In recent years, new binoculars from China have taken the binocular community by surprise. Positioned in the mid-range market sector, between 500 and 800 US$, their optical performance outstrips competitors costing twice as much, already coming dangerously close to the level of the high-end leaders Swarovski and Zeiss. I have reviewed Kunming's Sky Rover SRBC 12x50, further the Sky Rover SRBC 10x50 and the Sky Rover SRBC 6x32 models. With the LOAVA Aglaia III line, an equally strong performer from Beijing has now entered the international market.
But how has this become possible? What has changed so that Chinese binoculars are no longer just affordable and reasonably good, but suddenly serious competitors to the very top?
Between 2005 and 2016, while working in China, I tested new binoculars made by United Optics in Kunming (of which Sky Rover is responsible for astronomy-related products). The potential to produce high-quality binoculars was already there. Yet, the big money was in the lower-performance, high-volume sector, and there was little incentive to move into the more demanding mid-range market with its higher prices but lower throughput. This seems to have shifted in recent years: Labor costs have risen, competition at the low end has intensified, and producers now look toward higher-value segments.
Another major factor is the rapid growth of China’s optical industry in adjacent fields. With millions of high-quality CCTV surveillance cameras and drones produced every year, Chinese optical glass and coating technologies have advanced significantly, becoming both better and cheaper. Previously, manufacturers had to import specialized glasses from Japan or Germany to raise binocular performance, and that is no longer necessary.
Equally important has been the establishment of a close feedback loop between manufacturers and customers. Sky Rover representatives participate in social media and binocular forums, where they listen to user feedback and respond quickly. Apparently, low-magnification binoculars were introduced at user request; eyecups were redesigned and focus mechanisms refined following complaints; and features such as filter threads in front of the objectives were added after suggestions. Suddenly, users can choose among unusual specifications such as the SRBC 6x32 or the Aglaia 7x35 — wide-angle binoculars long denied by established high-end manufacturers. Demand is so strong that buyers now face months-long waiting times for delivery.
We are living in interesting times: Never before have binoculars of such high performance and variety been available at such accessible prices. Let’s go out and use them!
The information given in this report reflects the personal impression and opinion of the author only. I cannot guarantee for the accuracy of any given specification. I have neither been paid nor have I been supported in any other way to write this review.
Last modified: August 2025