DBA VHD 8x42 and 10x42

Using them -10x42 -for a few months now and I'm very happy with the optics and general performance. I totally recommend them.

Ravis, no and for most models there is nowhere I can try out binoculars locally. However I just looked them up and they do look nice, and a bit lighter too.

Have you tried the more expensive Opticron Aurora? Although they are not open-bridged they have a slighltly wider field at 7.2* and 20mm er, which is almost as good as the DBA er.

Ref. 2016/17 Reviews:
Frank D, DBA VHD 8x42 http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=317757
(also mentioned at http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=341911)
Steve C, DBA HD 10x42 http://www.birdforum.net/showthread.php?t=317902

In Feb 2018, with thanks to the authors above, mine is the 10x42 version but I can only concur that Opticron's statement a is a pretty accurate representation: "Designed around and built for the professional and enthusiast looking for 8/10x42 quality but preferring the size, weight and feel of a smaller binocular, the DBA VHD offers an unrivaled combination of performance, comfort and ergonomics for under $1000. 100% made in Japan." and with those authors' (more reliable!) comments about the notable brightness, colour, contrast, and sharpness.

The armour is relatively hard, thin, and non-sticky but ahead of the objective lenses the rubber is extended by a thicker lip which adds depth to the recesses, as well as to protection. Between the hinges there are bare metal areas to make more room, each with an angle between two flats, further to assist the grip.

From Steve's remarks I gathered that eye relief might have presented a problem when wearing glasses but found that the quoted 17mm allowed the whole field to be included in the view. Initially there was some lumpiness at some positions of the focus wheel but this has largely gone away with use. The wheel has a fairly smooth grooved surface which falls readily to an index finger, not liable to slip because the action is lightly damped and not at all stiff. There is no free play or lateral movement.

Focussing range is 1.5 turns. This is a little faster than might be expected because infinity at is at 0.75 of a turn from the limit, out of the total 2.25 available. The central dioptre adjustment is quick and simple to set and the eyecups can't slip from intermediate or fully extended positions. This is because any pressure locks them in place, and they are reset by lifting them first.

From some illustrations I had thought the binoculars might have looked a bit rough and ready, but in the flesh they appear and feel dense, refined, and well finished, almost like metal. The composite straps carry smaller and neater quick links than those shown in Frank's Photos, and the details seem nicely done.

I got them for the open bridge design to help with steadiness, which it seems to do, and found them to be excellent all round.