We publish as many product reviews as we can find from print and online media and from our product ambassadors. Some of the reviews included here are compiled by wildlife enthusiasts that have used Opticron equipment both in the course of their work and for pleasure. If there is a product that you are interested in seeing reviewed, please let us know using the contact information at the bottom of the page.
What a delightful little instrument! Who says you have to cough up a lot of dosh in order to enjoy a pleasant optical experience? Those days are well & truly behind us! Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Neil...
In summary, this would make an excellent scope for anyone who is looking to enhance their birding but doesn’t want to splash their cash on a high-end model. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Drew Lyness and...
The first thing I noticed was that it was very bright – surprisingly so when the high, 16x magnification coupled with the 42-mm objectives produces a low exit pupil value of only 2.6. The image is also nicely sharp and remains so to the edge...
When I got the offer to field test the DBA VHD monocular I must admit I didn’t think it would be as easy to use as it was. After receiving this compact 10x42 and using it for a couple of weeks, I realised I was using it more than my...
Following a Blue Tit through a hawthorn, I switched the stabiliser on and immediately the bird, unencumbered by even the slightest shake, came into far clearer detail. So far so good. But how would the device deal with birds...
In all the situations we used the Oregon 4 it performed fantastically well. If you are looking for a monocular that is reasonably priced, yet still delivers good-quality views, then this is the model for you. It has sharp optics, is good in low...
Viewing Experience: Opticron makes a wide variety of birdwatching binoculars, and the Discovery is clearly designed for comfort and portability. At barely 4 inches tall and weighing less than a pound these packable binoculars can still deliver...
As a lifelong wildlife enthusiast, I was intrigued by what the Explorer WA ED-R 8x32 monocular could deliver. After only a few minutes, I was genuinely blown away, surprised by the depth and vibrancy of colours as I felt the monocular was picking up...
For a small pocket scope, the explorer packs a lot of power. The first time I used it I was amazed at the view it gave me. Wide field, crystal clear with excellent range. It’s also easy to use. I mean really, really easy. The focus wheel turns...
We were very happy with how this mount performed in the FirstUse outing, especially since we know that some of the shots we got with the iPhone would have been extremely hard to do with a DSLR. Above is an excerpt from a review...
I find the Imagic IS binoculars easy and comfortable to use; the on/off switch can be operated with the index finger while the easy-to-turn focus wheel can be turned with the little finger so that way I maintain a good grip on them throughout. ...
Very reasonably priced, this scope and eyepiece combo provides you with lots of optical reach and performance in a compact and lightweight package - it’s well worth a close look if you’re in the market for a travelscope. Above is an...
The Opticron 8x20 Gallery Scope may seem like a very niche, specialized product upon an initial glance at its manufacturer’s blurb; but in fact, we reckon it’s best viewed as one ultra-compact magnifying device that does it all –...
IN SHORT: Compact, accurate and unbelievably user friendly. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Kieran Lynn. Click here to read the entire review.
The Opticron Oregon is notable for being the only model in the Budget tier to make the overall top pick group. Hands down our favorite budget binocular. Above are excerpts from a review by The Cornell Lab. Click here to read the entire...
These really are excellent binoculars, especially considering the price. I used them for a week in pretty trying conditions and only once missed my regular 42s optically, but their compact, user-friendly design more than made up for that. If you...
You would expect, from my past reviews to say these are good binoculars and offer good value for money… well not this time… these are exceptional value for money, remarkable for the price. Above is an excerpt from a review authored...
Images of the Moon in both binoculars displayed excellent contrast and sharpness, and I could detect very little in the way of chromatic aberration in the centre of the field, with lunar craters peppering the southern highlands with impressive...
However, the image stabilisation really was the star of the show with the Imagic. A simple flick of a switch, and my viewing was transformed. Distant birds and other wildlife were watched with ease; IS corrected shaking or movement of up to three...
With the larger objective lens and 10x magnification, you can get great views of fairly distant subjects even in the early morning or under gloomy weather, where the smaller options struggle to bring in enough light. Above is an excerpt from a...
My optical testing began as usual, by examining how the binocular handled a very bright light source. The results I obtained were excellent. There was no internal reflections, no diffraction spikes and no signs of diffused light around the light...
To sum up, this is an impressive binocular for the money. Spending five times as much at the top end of the market certainly won’t deliver anything like five times the performance. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Mike Alibone...
Click here to watch a video review by Billy Heaney
Click here to watch a video review by Ben Wootton
It might be easy to say that these are a good entry-level binocular (certainly the price point is very friendly), but I’m certainly not an entry-level birder and I take them everywhere I go. If you’re in the market for a low-cost...
To test the capabilities of the Aurora BGA VHD I used them on several Gull roosts in the late afternoon. As some of you might know, bright and sharp optics are required for searching Gull roosts and the binocular excelled. Images are crisp and sharp...
As I’ve come to expect with Opticron equipment, the Aurora binocular offers extremely good value for money. Its performance in various light levels raises the bar for binoculars in the middle price bracket, and indeed rivals that of many more...
These are well-made scopes and both deliver very good images. Optically, I think the 60mm is a bit better, and it does have higher magnification. But the 50mm is smaller, a little lighter, less expensive...
In terms of optical quality, in optimal light conditions, I found it excellent. In fact, I was entertained in comparing the two binoculars thanks to a group of Red-rumped Swallows that were perched on an electric wire, and I was hardly able to see...
I was particularly impressed with the sharpness throughout the zoom range when viewing at close quarters. Colours were natural and there was only a little edge softness. Its low light performance was good - it was still useable away from shaded...
I just had the most incredible day with the new Opticron Aurora BGA VHD 8x42 binocular! I’m a bit of an optics geek and really appreciate quality. I’ve grown to expect that with Opticron products at the various price points but this new...
My first impression, straight out of the box, was that this is a very bright binocular. Its light-gathering ability was evident after sunset, too. Twelve minutes after the sun went down, in a mostly overcast sky, a roof-ridge Song Thrush was...
Summing up, the Aurora has a super-large sweet spot with excellent perceived sharpness that softens at the very edge of the field, but remains sharp enough for your peripheral vision to pick up any new arrival at the edge. Above is an excerpt...
The Opticron Savanna WP 6x30 binoculars’ performance is actually pretty impressive out of the box. Offering a relatively wide field of view, on a very bright day we didn’t notice any instances of chromatic aberration or purple fringing...
While scanning for the Snowcock, the Discovery felt almost weightless. And I was so excited to have such a wide angle view (8 degrees or 420 feet at 1000 yards) to help pick up movement in my periphery. I was even able to check out details on...
The new Aurora BGA VHD range, comprising 8x42 and 10x42 models, takes Opticron's binocular portfolio to a new level. This latest addition to the collection has been designed on a new platform with a completely new optical system that elevates...
The image stabilisation feature of the Opticron Imagic IS range really is a game changer. It has transformed the way I watch birds, simultaneously enhancing the experience of observing their behaviour and my ability to identify species. I feel as...
Although these binoculars have a satisfyingly sturdy feel to them, this does not come at the expense of decent ergonomics. You will find that they are well-balanced, and light enough for you to hold for extended periods. Above is an excerpt from...
All of their main specifications on the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x32 binoculars are very good, but the field of view, in particular, is truly excellent. If you are looking for a wide-angle 8x binocular, you will struggle to do much better than...
Heading back to the car, the summary was pretty easy - the Aurora's are probably one of the very best binoculars available today sub £1,000 with performance, comfort, ergonomics and attention to detail all very good indeed. Above is an...
Summing up, these binos would give anyone enjoyable and educational nature observations. For their price they are great value and the IPD range, and the size and weight, make them suitable for kids too. Above is an excerpt from a review authored...
I thought it would take a long time to get used to the feel of a mono, but it really didn’t. Opticron’s new model design works very well. They are slick to use and perfectly suited to one handed ops. I found myself praising it due to the...
Winner Best Low Cost Binocular 2021. Comfortable, easy to carry about and with a bright, good quality image, I love using these Opticron Savanna WP 6x30 binoculars, which I think this will also be the case for many people looking for an...
A very traditional looking binocular, which I like, with all the optical benefits of a porro prism design, waterproof and very reasonably priced. Above is an excerpt from a review by Clive Bushnell. Click here to read the entire...
As with all our binoculars, the Marine-3s can be attached to a tripod for extra stability. We found this helped when we were trying to split the double star Albireo, which we could just about do but only with a tripod. The actual field of view is...
These binoculars are user-friendly making them great for any keen wildlife enthusiast. Not only have I used them to watch bird species but also study hawker dragonflies hovering over large ponds and plenty of other insects and other smaller species...
Click here to watch a video review by Tim Sexton
Although the Travellers are not new on the market, having been around for at least 3 years, they are still competitive, feel good in the hand, have a lovely focus action and perform nicely for the eyes. Don’t overlook them if you are in the...
Upon checking the view through the Natura, I was pleasantly surprised by the light transmission and colour fidelity exhibited across the full RGB spectrum. The eye relief was also very generous which made the Natura ideal for spectacles wearers....
Summing up, Explorer WA ED-R 8x32 is a really nice performer and a bargain at its price. This bino might not make alpha models redundant but as you can tell from my experiences recounted above, anybody could experience enjoyable and informative...
The combination of excellent anti-reflective coatings on the lenses and Opticron's proprietry Oasis phase-coating on the roof prisms helps the binoculars to transmit the full visible spectrum without the colour balance being affected by...
In my case, I spend lots of hours walking through the mountains with all my gear with me, and coming from a long and heavy scope, I can say this is a life-changer. I strongly recommend this scope for nature guides and travellers who carry all their...
Concerning the image, I can say that DBA VHD 10x42 is truly accurate in every situation. Colour reproduction and contrast are very reliable. Through this DBA VHD you can find high contrast images and no colour fringing is perceived. In summary,...
Quizzing gulls is something I find hard at the best of times… distinguishing which black, white and grey gull is which is testing. On this day what I could see was that now all the same-size gulls had the same mantle colours so I concentrated...
Whether I was studying ornate birds-of-paradise displaying high in the trees, viewing a panorama of hundreds of fruit bats crossing bright blue sky or appreciating a closer look at butterflies only a couple of metres away, the Opticron Natura BGA ED...
On the first day of testing I was out on a viewing platform in high winds where the image stabilisation really showed its benefits. Watching distant Starlings on a wire it was virtually impossible to avoid shake even with my personal 8x32’s,...
Having a USM-2 on the group meant everyone on the team could get those much-needed distant shots of puffins without having a pro-level bridge camera to hand. The mount worked with all our phones and with a bit of practice was easy to align onto the...
The Opticron Oregon 20x80 binoculars prove that well-designed binoculars don't need low-dispersion ED-glass elements in their objective lenses to deliver an impressive performance. To achieve this at what might be considered a budget price is no...
One of the stand-out qualities of the MM4 + HDF T zoom eyepiece scope is the image clarity. It was so high we actually got a little addicted to using it! Good enough to see fish’s eyes from puffins’ hard-earned catches, there was little...
Another birder with a 600mm lens found the bird and put me onto it. I found it very easily with the scope and then focused onto it. I was spellbound by the clarity, sharpness, and brightness of the scope. Without exaggeration, it was like looking at...
The ED glass created a bright, clean image even with dark clouds overhead. When a male gadwall, still in breeding plumage came close to the bank, the vermiculations on its flanks appeared crisp and sharp. Despite trying to be critical, it was hard...
A video review by Tim Sexton of Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust.
The MM4 77 is unique to Opticron – no other brand has access to its design. Anyone thinking of spending up to £1000 on a mid-range telescope and eyepiece set should certainly consider this as an option. Above is an excerpt from a...
I chose an overcast day in order to test the light gathering quality of this scope in less than ideal conditions. The first test was at 18x magnification, and the image obtained was stunning; bright and sharp with no discernible reduction in quality...
So, how to sum up the MM4 77mm? It is compact and lightweight for a 77mm and handles really nicely, being balanced on the tripod, and having well-engineered fast and slow focus modes. The two eyepieces make excellent companions for each other and...
Overall, I found this scope intuitive and fun to use, and was pleasantly surprised by its optical performance. It has certainly made me a travel scope convert! Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Nick Moran and published in BTO News...
I had a great couple of weeks using the ‘77’ in Mull. Opticron have taken the tried & tested MM4 formula, tweaked it and produced a fabulous, lightweight all-round birding scope. At no point did I regret not having my (considerably...
One of the MM4 60’s main qualities is its weight, at only 619g, I can carry it miles without feeling any strain. The scope is small too - 280mm (10.2”) exactly and means it fits neatly into my backpack. Above is an excerpt from a...
Logic suggests that relatively small binoculars, with modest-sized objective lenses, will be compromised in their light gathering capabilities. In this respect, the Travellers defy logic! Using them in various low-light conditions, I have repeatedly...
So, for anyone considering purchasing a relatively low-cost telescope, which has enough 'muscle' to perform admirably alongside larger models, at a reasonably high magnification, while at the same time is small enough to be classed as easily...
Click here to read a review published on vogelinformatiecentrum.nl
They are very well-balanced, which makes them feel even lighter than they actually are. This means you can use them for long periods before aches and strains set in. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Steve Tonkin and published in Sky...
Yet what was most impressive was the clarity of the image. It is pin sharp and the light-gathering of the 60mm object lens owes nothing much to the far larger telescopes of the Aigas rangers. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Mark...
If you fancy trying a larger-than-standard pair of binoculars without breaking the bank, the Opticron Oregon Observation 20x80s should certainly be on your shortlist, particularly if you’re new to binocular astronomy. Above is an excerpt...
Click here to read a review authored by Piergiovanni Salimbeni and originally published on Binomania.it
The dull spring of 2018 proved to be an ideal testing ground for this scope. I went into the test with the idea that this would be a good cheap option for a second (especially for travel) telescope, but came out of it thinking that it...
The optics are excellent. I’ve become used to how good this scope is that I forget how lucky I am - I recently borrowed a friends scope to watch a match since I had already packed and I was shocked at how dark and yellowish the...
In the field the binoculars were put to the sternest test at the end of a dull winter’s day and performed up to my high expectations in all conditions. The 7° field of view made finding birds easy, even small ones, like the...
When viewing branches against the sky chromatic aberration was non-existent. I used the binoculars in most lights and found light gathering superb. In spiralling rainy dull conditions the binoculars didn’t let me down either, the images...
Should you buy a pair of Opticron Travellers? If you are a regular birder with a high-end pair of bins looking for something lightweight to use in situations where you don’t want to lug your usual heavy optics these are a perfect...
The optical stats are Wow! For a 10x32 binocular they are seriously impressive: You get a really wide FOV, long eye-relief and excellent minimum close focus and their score in this section of 10/10 is well deserved. Above is an excerpt from a...
Click here to read a review authored by Mike Alibone and originally published in Birdwatch Magazine July 2017
If there is a better 10x50 for less than £125, I don’t know of it. If you want a decent general-purpose binocular primarily to use for astronomy and your budget is around £100, this could well be it. Above is an...
As an archer I need to see the end of my arrows which are less than half a centimetre wide on a target face at between 60 & 70 metres distant in all weathers and this little scope did not disappoint. The clarity of the lenses coupled...
In closing I want to say that this could very well be the ideal binocular for many individuals. It certainly has an excellent combination of size, ergonomics and optical performance. Two big thumbs up from me on this model. Above is an excerpt...
Quality hasn’t been sacrificed at all in this model so whether you choose to buy a pair as your main binocular or as a second pair to save weight when on that plane, the Traveller doesn’t look as though they will let you down...
I wasn’t expecting the overall quality standard these binoculars produced - in particular the size of the sweet spot. I really had to look hard just to find where the image started to fall off. It was very close to the edge and...
In the dark tropical forest the MM4 coped with exceptional performance. Although birds were sitting high up in the dark canopy I was able to find them quickly and zoom in. The zoom eyepiece was very effective in this environment...
With the comfortable strap fitted it was time for a proper test and at just 648 grams I didn’t find them heavy around my neck. I was immediately impressed with the true colours; everything was spot on, whether it was my garden Robin...
I am so impressed with the UTA it will be in my pocket now every time I am out birding, and others who have tried it and seen me using it seem equally enthused and I can see this being part of the birding tool-kit of many of them in the...
Now to the important bit - how do they perform optically? The specifications say that they are phased coated, use Opticron’s Oasis prism coating and ED glass so look very promising on paper. Looking through them for the first time...
I found that the views through both sets of binocular were identical in terms of optical quality. Looking through the binoculars on a wide of daylight terrestrial subjects (landscapes, street views etc.) showed that they gave very bright...
Now let’s get to the glass. This is an incredibly bright optical instrument. Certainly you can expect that it should be with a 6x magnification, considering the 30mm objective lens makes this a “whoa” factor for sure. The 8°...
Both models weigh in at just over a pound and have a close focus of 10 ft, making them a terrific all-around binocular. Give kids a pair of binoculars and let them see the world! My nieces tried out the 8x30 and thoroughly enjoyed looking through...
Both kids told me that they were comfortable to hold (with their small hands) and that once I had helped them set the dioptre adjustment – which took a little bit of explaining, they found them easy to focus, even on moving...
I would recommend these binoculars for astronomy and general purpose use and I would also recommend these as a specialist type of binoculars for birders who do a lot of long range work like estuary watching and raptor watching where a...
The binoculars felt reassuringly chunky in the hand despite their small size and the large focussing wheel proved precise yet not overly sensitive. The light weight of the optics made following the frenetic dashes of Lulworth Skippers and a...
The lenses and magnification are excellent. Field archery by its nature is set in woodland with differing and mixed lighting throughout the course. The need to be able to see clearly, at distance, from light to dark and dark to light is...
Overall, then, this is a very competent entry-level binocular for anybody who wants ultra-portable and wide-angle views of deep-sky objects. Above is an excerpt from a review authored by Stephen Tonkin and originally published in Sky at Night...
At times this review may well have sounded rather critical but the reality is I quite like the Oregon 15×70 binoculars. Yes, the optical quality is not high-end and the fit and finish is decent without being exceptional, but then at less...
Click here to read a review authored by Paolo Monti and originally published on Binomania.it
The light weight is a real plus too. Watching the birds at my feeders and then scanning the skies did not cause a strain and even one-handed they remain amongst the lightest I’ve come across.The image seems sharp and colour true and is as...
To my eyes the image is almost edge to edge sharp, with about 90% of sweet spot. The wide FOV is paired by a decent depth of field when looking to the distance and by a quite short one in close observations, compensated by the...
I find that using the Savanna is an enjoyable experience. Its ergonomics and overall image quality make it very comforting and easy to use. Overall image quality is very good for a relatively simple optical design. I have no reservations in saying...
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