RSPB Avocet® binoculars

4.5384615385 out of 5

13

Excellent replacement for my 20yr old 8x40 ASWs in both quality and value terms. However, the case could do with being a little bigger to accommodate the provided straps which are poor quality when compared to the product itself. Larger straps which might be helpful would not fit in the case.

I dropped my Viking 8x32 the day we arrived for our holiday and damaged a lens cup making them unuseable. Minsmere were holding an optics weekend so we took them in to be sent off for service and I was loaned a pair of Avocets choosing to try the 8x42. This is a great service offered by the RSPB getting a chance to really try a product for a day in the field with no pressure or obligation to purchase. Whilst I could have shared my husbands bins during our week away, his are bulkier than mine and I have little hands. I was so impressed with the Avocet 8x42 and with the 10% discount offer that I indulged. We had a great week birding and watching otters and adders at Minsmere and huge flocks of actual avocet over in Snape and Iken. I definitely recommend these to anyone starting out or looking for a spare pair. I’m happy to report my Vikings are being repaired too, another great service via the reserve. Thank you to everyone at the reserve who assisted that weekend.

I think these are great binoculars but I can not recommend them because I have had no less than three things wrong with them in the first seven months and have had to return them twice. The case was poorly made, the wrong lens cap was put on at manufacture and much more seriously the eyepiece broke. Both of these returns involved a 40 mile return trip for me, albeit an excuse to visit my local reserve. I can say however that the shop gave me a new pair with no quibbles.

These are excellent value for money. The build quality is superb, the image is clear, bright and sharp and they have the feel of a real quality product. Highly recommended!

Visisted the local estuary over the weekend and tried these binoculars out, they are very good indeed. Setting them up was really easy using the instructions that accompany them. Images were pin sharp and they are quite lightweight, the extra wide strap helps. I walked about four miles and they weren't a burden to carry at all.
If you are contemplating purchasing a pair of binoculars I would highly recommend these.

I have finally found my next set of perfect bins! I apparently have a small face, so once my trusty old set gave up, have since found binocular buying hard work. So many models have eye pieces that are just too wide apart to make a good view. This pair, however, are perfect! I don't even have to open them out to use them and I get a beautifully crisp, clear image with no double vision. Can't wait to get out and about and see what's going on around me again!

The best pair of binoculars are the ones that get used regularly (regardless of price). The Avocets have got me back out here in the countryside and watching birds. Thoroughly recommended.

Purchased these at RSPB Dart's Farm. Tried 8 x 42 and 10 x 42. The 8 X 42 gave very good light gathering and very steady to hold still. 10 X 42 were difficult to hold still. Would recommend the 8 X 42.

Bought for the kitchen table, not for serious or sustained watching. Disappointed by the optics which are not sharp. Also the image focus and geometry is not uniform, left to right across the field of view. The right eye correction is very stiff. I would have expected more for £135 and would price it closer to £50. Will be contacting RSPB Optics.

RSPB response: Thank you for your review, from your comments it does sound like you have a faulty pair and we would suggest contacting customer services to arrange a replacement.

These binoculars are brilliant. They're light weight and comfortable to use. Being a specs wearer the screw down eyepieces are perfect.

I would recommend these binoculars to anyone good quality and very good value for the price.thanks rspb paul b 07/15

Bought these at Rainham Marshes. Absolutely superb for the money and look forward to many years of use. Highly recommended.

I recently visited Bempton Cliffs and I was in the market for some new binoculars so I looked at the range of binoculars.

I tried the mid-range binoculars and these and as far as I could see the Avocets are as clear and as bright as the more expensive binoculars so I bought these.

I have used them a few times since I bought them and they are superb and make me smile not just because they are good but also they weren't that expensive in comparison to some binoculars.