Mike from United States, TX Public Profile

Got these today. Usually I test new bins over several days under different conditions and against other comparable bins I own before reviewing. But I could find no reviews of these superb compacts anywhere so was compelled to post an unqualified 5 star review ASAP. To keep this review short, I will (try) not repeat any of the info from the product description but you can believe everything in the description and more. I compared these for about 90 minutes in late afternoon bright light against my Swarovski 8x20 and 8x25 models. In terms of overall optical performance and image quality the Opticron is 95% as good as either Swaro. The huge ocular lenses are a big plus and make eye placement foolproof. They are also recessed an extra bit even with the eyecups completely down which makes it easier to use without glasses but with eyecups completely down which is what I prefer to maximize FOV. Ergonomics are superb. This is slightly bigger and heavier than most 8x21 dual hinge but for me that makes them much easier to hold steady and gives the handling feel more of a mid size binocular. Unless you want or need a true "shirt pocket" (or small purse)size model, the small added size and weight are a big plus, not a minus. A tiny note, not a fault or criticism, there is a slight bit of play or slip when switching directions with the focus knob. This does not interfere with focusing function - which is first rate- but it is present. It could possibly be an intentional design feature to

My reviews take price into account. For the money, this spotting scope package cannot be beat. I agree with another review, the scope alone is worth the money and the tripod while not great is serviceable and it is very light and somewhat compact. With some patient experimentation and adjustment and the included hook for a counterweight the tripod is fine for casual/recreational use. There can be some shake and vibration in stronger wind for example but nothing major and this cannot really be considered a fault at this price. The scope is of average size for 80 mm but it is also noticeably light. Carrying cases with straps are included for both the scope and the tripod. While the cases are not padded they are of reasonable quality and useful. The removable eye piece helps with travel/storage. Together they make a reasonably compact and really light rig for the optical stats and performance.
Construction of the scope is solid and precise. It yields clear bright sharp images up to about 40x at which point the image tends to get a little darker and is not as sharp but still perfectly acceptable. Focusing is easy positive and fast.
For reference I also own a Swarovski ATX 65mm scope for serious birding and a Minox 50mm scope for ultra compact/light traveling. I take this Celestron to the beach nearly every weekend (can't yet bring myself to expose the Swaro to the salt and sand)for general use and love it. This is a 5 star package for the price and portability.