Review by Matt Merritt
Note: This review was originally published in the April 2016 issue of Bird Watching magazine...
OPTICRON’S DBA BINOCULARS have long been a popular choice with birders, but this upgraded version promises brighter and sharper optics.
www.cliftoncameras.co.uk
It’s hard to argue with Opticron’s claim. The image produced by the HD glass is very bright, and performs extremely well in low light, and it’s sharp, too, with very true-to-life colour. Best of all, the image remains sharp to the edge of the field of view (122m@1000m), and colour-fringing is negligible even against bright light.
Focusing is very precise, with the ridged wheel (just over a finger wide) turning smoothly and rather stiffly, taking two anti-clockwise turns from close focus to infinity. Close focus, at 2.5m, is good, but not great.
The ergonomics are excellent. The eyecups twist up and down to three distinct positions, offering an exceptional 22mm of eye relief, and the dioptre on the focus wheel sets easily and stays in place well.
There’s plenty of rubber armour, but the open-bridge design keeps weight down and they feel both light, compact and well-balanced in the hand. A good neoprene strap, removable tethered objective lens covers, a snug rainguard and a fabric case complete the package.
OPTICRON DBA VHD 8X42 VERDICT:
If you’re looking to buy high-quality bins for well under £1,000, then you need to take a look at these. Great optics, and a user-friendly design.
OPTICRON DBA VHD 8X42 FACTFILE:
Field of view (@1000m): 122m
Close focus: 2.5m
Eye relief: 22mm
Dimensions: 145mm x 126mm
Weight: 696g
RRP: £579