Opticron Aurora BGA VHD | Review by Billy Heaney

Zoologist and wildlife presenter Billy Heaney puts the Aurora BGA VHD binoculars to the test on his recent trip around the Inner Hebrides. Sit back and admire the stunning scenery of Mull and be sure to keep an eye out for some remarkable wildlife encounters as Billy shares his thoughts on the Aurora BGA VHD 10x42 binoculars.

[@archstanton9703]

Do you know how these compare to the Zeiss Conquest in clarity and brightness? I’m considering the Aurora binoculars in either a 10x42 or an 8x42 version. That is some beautiful scenery. Cheers from the states!

[@nick4uuk]

Might be too late of a reply, but I owned both Zeiss and Swarovski. Suffice to say I now own only the Opticron. The FoV is up there at such a point you don't really care for the difference and the same goes for the clarity. We're talking Opticron vs Swarovski's very best, the NL Pures and Zeiss Victory, of which I owned both. For over double the price you might get a 5% improvement.

[@archstanton9703]

I appreciate the reply and am still debating which binoculars to purchase. I read some positive reviews and comments on the latest versions of Opticron Aurora 8x42 and Verano 8x32 binoculars. The only negative comments were the eyes cups not staying in place when extended and a a rough counterclockwise focus wheel. Do you own the 8x42 Opticron Aurora? If so, what are your overall impressions? Do the eye cups stay put and are they comfortable? Does the focus wheel turn smoothly? Cheers!

[@nick4uuk]

@@archstanton9703 The focus wheel on the Swarovski was smoother but I think partly because it was easier, for whatever reason Opticron I've found have a stiffer focus but it can mean you're more accurate. Eye cups are not detachable and are only middling in quality, however, I've had no issues with it and would give it a pass rather than a merit, but Zeiss was also just a pass, Swarovski a distinction in this regard. Not a huge issue for me since I'm a eye glasses wearer. The cups ride up and down nicely when twisted.

[@archstanton9703]

@@nick4uukI just purchased the Opticron Oregon 8x42 and it’s a pretty clear and bright. These are a bargain for the price and quality. I also have a pair of Savanna 6x30 porro prism binoculars that are a real value for the price. The eye cups on the Aurora are comfortable enough and look similar to the ones I’ve seen in pictures of the Aurora and Verano that I’ve seen. I don’t like the hard rubber eyecups that Vortex and Leupold use. I purchased and returned a pair of Zeiss Conquest HD 8x32’s because they seem to lose FOV with the eyecups fully extended. I was thinking about trying a pair of Conquest 8x42’s, but had my eye on the Aurora 8x42’s because of their flat field view and light weight. I take it from your comments comparing the Auroras to the higher end Zeiss and Swarovski offerings that the Auroras are superior to the Zeiss and Leica offerings at the same price point of 1k. I have Meopta Optika and Pentax ZD WP 8x42’s in order. If none of these are provide me with the view I’m looking for, I’m going to give the Auroras a try. Cheers from across the pond!