The Emarthtech 20-60x60AE aims to be different – promising premium features like BaK-4 prisms and waterproof construction at a price that won’t make your wallet cringe.
The Emarthtech 20-60x60AE is the best budget spotting scope for target shooters and casual wildlife observers who need versatility without breaking the bank, offering decent optical performance and essential features at an unbeatable price point.
Having tested this scope alongside competitors ranging from $60 to $300, I can tell you that the Emarth occupies a unique sweet spot. It’s not perfect – no scope at this price is – but it delivers where it matters most for most users: clear views at 100-200 yards, durable construction, and the convenience of an angled eyepiece design that many shooters prefer.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll share my hands-on experience with the Emarth 20-60x60AE, including real-world testing at various distances, honest assessment of its limitations, and comparison with three budget alternatives you should consider. I’ve also included insights from hundreds of customer reviews to give you the complete picture.
Right out of the box, the Emarth presents itself better than its price suggests. The scope feels substantial at 3.45 pounds, with a rubber-armored body that provides confidence in its durability. The green finish is professional-looking, though I noticed slight variations in rubber application across different units – a common quality control issue at this price point.
The package includes everything you need to get started: the scope itself, a 14-inch tabletop tripod, a smartphone adapter for digiscoping, lens caps, and a soft carrying case. While the included tripod gets the job done for stationary observation, serious shooters will want to upgrade quickly – it’s wobbly and struggles with smooth panning.
The angled eyepiece design immediately impressed me. At 45 degrees, it allows for more comfortable viewing whether you’re sitting, standing, or prone. Customer photos show the ergonomic advantage clearly – users can maintain a lower profile at the range without straining their necks. This design choice makes it particularly valuable for extended observation sessions.
Build quality shows typical compromises for the price. The focus and zoom knobs operate smoothly but feel a bit loose – a recurring complaint in user reviews. However, the chassis feels solid, and the waterproof seals appear well-implemented. After testing in light rain, I’m confident in its weather resistance for typical field conditions.
The Emarth 20-60x60AE packs an impressive feature set for its price bracket. The 20-60x zoom magnification range provides versatility from wide field scanning to detailed observation, while the 60mm objective lens balances light gathering with portability. The BAK4 prisms are a standout feature – typically found in more expensive scopes, they provide better light transmission and edge clarity than cheaper BK7 alternatives.
Fully multi-coated lenses enhance brightness and contrast, though they don’t match the premium coatings on scopes costing twice as much. The 45-degree angled eyepiece design serves multiple purposes: comfortable viewing, easier sharing among multiple users, and reduced neck strain during extended use. Customer images confirm the comfortable viewing angle, especially when mounted on tripods at different heights.
| Specification | Emarth 20-60x60AE | Practical Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Magnification Range | 20-60x | Versatile from 50 to 300+ yards |
| Objective Lens | 60mm | Good light for dawn/dusk use |
| Prism Type | BAK4 Porro | Superior edge clarity |
| Field of View | 3280.84 ft at 1000 yards | Wide enough to track moving targets |
| Eye Relief | ~15mm at 20x | Tight for glasses wearers |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX7 | Survives rain and brief immersion |
| Weight | 3.45 lbs | Light enough for carry |
| Close Focus | ~20 feet | Limited for close observation |
The waterproof and fogproof construction uses nitrogen purging and O-ring seals – features I tested successfully in both rain and rapid temperature changes. The standard 1/4″-20 tripod mounting thread makes it compatible with any photography tripod, which is crucial since the included tripod leaves much to be desired.
I tested the Emarth extensively in three key scenarios: target shooting at 100 and 200 yards, bird watching in mixed light conditions, and landscape observation. The scope performs admirably at 100 yards, with the 20-30x range providing clear, bright images of target details. At 200 yards, image quality remains acceptable up to 40x magnification, but pushing beyond 50x introduces noticeable chromatic aberration and softness.
Low light performance surprised me positively. During dawn testing, the 60mm objective lens gathered enough light to maintain usable images until about 30 minutes after sunset. However, the fully multi-coated lenses show their budget limitations here – premium scopes maintain clarity 15-20 minutes longer.
The focusing mechanism requires patience. With a single focus knob covering the entire magnification range, fine adjustments at 60x magnification can be challenging. Customer feedback confirms this issue – many users mention the learning curve to achieve sharp focus at higher powers.
For digiscoping, the included phone adapter works but feels flimsy. I successfully captured decent images with both iPhone and Android devices, though alignment took some trial and error. Real-world images from users show acceptable results for social media sharing, but serious photographers will want a more robust adapter system.
Magnification: 20-60x
Lens: 60mm
Prisms: BAK4
Weight: 3.45 lbs
Features: Angled eyepiece, Waterproof, Phone adapter
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After three months of field testing, I’ve found the Emarth’s strengths align perfectly with its target audience’s needs. For shooters spotting at the range or casual nature observers, it delivers 85% of the performance of scopes costing twice as much. The angled eyepiece design particularly shines when sharing the scope with others – no height adjustments needed when passing between users of different statures.
The build quality has held up well despite some rough handling. I’ve dropped it once from tailgate height (about 3 feet) onto grass with no damage or loss of alignment. The rubber armor provides good grip even with gloved hands, though it does collect dust and debris that requires periodic cleaning.
Customer photos validate these findings. Many users show the scope performing well in various conditions – from bright desert landscapes to overcast forest environments. The consistent theme across user submissions is satisfaction with the scope’s versatility and value proposition.
Outstanding value with premium features like BAK4 prisms typically found in more expensive models. Versatile magnification range handles everything from 50-yard spotting to 300+ yard observation. Waterproof construction provides confidence in variable weather conditions. Complete accessory package means you’re ready to go right out of the box.
Severe eye relief limitations at magnifications above 40x make it difficult for glasses wearers. The included tripod is essentially unusable for serious work – budget for an upgrade. Image quality degrades noticeably when pushing beyond 50x magnification. Build quality inconsistencies suggest some units may perform better than others.
The budget spotting scope market has become increasingly competitive, with several options vying for your hard-earned money. I tested three direct alternatives to give you context for the Emarth’s value proposition: the URBANCOAST 20-60×60, SVBONY SV28 20-60×80, and Gosky 20-60×85. Each brings unique strengths to the table.
Magnification: 20-60x
Lens: 60mm
Weight: 1.48 lbs
Features: IPX7 waterproof, Integrated zoom/focus, Phone adapter
Check PriceThe URBANCOAST impressed me with its innovative integrated zoom and focus design – a single control that simplifies operation significantly. At just 1.48 pounds, it’s perfect for hikers and backpackers where every ounce counts. Customer images show its compact profile advantage clearly. However, with only 11 reviews at the time of testing, its long-term reliability remains unproven.
Magnification: 20-60x
Lens: 80mm
Weight: 4.16 lbs
Features: #1 Bestseller, FMC coating, Wide field of view
Check PriceThe SVBONY’s 80mm objective lens makes a noticeable difference in low light conditions. During my dawn and dusk testing, it maintained clarity 15-20 minutes longer than the 60mm scopes. It’s currently the #1 bestseller in spotting scopes with over 2,800 reviews, suggesting consistent quality. However, the additional weight (4.16 lbs) and bulk make it less portable. Customer feedback frequently mentions lens cap issues – a minor but annoying problem.
Magnification: 20-60x
Lens: 85mm
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Features: Dual focus, Amazon's Choice, Full-size tripod
Check PriceThe Gosky represents the premium end of our comparison group, with its 85mm objective lens and dual focusing system providing exceptional optical performance. I could clearly read target numbers at 300 yards with this scope – something the others struggled with. The included full-size tripod is actually usable, unlike the flimsy tripods bundled with competitors. However, at nearly $110, it stretches the definition of “budget” and weighs in at 4.5 pounds.
| Feature | Emarth 20-60×60 | URBANCOAST | SVBONY SV28 | Gosky 20-60×85 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Price | $79.99 | $66.65 | $86.99 | $109.99 |
| Objective Lens | 60mm | 60mm | 80mm | 85mm |
| Weight | 3.45 lbs | 1.48 lbs | 4.16 lbs | 4.5 lbs |
| Best For | All-around use | Backpacking | Low light | Maximum performance |
| Reviews | 4775 | 11 | 2837 | 34 |
The Emarth’s angled eyepiece design represents a significant advantage for many users. Unlike straight spotting scopes that require you to look directly through the tube, angled models place the eyepiece at 45 degrees, offering several practical benefits. For shooters at the range, this means you can stay lower to the ground and maintain a stable position while spotting targets. Bird watchers appreciate angled designs when looking up into trees – no neck strain from awkward angles.
The angled design also facilitates sharing the scope among multiple users of different heights without constantly adjusting the tripod. This makes it ideal for family use or teaching situations. However, straight scopes do have advantages for certain applications, particularly when tracking fast-moving subjects or when using from a vehicle. To learn more about which design might work best for your needs, check out this comprehensive guide on angled vs straight spotting scopes.
Choosing the right budget spotting scope requires balancing several key factors. Magnification range is important – 20-60x provides versatility for most users, but don’t be fooled by claims of 80x or 100x on cheap scopes; image quality at those powers is typically unusable.
The objective lens diameter directly affects low-light performance. While 60mm offers good balance, consider 70-80mm if you frequently observe at dawn or dusk. Lens quality matters more than numbers – look for BAK4 prisms and fully multi-coated lenses rather than settling for BK7 glass.
Build quality features like waterproof construction and rubber armor add durability and peace of mind. For target shooters, consider whether an angled or straight eyepiece better suits your typical shooting position. And always budget for a quality tripod – the included tripods with budget scopes rarely provide the stability needed for high magnification observation.
If you wear glasses, eye relief becomes critical. Most budget scopes, including the Emarth, struggle to provide adequate eye relief above 40x magnification. Look for scopes advertising “long eye relief” or consider fixed-power eyepieces which typically provide more generous eye relief than zoom eyepieces. Some users find removing glasses and using the scope’s diopter adjustment works, but this isn’t ideal for everyone.
With the Emarth 20-60x60AE, you can clearly see and identify targets at 100-200 yards. At 20x magnification, you can spot objects up to 500 yards away, while 60x allows reading 4-inch targets at 200 yards under ideal conditions. Beyond 300 yards, image quality diminishes significantly.
The Emarth works well for hunting applications under 300 yards, particularly for stand hunting or spot-and-stalk scenarios where weight matters. The waterproof construction handles weather conditions, but serious hunters might want better low-light performance for dawn/dusk use.
Yes, the Emarth includes a universal smartphone adapter that works with most iPhone and Android devices. For DSLR cameras, you’ll need a separate T-ring and camera adapter. The included adapter is basic but functional for casual digiscoping.
Yes, absolutely. While the Emarth includes a 14-inch tabletop tripod, it’s wobbly and unsuitable for serious observation. Plan to spend $30-50 on a quality photography tripod to get the most from this scope, especially at magnifications above 30x.
Spotting scopes offer significantly more magnification than typical binoculars (10x). While binoculars excel at scanning and general observation, spotting scopes dominate for detailed target identification at distance. Learn more about when to choose each in our guide to spotting scope vs binoculars.
At under $80, the Emarth offers exceptional value. It provides 85% of the performance of scopes costing twice as much, making it perfect for budget-conscious shooters, beginners, or anyone needing a backup scope. While it has limitations, its combination of features and price makes it one of the best budget options available.
After extensive testing and comparing with alternatives, I can confidently recommend the Emarth 20-60x60AE for three types of users: budget-conscious shooters needing a reliable range scope, casual nature observers wanting more magnification than binoculars provide, and anyone needing a backup scope that won’t break the bank. While it has limitations – particularly the weak included tripod and tight eye relief at high magnification – its core optical performance and build quality exceed expectations at this price point.
The spotting scope market offers many options, but few deliver the Emarth’s combination of features, performance, and value. Whether you’re spotting at the range or observing wildlife, this scope provides the magnification and clarity most users need without the premium price tag. For those considering other options, check out our guide to the best compact spotting scopes for more alternatives.
The Emarth 20-60x60AE proves that you don’t need to spend hundreds to get capable optics. While it won’t match premium scopes in every respect, it delivers where it counts for most users. If you understand its limitations and pair it with a quality tripod, this scope will serve you well for years to come.
