Barska Blackhawk Binoculars Review – 8×42 and 10×42

Written By Jesse Gillotti 

Updated

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In this Barska Blackhawk Binoculars review we take an in depth look at these optics to see why the are an Editor's Choice in the inexpensive hunting binoculars category.

The Barska Blackhawk Binoculars are available in 8x42 and 10x42 models

I tested and evaluated the 10x42 model.

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Barska Blackhawk 10x42 Binoculars Specs

  • Magnification: 10x
  • Focus System: Center
  • Prism Type: Roof
  • Prism Glass: BAK-4
  • Close Focus (ft/m): 6.6/2
  • Eye Relief: 17.5mm
  • Objective Lenses: 42mm
  • Exit Pupil: 4.2mm
  • Field of View at 1000 Yds: 315ft
  • Diopter: Right Eye
  • Optical Coating: Multi Coated
  • Waterproof: Yes
  • Fogproof: Yes
  • Tripod Adaptable: Yes
  • Weight: 24oz

For a thorough explanation of what the numbers mean visit our Binoculars Buying Guide.

The Barska 10x42 Blackhawk Binoculars are rugged, waterproof binoculars that are perfect for hunting at a price that anyone can afford.  

They feature a compact roof prism design that makes them lightweight and easy to carry and use.

They have a new diamond cut protective rubber armor that ensures a secure grip while protecting the binoculars from the rugged conditions every hunter faces.

The Barska Blackhawk Binoculars are one of the Best Hunting Binoculars under $100.

Build Quality

Barska Blackhawk Binoculars Quality 80/100

The quality of these Barska Binoculars is well below what we see in more expensive models, but we have to take into consideration the low entry level price.

We feel that the quality is good for a cheap pair of hunting binoculars, but when it comes to optics, you definitely get what you pay for.

It is quite impressive for a pair of inexpensive binoculars to have fully coated optics with BAK-4 prisms and be nitrogen purged for 100% waterproof and fogproof use.

The Blackhawk Binoculars comes with a carrying case, neck strap, lens covers and lens cloth.

Design and Functionality

Design and Functionality 95/100

We really were impressed by the design and functionality of the Barska 10x42 Blackhawk Binoculars.

We really like the new diamond cut grip. They fit in your hands nicely and provides a no slip grip when compared to some of the models without this feature.

The rugged rubber armor coating also protects your investment from falls or just the general abuse associated with hunting binoculars.

Couple that with the compact and lightweight roof prism design and you can see why we chose to feature the Blackhawk.

RELATED: Best Binoculars For Hunting Under $200

Pros and Cons

PROs

  • Price - Under $100
  • Nitrogen Purged for a 100% Waterproof and Fogproof design
  • Ergonomically designed diamond cut rubberized Armor provides a no slip grip
  • Multi coated optics and BAK-4 Prisms
  • Available in Mossy Oak Camo
  • Comes with a carrying case, neck strap, lens covers and lens cloth.

CONs

  • Cheap Construction, but you have to expect that in a cheap pair of binoculars

Barska Blackhawk Compared To Other Binoculars


Price (approx):

Weight:

Field Of View

Length:

Width:

Eye Relief:

Close Focus

Lens Coatings:

Waterproof and Fogproof

Barska Blackhawk 10x42

Under $100

24 oz.

315 Feet

5.7 in.

5.1 in.

17.5mm

6.6 Feet

Multi Coated

Yes

Bushnell Powerview 10x42

Full Review

Under $100

23.7 oz.

288 Feet

5.9 in.

5.1 in.

17.5mm

23 Feet

Multi Coated

No

Burris Droptine 10x42 

Full Review


Under $200

26 oz.

340 Feet

5.6 in.

4.8 in.

15mm

7.5 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Bushnell Trophy 10x42 Full Review

Under $200

25.3 oz.

330 Feet

5.6 in.

5.1 in.

16mm

10 Feet

Multi Coated

Yes

Nikon Prostaff 10x42 P7

Full Review

Under $200

21.2 oz.

367 Feet

5.9 in.

5.1 in.

15.7mm

9.8 Feet

Multi Coated

Yes

CARSON 3D 10x42 

Full Review

$300

22 oz.

314 Feet

5.5 in.

5.0 in.

16mm

9.8 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Nikon MONARCH M5 10X42 

Full Review

$300

22.6 oz.

293 Feet

5.7 in.

5.1 in.

18.4mm

8.2 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Nikon MONARCH M7 10X42 

Full Review

$500

24 oz

362 Feet

5.6 in.

5.1 in.

16.5mm

8.2 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Vortex Diamondback 10x42

Full Review

$200

21.3 oz.

330 Feet

5.7 in.

5.1 in.

15mm

5 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Vortex Crossfire 10x42

Full Review

Under $200

24 oz.

325 Feet

6.0 in.

5.2 in.

15mm

6 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

Vortex Viper HD 10x42

Full Review

$500

24.9 oz.

341 Feet

5.6 in.

5.9 in.

17mm

6 Feet

Fully Multi Coated

Yes

RELATED: How to Focus Binoculars Properly for Crystal Clear Viewing

Final Verdict

These Barska binoculars are a great value. It is not often that I see binoculars at this price point that are fully waterproof and fogproof.

They are compact binoculars with fully coated optics and very good light transmission for binoculars at this price point.

I also like the fact that they come with Barska's limited lifetime warranty.

The Barska 10x42 Blackhawk Binoculars are a great binoculars if you are on a tight budget.

Just remember that they are cheap hunting binoculars and they will not compare to the best hunting binoculars available today.

Photo of author

Jesse Gillotti

Jesse is a member of our pro staff and a frequent contributor to DeerHuntingGuide.net. He is obsessed with hunting deer and big bucks in particular. He has a knack for obtaining permission on the best private land to hunt big bucks. He is constantly testing out new equipment and providing feedback for our reviews and gear roundups.

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