| Brand: | Olympus | ||
| Average Rating |
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Travel light and see the sights with the Outback binoculars. The light and ultra-compact binoculars offer Roof Prism technology along with UV-protection, making it the ideal model for all-around outdoor use. These features and more are packed into a conveniently small but rugged all-weather shell to allow the binoculars to be easily carried anywhere you go.This binocular is ideal for water sports, traveling and entertainment events. The foldable design is compact enough to slip into any pocket. Multi-coated lenses provide improved image brightness for a crisp, clear view. more info
{ 25 comments… read them below or add one }
For Portrait Painter
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I got these to help me see detail in the model while portrait painting. I also considered butterfly-watching binoculars and opera glasses (La Scala Aida 3×25), but settled on these for the following reasons:
First, all the butterfly-watching binoculars that I could find reviews for were at least three times more expensive, out of my price range. They were also bigger and heavier.
Close focus distance on the Olympus is 7 feet. I’m usually sitting somewhere between 5 and 10 feet from the model. Opera glasses have a slight edge here with a larger field of view at the same distance, and a closer focusing distance of 6 feet. I noticed a little more distortion around the edges in the opera glasses.
The Olympus has rubberized eye cups, so they don’t scratch my glasses. The eye cups extend for use without eyeglasses. The opera glasses had smooth polished metal eyepieces. They didn’t scratch my glasses the few times I tried them, but they made me a little nervous.
The Olympus has an individual diopter adjustment: what this means is that you use the central focusing ring to adjust for your left eye, then use the right side focusing ring to fine tune for your right eye. After that, you can simply use the central focusing ring to adjust for viewing at different distances. This flexibility was great for me because I frequently take off and put on my glasses when painting very fine detail. The opera glasses only had the central focusing ring. (Another artist I know had opera glasses which could focus each eye individually, but she bought those years ago and couldn’t recall the source.)
I have used these binoculars in an auditorium lit only by a high north-facing window, light enough to read but dim by photographic standards. The image in the binoculars seemed at least as bright as what I could see without them, but I didn’t have a chance to compare the opera glasses in the same setting.
Given a choice, I would keep the opera glasses as a backup and for the larger field of view, but if I could only have one, especially because I wear eyeglasses, the Olympus 8×21 is the best compromise.
Olympus Outback Compact 8 x 21 RC1 Binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have been very happy with The Olympus Outack 8x 21 RC1 Binoculars. I purchased these after reading Consumer Reports reccomendations/evaluation on binoculars. Purchased to use for bird/animal watching in backyard or hiking. These binoculars are lightweight, includes lens caps, a neck strap, & a soft case for travel/storage. These binoculars are quickly and easily adjusted for different shared viewing. Picture is very clear. The price is very reasonable for excellent quality recieved. I would definately reccomend these binocolars.
Very good binoculars for the money!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I looked around for a few months and then saw where Consumer Reports rated these very high in January 2009. Resonably priced in the $50 range. Highly recommend – a great binocular for the price!!
Perfect!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I specifically purchased these binoculars for a Bruce Springsteen concert I had tickets for and they worked out great. Knowing pretty much nothing about binoculars; I did my research; checked out other retailers and found that this pair at this price was perfect for me. They are lightweight, compact and very easy to use. In a concert venue; the last thing you need is something heavy hanging around your neck. Didn’t miss a move the Boss made!
Great compact binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These are excellent compact, light-weight binoculars, especially considering the reasonable price. We use them for opera, ballet, sporting events and birding. They have very good light gathering capability and are easy to adjust. The exit pupil is slightly on the small size, but when adjusted for your eye separation, this is not a problem. They are an excellent choice for all-around use.
Quality small binoculars
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
Very pleased with the optical quality of these small binoculars. I wish that they had put the focus wheel at the far end of the bino’s instead of right next to your eyes.
Consumer Report recommended
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We liked them so much that we bought a second pair; one for the house and one for the boat. Consumer Report magazine recommends them as a good pair of binoculars for a good price.
See them before you buy ‘em
Rating:2 out of 5 stars
I researched these binoculars extensively but could not find them at any local stores before purchasing. Relying largely on the Consumer Reports glowing review I went ahead and bought them. Electronics Expo shipped them promptly.
However at the Penn Relays Carnival I was very disappointed with their overall performance. Runners went in and out of focus quickly requiring multiple adjustments. I know how to set up the lenses and was disturbed by the distraction. They are technically sound and do provide a modicum of satisfaction due to their compact size and lightweight. This is more of a toy than serious optical binoculars. Great for lightweight casual viewing but no bargain even at $50.00. I agree that anyone who has tried Nikon or Pentax will be happier with those brands at the same power/price point. Spend a few bucks more for infinitely better results. Do not buy before visiting a store and trying them out. I won’t necessarily be returning them but will likely have to buy a “real” pair of binoculars.
Fine Binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Light, compact, and easy to use, these binoculars are all I’ll ever need. They were more highly rated by a leading consumer magazine than binoculars costing twice as much.
Olymput Outback Binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Excellent purchase! The binoculars are very light, compact and easy to adjust. I am a avid theatre goer, and these binoculars are ideal to take to the theatre. I highly recommend this product for those of us who need the convenience of a small unit with effective magnification!
The Search for the Perfect Opera Glasses
Rating:3 out of 5 stars
The glasses are fine. The visual field is a little too narrow for the opera stage. I’m using these but I’m still looking. Any suggestions?
outstanding little binocular
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
These are very good, amount of light is much better than other compacts, easy to adjust to a very crisp picture, and incredibly light and small. Genuinely, they are pocket sized. I didn’t think I would like the fact that the neck strap attached to only one side, so that the binoculars hang asymmetrically, but find they are less obnoxious that way, less likely to hang on fence, brush, etc. My only objection is that they are not waterproof. The pouch they came in is hard to slide into my pocket, so when it begins to rain, I put them in a small plastic bag I carried folded in my pocket. I also bought the Nikon Travelite at the same time, and they are not as bright, and a bit bulkier.
Nice size; good deal.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I bought these binoculars after reading reviews here and in Consumer Reports. I took them on a recent trip and they provided good views of Yosemite National Park’s features and its residents. When you don’t have much packing space but don’t want to miss the details of distant vistas this model is a good choice. Of course, it’s nice if one person “owns” the binoculars, so the focus doesn’t have to be changed between users!
Olympus Outback 8×21 RC1
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As recommended by Consumer Report, these are indeed lightweight, easy to use, and compact – just carry them in your pocket. Great binoculars, great price.
Nice Compact Binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
We use these for watching sports, mostly soccer. They are very clear, easy to focus and fit in a pocket to boot. Very happy with these and will probably order a second one.
Very, very good small binoculars.
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
When I opened the package and saw the box that held the binoculars, I thought that this must be a joke or a scam.
Instead, these small (just over 3.5″L X 2.5″W when folded) are powerful, very portable and easy to use. The view they present is excellent.
The things that prevented me from rating them five stars are: the eye piece lens covers are not attached to the binoculars in any way and are thus easy to lose; there are no covers for the main lenses; and the instructions are somewhat opaque.
It took me 20 minutes of playing with the binoculars to understand and hoist in the instructions. Two minutes should have been enough.
In summary though, very, very good binoculars at a very good price.
Nice all-around binocular
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
If you’re looking for a general use binocular without a specific task in mind, you cannot go wrong with this one. However, be aware that this is not a binocular to use in low light, wet conditions, or for star watching.
Light-weight, good optical quality, easy to use, and comes with a nice case.
Great Binoculars for the Amateur
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These were great. I bought them for wildlife-spotting during a trip to Costa Rica and I don’t have anything negative to say. I’m not well-versed in the world of optics, but I am well-versed in the art of complaining and I don’t have any complaints. I probably would have noticed immediately if these turned out to be poor quality but I had absolutely no issues. They’re light weight, very easy to manuever and the price was great. My only qualm was that i didn’t buy two pairs — my boyfriend and I shared these on the trip so we had to keep readjusting the focus, width, etc., but now I know to buy a second pair for the next trip.
Olympus binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
These are excellent binoculars. They are light weight and compact, but really have a great range and wiew. Excellent product.
Olympus Outback RC 1
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I have purchased three of these binoculars, all three are of excellent generally, but all have two big weaknesses:
1: The “for eyeglass wear” extensions threads do not fit snugly when extended, they creep backwards causing readjustment inconvenience.
2: The focus adjustment mechanism on the right hand side tube is very loose, will not stay in place causing frequent readjustment.
I like these binoculars very much but the above two shortcoming are big distractions.
Olympus Outback 8×21 RC1
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I bought this for an outing to Costa Rica. Consumer Reports ranked it as one of their highest performing and a CR pick. From stargazing in the mountains to watching animals from afar, these binoculars have blown my mind. The clarity is far above what I had expected. Definitely worth every penny. I bought another so I won’t have to share on my next trip.
Olympus Outback
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased these binoculars after reading a published report by Consumer Reports who did extensive testing comparing these binoculars to others that were as much as $ 600.00 hundred dollars, these were rated higher. They only cost about $60.00 dollars and Consumer Reports was correct, they are clear, bright and sharp. At the target range it is no problem in seeing small bullet holes in paper at varies distances. I would recommend them to everyone, and for the price you can not go wrong. Thank You Charlie Bailey
Great for bird watching.
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Olympus Outback Compact Binoculars 8×21 RCI. Small size, lightweight, great for carrying and bird watching. Consumer Reports magazine also highly recommends these binoculars for bird watching.
Olympus binoculars
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
As a Christmas gift to a family member, these binocs fit the bill. Not expensive, lightweight and small, well-packed, and the right magnification for birdwatching. No report from the gift receivers yet, but assume they like them.
Nice small binoculars
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
When I moved next to a pond, I immediately decided I needed binoculars. I wanted small ones so that I could also use them to travel or put in my purse. These binoculars were just what I was looking for and are simple to use. They focus easily, work whether I have on my glasses or not, and adapt well to whoever wants to use them. I agree with another reviewer that it would be nice if the lens caps were attached somehow. But the case is convenient to use and the whole thing will hang easily from the door stop on the upper hinge on the door to my balcony.