Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 review: see further & clearer with this great scope

At this price point the Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 8x42 monocular is probably one of the best options today

Opticron 8x42 Explorer WA ED-R
(Image: © Future)

Digital Camera World Verdict

If I was in the market for a Monocular that offered good range, was well made and offered nitrogen-filled optics to keep out, and wade off any moisture of any kind from blocking my view, I would pick this Opticron 8x42 Explorer wide angle monocular. It might not be the most compact one of the market for size, but what you get is a very capable optic that serves its purpose and will give the user hours of enjoyment

Pros

  • +

    Great price point

  • +

    Compact and lightweight

  • +

    Crystal clear optics

Cons

  • -

    Stiff focusing

  • -

    Low-quality accessories

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If you're looking for a trusty monocular to join you on a day's birding or for some wildlife spotting then the Opticron 8x42 Wide Angle Explorer is the perfect monocular for your needs without spending a fortune or a great entry level product you can show off to your fellow bird watches and wildlife enthusiasts. 

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Sebastian Oakley
Ecommerce Editor

For nearly two decades Sebastian's work has been published internationally. Originally specializing in Equestrianism, his visuals have been used by the leading names in the equestrian industry such as The Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI), The Jockey Club, Horse & Hound, and many more for various advertising campaigns, books, and pre/post-event highlights.

He is a Fellow of The Royal Society of Arts, holds a Foundation Degree in Equitation Science, and is a Master of Arts in Publishing.  He is a member of Nikon NPS and has been a Nikon user since the film days using a Nikon F5 and saw the digital transition with Nikon's D series cameras and is still to this day the youngest member to be elected into BEWA, The British Equestrian Writers' Association. 

He is familiar with and shows great interest in street, medium, and large format photography with products by Leica, Phase One, Hasselblad, Alpa, and Sinar. Sebastian has also used many cinema cameras from the likes of Sony, RED, ARRI, and everything in between. He now spends his spare time using his trusted Leica M-E or Leica M2 shooting Street photography or general life as he sees it, usually in Black and White.