Opticron SR GA 8×32 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Reviewer

No nonsense high performance binoculars. Designed for those who put quality of optics ahead of modern bodies with nitrogen waterproofing. The picture window wide angle is bright and sharp to the edge. These will outperform many 8×42 roof prisms costing much more. Handling is easy to say the least. The protective skin gives you confidence with or without gloves on.

Maybe not suitable for spectacle wearers with an eye relief of just 13mm. The eye cups fold down. But as already mentioned, these binoculars are all about optics and not “bells and whistles” extras.

Despite having just a 32mm lens, they give outstanding low light performance. Complete with a 30 years warranty

Not the cheapest 32mm porro prism binoculars, but you will notice the difference. Worth every penny

Highly recommended

 

 

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What does IPD mean

Posted on July 22, 2011 by Reviewer

When you look up binocular specs you may see something like “IPD 54~72mm”. So what does this mean ?. IPD stands for Inter Pupillary Distance. This is the distance in mm from the centre of one eye piece to the other. In the example above, it means when the binoculars are closed the IPD is 54mm, and when they are fully open the IPD is 72mm.

If chosing binoculars for children, an IPD of less than 55mm is ideal

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Skywatcher 2″ Erecting prism

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Reviewer

CNC machined and black anodised barrels.

45 degree angled.

Complete with 1.25″ adaptor.

Brass compression rings.

Threaded for 2″ filters.

Fully Multi-coated.

Buy the Skywatcher 2″ erecting prism here

 

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Opticron Discovery WP PC 10×42 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 21, 2011 by Reviewer

It would be easy to say they are pretty similar to the 8×42 with a bit more power and leave it at that. The reality is that they are very much different. Visually the 8x and 10x look and weigh the same. There are a couple of big issues that I noticed on testing. The depth of field is dramatically reduced. This means you will need to work hard with the focus wheel to keep everything sharp. Also eye relief is not that great. I found I had to keep them fully twisted in, or on the first increment (even without glasses) Forget twisting the eye cups fully out, as you simply wont get a full screen image.

Don’t let the above put you off however. They have the same great optics, handling and cool looks as the 8×42 discoveries. Ideal if you prefer looking further afield , and dont mind the narrower field of view.

Optically, these are a serious contender to the superb Barr & Stroud series 4

 

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Opticron Hiker 8×21 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 20, 2011 by Reviewer

Increasingly difficult to buy, the Hiker 8×21 binoculars are one of Opticrons best kept secrets. The optics are superb, and easily outperform many similar priced 50mm models. No internal reflection and high quality optics give an image much brighter and clearer than the price suggests.

At around 200g they are extremely light and compact. The rubber eye cups are not the easiest to fold down. The focus wheel is quite small, but the large depth of field means you wont be using it much.

Comes with a wrist strap rather than neck strap

Highly recommended. You will not be disappointed

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Helios Apollo 28×110 Binoculars Review

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Make no mistake, these are BIG. At 7.1kg you will need a substantial tripod. Don’t even try to hand hold. As you would expect, you get a very bright image. These are designed for long distance terrestrial and astronomical use. A slight disappointment was the amount of chromatic aberration that was evident. Good eye relief and wide eye pieces make for comfortable viewing. On the subject of eye pieces, they Will accept 1.25″ filters.

Although I only tested in daylight, I would say they are great comet hunters, and Saturn must be a splendid sight. The flat field gives great edge of view sharpness.

Compared to other similar 110mm observational binoculars, these are under priced. So are excellent value for money.

With such a heavy binocular, you will need to handle with extreme care to avoid knocks. The sliding central bar helps balancing when mounted.

Buy Helios Apollo binoculars online here

 

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Visionary 7×17 UF Binoculars Review

Posted on July 18, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Space age little binoculars that look a bit gimmicky , but are anything but. One of the few binoculars that don’t give a round image. Instead you get a wide screen view similar to your TV. The end result is better than expected. The image is bright and clear, considering the small aperture.

The focusing is a little tricky and very responsive. Compact enough to go in most trouser or shirt pockets.

Recommended

You can purchase Visionary binoculars online here

 

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Visionary Classic 10×50 binoculars

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Reviewer

 

Basic OEM binoculars for those on a budget. BaK-7 prisms and fully coated optics give a low contrast image. But for the price they do the job. Popular with people who prefer the larger porro prism design.  Good all rounders for mid to long distance.

Easy to handle. Although some can feel a little stiff when adjusting the IPD distance.  Might be worth upgrading the narrow strap that comes as standard.

Can be picked up for £20-£30, so despite the basic optics they are still great value for money.

Buy Visionary binoculars online here

 

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What are OEM binoculars and Telescopes

Posted on July 16, 2011 by Reviewer

Have you ever noticed that many budget binoculars, telescopes, spotting scopes and accessories all look the same ?. Well there’s a very good chance they are. OEM products are bought by many suppliers from the same factory. All of the binoculars, for example are pretty much visually the same apart from the brand name / design on them.

 

 

 

 

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Visionary WX 8×25 Binoculars review

Posted on July 15, 2011 by Reviewer

 

You could call these the budget version of the Visionary Wetland 8x25s. Similar but more plain single hinged design with twist eye cups. Apart from the lower price, the WX have longer eye relief than the wetlands, but that’s where the improvements stop.

You get a reasonable field of view, and the edge quality is average. I found handling very easy

Good binoculars if you want a waterproof set on a budget.

Buy Visionary binoculars here

 

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