Opticron Adventurer WP II 8×42 Binocular Review

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Today we review the Opticron Adventurer WP II 8×42 Binoculars, which are said to be perfect for vacationing with an eye out for birds.

If you’re lucky enough to go on a beach vacation in the tropics, then I think you simply must have these binoculars.  Maybe you aren’t a birder or birdwatcher, maybe you like to watch people in bikinis, a parasail enthusiast, or maybe a humpback whale doing a breech.

Whatever you’re into at the beach, you need these binoculars.

Why the Adventurer 8×42 and not just any old binoculars?  Well, it is simple.  You want something that is easy to use, not too heavy, and brings the picture up close and personal.  And the price is right as well.

Feature Pick

Opticron Adventurer Wp Ii 10X42 Binocular

Statistics

The price is usually under $150 at most stores or online.  Which, I’ll say this…wow … considering the quality of the binoculars, this is a steal.

Features

 1.  Roof prisms 

The manufacturers of binoculars made the Porro prism binoculars their standard until the 1960’s.   Two European companies, Zeiss and Leitz, introduced roof prism binoculars at that time.  Their new objective lenses were straight in line with the eyepieces.  This was a great improvement in the world of binoculars.  Not only that, roof prism binoculars were very compact, light, and comfortable for the user for a change.  No more weird imagining.  No more crazy shapes.  No more old fashion Porro prisms.

2.  Nitrogen Waterproof Construction

Nitrogen gas is used on the inside of the binocular to eliminate fogging and mold on internal lens’ surfaces.  If you are out birding in an extremely humid environment, your views will remain the same as always.  

3.  Fully Multi Coated Optics

You want the best image possible, so you’ve decided to move up to a 8×42.  Are all 8×42’s equal?  Read on … They all have the same light-gathering capacity.  Here’s the thing to know.  The lens must be able to gather light from the object and deliver it back to your eyes.  If the glass quality of the lenses and prisms is the same, then it comes down to the coatings.  When light is moved through the lens, some of it reflects off the len’s surface, and the light is gone.  As a result, some manufacturers put a chemical coating on the lens surface to reduce reflective loss.  Without coatings, each lens may lose light to your eyes, and the quality of what you see is not good.

4.  Long Eye Relief

5.  Tripod Adapter Socket

Not all binoculars have this socket for a tripod, but this one does.  You might not use a tripod with your binoculars, but the socket is there just in case.  The Opticron company even has a series of videos to make your life with these binoculars that much easier.

What does the manufacturer have to say?

What to look for and why might be 2 questions on your mind when you’re out shopping for binoculars.  Consider the size of the binocular and its magnification.  This 8×42 model means the object appears to be 1/8th of its actual distance away.

These binoculars are for general wildlife viewing and sporting events i.e. soccer.  The second number, 42, refers to the diameter in millimeters of the objective lens, or the lens at the end of the binoculars furthest from your eyes.  This lens lets the light in.  The larger the lens, the brighter the object.

Consider the binocular’s field of view, which is determined by the overall optical design.  The field of view is simply how much of the picture can you see at once.  If you’re at a sporting event, or if you’re trying to catch a glimpse of a small bird in the bushes, you would want a large field of view, which is what these binoculars offer.

Lastly, how difficult is it to set up the binoculars so you’re ready to see what is important to you?  Opticron has thought of everything.  Just close your right eye and look through the left eyepiece with your left eye, and using the centre focus wheel, focus on an object until it is clear and sharp.  Next, close your left eye and look through the right eyepiece with your right eye.  If the object being viewed is not 100% clear, rotate the ring on the right side optical tube just below the eyepiece until the object being viewed comes into focus.

You are now ready!  Ready to see some important stats on these binoculars.

Recommendation from BeachBabyBob

Bob and his wife Sue recently went on a birdwatching tour to the hot springs of Nuevo Ixtlan in the Old Sierra Madre Mountains of Compostela Mexico with Luis Morales.  Luis is a bird scientist from San Pancho Mexico.  You can check him out at … birdingsanpancho.net.

Luis provides all his birders with the Opticron Adventurer WP II Binoculars.  Bob and Sue loved these binoculars so much, that they have purchased 2 pairs – one for each of them.

Have Fun!