Opticron Explorer WA (1 Viewer)

Hello,
I'm thinking about ordering a pair of 8x42 Opticron Explorer WA bins after reading so many good things from experts overseas, especially from U.K. It maybe a risk without trying them first ( I do have a 30 day return ). I've tried Nikon Monarch 5, Vortex Diamondbacks, and Zeiss Terra's. Surprisingly, I liked Zeiss the least!, Nikons were brighter and sharp, the Vortex seemed most user friendly to me. Does anyone know hoe well the Opticrons would measure up? Thanks

Kauaihiker said:

It maybe a risk without trying them first

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Welcome to the Bino-Forum !

Be sure to check how much eye relief you require as the ER on these at 17mm is comparatively short ; they will afford you a much wider FOV than the Nikon Monarch 5 ED but that view will be duller and the bins a good deal heavier, and for a higher price. Good luck with your choice.

Thanks for the reply! I'm new with sport optics but I've been a photographer nearly all my life so I'm familiar with C.A and other lens problems and to me it seemed the Zeiss suffered more c.a and edge blurry ness ( at least the pair I tried) it seems this 8x42 is over saturated with a dizzying selection to choose from!

How do those Explorer binoculars compare to the Discovery WP PC? They seem quite similar spec wise? After a new pair of bins and I think it's between those two for our budget.we both wear glasses so eye relief is important.many thanks for any advice

Just looking at the specs reveals a few small but telling differences :

Explorer (the new spec., from 2012) : FMC + PC., 2m close focus, ER 17mm, weight 672g, 10 year warranty, iro £190.00

Discovery : FC + PC., 1.5m close focus, ER 22mm, weight 703g, 5 year warranty, iro £150.00

The Explorer has the better coatings, the lighter weight and the longer warranty.

The Discovery has a marginally closer focus, offers longer ER and is noticeably cheaper (Grahams, all specs).

For the price of an Explorer you could also currently buy two pairs of Nikon Prostaff 7 8x42s, if the close focus is not a particular consideration (4m for these) and you can accept the standard Nikon fov (110m at a grand), eye relief for glasses wearers is 19mm, and they are respectably sharp.

Good luck with your choice.