The Opticron Explorer 8×42 is packed with premium features typically found in more expensive monoculars. It not only features BAK-4 coated prisms for superior image clarity, but also ED-R coated glass with Opticron’s latest high light transmission coating. With a wide field of view of 7.5 degrees and a wide-angle eyepiece that provides long eye relief for those wearing glasses, this monocular ensures an immersive viewing experience. The multi-stage retractable eyepiece features a comfortable damping action that easily accommodates both glasses and non-glasses wearers.
We found that the focus wheel is quite stiff, which can make focusing more difficult, especially for people with limited hand strength. It can loosen up after a while of use, but none came loose by the end of the test.
The Opticron Explorer is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing only 11.6 ounces (330 grams). This makes it easier to carry for long periods of time, especially during outdoor activities. The polycarbonate chassis is durable and lightweight, and the focus wheel is rubber-coated for a comfortable grip. Comes with an articulated objective lens cover. The eyepiece cover has a push-on design. I found that if I don’t have it connected, I can easily lose it.
The Explorer can focus on targets as close as 1.9 m (6.2 ft), making it especially useful for observing birds at close range.
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 Monocular Review
design
★★★
- lightweight and portable
- quick assembly
- stylish carry bag
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The Opticron Explorer 8×42 is packed with premium features typically found in more expensive monoculars. It not only features BAK-4 coated prisms for superior image clarity, but also ED-R coated glass with Opticron’s latest high light transmission coating. With a wide field of view of 7.5 degrees and a wide-angle eyepiece that provides long eye relief for those wearing glasses, this monocular ensures an immersive viewing experience. The multi-stage retractable eyepiece features a comfortable damping action that is easily accommodated by people who wear glasses and those who don’t wear glasses.
We found that the focus wheel is quite stiff, which can make focusing more difficult, especially for people with limited hand strength. It can loosen up after a while of use, but none came loose by the end of the test.
specification
design: roof prism
magnification: 8 times
Objective lens diameter: 42mm
Eye relief: 17mm
Weight: 11.6oz/330g
size: 4.7 x 5.4 x 13.8cm (1.85 x 2.13 x 5.43 inches)
Durability: Nitrogen purging, waterproof structure
The Opticron Explorer is extremely compact and lightweight, weighing only 11.6 ounces (330 grams). This makes it easier to carry for long periods of time, especially during outdoor activities. The polycarbonate chassis is durable and lightweight, and the focus wheel is rubber-coated for a comfortable grip. Comes with an articulated objective lens cover. The eyepiece cover has a push-on design. I found that if I don’t have it connected, I can easily lose it.
Explorer can focus on targets as close as 1.9 m (6.2 ft), making it especially useful for observing birds at close range.
performance
★★★★
- Excellent low light performance
- Clear and sharp images
- very hard focus wheel
During field testing, the Opticron Explorer WA proved to have reliable performance. We observed from a dedicated hide and the monocular provided great images of the diverse birdlife in the area. Although the small magnification of 8x limits the use of the monocular at night, the 42mm objective lens transmits more light, allowing us to observe the moon in some detail.
With 8x magnification, this setup might not make it the most powerful optical device, but it was fun to use. We noted that the monocular’s image stabilization works effectively at this magnification, reducing common problems associated with image stability.
However, we found that the focus ring on the top of the device could be more ergonomically comfortable. Proper focus required the use of both hands, which detracted from a good design. Quick and accurate focusing is essential during meteor showers, but the stiffness of the focus ring proved to be a drawback.
As the light waned, we continued our observations, focusing especially on the birds around the nearby lake. As the daylight faded, the Explorer began to lose contrast and sharpness. This was especially noticeable when observing mulechens, which have jet black plumage. Its features became increasingly obscure. Even small birds such as wrens and robins highlighted this problem.
On the plus side, the Explorer’s compact and lightweight construction makes up for the unwieldy focus ring, making it easy to store in your pocket and convenient to transport to different observation locations.
functionality
★ ★ ★ 1/2
- compact design
- hard focus wheel
- Eyepiece cover not connected
A monocular that combines compact, stylish design and functionality. During testing, we found that the focus wheel is quite stiff, which limits one-handed use and makes it better suited for two-handed operation. The eyecup adjustment mechanism feels a little cheap, but it has a good weight to it and is functional.
The monocular comes with a padded shoulder strap and belt pouch, both of which are of decent quality and add to the overall value of the product. The waterproof design and durable housing make this monocular reliable and robust for a variety of outdoor activities. It feels functional and comfortable to carry for both casual use and more specialized purposes such as bird watching.
We found that using this monocular for bird watching in the garden gives great performance. The bright blue flash of the great tit’s wings as they leave the feeder was well captured with the Opticron monocular, providing an immersive viewing experience.
One downside, however, is that this unit does not have a tripod fixture. A tripod fixture would have been convenient for hands-free observation and long-term observation. Nevertheless, the overall performance and build quality make this monocular an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts and bird watchers.
User reviews
The monocular uses high quality glass and feels well made. It’s a great value product with solid features for the price. Some users find it pocketable, while others say the focus wheel is very stiff.
Test method
Our testing included visiting bird skins, lakes, and forest locations in a variety of weather conditions. The test objects were used in as many different situations as possible to cover a wide range of applications.
Should I buy the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 Monocular?
If you’re looking for a high-quality monocular with premium coated glass and a durable, well-constructed body, we highly recommend the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42. The compact size and lightweight design greatly increase the appeal of this monocular. We found the glass quality of this unit to consistently deliver performance on par with its more expensive counterparts. There was a small issue with the focus ring, but the excellent image quality more than made up for this shortcoming.
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 If the monocular doesn’t fit
If you want to focus more easily, consider the Hawke Endurance Ed 10×42 monocular with a focus wheel on the top. If you want better image quality and convenient design, Bushnell Legend Ultra 10×42although the price is a little higher. Another option in the same price range is Celestron Outland 20×50also offers multi-coated optics and includes a smartphone adapter for capturing photos through the monocular.
