Oberwerk 100XL Tactical Edition Binoculars Review – Optical Test and Field Impressions

PREMISE

Price, warranty and distributor – where to buy it

Those who passionately follow Binomania will remember that about four years ago I prepared a video review dedicated to the top of the range binoculars Oberwerk 100XL-SD.
With great pleasure, thanks to the collaboration of Peter Romagnoni Of RpOptix  I have now had the opportunity to field test a demo of the new version for a few weeks Tactical Edition, which is currently on sale at a price of around 3200 euros and which shares many similarities with the SD version, including the 100mm FCD-100 optical groups and the lightweight magnesium alloy body.

As always, in this review you will find — in addition to the technical features, the advantages and disadvantages — also the my practical impressions, developed after a long observational experience in various fields: from long-distance naturalistic observations to astronomical ones.

 

Key Specifications – Oberwerk 100XL-TE Tactical Edition

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ACCESSORIES SUPPLIED

The standard equipment of the final version will include a solid suitcase Pelican-style, a small manual with quick instructions and the inevitable lens cleaning cloth.
Furthermore, they are provided:, two 14mm focal length eyepieces, which guarantee particularly versatile medium magnifications.

Oberwerk has confirmed that this version will soon be available eyepieces equipped with reticle, so I hope in the future to be able to test the Tactical Edition also in different fields, such as the use on the shooting range or for medium-range tactical observations, thus evaluating its performance with a more specialized setup.

OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

Among the optional accessories you can choose a wide range of solutions, thanks to the attention that Oberwerk reserves for its customers.
It is in fact possible to opt for the Oberwerk TR3 wooden tripod, up to the classics Manfrotto, or to more robust models such as the’Oberwerk TR25 with video head, suitable for large diameter binoculars.

They are also available two more pairs of eyepieces, from 22 mm and from 7 mm, to expand the flexibility of use and cover different magnifications.

In recent months, Oberwerk has also presented a series of interesting accessories, both for tripods — such as the eyepiece trays — both for more specific uses, such as sunscreens dedicated.
I invite you to visit both the Oberwerk official website both that of the Italian distributor, to view the wide range of products and accessories available for these fascinating binoculars.

 

MECHANICS AND FOCUSING SYSTEM

I start by confirming that this series is available in three formats: 70 mm, 82 mm and 100 mm. As you may have understood from the size, what I'm trying is the 100mm model. Although it can be defined in all respects as a giant binoculars, I must emphasize that, thanks to the magnesium alloy body, The overall weight is quite low.

My electronic scale, considering the cartridge head plate they eyepieces supplied, detected a well-balanced weight of about 6 kg.
Compared to the 100XL-SD model — more oriented towards astronomical use — this version is optimized for use tactical or naturalistic, thanks to a low reflectivity grey-matte finish, embellished with black anodized finishes which improve their concealment in the field.

The specimen in my possession however presents two gold rings on the lenses, similar to those of the astronomical model, which can attract a bit of attention. Personally, during "tactical" use, I preferred camouflage them with camouflage tape but the final version offers dark finishes for this detail too.
It must be said, however, that when observing roe deer at distances of over 100-120 metres, their limited perception of colors made the issue completely irrelevant.

In the upper part of the hull we find a handle with Picatinny rail, similar to that mounted on rifles. This allows for a wide range of mounting options for accessories such as Red-Dot seekers, laser pointers or auxiliary lights.

The inside of the optical tubes is well blackened and diaphragmed, to reduce internal reflections.
The system is also equipped with extendable sunshades, useful both for limit stray light both for protect the goals.
Being a binocular designed for a more “tactical” and dynamic use, it happened to me a couple of times lightly bump into the vegetation — for example, brambles — while walking in the bush without the caps mounted. The lenses, however, they did not report any damage, confirming the robustness of the construction.

There are features that are truly appreciated only on the field, rather than observing from your own garden or terrace: and this Oberwerk, in fact, is designed to give its best precisely in real, variable and challenging environments.

The binoculars — in the final version — should be waterproofed and filled with nitrogen, although I recommend check the official Oberwerk price list updated data for the Tactical Edition.

On the lower part there is a integrated attachment for photographic plates, compatible with all standards from 3/8″ (with reduction to 1/4″).
There painting it has proven itself scratch and grease resistant, and is much less eye-catching than the white livery of the astronomical model, certainly more “elegant”, but less suitable for the operational field.

There eyepiece holder seat adopt a collar fastening system compatible with eyepieces from 31.8 mm (1.25”).
The Oberwerk eyepieces with smooth edge they fix perfectly; with eyepieces of other brands equipped with grooved edge, you may need to fill the groove slightly with tape, although I haven't been able to test this directly, as most of my eyepieces have a smooth edge.

There focus it is, as expected, individual on each eyepiece.
It occurs through the rotation of the entire barrel, equipped with knurled ring positioned just below the tightening one.
I also wanted to analyse this aspect from a tactical perspective, verifying the manageability with heavy gloves (which I use for example in winter or at the shooting range): I must say that the size of the rings is excellent — approximately 19mm thick and 49mm in diameter — and allow a secure and precise grip even with covered hands.

OPTICS

Goals

Oberwerk has chosen for these binoculars premium 100mm FCD100 SD-APO lenses, currently one of the best optical glasses available, right after pure single crystal fluorite (in my opinion).
It is therefore a question of high-quality apochromatic optics, excellent for both use naturalistic is astronomical.

Looking closely, you notice the presence, on the front, of the eccentric ring system for collimation, which Oberwerk carries out manually and with great precision.
The company declares that each specimen is hand-collimated and certified up to 140x, with a maximum error less than eight arc seconds: a truly remarkable level of alignment.

From a practical point of view, the images appear sharp, bright and well-contrasted, with excellent control of residual chromatism.
There shades of white tends slightly towards the heat, and in my opinion this contributes to a better perception of micro-contrast, particularly useful in nature and landscape observations.

EYEPIECES

 

Being a binocular equipped with interchangeable eyepieces, my considerations are based on the eyepieces supplied as standard.
In this case it is about wide-angle models, which offer a apparent field of 70° and are built with one eight-element optical scheme.
Combined with the 100mm model, they provide a 40x magnification, but — as already mentioned — it is possible to purchase it separately two more pairs of eyepieces, from 22mm (25x) e 7 mm (80x), thus expanding the application possibilities. Oberwerk has confirmed that, in the future, a version with lattice.

There field lens measures approximately 30 mm diameter, while the barrel has an external diameter of approximately 49 mm.
There minimum interpupillary distance (i.e. the distance between the two eye bodies) is approximately 15 mm, value that represents the limit of comfort for those like me who have a rather pronounced nose: if the bodies had been even larger, it would have been difficult to get completely close to the lens hoods.

I lens hood are optimized with a rotation extraction system, equipped with clearly perceptible clicks, which allows you to easily adjust its position to suit different observers.

PRISMS

Although I have not been officially confirmed with the exact type of prisms, the prismatic system of this angled binocular It should consist of a roof prism that corrects the image and adds a 45-degree curvature. From there, a rhomboid prism in each turret sends the image to the eyepiece. correcting it so as to make it correct and not inverted.

There exit pupil of this specimen it was found perfectly circular, without signs of vignetting visible at the edges, nor diffuse reflections or glare near the pupil.
The field stop (edge of the visual field) appears clear and well defined, an indication of a very precise optical alignment and excellent internal management of the diaphragms.

ANTI-REFLECTIVE COATING ON LENSES AND PRISMS

Oberwerk declares the use of fully multicoated broadband treatments, Meaning what multi-coatings on all optical surfaces, including the surfaces of prisms.
This type of treatment maximizes light transmission, reduces internal reflexes e increases contrast and perceived sharpness.

My usual empirical test — the one in which I try to glimpse the reflection of my face in the front lenses — confirmed excellent quality of anti-reflective treatments, with minimal and uniform reflections.

 CHROMATIC AND GEOMETRIC ABERRATIONS

Chromatic aberration at the center of the field

The chromaticism in the center of the field è practically absent.
Only in extremely high-contrast lighting conditions (e.g. black branches against a white sky) can a very faint coloured fringe be perceived.
In real use, the differences compared to top-of-the-range apochromatic binoculars, like some models equipped with pure fluorite monocrystal objectives I am minimal and negligible.

 Lateral chromatism

Based on the 14mm eyepieces supplied, I can confirm that the lateral chromaticism è very well contained.
Only by approaching the 70% from the center of the field you can perceive a light green-purple halo around the most contrasting subjects, a perfectly normal behavior for instruments of this category.

 Field curvature

With the standard eyepieces, during terrestrial use, the the field appears virtually flat to the edge.
The images remain clear and legible almost as much as those in the center; the only perceptible differences are due, if anything, to small peripheral chromatic variations.

 Angular distortion

There is a slight pincushion distortion, which manifests itself starting from approximately the 70% from the center of the field.
However, this is typical behavior for 70° wide-angle eyepieces, useful for reducing the sensation of field curvature during horizontal panning.

 Other aberrations

I have not found evident coma nor annoying astigmatism in the peripheral field also in astronomical observation.

 USAF CHART TEST AT 35 METERS

With the standard eyepieces I was unable to achieve focus at 35 meters, so I avoided testing with the USAF Chart at that standard distance.
However, using some of my Vixen 14mm SSW astronomical eyepieces, I managed to focus on just over 30 meters, which allowed me to still evaluate the optical performance at 40x.

In this configuration I was able to easily solve line number 6, is horizontal and vertical, with a excellent containment of residual chromaticism in the center of the field.

I can say that some 8×42 roof prism binoculars, from the cost of over 2000 euros, they show more residual chromatism than this Oberwerk, which costs much less.
A result that confirms the high optical quality of FCD100 glasses and the care in collimation of the manufacturer.

BIRDWATCHING

A 100mm angled binocular It is certainly not the ideal tool for birdwatching, however, using it in the large wetlands or swamps, his firepower can offer great satisfaction to enthusiasts of long-distance observations.
It is particularly suitable, for example, for the study of seabirds, of the raptors perched over long distances or for the flock and migration monitoring.

In these situations, it is appreciated significant reduction of residual chromatism, which at 40x emerges only in conditions of very high contrast, and above all the convenience of observing with both eyes, a feature that allows you to perform monitoring and censuses without the typical fatigue of a single-view terrestrial telescope (spotting scope).

The real difference compared to a spotting scope lies in the minimum focus: con gli oculari di serie, il punto di fuoco più vicino si trova intorno ai 40 metri, mentre con uno spotting scope si possono osservare soggetti a 2–2,5 metri di distanza.
Questa è, di fatto, l’unica limitazione pratica, oltre all’ovvio maggiore ingombro.

 LANDSCAPE

As for the osservazioni paesaggistiche, non posso che confermarne la bontà.
È uno strumento che, quando le condizioni atmosferiche lo consentono, permette di scorgere dettagli a lunghissima distanza: croci di vetta, baite, rifugi, cime innevate.

Più volte sono riuscito, a forti ingrandimenti, a percepire le sagome di escursionisti nei pressi della Capanna Margherita sul Monte Rosa, situata a oltre 70 km dal mio punto osservativo.
In altre occasioni l’ho utilizzato per seguire le attività della scuola di vela sul Lago Maggiore, divertendomi a mettere alla prova la risoluzione del binocolo.

Insomma, è un ottimo compagno per le osservazioni panoramiche a lunga distanza, purché si disponga di un punto d’osservazione stabile e ben esposto.

 DUSK

Grazie alla sua colorazione tattica grigio scuro, decisamente meno appariscente rispetto al modello bianco astronomico (e anche rispetto alla vecchia finitura grigio chiaro dei modelli astronomici), ho avuto il piacere di portarlo con me durante varie twilight observations dedicate ai roe deer.

In questi casi ho utilizzato oculari da 22 mm, che offrono una pupilla d’uscita di circa 4 mm, ideale per la visione in luce tenue.
Non ho potuto usare oculari da 28 mm poiché il field stop del binocolo non consente di sfruttarli completamente, ma anche così le prestazioni crepuscolari sono risultate eccellenti, con un livello di dettaglio e finezza superiori a molti spotting scope di alta gamma, anche da 95 mm di diametro.

L’unico limite evidente riguarda, ancora una volta, la messa a fuoco minima di circa 40 metri, che impedisce di seguire soggetti in rapido avvicinamento.
Per questo tipo di osservazioni naturalistiche o “tattiche”, probabilmente il modello da 82 mm rappresenta il compromesso ideale tra portabilità. luminosità e prestazioni; tuttavia, il 100 mm rimane imbattibile per luminosità e resa crepuscolare, offrendo una brillantezza superiore del 50% circa rispetto a un 82 mm di pari qualità ottica.

 ASTRONOMICAL OBSERVATION

As for the’astronomical use, posso confermare la notevole qualità ottica.
Un 100 mm angolato con vetri FCD100 può essere considerato un binocolo “definitivo” per chi desidera uno strumento polivalente, adatto tanto al cielo profondo quanto all’osservazione planetaria di base.

Sarà interessante in futuro approfondire le prestazioni di Luna e pianeti con i binocoli Oberwerk in una recensione dedicata.
Posso comunque anticipare che, nelle osservazioni di cielo profondo, questo strumento rappresenta un equilibrio ideale Between trasmissione luminosa, raffreddamento termico e trasportabilità.

There valigia in dotazione ne facilita il trasporto anche in alta montagna, dove si può beneficiare di cieli più bui rispetto alle zone urbane.
The tre coppie di oculari disponibili (25x, 40x e 80x) coprono già un ampio spettro di utilizzo, ma si possono anche adottare filtri anti-inquinamento luminoso hey filtri solari Oberwerk per l’osservazione in luce bianca del Sole.

Grazie all’ottima collimation dell’esemplare fornitomi da Peter Romagnoni, ho potuto osservare Saturno e la Luna con oculari da 4 mm, ottenendo ingrandimenti elevati: in questo frangente ho potuto apprezzare il buon contenimento del cromatismo residuo and one nitidezza sorprendente per uno strumento a rapporto focale così aperto.

Naturalmente, un binocolo da 100 mm f/5 non può raggiungere le prestazioni di un rifrattore acromatico lungo o di un doppietto alla fluorite f/8 o f/10, ma resta comunque in grado di offrire grande soddisfazione anche agli astrofili più esigenti, grazie alla visione binoculare immersiva and to the contrasto eccellente.

 PROS AND CONS

Merits

• Presenza di vetri FCD 100 di alta qualità

• Oculari di serie ben progettati e confortevoli

• Trattamenti antiriflesso molto efficaci

• Corpo in lega di magnesio leggero e robusto

• Colorazione tattica grigio scuro, meno invasiva per uso naturalistico

• Maniglia superiore con slitta Picatinny, utile per laser, red-dot o altri accessori

• Paraluce estraibili pratici ed efficaci

• Ottimo equilibrio tra diametro, peso e prestazioni, collocandosi perfettamente tra il modello da 82 mm e quello da 120 mm

Defects

• Lieve presenza di cromatismo residuo nelle condizioni più estreme, leggermente superiore a quella di un doppietto in cristallo di fluorite 

• Messa a fuoco minima lunga (circa 40 m), limitante per soggetti ravvicinati

• Da verificare il serraggio con oculari a barilotto scanalato, anche se con gli oculari Oberwerk il fissaggio è perfetto

• Ingombro e peso maggiori rispetto a strumenti puramente terrestri

IN SUMMARY

In sintesi, ritengo che Oberwerk, con il modello 100XL-TE (Tactical Edition) dotato di ottiche FCD100 APO, abbia realizzato uno strumento poliedrico e di altissimo livello, capace di soddisfare anche gli osservatori più esigenti.
Si tratta di un binocolo adatto a qualsiasi tipo di utilizzo, dalle osservazioni paesaggistiche a lunga distanza a quelle crepuscolari e naturalistiche, fino all’impiego astronomico vero e proprio.

L’unico limite evidente resta la distanza minima di messa a fuoco, piuttosto lunga, e la messa a fuoco indipendente su ciascun oculare, che ne sconsiglia l’uso per soggetti in rapido movimento.
Per il resto, è il classico binocolo angolato di grande diametro: un vero top di gamma che può diventare, a tutti gli effetti, lo strumento definitivo per l’appassionato di osservazioni “a 360 gradi”.

 PRICE AND WARRANTY

Attualmente, il prezzo dell’Oberwerk 100XL Tactical Edition si attesta intorno ai 3200 euro con la classica garanzia europea.
Ringrazio di cuore Pietro Romagnoni di RpOptix per avermi fornito l’esemplare oggetto di questo test e per la consueta disponibilità. Lo stesso dicasi di Kevin Busarow che mi ha fornito molte informazioni sulla nuova serie Tactical Edition

 THANKS

Un sincero ringraziamento anche a tutti voi lettori e spettatori di Binomania per il continuo supporto e per la passione con cui seguite ogni nuova recensione.
Il confronto con la community resta, come sempre, una parte essenziale del mio lavoro di divulgazione.

 DISCLAIMER

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Le mie valutazioni sono frutto esclusivo dell’esperienza sul campo e le aziende firmano un clausola dove sono libero di citare le mie impressioni personali senza alcuna forzatura che esula da eventuali banner pubblicitari presenti sul sito. Per ulteriori informazioni, eventuali aggiornamenti di prezzo o novità sui prodotti Oberwerk, vi invito a consultare direttamente il sito ufficiale del produttore o quello di RPOptix