For this low price, one would expect a toy. This is no toy! Definitely the real deal. I'm not an expert but I have played around with binoculars and telescopes enough to recognize a solid, well-constructed, precision instrument.as opposed to a cheap plastic toy. It has a good clear view. I like the focus control that you tilt back and forth to adjust rather than the traditional knob which you twist. And the separate adjustment for the right eye allows you to dial it in to balance the focus correctly for both eyes. One other note: I have a small head and most binoculars are too wide to fold close enough to cover both eyes well. These Falcon's do! So they could be used by children as well as adults.