Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular Review

First Impressions of Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular promises exceptional performance and functionality for first-time and occasional users, making it an attractive option for various daytime wildlife and nature observations. The Opticron brand is known for blending quality with affordability, and these binoculars aim to deliver just that. With features like a waterproof construction, fully multi-coated optics, and phase-corrected prisms, they seem to pack a punch for their price point.

I was looking for a versatile, mid-range binocular for birding and hiking; something that wouldn’t break the bank but would still offer a clear and bright image. I wanted to upgrade from a very old pair of binoculars that had terrible light transmission. I also wanted something relatively compact and easy to carry for extended periods.

Upon unboxing, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular felt solid and well-built. The rubber armor provides a secure grip, and the weight felt balanced without being overly heavy. The twist-up eyecups operated smoothly.

I considered the Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 8×42 and the Nikon ProStaff 3S 8×42. I chose the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular because it seemed to offer better optical quality for the price, and the reported eye relief was a bit more generous, an important consideration for eyeglass wearers like myself. It also came with a lifetime warranty from Opticron, adding to the overall value.

My first impression was positive; these binoculars seemed like a well-thought-out package, blending practical features with decent optical quality. I was excited to take them into the field and see how they performed.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular on a birding trip to a local wildlife refuge. I used them for several hours, observing various bird species in different lighting conditions. The weather was overcast with occasional light rain.

The binoculars performed admirably, providing a clear and bright image even in the less-than-ideal lighting. The waterproof construction gave me confidence, and I didn’t have to worry about the light rain damaging them. The center focus knob was easy to use, and I was able to quickly adjust the focus for different distances.

Initially, I needed a few minutes to adjust the diopter to my eyesight. After that, everything was crystal clear. I appreciated the generous eye relief, which allowed me to use them comfortably with my glasses.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of regular use, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular has held up well. I’ve taken them on numerous hiking trips, camping adventures, and even a fishing excursion. There is no visible wear and tear on the rubber armor.

The binoculars have proven durable and reliable. I’ve cleaned them regularly with a lens cloth and stored them in the included case when not in use. The eyepieces and objective lenses are still in great shape.

Compared to my old binoculars, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular is a significant upgrade in terms of optical quality, durability, and overall user experience. The image is brighter, sharper, and more detailed. I can spot birds and other wildlife much more easily.

Breaking Down the Features of Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular

Specifications

• The Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular offers 8x magnification, providing a good balance between magnification power and field of view. This magnification is ideal for general nature observation and birding.
• With a 42mm objective lens diameter, these binoculars gather a decent amount of light, ensuring a bright image even in low-light conditions. This size is a sweet spot for balancing light gathering and overall size.
• The roof prism system ensures a compact and streamlined design. This design makes them easier to pack and carry.
• The use of BAK4 prism material contributes to a brighter and sharper image. BAK4 glass offers superior light transmission compared to BK7 prisms.
• The binoculars are nitrogen gas-filled and waterproof. This prevents internal fogging and damage from moisture.
• The eye relief is a generous 22mm, making them suitable for eyeglass wearers. This long eye relief ensures a comfortable viewing experience even with glasses.
• The exit pupil is 5.25mm, providing a comfortable viewing experience in various lighting conditions. A larger exit pupil makes it easier to find and maintain a clear image.
• The field of view is 122m at 1000m, or 7 degrees. This provides a wide viewing area, making it easier to locate and track moving objects.
• The optical system is fully multi-coated, maximizing light transmission and image brightness. Fully multi-coated lenses significantly reduce glare and improve contrast.
• The binoculars feature a center focus system for easy and precise focusing. This allows for quick and easy adjustments for varying distances.
• The twilight factor is 18.3, indicating decent performance in low-light conditions. A higher twilight factor generally indicates better low-light performance.
• The interpupillary distance range is 2.2 – 2.9 inches, accommodating a wide range of users. This ensures a comfortable fit for different face shapes and sizes.
• The close focus distance is 2.3m, allowing for detailed observation of nearby objects. This is useful for observing insects, flowers, and other close-up subjects.
• The diopter adjustment range is 5 dpt, allowing users to compensate for differences in eyesight. This ensures a clear and focused image for individuals with varying vision needs.
• The binoculars are constructed from aluminum alloy and polycarbonate, providing a durable and lightweight design. These materials offer a good balance of strength and weight.
• The weight is 24.2 oz, making them relatively lightweight and easy to carry. This weight is manageable for extended periods of use.

Performance & Functionality

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular performs its job admirably, delivering a clear, bright, and detailed image. Its features make it a joy to use for birding, nature observation, and general outdoor activities.

One of the strengths is its excellent optical quality for its price range. The fully multi-coated lenses and phase-corrected prisms deliver a sharp and bright image with good color fidelity.

The slight glare when viewing towards the sun is a weakness. This is not a major issue but something to be aware of.

Design & Ergonomics

The build quality is solid and robust. The rubber armor provides a secure and comfortable grip, and the twist-up eyecups are easy to adjust.

The center focus knob is smooth and precise, and the diopter adjustment is easy to set. There is a learning curve when trying to find the correct setting for diopter adjustment.

Durability & Maintenance

The waterproof and fog-proof construction ensures that these binoculars will last for years, even with regular use in challenging conditions. Cleaning the lenses with a lens cloth, and storing them in a case when not in use keeps them in excellent condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular comes with a soft carrying case, a neck strap, objective lens covers, and an eyepiece rainguard. There is a tripod adapter socket that allows for mounting on a tripod.

Pros and Cons of Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular

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Who Should Buy Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular?

These binoculars are perfect for beginner to intermediate birders, nature enthusiasts, hikers, and campers who want a quality binocular without breaking the bank. They are also an excellent choice for anyone who wears eyeglasses and needs generous eye relief.

Those who need extremely high-end optical performance or regularly observe in very low-light conditions may want to consider a higher-priced model.

A lens cleaning kit is a must-have accessory to maintain optimal image quality. Consider upgrading to a more robust hard case for better protection during travel.

Conclusion on Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular is a great value for the money. These binoculars provide excellent optical quality, durable construction, and comfortable ergonomics at an affordable price.

The price is justified by the performance and features offered. These binos provide crisp, clear images, good eye relief, and waterproof construction.

I would definitely recommend these binoculars to anyone looking for a reliable and versatile binocular for general nature observation and birding. If you’re looking for a binocular that offers a blend of performance, durability, and affordability, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42mm Roof Prism Binocular is definitely worth considering.