If you’re on the hunt for a reliable, quality monocular that’s easy to carry, the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 is definitely worth a look! With innovative features and a solid design, this monocular offers a convenient and rewarding experience for birdwatchers, hikers, and naturalists alike.
The lovely people at Opticron loaned us an Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 to try out and here is what we thought…
Ease of Use:
One of the standout user-friendly features is the wide-angle eyepiece with long eye relief. For people who wear glasses, comfort is often a key concern with optics, but we simply didn’t think about it with this monocular! The long eye relief meant we could birdwatch comfortably without having to re-position the eyepiece after the initial set-up. Our members commented that the monocular ‘just worked’ effortlessly, which is a testament to the thoughtful design.
Focusing is easy, smooth and precise, thanks to the wide focus wheel. The focus wheel feels well-made and allows for quick and accurate focus adjustments. Initially, we found the focus wheel a bit stiff, but as we used it more, it loosened up nicely and became even more comfortable to use.
Close Focus Capability
A particularly impressive feature of the Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 is its close focus distance of just 1.9 meters (6.2 feet). This was especially useful when we were trying to identify markings on small birds that were relatively close. For example, we could clearly see the minute markings and tiny feathers on a nearby warbler. This ability to view close subjects with such clarity enhances the usability of the monocular, making it equally useful for insect watching or for inspecting intricate details on flowers.
“I’ve never thought to use my binoculars to help me inspect close-range birds before but this monocular is so handy that I just naturally reached for it and it worked so well!”
Portability and Accessories
Portability is where this WA ED-R 8×42 really shines. It comes supplied in a soft case, a neoprene strap and a rubber objective lens cover. The inclusion of a belt loop on the case meant that we could attach it to our belts or backpack straps for quick and easy access. There was no need to fumble through our bags when the must-see birds appeared! The substantial padding on the case offers a good layer of protection so you can toss it into your bag at the end of the day without worrying about scratches or knocks.
The fact that the monocular is so lightweight and compact meant that we didn’t always need to use the supplied strap. Simply slipping the Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 into a pocket was enough. This made the monocular easy to carry around, avoiding the tangled mess of multiple straps for optics and cameras. This convenience was a selling point for us!
Image Quality
At the heart of the Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 is its high-quality roof prism design, which makes for a sleek, lightweight, and durable piece of kit. What really sets the Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 apart in its price range is its ED (Extra-low Dispersion) glass objective lenses. The ED glass reduces chromatic aberration, resulting in sharper, clearer images and true-to-life colours.
One member did notice some minor chromatic fringing when watching marsh harriers flying across the bright sky. However, given the unit’s price point and its numerous advantages, we thought that this touch of chromatic aberration was a small price to pay for the overall convenience and reliability of the monocular. The fringing was less noticeable over time and overall image quality remained excellent for most practical purposes.
Waterproofing
The monocular features a nitrogen waterproof construction, giving an extra layer of protection during outdoor excursions. We found this to be a significant advantage because we wouldn’t need to worry about moisture on coastal walks or in misty environments.
Conclusion – A Handy Essential!
The Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 monocular feels thoughtfully designed and well made. It balances advanced optical features with excellent portability and ease of use; making it an excellent choice for both amateur and seasoned birders or outdoor enthusiasts. Its waterproof build is designed to last, while the close focus capability opens up new perspectives for observing finer details.
“What a great bit of kit. We should get more!”
While we did note a touch of colour fringing under certain conditions, this small imperfection is far overshadowed by its ease of handling, comfort during use, and the brightness of the images it produces. Whether you’re trekking coastal paths, birdwatching in your local park, or simply exploring nature’s intricate beauties, the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8×42 is convenient, reliable, enjoyable and, in our opinion, a handy essential!
