Olympus Outback 8x21 RC1 Binoculars by Olympus
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Digital camera reviews of Olympus Outback 8x21 RC1 Binoculars
Digital camera Review: Dan's Outbacks
Summary: 5 Stars
This product is everything its claimed to be; light weight, compact, clear image, adapts to eyeglasses easily. The small size allows me to pack them in a corner of my camera bag. After trying out my pair, my neighbors are buying multiple units, some for themselves and others for gifts. A typical Olympus product; superior optics and light weight with low price as a bonus.Digital camera Review: Disappointed and Will be Returning
Summary: 2 Stars
I received a pair of the Nikon Action 7 x 50 binoculars for Christmas and was a little disappointed that they were so large, even though the picture quality was excellent. Since I wanted something a lot smaller and was willing to sacrifice a little picture quality, I decided to order this product (Olympus 8 x 21 RC I Outback) thinking that I would return the Nikon pair.
Man, I didn't realize how much picture quality and comfort I would be sacrificing. After receiving the Olympus pair, I compared them both side by side and it was a no-brainer. The difference in image clarity, image brightness, comfort level (both holding the binoculars and looking through them) is astounding. The Nikon pair is far superior in every way (except compactness). Perhaps I should have gone for a pair somewhere in between these two size extremes. But I'm willing to put up with the size difference to achieve this huge superiority in quality and comfort.
Returning the Olympus product today.
Digital camera Review: Don't expect them to be water resistant! Here's what to do if there's moisture inside and you're in the Outback...
Summary: 3 Stars
We bought two pairs of these binoculars for a trip to Costa Rica, wanting something lighter than our beautiful but heavy Zeiss bins. When they came, one was defective - one side didn't focus - so we had to replace that just before departure. In use we found them lightweight, easy to use and the optics are quite OK for such cheap binoculars. I like the close focus and their pocketability. The right-eye diopter adjustment is quite loose so you need to tape it in place.
Main problem is, in CR it rains...and rains! There are so many opportunities for bins to get wet. Within a few days, both had moisture inside the left barrel. It took us a while to figure how to clean this out.
First you prise off the silver plastic shells, underside then topside, using a knife or small screwdriver in the seam where they snap together. (The plastic is tacked to the metal inner barrels with spots of glue, so this takes a bit of force). Only then can you twist off the eyepiece assembly and mop out the moisture. You have to get all glass surfaces, especially the prisms, scrupulously clean with lens cleaner and lint-free lens tissue, or else there will always be some cloudiness. Watch out for the little black plastic slider that goes diagonally thru the middle of each set of prisms - moisture gets in there too, you may have to yank it out and clean inside that slot.
Then put it all together and make sure it isn't hanging round your neck NEXT time you fall in the river or sea!
This fix worked for us, but don't try it unless you are fairly methodical and handy at fixing things
Digital camera Review: Don't order an extra strap
Summary: 4 Stars
I did not see in the description that a strap comes with the binoculars - so I ordered the strap that was recommended by Amazon - the OpTech EZ Comfort Neoprene strap. It's a great strap, but won't work with these binoculars - there's no way to attach it. I'd recommend just using the strap that comes with the binoculars.Digital camera Review: Don't try to return, because you can't!
Summary: 1 Stars
I contacted the seller to return but never got a response. Guess I'm stuck with an inferior product. Don't buy from this seller!!!