Olivon PC-3 Binoculars

Every hunter, irrespective of quarry targeted and type of ‘gun’ used, knows the benefits of a set of good quality binoculars. Optical Hardware has a vast range of such kit and the latest news is the addition of a family of top-end models to their Olivon brand. Known as the PC-3 series, there are six models of varying specification consisting of a selection of popular magnification and objective lens sizes – those being 8 x 26, 10 x 26, 8 x 34, 10 x 34, 8 x 42 and 10 x 42 – pretty much the norm as offered by many other quality optical specialists. So, besides the 8x magnification models giving a wider FOV than their 10x counterparts, another, and for some the main, consideration of which to purchase is obviously the overall size and weight of the binos, which is largely dictated by the size of the objective lenses. So in that respect, the range consists of a pair of compact, midi and ‘large’ models – however, both the 8 x 42 and 10 x 42 are still of a size that makes them very manageable to wear and use.

As you’d expect, all models share the same build characteristics and operational features. Those being they’re of a DCF ‘open hinge’ design and the fully rubber armour coated body is waterproof and has lengthy lateral raised ridges along the outside of the barrels to aid grip, plus they have integral neck strap attachment points towards the rear. The BAK4 prisms, fully multi-coated and phase coated lenses all combine to give a bright crystal clear sight picture. Before continuing, due to the superb viewing image all models afford, I feel an explanation as to ‘what type’ and why the prism and lens coatings used are so relevant to any ‘scanners’.

Fulsome Prism

There are two common types of prism systems, the porro prism and the roof prism – the PC-3 use the latter design. Generally, roof prisms are light and compact, while porro prisms are known to give superior optical performance than the former. However, if the roof prism has an anti-phase shift coating – as is the case here – a phase corrected roof prism is equal to a ‘porro’ in performance, presuming all other elements of the optical system are equal. Now, when it comes to the type of ‘glass’ used in the construction of the prism there are basically two that are most commonly used – BK7 and BAK4. The main difference between the two is the glass density or refractive index, BK7 utilises borosilicate glass and BAK4 uses barium crown glass. This (BAK4) is a very fine glass with a higher density, which can eliminate internal light scattering and produces sharper images than BK7 glass, which also loses some of the light that strikes near the edges of the prisms. In other words, BAK4 is the prism ‘glass’ of choice for top quality binos, as it gives a full, perfectly round sight picture to the very edges of the lenses when viewing. This is certainly the case with the Olivion PC-3’s and in use I found even the models with smaller objectives excelled in very low light conditions.

All feature chunky, large twistup eyecups and an adjustable ocular ring is found at the base of the right hand rear lens, while the ‘rear and centre’ focus dial is ideally positioned for ease of use. This large serrated outer edge ‘DCF’ dial operates very smoothly and positively enabling targets observed to be quickly ‘snapped’ into pin sharp focus in the sight picture. For test purposes I concentrated on using the 8x models, which I feel are an ideal compromise for most observational tasks under general field conditions. But on any model, irrespective of magnification, the body design is such that they’re very easy to handle and use and come supplied with carry case, cover caps, shoulder strap, neck strap and a 10 year guarantee.

PRICE: SRP£129.99 £169.99 £289.99

Prices for 10x models are £10 extra to the corresponding 8x model and have the same specifications except for FOV.

CONTACT: Optical Hardware Ltd, www.opticalhardware.co.uk