Quick & dirty review of 8x42 Opticron Aurora. (2 Viewers)

[Mikewander]

"Eye relief is MASSIVE - with wrap round sunglasses I have full field of view with eye ups all the way in. That is one absolute win for the Opticron. Without, extended eyecups all the way out allow a bright, relaxed view. Cannot fault these eye cups. At all."

Would that make it a problem for non-glasses wearers?

 

[Ratal]

"Eye relief is MASSIVE - with wrap round sunglasses I have full field of view with eye ups all the way in. That is one absolute win for the Opticron. Without, extended eyecups all the way out allow a bright, relaxed view. Cannot fault these eye cups. At all."

Would that make it a problem for non-glasses wearers?

Not at all. Eyecup design is absolutely amazing. Full out, full field of view with no hovering. Full in, sunglasses and set to one stop out, glasses.

The eyecup and eye relief design is phenomenal.

 

[Ratal]

It looks like the same identical design/material(case) that was supplied with my Opticron DBA VHD + 8x42 binoculars. Obviously not the greatest but I would rather Opticron skimp on this accessory and not with any part of the binocular.

The Aurora is a powerhouse of optical awesomeness.

I brough a hardshell pouch. Job done. Hand luggage safe. So I totally agree - spend on the bino above all else.

 

[Ratal]

Now I know that the water / dirt repelling coatings work wonders. How did I test this out? Took a Great Dane to the back and was sent head-first into Loch Morlich.

Not how I imagined the day going, but none the less, I now know for sure that the bins are waterproof, and that they repel water off of the lenses like a champ. Just shook them down, clambered out the water and checked them.

 

[KLP2014]

Now I know that the water / dirt repelling coatings work wonders. How did I test this out? Took a Great Dane to the back and was sent head-first into Loch Morlich.

Not how I imagined the day going, but none the less, I now know for sure that the bins are waterproof, and that they repel water off of the lenses like a champ. Just shook them down, clambered out the water and checked them.

Very interested in what you think of the focus wheel when approaching the optimum focus point. Are you experiencing any drag or stiffness as you get to that point. I certainly am, otherwise a very impressive pair of premium binoculars.

 

[Ratal]

I'll be honest with you here - I use two fingers each hand to focus so have four points of contact on the focus wheel - and I've zero moments where I felt sticking or tightness - but what HAS caught me off guard a few times is the central diopter and I've forgotten about it and am trying to move it.

I'll give it a go with just a single point of contact and get back to you - but I'm keeping this pair no matter what hahahaha as they are lush.

 

[Mikewander]

Thanks for the reply. Finding a stockist to try is impossible up here.

 

[pete_gamby]

@Mikewander - You could call JRS in Perth (your closest Opticron dealer) and ask them to order one in on sale or return for you to try. Any problems, ask them to call me - 01582 726522.

Cheers, Pete

 

[Mikewander]

@Mikewander - You could call JRS in Perth (your closest Opticron dealer) and ask them to order one in on sale or return for you to try. Any problems, ask them to call me - 01582 726522.

Cheers, Pete

Thanks Pete.
I've just done that. Hopefully i don't need to 'hover' with them.

 

[Ratal]

Thanks Pete.
I've just done that. Hopefully i don't need to 'hover' with them.

The eyecup design is near perfect in my opinion. Fully extended is going to be sat in your eye socket- and fully retracted or one stop out will be perfect for eye glass wearing folks. Not one person in the last couple of trips has ever had to hover to get a view. In fact, the eyecups get heaps of praise.

 

[KLP2014]

I'll be honest with you here - I use two fingers each hand to focus so have four points of contact on the focus wheel - and I've zero moments where I felt sticking or tightness - but what HAS caught me off guard a few times is the central diopter and I've forgotten about it and am trying to move it.

I'll give it a go with just a single point of contact and get back to you - but I'm keeping this pair no matter what hahahaha as they are lush.

Thanks that's interesting. I've started using two fingers (right hand) on the focus wheel and the resistance or stickiness I felt as I slowed towards the focus point has largely been eliminated.
I've had my Auroras (8x42) for about a month now and I continue to be impressed with their optical performance. The wide field of view adds an immersive quality that is very enjoyable and makes them a joy to use. The price point is excellent for such an outstanding binocular.

 

[Ratal]

Thanks that's interesting. I've started using two fingers (right hand) on the focus wheel and the resistance or stickiness I felt as I slowed towards the focus point has largely been eliminated.
I've had my Auroras (8x42) for about a month now and I continue to be impressed with their optical performance. The wide field of view adds an immersive quality that is very enjoyable and makes them a joy to use. The price point is excellent for such an outstanding binocular.

Indeed - I did try one finger, and I found that strange 'drag' point but I shall be blunt - Ever since my first days of binocular use, I was trained for two fingers to focus and full grip so that's going to be a moot point for me - and as the binoculars are absolutely flawless in every other respect, well, they are keepers.

 

[Mikewander]

Thanks for the advice folks.
I'm now the owner of a pair of 10x42's.
I had around £1000 to spend, and these were the best for me, and i've saved around £200 as a bonus on the others i tried.
Very clear and sharp, even in the dull rainy conditions just now.
The ergonomics of the Zeiss and Leica models weren't as good for my non glass wearing face, and the view was just as good in my non-professional opinion.

 

[Rotherbirder]

Thanks for the opinions Ratal. It seems that the 'big three' are starting to come under serious pressure from 'sub-alpha' marques. If the Auroras are as good as they sound and backed by a 30 year warranty, Opticron could be onto a winner. I'll certainly look at them if/when I need to change my optics (currently Swaro).

RB

 

[DrewskiMT]

Nice read,

It`s probably just me but I`m more excited to try these than an NL or a 32mm SF.

Actually me too. I have more fun with multiples of mid range glass than I do with a single alpha and no money left over for other optics…

 

[Petrus82]

The thing that intrigues me most here is why this review is “dirty”?

 

[Ratal]

The thing that intrigues me most here is why this review is “dirty”?

Turn of phrase for something done off the cuff, unplanned for the main part, and without a formal structure most come to expect.

Bit the binocular in the review is still absolutely stellar and worth every penny and then some.

 

[Ratal]

Opticron have hit a home run with the 8x42 Aurora.

I cannot stress highly enough how anyone searching for a sharp, ferociously bright and robust bino in the 800 UK Sterling ball bark, really needs to give these a look see. With the new, vastly improved FoV, these are a bino to treasure.

I've compared them all morning to a Zeiss Conquest, also 8x mag, and I have no hesitation to take back my Aurora with a glad heart. Also - The Opticron internal build quality is far, far higher with zero 'mess' inside. Cannot say the same for this particular Conquest.

 

[Petrus82]

I’m finding the comments from the OP a bit OTT. I don’t doubt this is a top class binocular but this OTT lavish praise is off putting.

 

[Ratal]

I’m finding the comments from the OP a bit OTT. I don’t doubt this is a top class binocular but this OTT lavish praise is off putting.

Well I'll make sure to message you any future posts, let my forum posts be censored by you for content and feel - or, wait, I have an even better idea.

I'll post what I want. When I want. In a manner that's true and honest from my view point.