dwatsonbirder
Well-known member
Following on from Chuck’s excellent threads (here and here) regarding 7x42 binoculars, I’ve been keeping an eye open for a second 7x42 to compare with my Swarovski SLC’s. As those who have read any of my previous posts will know, I am a birder first and foremost, though I appreciate decent kit. Optically, I still consider these as one of the best binoculars available, but the truth be told, they become a literal pain in the neck on longer walks. I bought a pair of Nikon HGL 8x32’s as a (slightly) lighter weight alternative, and they have a lot of positive features (handling, image quality, eye relief) but the smaller exit pupil can make eye placement a little fiddly. I’d hoped for a pair of Zeiss FL, but alas, I was too slow, and my available funds became progressively more diminished. Other options were either too expensive (Leica Ultravid/Nikon EDG) or unsuitable due to eye relief/waterproofing (Zeiss BGAT/Leica BA/BN).
One brand which seems to produce good quality and affordable optics is Opticron, and with a little luck and patience, I have managed to procure a pair of Imagic 7x42 BGA WP. I wanted to compare a relatively affordable pair of 7x42’s with a high end pair, in the hope that the comparison may be useful to those thinking of adding a set of this specification to their kit, but are not necessarily willing to spend a significant sum.
Pricing
Both binoculars are no longer in production. The Swarovski’s are available in several iterations, and the age of the binocular appears to affect pricing; early models (pre Swaro-bright) appear to be available from around £350 - £450. Pre-neu models can be found for as low as £400 but are usually in poor condition, and £500 - £650 appears to be the market value. Neu models appear to sell for between £700 - £850. Although not as expensive as the latest and greatest, a pair of these binoculars is a not inconsiderable investment.
The Opticron model’s appear to be somewhat more unusual on the used market, but seem to sell for between £140 - £300 depending on condition.
Build quality and mechanics
The SLC’s have been discussed at length, and by all accounts are a solid unit built to withstand serious and extended use in the field. Mine received a (free) service last year due to wear of the armouring and some internal condensation, but perhaps this is reflective of the fact they are used on a daily basis and across a range of environments each year. Information on the Opticron appears a little more limited; there are few references to issues in terms of the build quality, and they are backed up by Opticron’s excellent warranty. Whether this extends to a used pair of binoculars I do not know.
The SLC’s are covered in a thick and rather tactile rubber, with a relatively stiff central hinge. The focus wheel is typical of Swarovski’s of this generation; smooth travelling from near focus to infinity, a little more coarse in the opposite direction. Diopter adjustment is via a small srung wheel atop the focus wheel, and clicks into place. The eyecups scroll up and down firmly but positively without incremental stops, and eye relief is very good at 19mm. On the rear of the binoculars are deep thumb indents. The binoculars are hefty at 950 grams.
The Opticrons have a very different feel, with their tapered barrels covered in a slick, thinner rubber armour. There are shallow thumb indents on the rear. The focus wheel is particularly well dampened, but requires a few more turns when changing distances. The diopter adjustment is via a ring on the right hand barrel and is still enough not to move out of place once set. The eyecups are solid rubber, and twist up and down slightly stiffly, while the central hinge has a little more play and movement than I am used to. Eye relief is excellent at 24mm. At 680 grams, the binocular is noticeably lighter than the SLC.
Optics
Perhaps it is unfair to compare a top end 7x42 with a mid range model. It should be fairly apparent that the Swarovski is optically a better performer than the Opticron when one looks at some of the statistics, particularly the field of view (140m versus 110m), however, this is not the whole story. Thanks to the large exit pupil, eye placement with both binoculars is easy. Colour balance in both binoculars is good, with the Swarovski offering a colder more neutral view against the slightly yellow/green bias of the Opticron when looking at a white wall in bright sunlight. That said, colour reproduction is very respectable on both units. Center sharpness is very good on the Opticron, and is maintained across approx 75% of the image. The Swarovski is sharp practically to the edge. The resolving abilities of both binoculars is impressive, with fine details such as individual leaves at a distance of 1km, or the individual feather tracts and blue iris of a Jackdaw at 50m clearly visible with both optics.
The overall views of both are pleasing, though the wider field of view of the SLC is apparent, and gives the images a more immersive quality. Contrast is also better in the Swarovski, with colours that seem dynamic and an almost 3D quality to the view. The Opticron is still impressive, as it has a good level of contrast and is perhaps as sharp as the more expensive SLC, but the field of view gives the optic a slightly tunnel effect. I feel that you could get used to this, but it may cause issues in enclosed environments such as forest, where 7x42’s are meant to come into their own.
One area where the Opticron excels is the close focus, as I was able to focus comfortably down to 1.5m - ideal for insects or plants. The Swarovski can focus as close as 2.8m though it is stated to be 4m, I suspect this may depend on your eyes.
Low light performance is also good with the Opticron, but with the SLC it is exceptional - again, I feel this is likely due to the significantly larger field of view, better coatings and use of larger prisms.
Overall the Swarovski is clearly a better binocular in terms of raw image quality, particularly assisted by the 140m fov and edge sharpness, that being said, the Opticron is certainly no slouch, and the sharpness and contrast coupled with the impressive close focus make for a worthy contender.
Summary
I doubt it is a surprise to anybody that the Swarovski is the better optic, but for a binocular costing approx 50-75% of the price, the Opticron has a lot to offer somebody looking for a decent, affordable 7x42 roof prism. The Opticron appears well built, and with the exception of some shiny areas, the armouring seems to hold up pretty well on many of the used examples available. Optically, there are a few areas where it falls down, with some colour fringing, a slight cast in colour on white backgrounds and perhaps the largest downside being the slightly tunnel view as a result of the 110m field of view. The Swarovski excels in all these criteria. Perhaps most notable is the resolution, where to my eye at least, both optics are within a few points of each other.
If you are looking for a good budget 7x42 roof, and you can live with the small field of view, then it is well worth tracking down one of the Opticron 7x42 BGA WP models.
One brand which seems to produce good quality and affordable optics is Opticron, and with a little luck and patience, I have managed to procure a pair of Imagic 7x42 BGA WP. I wanted to compare a relatively affordable pair of 7x42’s with a high end pair, in the hope that the comparison may be useful to those thinking of adding a set of this specification to their kit, but are not necessarily willing to spend a significant sum.
Pricing
Both binoculars are no longer in production. The Swarovski’s are available in several iterations, and the age of the binocular appears to affect pricing; early models (pre Swaro-bright) appear to be available from around £350 - £450. Pre-neu models can be found for as low as £400 but are usually in poor condition, and £500 - £650 appears to be the market value. Neu models appear to sell for between £700 - £850. Although not as expensive as the latest and greatest, a pair of these binoculars is a not inconsiderable investment.
The Opticron model’s appear to be somewhat more unusual on the used market, but seem to sell for between £140 - £300 depending on condition.
Build quality and mechanics
The SLC’s have been discussed at length, and by all accounts are a solid unit built to withstand serious and extended use in the field. Mine received a (free) service last year due to wear of the armouring and some internal condensation, but perhaps this is reflective of the fact they are used on a daily basis and across a range of environments each year. Information on the Opticron appears a little more limited; there are few references to issues in terms of the build quality, and they are backed up by Opticron’s excellent warranty. Whether this extends to a used pair of binoculars I do not know.
The SLC’s are covered in a thick and rather tactile rubber, with a relatively stiff central hinge. The focus wheel is typical of Swarovski’s of this generation; smooth travelling from near focus to infinity, a little more coarse in the opposite direction. Diopter adjustment is via a small srung wheel atop the focus wheel, and clicks into place. The eyecups scroll up and down firmly but positively without incremental stops, and eye relief is very good at 19mm. On the rear of the binoculars are deep thumb indents. The binoculars are hefty at 950 grams.
The Opticrons have a very different feel, with their tapered barrels covered in a slick, thinner rubber armour. There are shallow thumb indents on the rear. The focus wheel is particularly well dampened, but requires a few more turns when changing distances. The diopter adjustment is via a ring on the right hand barrel and is still enough not to move out of place once set. The eyecups are solid rubber, and twist up and down slightly stiffly, while the central hinge has a little more play and movement than I am used to. Eye relief is excellent at 24mm. At 680 grams, the binocular is noticeably lighter than the SLC.
Optics
Perhaps it is unfair to compare a top end 7x42 with a mid range model. It should be fairly apparent that the Swarovski is optically a better performer than the Opticron when one looks at some of the statistics, particularly the field of view (140m versus 110m), however, this is not the whole story. Thanks to the large exit pupil, eye placement with both binoculars is easy. Colour balance in both binoculars is good, with the Swarovski offering a colder more neutral view against the slightly yellow/green bias of the Opticron when looking at a white wall in bright sunlight. That said, colour reproduction is very respectable on both units. Center sharpness is very good on the Opticron, and is maintained across approx 75% of the image. The Swarovski is sharp practically to the edge. The resolving abilities of both binoculars is impressive, with fine details such as individual leaves at a distance of 1km, or the individual feather tracts and blue iris of a Jackdaw at 50m clearly visible with both optics.
The overall views of both are pleasing, though the wider field of view of the SLC is apparent, and gives the images a more immersive quality. Contrast is also better in the Swarovski, with colours that seem dynamic and an almost 3D quality to the view. The Opticron is still impressive, as it has a good level of contrast and is perhaps as sharp as the more expensive SLC, but the field of view gives the optic a slightly tunnel effect. I feel that you could get used to this, but it may cause issues in enclosed environments such as forest, where 7x42’s are meant to come into their own.
One area where the Opticron excels is the close focus, as I was able to focus comfortably down to 1.5m - ideal for insects or plants. The Swarovski can focus as close as 2.8m though it is stated to be 4m, I suspect this may depend on your eyes.
Low light performance is also good with the Opticron, but with the SLC it is exceptional - again, I feel this is likely due to the significantly larger field of view, better coatings and use of larger prisms.
Overall the Swarovski is clearly a better binocular in terms of raw image quality, particularly assisted by the 140m fov and edge sharpness, that being said, the Opticron is certainly no slouch, and the sharpness and contrast coupled with the impressive close focus make for a worthy contender.
Summary
I doubt it is a surprise to anybody that the Swarovski is the better optic, but for a binocular costing approx 50-75% of the price, the Opticron has a lot to offer somebody looking for a decent, affordable 7x42 roof prism. The Opticron appears well built, and with the exception of some shiny areas, the armouring seems to hold up pretty well on many of the used examples available. Optically, there are a few areas where it falls down, with some colour fringing, a slight cast in colour on white backgrounds and perhaps the largest downside being the slightly tunnel view as a result of the 110m field of view. The Swarovski excels in all these criteria. Perhaps most notable is the resolution, where to my eye at least, both optics are within a few points of each other.
If you are looking for a good budget 7x42 roof, and you can live with the small field of view, then it is well worth tracking down one of the Opticron 7x42 BGA WP models.
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