In November 2010, my wife surprised me with a pair of Swarovski Optik 10×42 SLC HD for my 40th birthday present. Since then we’ve been practically inseparable (me and the binoculars, I mean, although of course the alternative interpretation is also true). They were without a doubt the best binoculars….

Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast. Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a….

Pros: Bright, high contrast views with natural looking colours and excellent fine detail even at lower light levels. Impressively lightweight, yet still feel extremely robust. Packed with high-end features at a price that represents exceptional value. Cons: None worth noting. Price: Listed in the Birdwatch Ireland Shop for €230, RRP on the Hawke UK website is GB£169.99 (c. €215)…..