opticron dba oasis 8x21 compacts (1 Viewer)

[Sancho]

My former fave compacts were Leica BR 8x20 Ultravid. I had to sell them to cash in some "bino-bucks" (thanks Kevin!). I replaced them some time later with Opticron´s DBA Oasis 8x21. I won´t bore you with the tech-specs, you can get these on Opticron´s website. But they are my new fave compacts. A tad heavier and bigger than the Leicas, but not much. They wouldn´t fit in a shirt pocket, but in any jacket pocket you require. They are not quite as bright as the Leicas, but just as sharp, with a rich, warm contrasty look that I associate with Nikon HGLs. And now for the really good news. In the hand, "opened-out", they feel as comfortable as a small 8x32 (not "niggly" or "pernickity", like most compacts). The FOV is stunning at 7.5 degrees, far superior to any compacts out there. The edge sharpness is also amazing...I kept trying to determine the point at which "fuzziness" sets in, and couldn´t find it. The eye-relief is quite amazing, no "blackouts" either with or without glasses (4 click-stop eyecup settings). The ocular lens diameter is also huge, at 19mm or so. The double-hinges on my pair are a little looser than I would prefer, compared to the Opticron Aspheric LE´s of a friend, but if they should loosen further, I trust Opticron´s service to look after them. They aren´t budget binos, they cost me nearly 300 euro, but they are beautiful compacts that don´t seem to get a mention, and in many respects (edge sharpness, FOV, ocular diameter for "viewing-ease"), they outclass all competitors and are worth considering. And in the hand, they feel more comfortable than any compacts I´ve encountered.

 

[Sancho]

...and according to the Opticron website they are available FREE OF CHARGE to anybody that purchases a full size DBA Oasis S-coat pair of binoculars before the end of June.

That´s a pretty amazing deal if one likes the S-Coat....a 289 sterling compact free with a 589 8x42? You have to click on "promotions" on the site to see the offer, and it ends in July, folks (no, I don´t work for Opticron). I wonder if they have loads of unsold compacts there?

 

[NoSpringChicken]

Nice to see you posting again Sancho and an excellent review of these compacts. I see you mention your friend's Opticron Aspheric LEs. I bought my partner a pair of these but, despite persevering with them to spare my feelings, she didn't get on with them so I bought her a pair of Opticron Discovery 8x42 which she loves. We now use the Apheric compacts indoors to look at birds in the garden but, although they are quite sharp and bright, I still can't get away from the feeling that I am looking through small binoculars. Is this the case with the DBA Oasis compacts or does it feel like looking through a pair of full size binoculars?

Ron

 

[Sancho]

Hi Ron! The Aspheric LE´s are cute and nice to hold, but the FOV is too narrow for my liking, and DBA Oasis are much brighter and sharper, and when "opened out", really feel like a compact 8x32, all rubber-armoured and very comfortable. Eye-relief and eye-placement superb. They are in a totally different league to the Aspherics. Not as small and cute as my old Leica 8x20 BR, but not as "fiddly" to the eyes either.

 

[robertv]

Hi Sancho, thanks for your review, helped me decide to buy a pair of these too, they do seem to get overlooked on the web. I got these to replace an old pair of Zeiss 10x25, which are great tiny binoculars but the narrow FOV was getting quite annoying.

You're absolutely right about the feel of these Opticrons, they are less fiddly than other compacts I've tried and do feel more like a small 8x32. I think the massive FOV and easy eye-placement really helps in this department. I tried some Leica and Nikon 8x20's at a nearby RSPB reserve, the Leica pair were very nice but the eye-relief was just too long for me, they were also over £500! The Nikon's were nice too, and similar in size to the opticrons, but were still overpriced. Unfortunately it seems the RSPB don't sell opticrons any more so I couldn't compare them, had to buy them online but got them for £210 in the end.

One thing that is worth mentioning is that the focus wheel turns the opposite way (clockwise to close-up, anti-clockwise to infinity) to other binoculars I've used, not a big problem but can take some getting used to. Also, the focus wheel on my pair has a little bit of slack when changing direction, not too bad, and I'm sure opticron can sort them out if it gets worse. Sancho, did you find your pair have any slack in the focus wheel?

The strap that comes with them is a nice bungee type one, and it does come with a rainguard but I find that it just gets in the way with such small binoculars. The case, whilst good if you like to carry it around on a belt, is just far too big if all you want is something simple to throw in a bag. Any recommendations on a small case that fits these when folded up would be most appreciated.

Overall these are great binoculars, and are a real bargain compared to the ever increasing prices of other brands.

Cheers, Rob.

 

[Sancho]

Hi Sancho, thanks for your review, helped me decide to buy a pair of these too, they do seem to get overlooked on the web. I got these to replace an old pair of Zeiss 10x25, which are great tiny binoculars but the narrow FOV was getting quite annoying.

You're absolutely right about the feel of these Opticrons, they are less fiddly than other compacts I've tried and do feel more like a small 8x32. I think the massive FOV and easy eye-placement really helps in this department. I tried some Leica and Nikon 8x20's at a nearby RSPB reserve, the Leica pair were very nice but the eye-relief was just too long for me, they were also over £500! The Nikon's were nice too, and similar in size to the opticrons, but were still overpriced. Unfortunately it seems the RSPB don't sell opticrons any more so I couldn't compare them, had to buy them online but got them for £210 in the end.

One thing that is worth mentioning is that the focus wheel turns the opposite way (clockwise to close-up, anti-clockwise to infinity) to other binoculars I've used, not a big problem but can take some getting used to. Also, the focus wheel on my pair has a little bit of slack when changing direction, not too bad, and I'm sure opticron can sort them out if it gets worse. Sancho, did you find your pair have any slack in the focus wheel?

The strap that comes with them is a nice bungee type one, and it does come with a rainguard but I find that it just gets in the way with such small binoculars. The case, whilst good if you like to carry it around on a belt, is just far too big if all you want is something simple to throw in a bag. Any recommendations on a small case that fits these when folded up would be most appreciated.

Overall these are great binoculars, and are a real bargain compared to the ever increasing prices of other brands.

Cheers, Rob.

Great Rob, glad you like them! You got a fantastic price...mine cost 295 euro, (about 260 sterling). I hadn´t noticed about the "wrong way" focussing! The rainguard...I don´t use it either. It´s a good rainguard, but compacts are compacts, and I prefer the regular lens caps so that the binos fit in my pocket easier. I can´t recommend a case, sorry, for the same reason...I don´t use it. (I gave the case to my daughter, she uses it as a posh make-up bag for her dolls). There is a tiny bit more flare in these bins than in the superb Taigas, but the Taigas have FOV of 6 degrees, aren´t waterproof, and being reverse-porros, are more bulky. (Mind you I got a pair for 57 sterling). How do you find the hinges on your Oasis? Mine are just a tiny bit too loose for my liking, it´s not much of a problem though. On the issue of the "slack" in your focussing wheel...mine has none, it´s very secure and smooth. I´m sure Opticron would tighten it up for you, I can´t praise their after-sales service enough.

 

[robertv]

Thanks for the info, I'll probably get them to tighten the focus at some point, it's not bad probably only a mm or two when changing direction, I always manage to find some little niggle on a new pair of bins The Opticron service was another reason I bought them actually, I've only read good things about them on this forum.

I didn't find the hinges on my pair particularly loose, they stay where I put them anyway. I imagine it would get annoying if they kept moving about though. It's a shame there's no easy way to tighten them yourself.

 

[Sancho]

Thanks for the info, I'll probably get them to tighten the focus at some point, it's not bad probably only a mm or two when changing direction, I always manage to find some little niggle on a new pair of bins The Opticron service was another reason I bought them actually, I've only read good things about them on this forum.

I didn't find the hinges on my pair particularly loose, they stay where I put them anyway. I imagine it would get annoying if they kept moving about though. It's a shame there's no easy way to tighten them yourself.

Well, the hinges don´t move about by themselves, they´re not actually "floppy", I´d just prefer if they were tighter as a little knock with my nose or against my glasses can change the IPD. I´m just being overly fussy. In the case of your focusser, I´d be inclined to send them back if there´s 1mm of play, you might as well be 100% happy, and based on my experience you wouldn´t be waiting long.

 

[robertv]

If you can move the hinges with just a little nudge then they certainly seem too loose, my pair are much tighter than that.

I think you're right about the focus, it does feel a little sloppy and if yours have no play at all then mine could definitely be better. I'll give opticron a ring and see what they say.

 

[Sancho]

If you can move the hinges with just a little nudge then they certainly seem too loose, my pair are much tighter than that.

Thanks for that, Rob. I think I´ll send mine back too. It´s probably just a question of tightening the right screw, but I don´t want to mess about with them and it probably isn´t much of a job for Opticron. I might as well be 100% happy with mine too! I just had them out in the local woods, the sun has set but they are still very, very clear even in the shade.

 

[denniswaugh]

Purchased a pair last week and I am very happy.

Like robertv I was using old zeiss 10X25 and had become frustrated with the FOV.

These Opticrons have a great FOV and are sharp to the edge of the field.

Image contrast is much better than my old 10x25's but I expected this. I've had my zeiss compacts for over 25 years, so no phase coatings and I'm not sure if they are multi-coated.

The focus wheel seems fine with no slack but the right hand hinge seems a little easy to move.

I've never used 8x32 but understand your comment about the Opticrons being less fiddly to use than my 10x25.

I paid £206 inc p&p.

 

[Sancho]

I paid £206 inc p&p.

Confound your low-cost economy!!!

Glad you´re happy with them, Dennis. I think it´s superb to have a pair of compacts that delivers a wide FOV and great contrast. I´m amazed they´re not more popular. I sent mine back to Opticron in Luton to ask for the hinges to be tightened up, I´ll let you know how that goes.

 

[Sancho]

Update...my Opticron DBA Oasis 8x21 arrived back from their servicing dept. in Luton, UK, today...the hinges are tightened up, they feel great, no charge, top marks to Opticron again for Customer Service!

 

[robertv]

Update: After using my pair for a few weeks the focus slack was getting a bit annoying so last week I sent them off to Opticron to have them looked at. I received them back today, focus play fixed and hinges tightened, fantastic service! The focus is much better and more positive now with no noticable play when changing direction.

Top marks again for Opticron!

 

[kristoffer]

Edit. Question already answered

 

[PatrikIver]

Any recommendations on a small case that fits these when folded up would be most appreciated.

Hi!

Got the Hama Arezzo DF15 for mine. It is a leather case with a hard(ish) back and front but soft sides, so it compresses practically flat when empty.
The fit is just about perfect (perhaps a bit snug if you use the lenscaps), but it will work. Of course the snugness makes for the smallest possible size when in use. The rainguard will not fit into this case.
One link here:
http://www.dooyoo.co.uk/photo-accessories/hama-arezzo-df-15/details/
...but there are of course several alternative vendors.

Canon used to make a Alcantara case to fit the Powershot 5XX-series of Digicams, which has basically the same dimensions as the Hama case, that case also fits, but it will not compress as flat as the Hama.

Best regards,
Patrik Iver

 

[TomW]

Have just taken delivery of these compact Opticrons, and thought I would give you my first impressions. Out of the box they seem well put together, feel solid in the hand and comfortable to hold. The hinges were stiff enough to stay where you put them without being too tight and the focus wheel turned smoothly with no slack.

I have to admit I bought these without trying first, I've tried several compacts recently, some way more expensive than the opticrons and not really been happy with any of them, and although I've not had the chance to try these, given the glowing reports above, thought I would give them a punt.

My comparison for optical ability are my elderly 8x40 Optolyth Alpins , not really a fair comparison given the larger objective and the fact they are porros, but both are quality binoculars with coated lenses without being ED glass.

I use the Alpins regularly and still rate them as one of the best binoculars around for their clarity, lightness and ease of use.

On first use I was slightly disappointed with the Opticrons, I was expecting a certain "wow" factor given the reports above.
Field of view was very good, but depth of field seemed narrow, leading to constant adjustment of the focus. Image quality somehow lacked the crispness I find with the Alpins although still very good edge to edge with bright colour.

After using them for a while, getting used to the focus and adjusting the dioptre correctly they seemed to improve, but take more "effort" than the Alpins to get a sharp image. It was a very dull day so maybe I'm expecting too much from such a small binocular. I need a field outing to test them properly.

Cheers
Tom

 

[Sancho]

Have just taken delivery of these compact Opticrons, and thought I would give you my first impressions. Out of the box they seem well put together, feel solid in the hand and comfortable to hold. The hinges were stiff enough to stay where you put them without being too tight and the focus wheel turned smoothly with no slack.

I have to admit I bought these without trying first, I've tried several compacts recently, some way more expensive than the opticrons and not really been happy with any of them, and although I've not had the chance to try these, given the glowing reports above, thought I would give them a punt.

My comparison for optical ability are my elderly 8x40 Optolyth Alpins , not really a fair comparison given the larger objective and the fact they are porros, but both are quality binoculars with coated lenses without being ED glass.

I use the Alpins regularly and still rate them as one of the best binoculars around for their clarity, lightness and ease of use.

On first use I was slightly disappointed with the Opticrons, I was expecting a certain "wow" factor given the reports above.
Field of view was very good, but depth of field seemed narrow, leading to constant adjustment of the focus. Image quality somehow lacked the crispness I find with the Alpins although still very good edge to edge with bright colour.

After using them for a while, getting used to the focus and adjusting the dioptre correctly they seemed to improve, but take more "effort" than the Alpins to get a sharp image. It was a very dull day so maybe I'm expecting too much from such a small binocular. I need a field outing to test them properly.

Cheers
Tom

Interesting. I don´t know what the Optolyths are like, but I don´t think my DBA Oasis 8x21 would hold up against a good pair of full-size 8x40 bins. They´re not really a substitute for my bigger bins, but the best compromise between small size, sharpness, contrast, brightness and FOV that I´ve found so far. I had Leica Ultravid 8x20, which are a wonderful bino, sharper and brighter than the Optis, but much narrower FOV and "fiddly" to use. I suppose it´s all a question of what the individual user finds are the priorities....but how do you feel about the optis now, have you tested them in the field?

 

[TomW]

Hello Sancho, I've not had a chance to get out properly yet; planning a walk this Sunday, will report back as and when.

Cheers
Tom

 

[Sancho]

Hello Sancho, I've not had a chance to get out properly yet; planning a walk this Sunday, will report back as and when.

Cheers
Tom

I hope you like them, Tom. And I hope the recommendations above haven´t led you into buying something you´re not 100% happy with.