New Opticron 7x28, the Discovery SP (1 Viewer)

[yarrellii]

While browsing the Opticron website I've come across an unexpected new binocular, a small 7x28 Porro.

It's here.

7x28
Weight 345 g
FOV: 7,8 (136 m/100m or 408 ft/1000yd)
Water resitant: IPX5, nitrogen filled
Eye relief: 18 mm
Price: 69 GBP
Although we often hear that 7x don't sell very well, it seems that there have been a number of interesting launches on that format (or 6.5x, for that matter) in recent times.
I really like the specs (well, obviously a little more FOV wouldn't hurt). This seems similar to the Opticron Savanna WP Porros (6x30 and 8x30) sold also under other brands. However, what worries me is that this is an entry level binocular, and the price is 69 GBP, while that of the very similar Savanna is 129/139 GBP (for the 6x30 and 8x30). I understand that it is only normal that with the decrease in price there will be an inevitable decrease in quality. In fact, bar the Oregon 8x40 WA I think this new 7x28 is the cheapest of the entire Opticron range. That's just a pity. I really love the 6x30/8x30 format of the Kowa YF/Leupold Yosemite/etc., and only wish that they would try to make a "Plus" version, packing more optical punch and more refined materials in that same size/weight/shape format. I'll probably try to get a pair of these to see how the work. But I also understand that 69 GBP can be a great selling point for many people, especially considering that the model is marketed as being "designed for the whole family". So, in a sense a similar target (children) as the Savanna, with it's narrow minimal IPD of 52 mm.

 

[Ignatius]

If I didn't already have the Curio living in my truck, this little Opticron would be perfect for the job.

 

[yarrellii]

@Ignatius I don't know if this cheaper iteration would have any internals in common with the 6/8x30 bigger brother, but I've had a pair of Kowa YF 8x30 as a glove box unit for several years and they have survived the ordeal that is, so I can vouch for their more than reasonable build quality for the price. Now, how close is this new 7x28 at half the price? Difficult to tell, and probably more prone to flaws due to poor QC. I've had a total of 6 different units of the Kowa YF/YF II, vixen Atrek, etc. and I don't recall one with an obvious QC flaw (like a focus wheel not working, or serious optical compromises due to lack of QC), and I simply find it stunning for the price.

 

[Ignatius]

@yarrellii I had a Kowa YF 6x30 back in TX. It used to live hung from the steering wheel of the tractor. Tough as old boots and the only issue I had was that the eye cups didn't extend far enough for the ER, which was sufficient, to be comfortable against my eyes. Very good for the price though and for what I needed them for - having a look at beasts when I was out working on the farm.
Although ... if it came to a toss up between them and Nikon's EX 7x35 with its humungous eye cups made for flatter facial topographies ...

 

[Cest]

Maven makes a nice little 7x28, but it's a roof. Their 6x30 is wonderful.

 

[Trinovid]

If I didn't already have the Curio living in my truck, this little Opticron would be perfect for the job.

Given the top-tier quality of the Curio this particular model would probably be disappointing, and a lot bulkier too. Would be nice to have some less expensive options available though.

 

[yarrellii]

I don't think Opticron had the Curio in mind when they launched this humble 7x28 😄

The Maven has been on my radar since a long time ago, but it's getting difficult to get it around here in the EU (at least for a reasonable amount of money). But if I could get at US price, it would have been in my hands a loooooooooooong time ago. Such a peach!

 

[Dipperdapper]

Cor, Blimey!

Wow!

 

[Ignatius]

Assuming there is more to come than just a picture it might be worth investigating where to get these in the EU.

 

[Ignatius]

Cor, Blimey!

Wow!
View attachment 1606939

NB. Blimey: 19th century, short for 'gorblimey' meaning 'god blind me'. Interesting choice of words.

 

[wllmspd]

Always good to know about really low cost models that are “not bad”, to suggest to people who want some binos but expect to/are only able to pay very little for them.

Peter

 

[Pondspy]

Given the top-tier quality of the Curio this particular model would probably be disappointing, and a lot bulkier too. Would be nice to have some less expensive options available though.

You may want to ck the maven C.2 in 7x28, which I viewed recently. Very nice, though I prefer my B.3 in 8x30...their top glass for half the price of their excellent full size B1.2.

 

[Trinovid]

You may want to ck the maven C.2 in 7x28, which I viewed recently. Very nice, though I prefer my B.3 in 8x30...their top glass for half the price of their excellent full size B1.2.

I'd been positive about wanting the Maven 7x28, until I looked through it, and would always still be interested in other lower powered, compact designs. On the other hand, I definitely don't need anything else, especially as little use any of them have been getting lately.

My selection of 7x is pretty satisfactory right now with the 7x21 Curio, 7x35 Leitz and 7x42 HD+, and if I was to add to it immediately, it would probably be with the 7x35 Retrovid. Compact enough to be pretty well suited to glove box duty too.

 

[Pondspy]

I'd been positive about wanting the Maven 7x28, until I looked through it, and would always still be interested in other lower powered, compact designs. On the other hand, I definitely don't need anything else, especially as little use any of them have been getting lately.

My selection of 7x is pretty satisfactory right now with the 7x21 Curio, 7x35 Leitz and 7x42 HD+, and if I was to add to it immediately, it would probably be with the 7x35 Retrovid. Compact enough to be pretty well suited to glove box duty too.

Understood, lol. Curio etc a different league from the C series Maven.

 

[Binastro]

Just tried the Discovery SP 7x28.

Fully multicoated.

It is cloudy, but I wanted to know how it performs near my streetlight.

The glare control is very good to excellent.

Ghost images are few and mild.

A very impressive performance for a Porroprism binocular.

There are no stars to test.

There seems to be mild pincushion distortion.

I will have to wait till daytime, but this seems to be a very nice binocular.

The field is a bit narrow.

My much used 1965 Nipole 7x23 reverse Porroprism micro binocular had a usable 9.5 degree field against the quoted 7.8 degrees for the Opticron, which seems about right.

The Minolta 7x35 MK Standard has a measured 11.05 degree field but is much larger.

This Opticron I hope to use regularly, but I will need more time to test it

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

A very dull day.

Central resolution of 7x28 is very good to my eye.

Indeed mild pincushion distortion.

CA nil to me centrally and very slight CA at edges.

Edge performance fair but right at edge, otherwise good.

At a guess transmission might be about 88%.

Although the binocular is sharp at middle distance the image did not pop.
I think this is because the depth of field is great.
I did not get the impression of good 3D despite it being a Porroprism. This may be because it is a dull day.

I wonder if the magnification is slightly less than 7x.

As to glare performance and ghost images, the comments in my last post stand.
However, compared to the Leica 8x32 BA it is clear that the 8x32BA is considerably better in side by side comparison.
The 8x32 is really excellent plus here.

But even the 8x32BA is not as good as my Canon 18x50 IS regarding glare and ghosting.

The Ultravid 12x50 is similar to the 8x32BA regarding glare and ghost images.

I need to test in better lighting and under different conditions.

There is sometimes a very thin light ring around the field stop, but again I need more time to evaluate.

The binocular is very light weight and easy for me to hold steady.

I use either the eyecup fully extended or one step down without glasses.

For £69 this certainly is a binocular for those on a budget, but there is probably sample variation.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

In bright sunshine the view through the 7x28 was beautiful.

Enhanced 3D with four trees and three buildings in their own planes.
The trees in beautiful autumn colours.

Set to 63.5mm IPD the distance between the centre of the objectives is 104mm, so a 1.64x 3D enhancement.

However, viewing crows on the chimney pot at 120m was more difficult.
I have now had about 6 views of crows, initially identifying them with unaided eyes.
In the first I had great difficulty making out detail, especially truncated legs. Switching to the 8x32 BA the legs were easily seen with detail.
On other occasions I could make out some detail with he 7x28.
This is more because my eyes are not so good.
Someone with good eyesight may find detail on a crow easy with the 7x28 at 120m.
But my eyes get tired quickly.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

I have found differences with the weight of the Opticron 7x28.

The website says less than 400g or less than 14 ounces.
However, it then says the weight is 345g.
A measured weight was recently on the forum of 347g or 348g, but this post seems to have disappeared.

I thought my electronic scales must be faulty.

So I used a 750g spring balance postal scale as well as the electronic scale.
I used an accurate 500g stainless steel calibration weight to calibrate the scales.
In all cases my sample 7x28 weighs 377g calibrated.
This is without front caps or rainguard, just the basic binocular. No strap.
So something is wrong somewhere.

I also measured the aperture of the binocular once at 27.84mm.
I didn't want to scratch the lens so did not repeat it.
I think the aperture externally is 27.9mm (possibly 28.0mm).
There may be some internal vignetting?

I also don't know if the magnification is slightly less than 7x.

Regards,
B.

 

[Binastro]

Last night at about midnight BST or 23.00 UT I viewed the Moon and Jupiter in the same field with the Opticron 7x28 and 8x32 BA.

Both were nicely in the same field of either binocular.

The outer limb of the Moon to Jupiter was about 7.1 degrees distance.
Jupiter below the Moon.

The field of the 7x28 is about 7.8 degrees.

The 7x28 is quite well collimated, although I don't know how good the collimation is exactly.

The binocular is clean inside.

I am not sure how long the nitrogen purging will last or the waterproofness.
I wouldn't immerse the binocular in water.

But the 5 year warranty means a cost of £14 per year.

In conclusion the 7x28 Opticron is a medium quality binocular at a low cost new of £69 or apparently $89.

This is based on my sample, although other samples may vary.

Regards,
B.

 

[yarrellii]

There are two binoculars I would really like to compare these to:

On one hand, the obvious comparison would be with the Kowa YF, in both 6x30 and 8x30, to see how well they behave.
7,8º for a 7x I guess must provide a more immersive view than 8º at 6x for the small Kowa.

And then to a more expensive roof like the Maven 7x28 C2, to see what can a cheap porro do against a pretty well thought out roof.

All in all, this little Opticron really looks like an interesting proposition. Now let's see if other brands market this under other badges.