Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars Review

Opticron 16 x 42 Imagic IS Binoculars
BBR Rating: 78%
Shopping Basket Icon
Buy And Compare Prices in the USA
US
Buy And Compare Prices in Canada
Ca
Kaufen und Preisvergleich in Deutschland
De
Buy And Compare Prices in Australia
Au
Buy And Compare Prices in India
In
Buy And Compare Prices in the UK
UK
Buy & Compare Prices for the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars
Price Range: (5/6) High Value Binoculars       

Ideal Uses:

General Use Rating for General Use Binoculars
Birdwatching Rating as Birdwatching Binoculars
Outdoor Sports Rating asOutdoor Sports Binoculars
Safari & Travel Rating as Safari Binoculars
General Wildlife Rating as Wildlife Observation Binoculars
Hunting Rating as Hunting Binoculars
Marine Use Rating as Marine Binoculars
Astronomy Rating as Binoculars for Astronomy
Long Distance Rating as Long Distance Viewing Binoculars

The trend in binocular design has increasingly favored higher magnification levels, reflecting a growing demand for detailed, long-range observation. Traditionally, binoculars with magnifications of 8x to 10x are the most popular among general users, offering a good balance between image stability, field of view, and brightness. However, times are changing and I have have seen manufacturers continue to push the boundaries, leading to the development of binoculars with magnifications of 12x, 16x, or even higher becoming more and more popular.

I think a lot of this is a result of the market and the manufacturers simply following what the customers ask for (not always a good thing), but to be fair I think we have also seen a rise in niche uses for binoculars that require higher powers that is also contributing to this trend: High-powered binoculars are increasingly being used in fields such as astronomy, long-distance birdwatching, and even in industrial settings where detailed inspection from a distance is required. These specialized needs have pushed manufacturers to develop binoculars that not only have higher magnifications but also are better at maintaining image clarity, brightness, and color accuracy than ever before at these higher magnifications.

The Drawbacks of High-Powered Binoculars
Newcomers to optics often mistakenly assume that higher magnifications automatically results in better views. This assumption is understandable since binoculars are primarily used to get a closer, more detailed view of distant objects. However, simply increasing magnification comes with a host of challenges, and it's not as simple as "the more, the better." Finding the right magnification is a balancing act that depends heavily on your specific needs and circumstances:

Image Shake
One of the biggest downsides of high magnification binoculars is the issue of image shake. As magnification increases, so does the visibility of even the smallest hand movements. This means that with magnifications typically above 12x to 15x, unless your hands are exceptionally steady, the image will shake to the point where any gain in detail from the increase in power is effectively canceled out by the vibrations.

Ways to Minimize Image Shake
There are several strategies to reduce or eliminate image shake. One of the most common methods is to mount the binoculars on a stable platform, such as a monopod or tripod. While effective, this approach turns a portable instrument into a more cumbersome setup, which can be inconvenient for activities like hiking. Monopods offer a less bulky alternative but still require carrying extra gear.

Another solution is to use binoculars with some sort of built-in image stabilization. This technology compensates for micro movements, allowing for steadier viewing without the need for a tripod.

However, whilst prices are becoming more competitive, IS binoculars tend to be more expensive or at a given price range, the level of optics does not compete with non IS instruments.

Also, in the past they often had many other limitations such as short battery life and only moderate stabilization performance which led many experienced binocular uses (including myself) to prefer traditional tripod setups.

Opticron Imagic Image Stabilized Binoculars

Available in 10x30, 12x30, and 14x30 configurations, I opted to test the most powerful 16x42 version. I figured that if the image stabilization performed well at this high magnification, it would be even more effective in the lower-powered models and so after a long period of testing covering many months where I even took them on holiday with me, below is my full review:

Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars Review

Contents:

  • High-End Binoculars - approx $1250 / £850 / €900
  • Body:
    • Waterproof: IPX4
    • Fogproof: No
    • Right Eye Diopter: ±4
    • Twist-up Eyecups
    • Interpupillary distance: 54 - 74mm
    • Dimensions: 7.1in (18.0cm) x 4.6in (11.8cm) x 2.7in (6.9cm)
    • Weights: 640g /22.6oz (w/o AA battery)
  • Image Stabilisation
    • 2-axis image stabilization system
    • Stabilisation Correction Angle: +/- 3°
    • Auto on/off: Yes (10 minutes)
    • Power: 1x AA 1.5v
    • Battery Life: approx 12 hours of continuous use
  • Optics:
    • 16x Magnification
    • 42mm Lenses
    • Fully multi-coated Optics
    • Roof Prisms made from BAK-4 glass
      • Phase Corrected with Opticron 'Oasis' Coating
  • Optical Stats
    • Eye Relief 18mm
    • Field of view: 195ft @ 1000yds / 65m @ 1000m
    • Angle of view: 3.7°
    • Apparent field of view: 49°
    • Close Focus: 5.5m / 18.0ft
  • Image Quality
    • Example Video Footage
  • Accessories
    • Carry Case
    • Neck Strap
    • Cleaning Cloth
    • Rain-Guard
  • Conclusions & Ideal Uses

Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

The Body

Shape & Design
In terms of looks and how they feel in the hands, I do like the overall shape and design of the Opticron Imagic binoculars.

While some might consider this aspect trivial, I believe that a well-designed, comfortable binocular is not only more enjoyable to use but also enhances your ability to keep the image steady. This added comfort contributes to better control and, as a result, further improves the stability of your viewing experience on top of that which is provided by the IS.

Rubber Exterior
The rubber that covers most of the exterior surface is relatively thin and very hard and thus does not provide as much impact protection or grip as a softer thicker rubber.

Water Proofing
All the Opticron Imagic Image Stabilized Binoculars come with an IPX-4 "Spalashproof" rating. So what does this mean:

An IPX rating refers to a level of water resistance and dust protection. The "IP" stands for "Ingress Protection," and the "X" indicates that the product has not been tested for dust resistance. Thus in this case, the number "4" represents the device's ability to withstand water splashes from any direction without suffering damage. Specifically, an IPX-4 rating means that the device can handle splashes of water, such as rain or accidental splashes, but it is not protected against submersion or more intense water exposure.

Note: If you need a fully waterproof IS binocular, some (not all) of the Canon IS models are as well as all the Kite APC IS binoculars which have an impressive IPX-7 rating, meaning that they can be fully submerged in water.

Fogproof
As the device is not fully sealed, it obviously cannot hold any moistureless gas like nitrogen or argon inside it and thus the optics are not protected against fogging.

Inter-Pupillary Distance (IPD) Adjustment
As someone accustomed to using more traditional binoculars a lot, I often found myself instinctively trying to adjust the nonexistent central body hinge in order to change the distance between the eye-cups to match that of my eyes! Unlike traditional binoculars, the Opticron model, like most other image-stabilized binoculars, uses adjustable eyepieces instead of a central body hinge.

Is this approach as straightforward or as robust as the conventional central hinge? Probably not, but you do get used to it and I was impressed by the solid and well-constructed feel of the mechanism. It requires a bit of effort to move the eyepieces, which is a positive aspect, as it ensures they stay in place and don't shift accidentally.

Note that the interpupillary distance for these binoculars ranges from 5.4 cm to 7.4 cm, which is fairly standard for full-sized binoculars.

Focusing Wheel on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Focus Wheel & Focusing
The focus wheel on these Opticron binoculars is quite different from what you'd typically find on a standard set.

While it's still centrally located on the top of the body, making it convenient for both left and right-handed users, the wheel (which I think is more accurately described as a barrel), it is positioned much farther forward towards the objectives. As a result, I often found myself using my middle fingers to adjust the focus instead of my index finger. This wasn't necessarily better or worse, just a different experience.

Measuring 2.5 cm long and with a much smaller radius than "normal binoculars", it thus has a much lower profile than normal. While this sleek design looks great and works well most of the time, I found it a bit trickier to locate and turn when testing with thick winter gloves.

On the positive side, the operation of the mechanism is very smooth so normal focussing is quick and accurate.

Focus Wheel on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Twist-Up Eyecups on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Eye-Cups
The helicoidal screw-up/down eye-cups were very good on my sample Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilised binoculars:

The twisting mechanism operated smoothly, and although there was a slight amount of free play between the eyecup and the housing underneath, it was very minimal and only noticeable at the mid-click-stop positions. This is quite typical and not something to be concerned about.

The cups don't click as obviously into each of the designated stops as some, so you have to be a little more attentive when setting your position if it is not either maximum or minimum. There are two mid-position stops, and when you include the maximum and minimum positions, there are four in total. This level of customizing along with a good 15mm of eye-relief should allow most users to find the perfect personal setting to ensure you observe the full image.

One slight drawback is that unlike some high-end binoculars, the eyecups cannot be unscrewed and removed. While not a major issue, removable eyecups can make cleaning the ocular lenses easier and simplify replacement if necessary.

Diopter Adjustment on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized BinocularsDiopter Adjuster
Located on the right eyepiece as normal, you use the diopter adjustment ring to calibrate your binoculars by off-setting the focus on just one eye and get a good +/- 4 points of dioptric compensation.

This all works well enough, but as normal, I just have to add that it would have been even better if it was either lockable or have some sort of ratchet to make it less likely to move your setting by accident. Also as there are no markings (apart from neutral), so I would personally add a mark if my setting was not neutral that will make it easier to return it to your setting without having to re-calibrate.

Not Tripod Adaptable
I understand that the main advantage of these image stabilization (IS) feature is to eliminate the need for a tripod, but there are still situations where you might want to mount binoculars like these on a tripod.

For instance, it can be beneficial when you want to share a view with someone else, such as during stargazing, or for target shooters and archers who often prefer a high-powered instrument to check their positioning after a shot.

Zeiss Universal Binofix Tripod AdapterI realize this may seem like nit-picking, and admittedly, only a small percentage of users might feel the need for this feature. However, it would have been nice to have a tripod mounting thread included.

However, all is not lost. If you do need to mount these binoculars on a tripod, there are alternative solutions available, such as the Zeiss Universal Binofix adapter, which should work adequately. You can explore these and other tripod adapter options here: tripod adapters.

Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Body Construction Quality: 8/10

Dimensions
Measuring approximately 18cm (7.1 inches) in length, 11.8mm (4.65 inches) in width, and 6.9cm (2.72 inches) in height, the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars are relatively compact for an Image Stabilized binocular and whilst a little larger, also compare pretty well against standard 42mm binoculars:

So for example, the Maven B1.2 10x42 Binoculars which are pretty typical in this class measure approximately 5.7in (14.5cm) in length, 5.2in (13.2cm) in width, and 2.2in (5.6cm) in height.

However, where it gets interesting is when you compare them to some of the other image stabilising binoculars on the market:

Weight
Where these Opticron image stabilised binoculars really excel is in their weight. As you can see they are far more lightweight than others in their size class and they actually compare well against many of the mid-sized IS binoculars.

For me this is actually worth emphasizing: With these, you have a fairly compact and lightweight high power binocular without the need to carry about a tripod - Winner, Winner!

Body Stats Score (40 - 42mm Image Stabilized Bins): 9/10

IS Switch & Indicator light on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Image Stabilization (IS)

The Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 binocular is advertised as having a 2-axis image stabilization system (+/- 3 degrees). So how do they compare to other IS binoculars that are currently available:

  • Fujinon Techno-Stabi and Stabiscope binoculars correct between 3° and 6° of motion.
  • Nikon StabilEyes: 3° to 5°
  • Fujinon Techno-Stabi and Stabiscope binoculars correct between 3 and 6 degrees of motion.
  • Kite APC 14x50 and Kite APC 16x50 IS and the Kite APC 16x42 binos all have a Stabilisation correction angle of 2 degrees.
  • Canon IS binoculars correct between 0.7 and 1.0 degrees.

However, there is much more to just these numbers to take into account as you also need to consider which planes of motion can be corrected, the speed at which the corrections take place and the size, weight and amount of power needed to run them. For more on this take a moment to go over my the articles in my Image Stabilization section and in particular the Technical Review I put together for the New KITE APC 50 Binoculars. Not the same instrument I know, but I do go over all they different systems available with their respective advantages and disadvantages.

Image Stabilization: Real World Use and Thoughts
OK, so that is some of the theory, but the true impact of image stabilization can only be appreciated once you actually look through a pair of image-stabilized binoculars and activate the IS feature.

My first time turning the IS on these on I was very impressed. The video below is my attempt to give you a glimpse of this difference. While it effectively demonstrates the reduction in image shake, please keep in mind that I was holding the binoculars up to my camera lens, so the video doesn't fully capture the image quality you'll see with your own eyes. Therefore, don't rely on this video as a guide to the actual image quality.

A quick video I captured hand-holding the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Binoculars in front of my camera to demonstrate the IS in action

Holding a 14x or 16x binocular in my hands is about the upper limit for what I find manageable. Yes, I've tested instruments like the 18x56 Maven B5 binoculars without a tripod, but as I mentioned in that review, this is only feasible for very short periods. Even then, you're still missing out on the finer image details that stabilization would provide.

The observable increase in the amount of detail you can see in the image becomes strikingly clear when you use the IS on these Opticron Imagic 16x42 binoculars. With the IS turned off, the view is noticeably jittery, but as soon as you switch it on - while not entirely as steady as a tripod - the image transforms from shaky to what I'd describe as remarkably steady, almost like being a bubble in a spirit level. This dampens all movement, eliminating the small shakes and allowing you to fully appreciate the detailed image that 16x magnification offers.

As you can see, while it's not perfectly stable like binoculars mounted on a tripod, the difference in image shake with the IS turned on is significant compared to when it's off.

Keep in mind that in this video, I was holding the binoculars in a rather awkward position. To get a full picture view, I had to increase the optical zoom on my camera. Therefore, the view you get through your eyes when holding the binoculars up to your face is generally steadier, both with and without the IS enabled.

Unfortunately, I can't directly compare this footage with any Canon or Fuji instruments as I don't have any on hand (I'm working on it). However, from memory, I must say I feel much more impressed using these than the Canon model I tested a few years ago, which I found somewhat under whelming.

Compared to the older Kite APC 16x42 I tested these are I would say on a par, with the newer, more expensive Kite APC 50mm binoculars being a little, but not a massive amount better.

1x AA batter needed on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Power

These Opticron Imagic 16x42 binoculars are powered by a single AA battery which are readily available and don't add much in terms of weight to the device.

Opticron advertise that this will last for around 12 hours, but don't elaborate. Obviously this will depend on the quality and capacity of the AA battery you use, but I would say that from my testing this is about right for a typical AA "bunny"!

Either way, if you are travelling or going out for the whole day, just get yourself a two or even four pack and pop it in the carry case and you should have no worries.

Also note that by default the Imagic has a 10 minute auto power off, just in case you forget to turn off the switch.

The Optics

The 16x42 Setup

Using "normal" sized 42mm objective lenses with an unusually powerful 16x magnification brings both advantages and challenges. Understanding these is important when deciding if this version of the Opticron Imagic suits you better than the smaller, less powerful models in the series or indeed other IS binoculars on the market.

Image Quality & Brightness
To achieve higher magnifications, thicker glass elements are required in the lenses. This results in less light passing through, leading to a slightly dimmer image. While the differences are minimal, they are worth noting.

Low Light Performance
Adding more magnification without enlarging the objective lenses results in smaller exit pupil diameters (the size of the light beam exiting the ocular lenses). Smaller exit pupils require more precise alignment of your eyes to avoid black rings around the view. In low light conditions, when your pupils are dilated, this can result in a dimmer image compared to binoculars with larger exit pupils. For more details, refer to my complete guide to the exit pupil.

A standard 8x42 binocular, considered a good all-rounder and decent in low light, produces a 5.25mm exit pupil (42mm objective lens size divided by 8x magnification). In contrast, these 16x42 binoculars have a much smaller 2.6mm exit pupil (42÷16).

Considering that in very low light, your pupils can dilate up to 7mm (which decreases with age), you can see that these smaller light beams exiting the binoculars results in these not being the ideal option for low light conditions.

42mm Objective Lenses on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

42mm Objective Lenses

The 42mm objective lenses on these Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized binoculars are standard for this type of instrument. However, as shown in the photo, their close positioning is quite unusual.

I assume this design choice accommodates the additional components required for image stabilization.

Typically, wider set lenses provide a better stereoscopic image, enhancing the depth perception. With the high 16x magnification, comparing the depth of view to more common 8x, 10x, or even 12x models is challenging. However, during my use, I didn't find the depth of view to be particularly shallow, so this shouldn't be a major concern.

Optical Coatings

Being part of the Imagic series from Opticron, I assume means they have the same or similar level of optics, which is a good thing - check out my review of the Opticron Imagic BGA VHD 8x42 Binoculars that I wrote some years ago, where I was impressed then and still feel they make an excellent pair of binoculars now.

Anti-Reflection Coatings
As expected at this level, the optics on these Opticron Imagic binoculars are fully multi-coated. This means that multiple layers of an anti-reflection material have been applied to every optical element in the system. This significantly enhances image quality and brightness compared to binoculars with single-layer coatings on only some elements.

Prism Mirror Coatings
To enhance the light transmission through the BaK-4 glass of the roof prism, most binoculars use highly reflective mirror coatings.

The most affordable option is an aluminum mirror, which increases reflectivity to about 93%. A better, though more expensive, option is silver coatings, which can boost transmittance to between 95% and 98%.

However, top-tier binoculars, like these Opticron Imagic Image Stabilised binoculars, go even further by using dielectric coatings. These coatings are said to increase reflectance to over 99% of the incident light. Opticron's version of these coatings, known as "Oasis" coatings, consists of 64 layers and is confirmed to have a reflectivity of more than 99%.

Phase Correction Coatings
Another important aspect to mention is that the roof prisms have been phase corrected. This treatment eliminates something known as "phase shift" and so they produce a higher image resolution and better contrast than instruments using untreated roof prisms.

Ocular Lenses on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Optical Components Quality Rating: 8/10

Optical Stats

Field Of View (FOV)
One downside of high magnifications is that the increased zoom results in a narrower field of view. Whether this is a significant issue depends on your specific use case for the binoculars.

So, at close range, the high magnification and narrow field of view make it more challenging to quickly locate and track small, fast-moving objects. Therefore, if you plan to use these binoculars frequently in environments like forests for birding, this model might not be the best choice.

For more static or larger, slower-moving subjects, this isn't as much of an issue, and you can enjoy the extra detail these binoculars provide compared to lower-powered models. Then in open areas such as at the coast, river frontages, fields, or rolling hills, where observation distances are generally greater, the additional reach and detail these binoculars offer is great, making the narrower field of view much less of a drawback.

So how do these compare:

These Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilised binoculars have an angle of view that is 3.8°, which translates to a field of view that is 66 meters wide at a distance of 1000 meters away (roughly 198ft @ 1000yds).

This is a little less than the Kite APC 16x42 (204ft), whist the lower-powered Canon 15x50 is 79 meters wide (approx 237ft) and the more powerful Canon 18x50 has a narrower field of view at 65 meters wide (approx 195ft) which is what you would expect. The Fujinon TS 16x28 with the same power is very similar to the Kite at 70 meters wide.

As you can see in the table below against other similarly powered binoculars that I have tested the FOV of these is pretty much as to be expected, whilst you will also notice that against lower 10x binoculars, the FOV is quite a bit narrower (and even more so when compared to 8x instruments), which is to be expected.

Minimum Focus Distance

At 4m / 13.1ft the minimum focus on these Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars is pretty good for a high powered instrument which can be seen in the table above, and this trend continues against their main competition:

  • Canon 18x50 IS,15x50 IS & 12x36 IS III: 6.0m / 19.7 ft
  • Canon 10x42 L IS WP: 2.5m / 8.2 ft
  • Kite APC 16x42: 4m / 13.0ft
  • Fuji TS 16x28: 3.5m

Eye-Relief:
More eye-relief is more crucial for those who wear glasses or other eye protection while using binoculars. See How To Use Binoculars With Glasses: Eye-relief & Eye-cups Explained.

As a general guideline, eyeglass users should look for a minimum of 15mm of eye relief (preferably more) to ensure they can see the full image without black rings around the edges after fully twisting down the eyecups.

With 5mm of eye relief, these binoculars just hit that mark. I tested them with my glasses and, although not as easy to use as true long eye-relief binoculars, I was able to view the full image by pressing my face and glasses firmly against the eyecups.

Optical Stats Score (15x-20x Bins): 7/10

Image Quality

I have now had more than 4 months with these Opticron Imagic 16x42 image-stabilized binoculars, during which time I have used them in all sorts of conditions and locations. Below are my thoughts and observations:

Image Stability
As previously discussed in the Image Stabilization section but it's worth emphasizing just how effective the IS feature is and the significant impact it has on the overall viewing experience.

With the IS turned off, while you can still "see," the image shake causes you to miss a lot of fine detail on any object. This is particularly noticeable in activities like astronomy or birding. For instance, when viewing the moon, switching on the stabilization immediately reveals far more surface markings or when birding you can easily spot the color of the ring around a birds eye even at some distance.

Image Brightness
With the 42mm lenses and what seems like high-quality glass and a good level of coatings, I fully expected the image to be bright in good light conditions, and I was not disappointed. For a high-power instrument, I was pleasantly surprised by the brightness of the view when the available light is not a limiting factor.

However, the combination of 42mm lenses and 16x magnification results in relatively small 2.6mm exit pupils (42/16). Thus in low light, when your pupils are dilated beyond the size of the exit pupil, these binoculars do appear less bright compared to those with larger exit pupils. So for example a more typical 8x42 or even 10x42 with the same level of optics do appear brighter.

In practice, I found that in dull, overcast conditions during the day and on rainy days, the image remained bright enough for it to not be an issue at all. Here once again I do believe the more stable image plays a part because even though it may be less bright, you can still see more detail.

It was only in very low light conditions, such as at sunset, that I noticed a significant drop in performance, which became more pronounced as it got darker. This is understandable given the differences in lens size and exit pupil and thus if you need your binoculars to work well in these conditions, I would recommend getting a instrument with a more suitable configuration. So something like the Kite APC 14x50 Image Stabilized Binoculars would be a good option, but remember because of the larger lenses they are bigger and heavier.

When it comes to astronomy and observing objects like stars, planets, or the moon, the situation is somewhat different. This is because instead of viewing a dim object in low light, you're looking at bright objects in the dark. Here, despite the smaller exit pupil, the 16x magnification reveals much more detail on the moon compared to 8x or 10x 42mm binoculars. The image stabilization feature also proved very helpful. Still if this is your primary use then once again I would go for a binocular with larger lenses.

Color Reproduction
The color reproduction of these binoculars is a strong point in my opinion. The colors are vibrant yet still remain true to life, making viewing things like birds and flowers a real pleasure.

Additionally, I never noticed any unwanted tinting or discoloration, which can sometimes occur with higher-powered instruments.

Contrast
Similar to the color reproduction, the level and range of contrast in these Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars are excellent. This ensures a good variance between dark and light areas, enhancing the sense of depth in the view.

Color Fringing
Color FringingHere I feel is another strong aspect to this Opticron binocular because as image magnification increases, color fringing typically becomes more noticeable.

So what really impressed me is I don't feel these show any more than a very good quality 10x42 binocular and so have no hesitation in raiting them as excellent in this area.

Image Flatness
My sample binoculars maintained a sharp and in-focus image right across the entire field of view.

So by this I mean once I'd focused on an object, the image remained clear and sharp from the center to the edges. This is particularly important for high-power binoculars like these, where image detail is crucial and the overall field of view is narrower.

Softening
Also worth noting is that Opticron Imagic 16x42 image stabilising binoculars show very little blurring right at the edge of the view, which again is impressive.

Image Quality Rating: 8/10

Accessories for the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Included Accessories:

Carry Case for the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Carry Case

Details on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars Carry CaseThe included case is the same as which Opticron supplies with a number of their other instruments:

  • Very good quality soft nylon material case
  • Good stitching
  • Flip-over lid with Velcro closure, quick to access and reasonably secure, but makes more noise than a magnetic closure and not as secure as a zip.
  • Excellent fit for the binoculars: can close the cover with eye-cups extended and IPD personal setting intact
  • Adequate padding, but perhaps a little more would be appreciated for a more sensitive electronic device?
  • Own carry strap with length adjustment - no swivels, not padded, and cannot be removed
  • No extra pockets
  • Belt loop on the rear
  • Opticron branding on the front lid

Carry Case for the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Neck Strap for the Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars

Neck Strap

As with the case, the neck starp is the same as which Opticron supplies with some of their standard instruments:

Overal it is of a good quality with a reasonable amount of padding.

I just think it should be a little wider to distribute the weight better and I just wish they used the same quick release clips as that which you find on their Explorer WA ED-R 8x32 Binoculars for example that just make it so much quicker to take off and replace the strap. You also get the added bonus of a handy hand strap with this solution.

Better neck straps also have a material on the underside of the padded section with a high level of grip. This is a small point, but helps prevent it from sliding about your neck and shoulders.

Ocular Lens Covers

Once again, I am familiar with the rain-guard, which is the same as that which they used on instruments like their Imagic BGA VHD 8x42:

Made from a flexible plastic, personally I wish they had gone with a more softer rubber one. This is because harder and less flexible plastic guards come away from the eye-cups a little too easily.

Having said this, I am being very critical here and they are also far from being bad and they will do a good job of protecting the ocular lenses and the eye-cups when attached.

Objective Lens Covers

My sample did not come with any which is not great. Just remeber to keep the instrument in the case when not using them.

Cleaning Cloth
As with almost every other Opticron binocular that I have reviewed, the supplied cleaning cloth comes with it's own pouch, cleaning instructions and a very high quality microfiber cloth - most certainly one of the best quality ones out there.

Warranty
Like the other Opticron binoculars that I have tested, these have a Limited Lifetime Warranty if purchased from authorized dealers in North America and a 30 year guarantee for those purchased in Europe.

Extras Rating: 7/10

Review Conclusions:

It is no secret that the first time I tested an image stabilized binocular (more than 15 years ago), I was not that impressed. The IS made a difference sure, but not as much as I had hoped and there were so many downsides to the device like extra weight, short battery life and high cost compared to the quality of the optics, that to me it just did not make sense and i would rather spend the same on getting much higher quality standard optics and using a monopod or tripod.

With instruments like this Opticron Imagic IS and the new Kite APC IS binocular this has completely changed my opinion on using onboard image stabilisation.

The amount of stabilisation is far better, the binoculars are not that much bigger or heavier than a standard set, battery life has increased (or you need less of them) and the level of optics and thus the quality of the view for the price is now what far closer (or the same) as what I would expect to see with a standard pair of binoculars.

I highly recommend them not only for situations where image stabilization is crucial but also for everyday use where you would typically reach for standard binoculars (8x or 10x42mm).

Strengths:

The image stabilization on the Opticron Imagic 16x42 binoculars is exceptional. In fact, with the way that it floats, I would argue that the stabilization effect is somehow even more impressive than the fixed view you get from mounting binoculars on a tripod.

Overall, the image quality is excellent, with very minimal color fringing even at higher magnifications. I feel these perform as well in minimizing fringing as many top-tier 8x and 10x binoculars.

The build quality of the Opticron Imagic 16x42 binoculars is very good.

For a image stabilized 42mm binocular these are small and lightweight - they even compare quite favourably to many standard 42mm instruments.

Weaknesses:

The 16x42 configuration is great when the available light is reasonable. These are certainly not the best choice in very low light.

The smoothness of focussing is excellent, which makes it easy to obtain a sharp image very quickly. However, the wheel is not huge and much of it is hidden and thus when wearing thick gloves, it becomes a bit more challenging to locate and adjust accurately. While it's not bad, I would have preferred a slightly higher profile to make it easier to locate when wearing heavy winter gloves.

The slightly narrow field of view might be considered a weakness, but only when compared to lower-powered instruments. Against binoculars of similar power, they perform very well. If a wider field of view is important to you, consider selecting a binocular with lower magnification.

Ideal Uses:

General Long Range Observation
Be that for looking out to sea at passing ships, plane spotting, soaring eagles on the wing, or wildlife in distant valleys, if you need a standard-sized binocular to get you close to the action with increased image detail then you will struggle to find a more suitable instrument. This is especially true if you would rather not have to fix your binocular onto a tripod.

Also Good for:

  • On a Plane
    Perhaps here the 12x42 version would be more suitable, but once again the IS will certainly help with stabilizing the view.
  • Astronomy
    I would say that if you're looking for binoculars specifically for astronomy, you're likely better off with an instrument that has larger objective lenses and is mounted on a tripod. However, if you want an occasional-use Astro binocular that doesn't require a tripod, then these are an excellent choice. I can easily see myself taking these on camping trips for both daytime and nighttime use.

Similar Alternatives

One can't help noticing that the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 binoculars share a striking similarity with the Sig Sauer Zulu6 16x42 Image Stabilized binoculars that I think have now been discontinued.

Both these models appear are so similar in design, specifications, and overall functionality, that I feel they must be variations of the same core design. Is this a bad thing? I don't thinks so, in this modern world of mass production many products, not just binoculars are put together in the same factory with only slight differences made for different brands.

If you want a more unique, high specification IS binocular, but with the same 16x42 configuration, take a look at the review I wrote on the Kite APC 16x42 binoculars.

Opticron Imagic 16x42 Image Stabilized Binoculars, Box & Accessories

Reviewed by Jason Whitehead for Best Binocular Reviews

Best Binocular Reviews Ratings:

Body Construction Quality: 8/10 78%
Excellent
Body Stats: 9/10
Optical Components Quality: 8/10
Optical Stats: 7/10
Image Quality 8/10
Extras & Attention to Detail: 7/10

Compare Prices & Where to Buy the Opticron Binoculars

Main Specifications & Features:


More Information:



About Opticron | View all Opticron products I have written reviews on

View All:

Full Size Binoculars | Roof Prism Binoculars | Stabilization Binoculars | Top of the Range/High Value Binoculars


Similar Binoculars:

Below are similar pairs of Binoculars that you may also want to have a look at:

Kite APC 16x42 Image Stabilised Binoculars

An excellent lightweight and compact alternative to a high powered binocular and tripod combination...


Binocular Price Comparison
Where to buy the Opticron Imagic IS 16x42 Binoculars

General Price Range: (5/6) High Value Binoculars

Below is a link that will take you to a page with online retailers in both the US and UK that sell Opticron 16x42 Imagic IS Binoculars this page makes it easy to compare prices and then to buy from your preferred option:

Shopping Basket Icon
Buy & Compare Prices for the Opticron 16x42 Imagic IS Binoculars
Buy And Compare Prices in the USA
US Shoppers
Buy And Compare Prices in Canada
Canadian Shoppers
Buy And Compare Prices in the UK
UK Shoppers
Kaufen und Preisvergleich in Deutschland
Deutsch Shoppers
Buy And Compare Prices in Australia
Aussie Shoppers
Buy And Compare Prices in India
Indian Shoppers
 
 
 
Support BBR:
Buy Me A Coffee
Where to Find BBR: