Hi all! I spent some time searching the forums but can’t seem to find any in depth reviews on the OB 12x50 SE? If it’s out there and I missed it, please send me that way! If you have a pair and haven’t reviewed them, I’d love to know how you like them and how they compare to any other Binos you have. I mainly use Binos for long distance animal glassing, not so much for astronomy.
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Oberwerk 12X50 SE (1 Viewer)
- Thread starter sonof12
- Start date
For those interested - I just got a pair of these through Amazon over the weekend and spent some time with them. Build quality and fit and finish seems great - and overall they are a good binocular. Color, tint, CA, and edge to edge clarity was good. That said, they did not compete with the Theron Questa’s and Zen Ray ED3’s I had on hand in terms of clarity, focusing, and brightness. I was honestly hoping for more so they are going back and my quest for the best budget 12x continues…
Chris Pringle
Active member
For the money, I think where Oberwerk really shines is with their two “Sport ED” roof prism models - the ones with a red focuser. But unfortunately not available in the magnification/aperture you’re looking for.
iseegeorgesstar
Well-known member
Thanks for your review. You didn't state a budget. Also are you looking for porro or roof because they tend to be different beasts?
I'd give Tract a shot though you may have to pay for return shipping if you don't like them.
If you're okay with IF, the APM ED tend to be well reviewed:
APM ED Apo 12x50 Magnesium Series Binoculars
The powerful APM ED APO binoculars with 12 x magnification.CharacteristicsHigh magnificationHigh quality, apochromatic opticsBAK-4 prism systemState-of-the-art multi coatingsMagnesium bodyUsable with eye glassesIndividual focusTripod connector
www.apm-telescopes.net
I think of the APM ED series only the 6x30 is CF. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)
Budget is under $1k. I am not bothered by Roof vs Porro - they’ll be on a tripod most of the time. Thanks for the recommendation on Tract. And yes, I prefer Center Focus for sure.Thanks for your review. You didn't state a budget. Also are you looking for porro or roof because they tend to be different beasts?
I'd give Tract a shot though you may have to pay for return shipping if you don't like them.
If you're okay with IF, the APM ED tend to be well reviewed:
APM ED Apo 12x50 Magnesium Series Binoculars
The powerful APM ED APO binoculars with 12 x magnification.CharacteristicsHigh magnificationHigh quality, apochromatic opticsBAK-4 prism systemState-of-the-art multi coatingsMagnesium bodyUsable with eye glassesIndividual focusTripod connector
I think of the APM ED series only the 6x30 is CF. (Someone correct me if I'm wrong.)
iseegeorgesstar
Well-known member
It's hard to think of 12x that are closer to mid-range rather than entry-level that get good reviews. Case and point kowa 12x56 prominar.
What I like about the Tract is that it's lightweight 32.6oz vs 37.7oz of Meopta B1+ 12x50.
The GPO HD 12x50 seems to be on sale at several outlets for $1k -- not familiar with that line though.
