Hi there mucka! I am not an expert birder but I already own a pair of opticron BGA Classics 8x42(2/3 yrs). I recently tested the NEW DBA OASIS S & the NEW AURORA- both 8x42- against mine @ In Focus in Egleton.
Both were easier to use & had more clarity than mine, & I have always found the handling of the DBA's to be ideal, with the so called "extra weight" not an issue for me- in the same way that Swarovski's top ones may be "heavier" compared to their competitors, but the ergonomics of them cancel this out ie heavier does NOT mean bulkier NB!
Price wise,I would say the Aurora's do NOT justify the extra outlay & I struggled to see any improvement over the DBA Oasis! However, with the offer on the compacts, I am very tempted. I could always sell you my BGA Classics!
The caveats for me are that if you want a pair of compacts too, then this seems like a good deal. However, bear in mind you can pick up a pair of the old DBA's for much less & on Opticron's own site, the reviewer found little discernable difference between the old & new models!Also your p/ex price must come in to the equation too. Some other members have had probs with loose bins too!
On the positives, I am impressed with opticron's service- & they are very helpful & honest etc on the phone too.The 30 year warranty is not to be sniffed at either & some other models may seem better new, but would they be as good in a few years! A 30 yr warranty gives me a bit more reassurance.
Try as many models out as you can- each bino is personal to you ie I had my heart set on some new Zeiss but when I tried them I found them much too bulky & far too fiddly to focus, even compared to the former DBA oasis!(The 8x32's were a different ball game though!)
Good luck. I will let you know if I buy them- I am tempted as they ARE better than my CLASSICS- especially easier to use for me. On the "looseness" of the compacts, I would trust Luton to sort that as they have been of excellent service in my experience. If not, I would try to get some sort of deal sorted out!
Cheers.