I wanted to upgrade my previous 10x50 binocular and, after much research, decided these were the ones.
The instrument is surprisingly light (but very well built and rugged). The case it comes in is a little above average. Neck strap supplied is wide and comfortable (unlike others I could name).
The optics are superb. Focus is smooth and "snaps to" in a fashion that initially surprised me.
Mounted on a good tripod I can report the best views I've ever had with a 10x50. A thin crescent moon was my favourite (with a noticable lack of chromatic aberration). Double stars and planets also a joy to look at.
This bino is superior to my old 10x50 and even a previous "cheap" 15x70 I used to own.
The right dioptre is stiff (others have reported this as well). However, I've decided this is a "good thing" as you should only need to set it once and then forget about it.
Fast delivery from FLO.
Wish I'd invested in a binocular of this quality some time ago...
Opticron Imagic TGA WP Porro Prism
Rating (max 5):
5
So easy to use! - Mark
I was looking for a good pair of binoculars that were small, light and easy to use. These Opticron Imagics tick all the boxes. When I'm out with my astrotrac I can have these around my neck and they don't get in the way and don't start feeling heavy. When I bring them up to look for a target they give a good, clear image with no readjustment required. They feel so natural to use. I got the 8x42 version with gives me a steady view and they are small and light enough to use one handed.
The rubber coating is easy to grip and they don't get freezing cold in Winter. The lens caps and rainguard are nothing special, but they come off at the start of the evening. The neck strap is webbing fabric and comfortable. The case could be better; it's quite a tight fit and made of semi-rigid vinyl, but again, they're not in the case when I'm using them.
These are centre focusing with a separate dioptre adjustment for the right eye. They have twist up eyecups that are made of hard rubber, so you can't really push into them like with soft eyecups. It's not a problem though. I bought these for astronomy, but I find I use them for watching birds in the garden too. Very glad I got them.