Update on Tariffs & Pricing – 4/11/25

Last February, we announced a necessary price increase due to a 10% tariff on Chinese imports. Since then, tariffs have escalated dramatically—rising by an additional 135%. While we remain cautiously optimistic that these tariffs may eventually be rolled back, they have significantly affected our cost structure and will require further price adjustments to maintain long-term sustainability.

These developments will have wide-reaching effects across the binocular industry, as the vast majority of optics products are manufactured in China. At Oberwerk, we’re working closely with our exclusive manufacturing partners to navigate this challenge while protecting the quality and performance our customers expect. Thanks to this long-standing relationship, we believe we’re better positioned than most to limit the extent of price increases—but future developments remain uncertain.

Unless there is a change in tariff policy, new pricing will go into effect if/when new inventory is received. Should tariffs be lifted, we are committed to returning to our previous pricing as soon as possible.

To avoid being locked into higher costs, we have paused shipments from China and suspended pre-orders for out-of-stock items. This will help us avoid bringing in inventory at more than double the usual landed cost, especially given the possibility that tariffs could be reduced or eliminated in the near future.

These are challenging circumstances, but our mission remains the same: to deliver the highest-quality binoculars at the best possible value. We appreciate your understanding and support, and we’ll continue to share updates as the situation evolves.

Note: This change does not apply to our TR-3 tripods or PM-2 Parallelogram mounts, which are proudly built in Dayton, Ohio. Prices for these U.S.-made products will remain the same.

If there’s an in-stock item you’ve had your eye on, we encourage you to place your order before we run out of stock.

Neil English Reviews the Oberwerk 15×56 ED Ultra

Oberwerk 15x56 ED Ultra shown with all included accessories.

Dr. English shares our love of Porro prism binoculars. When we released our updated ED Ultra Series, he was drawn to the 15×56 ED Ultra. You may be wondering why he opted for 15×56 over larger objective sizes, such as the 15×70 and 20×70 ED Ultras.

“One final reason I settled on a 15 x 56 format is that it serves up far more aesthetically pleasing views of the twilit heavens. From mid-May through mid-July, there is no true darkness at my far northerly latitude(56 degrees north). Having a smaller exit pupil renders the background sky darker, allowing the summer stars to be viewed with more contrast and thereby enhancing the views.”

Dr. English goes on to praise the exceptional optical performance of the 15×56 ED Ultra, noting its sharpness, contrast, and edge-to-edge clarity. He highlights the binocular’s excellent control of chromatic aberration, even on bright targets like the Moon and Venus.

He also commends the build quality, describing the binocular as robust and well-balanced, making it comfortable for extended handheld use. While he acknowledges that a tripod can enhance the experience, he finds the 15×56 format versatile enough for both handheld and mounted observations.

Ultimately, Dr. English concludes that the Oberwerk 15×56 ED Ultra is a top-tier choice for those seeking high-quality optics in a more compact, versatile package—perfect for astronomy and long-distance terrestrial viewing alike, concluding “what’s not to like?”.

Our marketing agency, The Next Wave, had the opportunity to meet with Dr. English earlier this month. Look out for some interesting interviews to drop soon!

Dr. Neil English is a celebrated author of eight books in amateur and professional astronomy. We recommend checking out his latest book, Choosing and Using Binoculars: A Guide for Stargazers, Birders and Outdoor Enthusiasts. You may recognize the binocular on the front cover. 

READ DR. ENGLISH’S REVIEW OF THE 15X56 ED ULTRA
ORDER THE 15X56 ED ULTRA TODAY

Big Binocular Universe: Oberwerk BT-127XL-SD Featured in Astronomy Magazine

The February 2025 edition of Astronomy Magazine has spotlighted the Oberwerk BT-127XL-SD binocular, hailing it as a game-changer for stargazing enthusiasts. Renowned astroimager Tony Hallas praises this 5-inch apochromatic triplet binocular for delivering telescope-level views with the immersive experience of binocular vision.

Crafted with uncompromising quality, the BT-127XL-SD features FCD 100 and FK-61 glass objectives, fully multi-coated optics, and interchangeable eyepieces. Hallas notes that their lightweight yet durable magnesium alloy construction makes them as portable as they are powerful.

“Everything about this binocular reflects fine workmanship,” Hallas writes, highlighting its ability to transport observers to stunning celestial sights, from the depths of Andromeda to the star clouds of Sagittarius.

With unparalleled optics, customizable magnification options, and compatibility with premium mounts, the BT-127XL-SD offers a unique, fatigue-free viewing experience. As Hallas puts it, “Oberwerk has created something that dreams are made of.”

Our favorite quote is this:

The bottom line, then, is that the point of these binoculars isn’t to see the closest, most detailed view of a celestial object, but rather to see a unique view using both eyes at once. Which brings up an important fact: Using both yes eliminates eye fatigue. I have spent many years looking through telescopes with apertures as large as 24 inches with only one eye. After a while spent staring at an object, my eye got tired; the more I looked, the less I saw. With both eyes, I can look as long as I want. And in this case, the more you look, the more you see

Explore the universe with the Oberwerk BT-127XL-SD—where cutting-edge design meets celestial wonder. And don’t forget to follow Tony Hallas on Instagram for breathtaking astrophotography and gear insights!

Binomania Reviews the BT-120XL-SD

The Italian binocular enthusiast website binomania.it just reviewed the Oberwerk BT-120XL-SD, complete with 20-minute video. Here’s the summary- “When I started my career as a young amateur astronomer in the 1980s, I never imagined that I would be able to observe the sky with instruments of this quality and diameter. Today I consider the Oberwerk BT-120XL SD one of the best giant binoculars available on the market. With high-quality 100mm FCD objectives and standard eyepieces that offer optimal performance, this binocular manages to combine power and ease of handling, making it accessible to most observers. It is excellent both for landscape observations, within the limits imposed by daytime turbulence, and for astronomy, where it clearly surpasses traditional 100mm binoculars. For many enthusiasts, it could be the definitive instrument. I recommend purchasing the dedicated fork to maximize performance.” – Piergiovanni Salimbeni

SpaceX Chooses Oberwerk to View Starbase Launches and Landings

Starbase, TX. Photo credit RGVAerialPhotography

SpaceX ordered two Oberwerk BT-100XL-SD‘s mounted on PM2 parallelogram mounts and TR3 tripods, for viewing launches and landings at Starbase, TX. While PM2 mounts are normally used for astronomy, SpaceX chose them for their ability to easily follow moving objects, as well as to quickly raise or lower the binocular for employees of different heights. The equipment was delivered just in time to view the remarkable “Chopsticks” booster catch!

Testing one of the SpaceX BT-100XL-SD’s at Oberwerk’s Quality Assurance Center in Dayton, OH.
SpaceX requested the custom-engraving shown above. The translation of the Latin “Ad astra per aspera” means “to the stars through hardships” or “toward the stars by adversity”.

Homestead Movie $300K Giveaway (including an Oberwerk 20×65 ED Deluxe with 4000 Tripod)

Oberwerk is the official binocular supplier for the movie Homestead, from Angel Studios.  Homestead will open in theaters on Dec. 20, 2024.

Oberwerk 20×65 ED Deluxe and 4000 Tripod shown at 1:22

Angel Studios is doing a $300K Giveaway with a number of Grand Prizes, which include an Oberwerk 20×65 ED Deluxe with Oberwerk 4000 Tripod (as seen in the film), all going to one winner. More info here.

Introducing the Explore Series Binoculars

Since the year 2000, Oberwerk’s entry-level product line has been the LW (LightWeight) Series. When first introduced almost 25 years ago, they played a major role in lowing the cost of larger-aperture binoculars (50mm and up) for amateur astronomers, and they were big sellers for Oberwerk. But over the years, with an increasing number of mass-marketers trying to outdo each other on lowest price, their popularity has waned, so it was time to retire them and build something new. As a small manufacturer of specialty products, we can’t always compete on price, but we can compete on value.

We’re pretty excited about our new ES (Explore Series) binoculars. They have all the features you’re looking for: high-quality fully broadband multi-coated optics, BAK4 prisms, twist-up eyecups, and enough eye relief to use with glasses. The ES models average 96% “effective aperture,” which is unheard of at their price point (low-90s is more typical). They’re fully waterproof and nitrogen-filled, and they have an updated look that really sets them apart from everyone else.

Every ES receives a laser-engraved serial number only after passing our Quality Assurance Checklist, and that hand-written checklist is included in the box. All this for a price that’s only slightly higher than the LW models that they’re replacing! The 8×42 and 10×50 are available now, with a 15×70 and 20×80 coming next month. Ultimately there will be a 12×60, but that’s a few months away. The one LW model that remains is the 6.5×32—still popular due to its extra-wide IPD range, which uniquely makes it usable even by young children. It always had all the other features of the Explore models, so it’s simply being rebadged as the 6.5x32ES (no price change).

Oberwerk Sport ED reviewed by Badgerland Birding

Badgerland Birding reviewing the Oberwerk Sport ED

Badgerland Birding, a popular website and YouTube channel dedicated to all things birding, has given the Oberwerk Sport ED a stellar review. With birding season beginning in earnest, we at Oberwerk have made a concerted effort to get our binoculars into the hands of more birders.

As our existing Sport ED customers already know, our flagship roof prism binocular is ideal for birding and wildlife observation. You get fantastic optics coupled with a rugged design that feels great in your hands. The aluminum focus wheel and diopter provide the cherry on top, gliding smoothly without feeling too loose.

As usual, the Badgerland review found the Oberwerk optics impressive:

The view through the binoculars was exceptionally clear and colors really popped, specifically the bright green on the head of an American Wigeon I was observing.

Badgerland Birding

Badgerland Birding is a great resource for anyone looking for birding content online. They currently have 462 videos on their YouTube channel where they discuss everything birding. The crew has traveled all around the U.S. looking for birds and you’ll find great tips and interesting facts in their videos.

Check out the web review here and see the video below:

While our Sport ED binocular makes for a great birding binocular, we also make some fantastic compact porro prism binoculars that are ideal for birding. Our SE lineup has a 8×32 model and a 10×42 model. You won’t find a better value for birding—enjoy fantastic optics without breaking the bank!

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