Opticron SR.GA 8x32 Binocular

Good Porro Prism binoculars are hard to find these days. This is really a pity, since the image quality compared to their Roof counterparts is far more better. A roof prism bin with a comparable optical quality might cost you at least 2 to 3 times more. The Opticron SR GA are not waterproof, this is normal since the focus mechanism is external and making it waterproof (adding O rings) would make focusing very stiff. Some reviewers mentioned blackouts and shadowing, I also had this problem when I started using them, these can be avoided with correct eye placement and bin adjustment. The focus is very fast, sometimes to fast, you can easily overcompensate in both directions, also you get used to this. Opticron is selling these out I believe, £119 is a steel, buy one while you still can. You can find quite some low priced Porros, made in China, optics are mostly o.k. but mechanically they might show some problems. The Opticron SR GA are made in Japan and overall the quality is very good, only, they will soon disappear and never come back.

Many years ago I bought a pair of Opticron 8 x 32 Dioptron binoculars. These served me well for many years until I was seduced by the lure of roof prisms and sold them - a decision I have regretted ever since. Don't get me wrong; I love the easy handling quality and balance of my 8 x 42 roof prisms, but I have missed being able to carry a small porro prism binocular that could be slipped into a jacket pocket.The SR.GA is a direct descendant of the Dioptron. In fact, Opticron told me that the optics and mechanical elements are exactly the same. What has been added is better multi coating of the optical elements and the rubber armour on the outside. The result is a beautifully made (still in Japan), chunky little binocular that performs as well as a modern roof prism at three times the price.It has bright, natural colours and that 3 dimensional image you only get with a porro prism.I would agree with another reviewer that the image is sharp for about 80% of the field of view and I couldn't detect any colour fringing when looking at back lit objects.Negatives? Not great for using with spectacles, no waterproofing, strap is ok, but nothing special, and while the case is nicely made, it is too tight a fit if you want to quickly take out or put away the binoculars.In summary, high quality porro prism binoculars are pretty rare these days and you wonder how long Opticron will continue to sell this range.But tell me where else you will get a very nicely made Japanese binoculars with a 30 year warranty?With an offer on at the moment with a £50 price reduction, this has to be one of the biggest bargains you will find.

Excellent optics for the price. Light and quite compact (not as small as the best), great view. Not waterproof, but should withstand being used in a light shower and the rubber armouring prevents your hands slipping if the armour is damp or wet. Also, if you're used to roof prisms, these will taking getting used to. However, I think you would have to pay a lot more to get the optics of these in a roof binocular! Good value, and a nice step up from a basic £50 set.

Straight off these porroprisms are NOT waterproof and no they are not for low light work after dusk or before dawn. These are in the same tradition as the Habicht and the Nikon E2 8x30 which you get because they are small, light and fit into the palm of your hand so you can use them one handed. As such they are more useable than roof prisms because they sit more easily across your chest when you have to manipulate a camera or a deer stalker’s rifle. Having said that these opticrons are not as jewel like as the Swarovski habicht which are several hundred pounds dearer

The image is sharp enough, but keeping it sharp is difficult. This is because the eyecups aren't turn and twist, and the eye relief is too small. So this makes eye placement difficult for focussing and getting a view with no shadowing. Also the minimum IPD is too great; in otherwords they won't close enough for comfort. I returned them and bought Nikon Aculon's 7x35 for the really wide field of view (the joint widest availabe). Awesome pin sharp image and fast focussing. Quite good viewing comfort with no shadowing.

These binoculars are good value for money & are very useful for bird watching as they are light & easy to hold, with quick & accurate focussing, a bright clear image and they also give a wide view.