We hadn’t reviewed any of Occer’s binoculars prior to now and contemplating their value and flashy colours we would assumed (wrongly) that they’d be filled with gimmicks and advertising spiel however in any other case be a letdown in relation to efficiency. Nevertheless, the Occer 12×25 binoculars produce some excellent views (for the value) and are small and handy sufficient to make use of in any scenario.

Occer 12×25 specs:

Design: Reverse porro prism

Magnification: 12x

Goal lens aperture: 25mm

Angular subject of view: 273 levels

Eye aid: 15mm

Weight: 8.8oz / 249g

Dimensions: 110 x 50mm

Good for fast observations by adults but in addition suited to the smaller arms of younger youngsters these are good binoculars for teenagers, they usually are available in vibrant colorways that are enticing to younger and older alike.

The binoculars ship with a delicate carry case and a neckstrap each of that are helpful should you plan on taking them out within the automobile or on hikes the place you will wish to retailer them safely away. Preserving them protected is vital for causes we’ll clarify in our design round-up under, particularly if you wish to preserve these binoculars working successfully long-term. 

12x magnification is helpful for observing issues within the wide-field and whereas the 25mm goal lenses do not collect a lot gentle (they are not excellent in low gentle conditions) it does make them extremely moveable. Available in the market for one thing a bit of bigger, or prepared to put money into a top quality pair? Attempt having a look at our greatest binoculars shopping for information which outlines the perfect we have tried and examined.

Occer 12×25 binocular: Design

The Occer’s are diminutive in measurement and have a cushty and enticing blue textured grip. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

• Extremely-portable due to its compact design
• Goal lenses are semi-protected
• Good texturized rubber grip to stop slipping and dropping

At first look, you would be forgiven for pondering that the Occer 12×25 binoculars are only a gimmick, throw-away toy binocular designed for youngsters. In fact, the mannequin we have reviewed right here are available in vibrant blue and are notably eye-catching and the field they ship in appear non-descript and reasonably amateurish. However that is the place the gimmick feels cease.

Using a reverse porro prism design, the Occers are wider than they’re lengthy and are constructed with a resilient arduous plastic with agency rubber grips on both aspect of the tubes. They really feel legitimately sturdy within the hand which stunned us once we first used them.

An in depth-up view of the textured grip exhibits good placement alongside the binocular tubes. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

There’s nothing small, fragile or dainty that stands out from the physique of the binoculars that might get simply knocked or damaged off and this design is especially efficient to be used by children who’re susceptible to wielding them unfavorably.

The binoculars themselves are quite simple to function and haven’t any extra options than you’ll count on on a easy binocular. With a diopter on the fitting tube and a focusing knob on the highest, the lenses are recessed into the plastic physique in order to stop unintended knocking whereas in use.

Occer 12×25 binocular: Efficiency

The target lenses are recessed into the physique of the binoculars presumably for security. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

• Some chromatic aberration (coloration fringing)
• The interpupillary distance vary is restrictive
• Comparatively sharp views with BaK-4 glass

We’re unsure if we have ever been extra stunned by the optical efficiency of a pair of compact binoculars. If yow will discover them on the proper value (this implies south of $40 in our books) then there’s nothing to complain about. For what they’re, which is an ultra-portable binocular you may take nearly anyplace with you by slipping them into your bag or a big jacket pocket, they’re going to do in a pinch.

Certain, there are some downsides regardless of the BaK-4 glass inside (which is taken into account superior to BK-7 glass typically present in cheap pairs). There is a middling quantity of chromatic aberration, in any other case often called coloration fringing. Now, we expect this may be a problem if the binoculars had higher magnification as a result of the fringing, which is usually of magenta and yellow, would in all probability be way more obvious. However as a result of these present a wide-field view the aberrations round contrasted edges aren’t actually that noticeable to the untrained eye.

We did discover it notably troublesome to nail the main target when utilizing these binoculars although. Even after organising the diopter adjustment in order that each eyepieces had been in focus for our eyes it felt as if one thing was a bit of amiss. Each time we got here away from observing by the binoculars we felt a bit of cross-eyed. However then once more, this may very well be to do with the restrictive interpupillary distance which we’ll cowl extra within the features part under.

The focusing knob and hinge are clean and simple to make use of. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

Total, we would not suggest them for low gentle observations as a result of restrictions in place from the 25mm goal lenses, however for normal daytime viewing of wildlife, sports activities or aviation they’re going to do wonderful. They’re a bit of delicate across the very edges of the picture circle producing fairly apparent coma aberration however once more, as a result of these aren’t binoculars designed for stargazing we do not assume it is that massive of a deal (take a look at our greatest binoculars for stargazing information should you want one thing for night time use).

Occer 12×25 binocular: Performance

The eyecups fold down for eyeglasses wearers however they really feel a bit of flimsy. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

• Interpupillary distance ought to be addressed
• Flip-down eyecups a bit of flimsy
• Intelligent design to account for lack of lens caps

Ordinarily binoculars ship with a carry bag and neckstrap plus perhaps a guide and cleansing cloths or different equipment should you’re fortunate. Nevertheless, one factor we’d usually count on to see in nearly each field of binoculars are lens caps. Nevertheless, Occer has omitted caps from the 12×25 mannequin, however we expect we all know why.

Being supremely tiny even when positioned within the delicate carry case that ships with the Occer’s they’re going to simply slip into any bag and even bigger jacket pockets. Because of that the optical parts which can be uncovered to the air (the eyepieces and goal lenses) are pretty nicely protected towards the weather. However what occurs if you’re utilizing them?

Having a look on the entrance parts (the target lenses) they’re recessed fairly far into the binocular casing for a binocular of this measurement. We measure the target lenses sitting round 0.39-inches (10mm) into the casing. That, plus the added expense of delivery lens caps that match with this design (they must sit contained in the lens mounts as an alternative of across the tubes like most different binoculars) are the explanations we expect Occer has determined to omit the lens caps.

The diopter ring is straightforward to make use of however we did wrestle a bit of with it. (Picture credit score: Jason Parnell-Brookes)

Even bearing in mind the small body of those binos, the interpupillary distance (the gap between the 2 eyepieces which will be adjusted by pivoting them on the central hinge) remains to be too restrictive. These with narrow-set eyes or youngsters with smaller heads, could wrestle to get an ideal view by the eyepieces and as an alternative see darkening across the edges of the picture circle also referred to as vignetting. For many, it will not be a problem, nevertheless it’s one thing to remember for the minority.

Ought to I purchase the Occer 12×25 binocular?

In case you’re searching for a compact binocular that’s appropriate for youngsters, feels sturdy within the hand and is sufficiently small to slide into your jacket when out and about, we would be comfortable to suggest the Occer 12×25’s.

Views are sharp and comparatively vibrant due to the BaK-4 glass inside and the reverse porro prism design is chunky and satisfying to deal with. In case you’re searching for top quality views or wish to use binoculars in low gentle we’d keep away from them although as there are higher binoculars available on the market, even when they price a bit of extra.

If this product is not for you

Spend one other hundred bucks and seize the Nikon Prostaff P3 (opens in new tab) should you like every thing on the Occer’s however need them enhanced, improved and refined. Nikon has been making lenses for nicely over 100 years and it exhibits within the P3’s. They’re greater than the Occer’s however nonetheless slim and light-weight due to the roof prism design. They’ve a lot better eyecup adjustment and higher eye aid for spectacles wearers, too.

If you’d like the perfect of the perfect you may’t go far improper with the Canon 10x42L IS WP however at over $1000 they’re going to be out of the attain of many readers’ budgets. That stated should you get the prospect to attempt them they’ve unbelievable picture stabilization know-how which modifications the sport relating to binocular observations.

Sitting someplace between the 2 to maximise portability and optical efficiency we would suggest having a look on the Olympus 8×42 Professional binoculars which we have given 4 out of 5 stars in our overview and sit at quantity two in our greatest binoculars shopping for information resulting from their oil-repellent lens coatings and waterproofing plus their good construct high quality.