Sky Rover Banner Cloud (SRBC) 6×32 “APO”

Specifications:

Objective diameter (acc. to spec. and measured):  32 mm
Magnification (acc. to spec.):  6 x
Magnification (measured):  6.2 x
Exit pupil (acc. to spec.) : 5.3 mm
Exit pupil (measured) : 5.1 mm
Eye relief (acc. to spec): 18 mm
Usable eye relief (measured from rim of eyecup): 16 mm
IPD (acc. to spec):  56 – 76 mm
RFOV (acc. to spec. ):  12.2  degrees = 214 m
RFOV (measured): 12.1 degrees = 212 m
AFOV (acc. to spec.):  70  degrees
AFOV (measured, rounded): 68 degrees
Minimum focus distance (acc. to spec.): 1.5 m
Minimum focus distance (measured): 2.2 m
Focus type: CF (direction of rotation from close to infinity: > clockwise)
Degrees of rotation of focus wheel from minimum focus to infinity (measured): 370 degrees
Range of diopter adjustment (acc. to spec.): +/- 4 dpt*
Excess travel of focus wheel beyond infinity position (estimate): > 5 dpt*
Prism system:  Schmidt-Pechan
Waterproof: yes
Weight (without accessories, acc. to specs.): 760 g
Weight (measured, with eyepiece and objective cover and strap): 914 g
Made in: China

*range of diopter adjustment not affected by position of focus wheel

Remarks:

In a recent post on his website, Holger Merlitz presented  four new models of Chinese quality binoculars under the title “Recent high-performance binoculars from China” (https://www.holgermerlitz.de/hp_binoculars/hp_binoculars.html), among which we find the SkyRover SRBC 8×42 (see separate post, https://binocular.ch/sky-rover-8×42-apo/) as well as the SRBC 6×32 introduced here. Its main selling point is a whopping 12.2 field of view that is well corrected far out to the edge. If you compare the SRBC 6×32 with an vintage 6x binocular that features a FOV almost as wide as the SRBC, i.e. the KOMZ BPC 6×24 (see separate post, https://binocular.ch/komz-bpc-6×24/), you immediately understand why the SRBC with its clearly better image correction is much talked about (funnily, comparing it to the wonderful 10 degree FOV vintage Bushnell Rangemaster 7×35, see separate post https://binocular.ch/bushnell-rangemaster-7×35/, with its for the time amazing edge sharpness, the progress made with the SRBC appears less overwhelming). General landscape viewing, cloud spotting, and observing under a dark night sky become nice experiences with the SRBC. For all practical purposes, straylight is well controlled, color fidelity and image brightness are good, CA is well corrected, build quality appears good and ergonomics are pleasant. With around 900 grams, including strap and caps, the SRBC is on the heavy side for a 6×32.

See also another example of a recent high quality, low magnification, widefield Chinese binocular, the Loava Aglaia 7×35 III (separate post, https://binocular.ch/loava-aglaia-iii-7×35/).

Ratings: