Olympus Outback 8x21 RC1 Binoculars

We received the binoculars as promised. We have found them
to be very useful at the football games, easy to carry and use.

A quarter of a century ago I bought a pair of Nikon Action binoculars that produced a simply stunning image - bright, contrasty, sharp. I was hoping for the same from a new pair of RC-1s, but that was not to be the case - I would describe the image as adequate, but not stunning. The great advantage of these is that they are small and light. But if you want the kind of image a full sized pair of field binoculars can produce, you'll have to put up with their weight and size, because these don't do it. Why Consumer Reports has been so enthusiastic about them is a mystery to me.

The Olympus Outback 8x21 RC1 Binoculars were highly rated by Consumer Reports and for the price, under $50, you cannot go wrong. These are quite bright, comfortable for those of us who wear glasses, can be adjusted for difference between left and right eyes, easy to focus and view through, have a close focus of about 10 to 11 feet, come with case and neck strap, and are quite compact.

The downsides are not a big deal but might be the weight--they are very light, the two lens caps are not of much value, the body of the binoculars is plastic--like most other optical products, and the case is quite small but useable. The price and optical quality make this a binoc that you don't mind leaving in the glove compartment. I'm not sure how they would fair if dropped on a hard concrete surface. My other binoculars are 8 x 40 Nikon Monarch series of which I really like but they are much larger, which I do not mind, and cost five to seven times more. Are they better? Yes--mechanically and optically. But, they are not something I'd leave in my glove compartment. If you do not want to pop the $275 to $400 for binocs, get the Olympus Outback 8 x 21--you will not be sorry.

The Outback RC1 binocular was purchased for a recent trip to Alaska, where I cared not to carry heavier Nikon's I own. The RC1 is lightweight, but not cheap looking. In fact, they are quite attractive and sturdy. These binoculars easily fit in a jacket pocket when in the closed position. Optics are very clear, crisp (light capture is outstanding) and lack any noticeable peripheral distortion. The adjustable right eyepiece was perfect for correcting a vision issue I must deal with and eye relief comfortable for one wearing glasses. I found the field of vision excellent for sightseeing and will be nice for sports as well. I considered the Outback 10 X 21, but the field of vision is about 20% less, magnification is 25% stronger and the price slightly more than the 8 X 21. The 8 X 21 was best for my needs and proved so once in the field and in use. The included neck cord will keep the RC1 at the correct height for easy reach when something of interest is spotted. So, in a nutshell, I recommend the Outback RC1 without hesitation. Good luck on your buying decision.

These are the best compact binoculars I've used that cost under $100. They are lightweight, sharp, and bright. They go everywhere with me. They're even friendly to glasses-wearers.