The Binocular Site

Olympus Binoculars

Overview

A Japanese company that specializes in imaging and optics, the Olympus Corporation was established in 1919, starting out making microscopes and thermometers. To the average person, Olympus Corporation is well known for their cameras and digital recorders, but they also use their knowledge and experience in creating magnification devices to make great binoculars. They also continue to make microscopes and other image enlarging devices for the medical and science sector.

A global corporation with facilities all over the world, Olympus utilizes vast R&D resources and has a large product list to the leading microscope supplier and innovator. Olympus applies their knowledge of advance technology and manufacturing with innovative ideas to continue to grow and satisfy their customers. Their groundbreaking products meet the needs of the ever-changing world around us whether its consumer, medical, or science related.

Olympus carries a wide variety of binoculars, with similar models split up into several series. Each series is cleverly named to reflect the typical use of the binocular models. The Roamer series binoculars are compact and lightweight. The Trooper series have high optical performance and the Magellan series are built for explorers. The other series of Olympus binoculars offers are the Pathfinder, Outback, and Tracker, so you're sure to find one that best fits your usage.

Ranges:

Olympus has a wide range of binoculars available for the casual observer or the serious enthusiast. The Outback and Roamer series are designed for recreational use, whereas the Trooper series has a rugged design for powerful optical performance. The Magellan, Pathfinder, and Tracker series are the preferred choice for mainly outdoor use.

Magnification:

Olympus binoculars are built with varying magnification specifications. The magnifications available on these binoculars are 7X, 8X, 10X, and 12X. Some binoculars have a range of magnification that goes beyond the fixed maximum of 12X, like 8X-16X and 10X-30X. Binoculars with a magnification range include "zoom" in their name. One example of binoculars with an 8X-16X magnification is the Trooper 8–16X40 Zoom DPS I.

Objective Lens:

The objective lenses on binoculars made by Olympus measure between 21mm and 50mm. The casual series of Olympus binoculars, the Outback, Tracker, and Roamer series, consist of only low end lenses. The serious binoculars, the Trooper and Pathfinder series, consist of only high end lenses, with the Pathfinder 12X50 EXPS I having the highest size lens. The Magellan series is the only series to include some high and low end lens sizes.

Field Of View (F.O.V.):

The F.O.V. on binoculars made by Olympus range from 1.9 degrees on the Tracker 10-30X25 ZOOM PC I, to 9.3 degrees on the Trooper 7X35 DPS I. The low end angular F.O.V. settings are found on the models designated zoom that have a varying magnification, but do end up in the mid range when set to the highest possible F.O.V. If the field of view is important, models with a fixed F.O.V. will have the best F.O.V.

Product Offering:

The Olympus Corporation offers 21 models of binoculars across six series. Each model has either a roof or porro prism type and makes use of BaK-4 or BK-7 prism glass. The higher end Magellan series models have lenses that are fully phase multi-coated with UV protection.

Olympus also makes several lines of cameras including compact digital cameras, digital SLR cameras, and film cameras. They also make analog, digital, and PCM audio voice recorders, as well as professional dictation devices.

Price Range:

Even the most expensive Olympus brand binoculars are affordable, with the prices of all models ranging from $40 to $240. The least expensive model of binoculars available is the Roamer DPC I 8X21, and the most expensive is the Magellan EXWP I 10X42 Binoculars.

Warranty:

Olympus offers a limited warranty on their binoculars. The product must be made by Olympus, usually bearing a brand label, and contain an Olympus serial number. The warranty does not cover normal wear and tear or carelessness in handling or storage, and you shouldn't try to fix it yourself if you have any intention on trying to submit a warranty claim.

When sending away to have your binoculars serviced, package the product with enough padding to protect them during transit. Include the sales receipt, a copy of the limited warranty that shows the same serial number as listed on the product, and a description of the problem in detail.

Popular Olympus Binoculars:

One of the more sought after sets of binoculars made by Olympus is the 8X21 RCI model from the Outback series. It's not the least expensive model available, at a retail price of $60, but it is one of the least expensive. This model weighs less than 7 ounces, making it a good choice, especially when you need to carry a lot. The 11mm eye-relief makes it comfortable for people wearing glasses and has built-in dioptric correction. They have UV protection for outdoor use and the field of view at 1000 yd. is 324 ft., but they are also great for indoor sporting events.


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