REASONS TO BUY
Inexpensive
Lightweight
REASONS TO AVOID
Horrible field of view
Poor clarity
Poor adjustability
Adorrgon 12x42 HD Review
As you may come to expect from ultra-cheap binos, these feel like looking through a hazy tunnel
Credit: Adorrgon
RELATED: Best Binoculars of 2024
Our Verdict
Whether you want a pair of binoculars for birdwatching, stargazing, sporting events, hunting, sightseeing, or shows, you'll want clarity, high light transmission, and a good field of view. Unfortunately, the Adorrgon 12x42 HD leaves a lot to be desired across the majority of our test metrics. However, it is on par with most ultra-affordable binoculars in an increasingly saturated market. If you're looking for an affordable entry-level option, we recommend taking a look at our binoculars review to find the right pair for your needs and budget.
Compare to Similar Products
 This Product
Adorrgon 12x42 HD | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Awards |  Best Bang for the Buck | Best on a Tight Budget | Best Travel Binoculars on a Budget | ||
| Price | $100 List $33.84 at Amazon | $320 List $169.99 at Amazon | $170 List $125.89 at Amazon | $100 List $99.95 at REI | $110 List $79.99 at Amazon |
Overall Score  |
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| Star Rating | |||||
| Bottom Line | Lacking in many ways, this is a poorly made product that we wouldn't recommend for anyone | One of the best overall values on the market, particularly for mid-range price shoppers | A great choice for birders on a tight budget | Decent clarity and compactness make these a good budget option for traveling, backpacking and hiking | A good choice for someone on a budget and who could use a pair of binoculars that lets in a lot of light |
| Rating Categories | Adorrgon 12x42 HD | Vortex Diamondback... | Celestron Nature DX... | Nikon Trailblazer A... | Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 |
| Clarity (35%) | |||||
| Brightness (20%) | |||||
| Comfort (15%) | |||||
| Field of View (10%) | |||||
| Ease of Adjustment (15%) | |||||
| Close Focus Range (5%) | |||||
| Specs | Adorrgon 12x42 HD | Vortex Diamondback... | Celestron Nature DX... | Nikon Trailblazer A... | Nikon Aculon A211 8x42 |
| Measured Weight | 16.7 oz | 23.1 oz | 22.8 oz | 10.5 oz | 27.2 oz |
| Measured Interpupillary Distance Range | 56mm - 74mm | 56mm - 75mm | 57mm -74mm | 38mm -75mm | 56mm - 73mm |
| Measured Size | 5.7" x 4.4" | 5.7" x 5.1" | 5.4" x 4.5" | 2.7" x 4.1" | 6.8" x 5.9" |
| Measured Close Focus | 11.0 ft | 5.5 ft | 8.0 ft | 6.6 ft | 11.9 ft |
| Measured Eye Relief | 15.0 mm | 18.0 mm | 18.0 mm | 10.5 mm | 12.0 mm |
| Glass Type | BAK-4 | HD | BAK-4 | Eco-Glass | Eco-Glass |
| Magnification | 12 | 8 | 8 | 10 | 8 |
| Objective Lens Size | 42 | 42 | 42 | 25 | 42 |
| Claimed Field of View | 367 ft | 393 ft | 388 ft | 342 ft | 420 ft |
| Claimed Close Focus | Not mentioned | 5.0 ft | 6.5 ft | 11.5 ft | 13.0 ft |
| Claimed Eye Relief | 18.5 mm | 17 mm | 17.5 mm | 10 mm | 12 mm |
| Waterproof/Fog Resistant | Not mentioned | Yes | Yes | Yes | Not mentioned |
| Tripod Adapter | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Measured Lux Reading from Brightness Testing | 293 lux | 1163 lux | 823 lux | 237 lux | 1236 lux |
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Our Analysis and Test Results
Performance Comparison
Another rather marginal pair of entry level binoculars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Clarity
The Adorrgon 12x42 HD clarity is by no means exceptional next to a premium model, though we found it was better than the majority of entry-level models. The lens coating creates a hazy look, and color fringing at the sides of focused objects makes them stand out in an unnatural way.
The Adorrgon exhibited poor clarity in our tests.
Brightness
With a 42 mm lens, you would expect a large amount of light transmission compared to 28 and 25 mm lenses of compact models. However, the observed and measured brightness wasn't impressive. We measured 293 Lux, whereas other entry-level models transmitted nearly 33% more light, and the majority of more expensive models with 42 mm lenses measured over 1000 Lux.
These exhibited poor light transmission results and an overall darker viewing experience than you'd expect from a full size binoculars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Comfort
The Adorrgon 12x42 HD binos proved to be relatively comfortable to use due in large part to its dainty 16.7-ounce construction. While very lightweight, we found the balance point to be uncomfortable, meaning you'll consistently work against gravity trying to keep these level over large periods of time glassing. Though, the neck strap doesn't strain or irritate your neck like a heavier model would.
Gravity will constantly wear you down while using badly weight balanced binos.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Field of View
The field of view is a weak point of the Adorrgon 12x42 HD, as it brought up the rear in our testing. Using a vertical board fence at a specific distance, our team was only able to clearly see a mere 43 fence boards, which is far below average.
Ease of Adjustment
The Adorrgon 12x42 HD requires a lot of finger motion and effort to focus, and the lack of a locking diopter is no surprise at the entry level tier of binoculars, but is missing nonetheless. A short 15 mm eye relief was the nail in the coffin for these binos in our ease of adjustment test metric. Overall we found this model less than phenomenal when it came to making adjustments and a poor model to try and use with glasses. So glasses wearers will want to consider other models.
Ease of adjustment is a serious weak point for this model.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Close Focus Range
At 11 feet, the Adorrgon 12x42 HD are not an optimal choice for seeing up close objects magnified. In other words, they are a poor choice for butterfly houses or aviaries.
The Adorrgon 12x42 HD is a fairly run of the mill option in a market becoming saturated with entry level binoculars.
Credit: Abriah Wofford
Should You Buy the Adorrgon 12x42 HD?
Despite its modest price, decent observed brightness, and reasonable comfort, we cannot recommend the Adorrgon 12x42 HD for readers who depend on our impartial testing and scoring to select an excellent pair of binoculars.
What Other Binoculars Should You Consider?
If you are determined to get a full-sized pair of binoculars with a 42 mm lens, and you expect performance that won't leave you disappointed, then you'll have to increase your budget and consider the Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42. If you are able to spend the money you will not be dissatisfied with it, as it has good clarity for viewing at almost all hours of the day. Of course, if you are unable to increase your budget, you should consider the smaller Nikon Trailblazer ATB Waterproof 10x25, which will give you greater clarity, comfort, close focus range, field of view, and ease of use, while maintaining about the same level of light transmission despite its smaller lens.
—Benjamin Hickok and Jessica Riconscente
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