Opticron DBA VHD Monocular and Binocular 10×42

Opticron DBA VHD Monocular and Binocular 10×42

By Cory McLaughlin

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Just the Facts:

Compact, high quality field monoculars for the space and weight conscious, the Opticron DBA VHD+ is designed for the professional & enthusiast looking for an unrivaled combination of performance, comfort and ergonomics.

Product features include:

• Compact, lightweight roof prism design with textured rubber armoring
• Nitrogen gas filled waterproof (5m depth)
• VHD+ optical system incorporating a high quality ED glass objective, phase corrected prisms with Oasis prism coating and S-H type multi-coating to all air/glass surfaces
• 4-stage twist type retractable eyecups
• Close focus to 1.5m
• Made in Japan
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

DBA VHD+ monoculars are supplied in a soft Cordura case with neoprene monocular strap and rubber objective lens cover.

“Smaller, Lighter, Brighter, Sharper”, the new DBA VHD+ takes the company’s design maxim to a new level. Improving on the qualities of the outgoing model, the latest VHD+ version of the DBA is appreciably brighter with better resolution in a similarly compact package.

Designed around and built for the professional and enthusiast looking for 8/10×42 quality but preferring the size, weight and feel of a smaller binocular, the DBA VHD+ offers an unrivaled combination of performance, comfort and ergonomics in its class.

Product features include:

• Compact, lightweight roof prism design
• Dual hinge, single axis body
• Textured rubber armoring
• Nitrogen gas filled waterproof (16ft depth)
• VHD+ optical system incorporating a high quality ED glass objective system, phase corrected prisms with Oasis prism coating and S-H type multi-coating to all air/glass surfaces
• Flat field vision
• Long eye relief for spectacle wearers
• Multi-stage twist type retractable eyecups
• 500° turn smooth action wide wheel focusing
• Close focus to 8.2ft
• Central diopter adjuster
• Tripod adapter socket
• Made in Japan
• Limited Lifetime Warranty

DBA VHD+ binoculars are supplied in a soft Cordura case with rainguard, neoprene bungee strap and rubber objective lens covers.

My Story:

I have had the great privilege of working with Opticron for a few years now. Over the past years I have come to the conclusion that Opticron is one of the most under rated optics companies that I have ever seen in the US. It may be that they are relatively new to the US market but I can tell you right now that if you have not heard of Opticron it is time to put them on your radar!

Opticron is a European company that got its start in the birdwatching world. As I have said in past reviews if you want to know about optics you are going to have to give some attention to bird watching forums or articles. Sure, hunters use optics and we are fanatics about hem but I birdwatching crowds are every bit as fanatical about their optics and provide some of the most credible and comprehensive reviews on the web. If you are serious about optics research it is unlikely that you have not been to or read something from a birdwatching site. So do not let that fact that Opticron does not have a huge hunter following dissuade you from considering them. The word is spreading about this great glass and more and more North American sportsman are glassing hillsides through Opticron glass.

The DBA series of optics from Opticron provide their finest glass and technology. All the standard features of top rated glass can be found with the DBA line such as nitrogen filled waterproof tube, ED glass, tripod attachment compatibility, micro focus, retractable eye cups, premium lens coating for optimal sight picture and more. Opticron makes great glass and that is a point I will argue until I’m blue in the face.

I chose to test the DBA VHD+ Monocular as I love to backpack. I also love to be a lightweight as possible while out backpacking. A monocular was the obvious choice for my backpacking needs in regards to optics and the DBA HD is the pinnacle of quality in the Opticron line.

When I think of optics I think of magnification and so for the slightly added weight I chose to go with the 10x42mm over the 8×42 as I wanted the most bang for the buck. Sure there is a F.O.V. (Field of View) trade off for this but when I want to see something far away, I want to see it well. The weight difference was minimal and, like I said, I wanted to be able to see critters as far out as possible while out backpacking.

I found the Opticron DBA VHD+ Monocular to be extremely clear and very comfortable to use for extended periods of time. I was able to spot herds of elk, mule deer, whitetail and even some big horns with the help of this great monocular. It became one of my favorite items of my 2019/20 backpacking season and I feel as though I would be lost without it.

Backpacking season transitioned into hunting season and with that the need for a quality pair of binoculars. The DBA VHD+ Monocular had performed so perfectly during my backpacking season I was extremely excited to get the DBA VHD+ Binoculars into the field. I had some great plans for 2019/20 and I was eager to get my eyes into some new glass. I chose the 10×42’s as they fit the needs of my backcountry hunt perfectly. They offer a great F.O.V and the weight is very acceptable in a activity that scrutinized every ounce.

Washington hunting season kicked off earlier than I thought as I was called to get on an early hunt for crop damage. My  daughter and I loaded into the truck and headed out for what we hoped would be an epic hunt. Long hours of glassing hills paid off and my daughter and I were both able to harvest an elk.

Regular season archery was the next opportunity I had to use this great glass. I again logged more hours than I care to track. All my glassing was mostly just to pass the time while I sat in my treestand. It was really nice to have a comfortable pair of glasses to look through while I waited for an elk to come by.

Archery season transitioned into rifle season and then into my Idaho season. The Opticron DBA VHD+ binoculars were always with me and I logged more hours looking through them than I care to track. While my hunting was not always for myself I was out there in the field doing what I love and looking through glass that made it all the more enjoyable.

I was able to harvest 3 elk across multiple states this year and assist other friends and family in filling their tags. I met some great new folks along the way and was more than happy to share my optics during some glassing time. Opticron was the glass of 2019 for me and I have no doubt clear glass aided in my success.

Before I wrap this review up I want to talk about a few more of the features that I simply love about Opticron and the DBA VHD+ line. First of all I am a fan the Limited Lifetime Warranty as it does include a 5 year No-Fault clause as well. I wish the No-Fault was lifetime as well, maybe someday it will be? What is important is that you are going to get some very great glass at an affordable price and from a company that is committed to taking care of you.

Find it Here:

https://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/dba_vhd+.html

https://www.opticronusa.com/Pages/dba_vhd+_mono.html

What can be done better?

Honesty this glass is just awesome. I really love my Opticron products and the quality time they have allowed me to have in the field.