Optisan Optics is making a name for itself in the birdwatching scene, thanks to its range of high-quality yet affordable products. Their latest product is the EVR II ED series of binoculars, officially revealed at the 13th Asian Bird Fair in the Philippines in November 2024. As part of their marketing campaign, Optisan Optics has graciously given Birdwatching Asia a copy of the Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 binoculars for review.

Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 Binoculars Review

This is my Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 binoculars review for birdwatching. This is the final review, based on my experiences after using these binoculars for five months. The review is based on an early production unit, serial number ST341352. I tested these binoculars at various locations, including deserts, open wetlands, dense lowland jungles, and misty montane forests.

What’s in the box?

• Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 Binoculars (olive green colour, with black trim).
• Carrying case (Black, water resistant) 
• Objective and ocular lens caps (attached to the binoculars)
• Neoprene neck strap with rotatable clip-on connectors
• Owner’s manual
• Microfibre cleaning cloth
• Thank you card, with a photo of a Frogmouth.
• Note: Warranty registration is done online. For purchases made on or after 1/1/2025, Optisan offers limited lifetime warranty on all their products.

Specifications

Info obtained from the product’s page on Optisan Optics’ official website.

• Magnification: 10X
• Objective lens diameter: 34 mm
• Closest focusing distance: 2 m
• Field of view: 6.7 degrees (118m / 1000m). This is wider than the 10×34 LR ED and 10×42 EVR models. 
• Eye relief: 16.3 mm
• Interpupillary distance: 56-76 mm
• 93% Light transmission (this is better than some higher-end binoculars out there!)
• ED Glass, fully multi-coated
• Prism: Bak4 w/Phase coating+Dielectric coating
• Waterproofing: IPX-7 (water immersion of 1 m, up to 30 minutes)
• Fog-proof, Nitrogen purged.
• Nano waterproof coating
• Weight: 540 g 
• Dimensions (mm):126 x 126 x 45 (length x height x width)
• RRP:  MYR 2250 (This puts this model in the mid-range price category)

Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 Binoculars – out of the box:

Design 

I have to hand it to Optisan, as they make very nice-looking binoculars. I liked the design of their LR ED models, and the EVR II ED is no different. The binoculars are olive-green, with contrasting black trim. More than a few people I’ve met remarked on how similar these binoculars are to those from a much more expensive brand!

Size and build

The binoculars are compact and lightweight, at only 540 grams. This is only 60g heavier than the Optisan 8×34 LR ED.  Build quality is excellent, and the armour feels solid. The rotating eyecups twist out smoothly and click in place, while providing generous eye relief. 

Lens covers

The rubber objective lens covers are identical to the ones on the LR ED models. They are attached to the barrel of the binoculars and flip down before use. These can be detached fully from the binoculars. 

The ocular lens covers are attached to the neck strap via a short fastening strap. 

Focusing dial

This is ergonomically positioned in the middle, featuring a grooved rubber grip. It turns smoothly, without being overresponsive.

Neck strap

Similar to the LR ED, the EVR II ED binoculars come with a wide, ergonomic neoprene neck strap. The Optisan logo is emblazoned on one side of the strap. Installing the strap on the binoculars is very simple, as it uses clip-on rotatable connectors (I love this feature). This design also means that changing to a harness is very easy.

Carrying Case

The black carrying case is simple but functional. It comes with eyelets to hook the neck strap to, but does not come with its strap.

Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 Binoculars – field performance

Performance in normal conditions

The images are razor sharp and bright, appreciably superior to the lower-end 8×34 LR ED. Additionally, I did not observe any colour fringing or other distracting optical effects, in keeping with its ED specifications. 

With the EVR II ED 10X34, Optisan have taken the image quality up a notch compared to the entry-level Optisan 8×34 LR ED.  In normal lighting conditions, the optical performance of these binoculars is just amazing!

Low-light performance

But what about the low-light performance of the 34mm objective diameter? I find that the binoculars are also very usable in dimly lit conditions. In my case, dimly lit conditions usually refer to the forest understory, a habitat that I visit frequently. I think the EVR II ED is better in this regard than my older 8×42 models, although to be fair, this is probably because those older binoculars are entry-level models.

Keep in mind that the 34mm objective lens diameter means these binos won’t be able to collect as much light as a 42mm (or larger) binoculars. This is simple physics. If you absolutely need brighter binoculars, you’ll need to find a model with a larger objective diameter. 

In practice, however, I rarely, if ever, find myself in situations where brighter binoculars are necessary. 

Magnification & wide viewing angle

From my experience, the 10X magnification is only of marginal value compared to 8X magnification. Some people want that extra reach, while others prefer the wider view angle of 8X binoculars. Ultimately, which one is suitable for you depends on your preference. 

For me, a wider viewing angle is more beneficial, as it allows you to scan a larger area while searching for birds. On the EVR II ED 10×34, the 6.7-degree view angle is superior to that of the older EVR and the lower-end LR ED. (If you need a wider field of view, then the 8X34 EVR II provides a generous 8.3 degrees view angle)

Minimum focusing distance 

The minimum focusing distance of 2m allows me to track forest understory birds more easily. These birds often flit around endlessly and can come quite close. Additionally, I discovered that this close focusing distance enables me to appreciate the fine details of nature, such as plant foliage, flowers, fungi, and insects. 

Handling

Despite being compact, the Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 Binoculars remain very ergonomic. Over time, I’ve grown to like these compact dimensions. It’s comfortable for me to hold in both hands, or even just one. Nevertheless, users accustomed to larger-sized binoculars may find that the smaller size requires a bit of getting used to.

Additionally, the lightweight and compact dimensions of these binoculars make carrying them around a breeze. The lightweight is a godsend since I walk a lot and almost always carry a heavy camera when birding. Additionally, it fits nicely in my otherwise cramped birding backpack, alongside my DSLR and long telephoto lens.

Neck strap

Using the binoculars with the neoprene strap is very comfortable on the neck, even after hours of birding. Since the binoculars are so lightweight, I’ve found no need to use a harness (which often hampers my camera movements). 

Lens covers

I love how the ocular lens cover is securely attached to the neck strap via a short fastening strap. This is important as lens covers protect against the elements and are easily dropped (and lost) inadvertently while birding.

Now, the nitpicks….

The rubber covering the rotating eyecups doesn’t seem to be securely fixed in place. In 5 months of use, the rubber covering has actually detached twice, requiring a bit of glueing to keep it in place. This isn’t a major issue, as it doesn’t affect the usability of the binoculars, and it is easily fixed. It probably is just an issue with my particular copy, rather than a design oversight.

On my previous 8×34 LR ED binoculars, I had two nitpicks. First, the flip-down objective lens covers often block the view, especially when I tilt the binoculars upwards. Second, the lens covers broke off after less than one month of use. 

On the EVR II ED 10×34, the objective lens covers are nearly identical in design to those of the LR ED. So, to circumvent the previous problems, I detached the objective lens covers before use, rather than simply flipping them down. I only reattach the covers when I’ve finished with my birding session. 

Having said that, I hope Optisan develops better designs for the objective lens covers on future models.

Pros & cons:

Pros:

• Superb performance. Images are razor sharp, with no distracting optical effects. 
• Despite the 34mm objective lens size, the binoculars are very usable in dim light conditions, such as in the forest understory.
• Wide viewing angle, especially when compared to the corresponding EVR and LR ED models.
• 2m close focusing distance 
• Excellent build quality.
• Eye-catching design
• Lightweight and compact 
• Ocular lens covers are securely attached and can be easily detached.
• The neck strap attaches to the binoculars via rotatable clip-on connectors
• Affordable price

Cons:

• Rubber covering the rotating eyecups doesn’t seem to be securely fixed in place.
• The objective lens covers are still the same design as on the LR ED (obstructs the view and is prone to breaking off).

These binoculars are recommended for:

• Birders looking to upgrade their binoculars to a better model, without spending too much.
• Birders looking for lighter gear (or as backup binoculars for hiking, travelling, etc)
• Bird/wildlife photographers who carry heavy gear
• Hikers/mountaineers – where every kg counts
• General purpose use for nature observation (animals, insects, flowers, etc)

How to buy?

For enquiries or orders, contact:

• Sabah Birdwatchers Association (SBWA) – for those in Malaysian Borneo (Sabah, Sarawak & Labuan)
• Nature Educational Society (NEST) – for those in West Malaysia

For more information, please visit the official website to view the list of global distributors. Alternatively, you can purchase it directly from the Optisan website.

Final thoughts

I enjoyed using the 10×34 EVR II ED binoculars over the last 5 months. I’ve used it in a variety of scenarios, from deserts to rainy jungles, and find that these binoculars perform admirably in all of them. The small dimensions and light weight also mean that I carry it pretty much everywhere I go, even on non-birding trips. 

During my travels, I’ve allowed a few birders, including several professional bird guides, to try out these binoculars. Many (if not all) have been impressed with the optical quality of the EVR II ED, comparing it favourably to more expensive models. 

Conclusion:

The Optisan EVR II ED 10×34 binoculars offer excellent optical performance in a stylish, compact, and lightweight design at an affordable price. Optisan has scored another home run with the EVR II ED 10×34 binoculars. Highly recommended!

Addendum

If anyone in Malaysia is interested in this model (or other Optisan products), you can visit their booth at the upcoming Fraser’s Hill International Bird Race, from June 20-22, 2025. Optisan Optics will be showcasing their products there, and also sponsoring the prizes for the bird race itself.