Opticron DBA Oasis S-Coat Mg 8x42 Binoculars

Opticron DBA Oasis S-Coat Mg 8x42 Binocular Review

The Opticron DBA Oasis S-Coat Mg 8x42 binocular is one of the most prestigious models available from Opticron.  A magnesium body, Opticron's S-type multi-coating, phase corrected prisms with Opticron's Oasis prism coatings, and the best construction Japan has to offer combine to form a professional-level binocular for the discriminating birdwatcher, hunter, or optics geek.

The DBA Oasis 8x42 is constructed around a lightweight magnesium frame wrapped in rubber armor.  Wrapped around the body is Opticron's distinctive raised rubber grips, which provide adequate grip.  The same aesthetic continues around the focus knob as well as the diopter adjustment, so grip shouldn't be a problem in adverse weather conditions.  At around 23 ounces, they are considerably lighter than a lot of 8x42 models, mainly due to its slim construction.  This also contributes to a modest 6x5 inch footprint, and a 57-77mm interpupillary distance.

These binoculars just feel good.  They feel lighter than 23 ounces, they balance very well, and the rounded eye cup design is extremely comfortable.  The cups are four position twist-up style, and are of aluminum construction wrapped in rubber similar to that found on the body.  The cups lock in the fully retracted position due to a small lip on the bottom of the cup that slides into the body.  On the remaining positions are easier to adjust, and the fully extended position provides the perfect amount of eye relief.  The diopter is made from some type of plastic and has several click-stops throughout its range of adjustment.  It's very easy to adjust, just the right amount of resistance and some affirmative tactile clicks.  

This overall smoothness and general precision continues with the focus knob.  The raised ribs on the knob along with the ease with which the knob itself is turned make single fingertip adjustment a breeze.  This is a huge part of why this binocular feels so polished and refined.  The focus knob turns just over two full revolutions between close focus (7 feet) and infinity, which is admittedly a little slow for our taste, but it makes up for it by being silky smooth across the entire range and completely effortless to adjust.  

The picture through the DBA Oasis S-Coat Mg 8x42 is extremely crisp.  The combination of glass and coatings lets a lot of light through, and that sharpness continues to about the last 5% of the edge.   The specs list a close focus distance of 7.2 feet, which is spot on according to our tests.  As an example, we were able to read some pretty small printed text at about ten feet in a dimly lit room, so low light performance and resolution seems to be top-notch.  The 7 degree field of view falls short of some of the much wider FOV 8x42 models, but 366 feet at 1000 yards is ample.  

In broad daylight, these binoculars are bright.  There is some noticeable chromatic aberration when viewing high-contrast objects, as well as the slightest hint of field curvature, but it's more than made up for by the brightness and resolution.  

After some extended use, our only real complaint about the Opticron DBA S-Coat Mg 8x42 is the focus wheel.  We prefer as close to a single turn as possible from close to infinity, but two full turns is something we can live with on this model.  It's possible that the slower focus would make these a much more capable hunting binocular than an up-close birding binocular.

The Opticron DBA S-Coat Mg 8x42 binocular includes a soft leather case, rain guard, neoprene neck strap, rubber lens caps, and Opticron's 20 year warranty.

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