Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 Binoculars 30666

Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 Binoculars 30666

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC offers performance and reliability for first time or casual users. Arguably the most popular of the Oregon 4 family so far, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 binocular is a solid, functional, well performing binocular that is just as useful in the woods during hunting season as it is for birdwatching.

The Oregon 4 PC 8x42 is a pretty uninspiring binocular as far as aesthetics go.  There aren't a lot of bells and whistles to impress at first glance, but that doesn't mean anything.  It's a closed bridge design with size and weight specs (5.9 x 4.9 inches and 24 ounces) that match up well with competitors at this price.  There isn't any mention of materials used for the body, but a quick glance under the main body hinge makes us think that it's a polymer construction wrapped in rubber armor.  The armor itself has a quality feel, and the surface of the armor is just rough enough to increase grip.  Overall fit and finish is very impressive when you look at the price tag.  And what a surprise, decent lens caps!

The eye cups on the Oregon 4 PC 8x42 are your standard twist-up type that have two positions: fully extended and fully retracted.  Normally we'd complain that the cups aren't three or four position, but the fully extended position is optimal for us.  Despite only having two positions, they are very smooth and have very little extra play in the fully extended position.  At full retraction, they are tight and don't exhibit any wobble.

Diopter adjustment is tight, but not too tight.  There is also a small raised section of rubber on the diopter knob, which makes it extremely easy to set.  We managed to set the diopter with the least amount of work we can recall.  Moving on, the focus knob also is plastic and also has some raised ribs for grip during one-fingered adjustment.  From close focus to infinity takes just a little over two full turns, so focus on this binocular is pretty slow.  You won't have to worry about overshooting your target.  

The center hinge also features a tripod adapter thread at the front, hidden beneath a plastic cap.  A lot of people have no need for the tripod thread, but it's nice to know it's there, because you always have the option to tripod mount (with the correct adapter). The hinge itself is the perfect tightness and seems to hold interpupillary distance very well.  

Our first viewing experience through the Opticron Oregon 4 PC 8x42 was a pleasant surprise, and it's hard to believe the performance for the price.  The clarity and sharpness is off the charts, up there with some of the budget-priced ED glass models. Field of view is 6.5 degrees, which isn't terribly impressive when you consider the larger field of view found in several other comparable 8x42 models around $200, but the image quality for the price almost makes up for it.  The field of view is very flat, no hint of rolling ball.  Chromatic aberration is present, but not too overpowering, but does become very noticable in high contrast situations. Color is very neutral, no bias that we can pick out.  And holy brightness.  Not really divine, but they are extremely bright and clear.

Again, the focus is extremely slow, so you will get some finger exercise when moving from up close to far away.  This is a little annoying, but here's the good news. From what we can see, the depth of field is, well, deep.  No chance of overshooting a target, and it's very easy to focus because you always seem to be just a slight turn away.  So it's got that going for it.  And as far as ergonomics, these binoculars are pretty comfortable.  A pound and a half isn't too much for a full size 8x42 binocular.

So what's the ruling here?  Well, the price tag is very attractive, and even moreso when you consider the glass quality.  This is a perfect entry level binocular, or a great standby for somebody looking for a second pair of full size binoculars.  We'll recommend these to just about anybody, because we don't think you can go wrong.  

The Opticron Oregon 4 PC comes with a rain guard, soft case, neck strap, and Opticron's five year protection plan.  

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