Opticron Discovery WP PC 10x50 Binoculars 30467

Opticron Discovery WP PC 10x50 Binocular Review

Big and powerful.  That's what we thought as soon as we picked up the Opticron Discovery WP 10x50 binocular.  Again, all the Discovery WP binocular models are fully waterproof, nitrogen purged, utilize fully multi-coated glass, and have phase-corrected prism coatings.  

The Opticron Discovery 10x50 binocular is built around a magnesium alloy body, which helps keep the weight of this full-size binocular just under 29 ounces.  It honestly looks bigger and heavier than it really is, 5.7x5.2 inches.  The armor is pretty slick (looks good though it doesn't seem to offer the best grip), and the center hinge is extremely tight.  Not so tight that proper interpupillary distance can't be adjusted, but it's not going to move on its own.  

The eye cups are three position twist-up eye cups with a beveled inside edge, very large and very comfortable.  They lock securely into position when fully retracted.  The middle position is a loose quick stop.  The fully extended position isn't necessarily a position, moreso the cups just reach the end of their extension and sit there.  It's not really a lock, but there is some resistance that keeps them from moving from that position.  Regardless, proper eye relief is achieved in the fully extended position with no problems whatsoever. No vignetting and a very comfortable viewing experience.

While we're on ergonomics, we feel the need to reinforce how comfortable these binoculars really are.  While it's true that the body doesn't have much in the way of textured grip surfaces, it does mold to the hand well and feels right at home in our hands.  The grip issue is something that we were bothered by at first, but the more we use the Discovery binoculars, the better we feel about the fit. The lack of texture on the body has quickly become a non-issue.

The 4.9 foot close focus on these binoculars is incredible.  If you're using a pair of 10x binoculars, you don't expect it to be anywhere near that close.  Less than five feet on a 10x50?  We'll take that all day.  A litlte over 1.5 turns from close focus to infinity is more than we're used to, but still respectable.  

The Opticron Discovery WP 10x50 continues the trend that the Discovery line has set in terms of optical quality.  Comparing price and the view through the binoculars, we can't help but be impressed.  The field of view is a fairly generous 6.5 degrees, and despite an aversion to 10x binoculars, the view is very pleasing.  

The Opticron Discovery WP PC 8x42 binocular includes soft carrying case, neck strap, rain guard, and lens caps.

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