Buying a good pair of binoculars is arguably the most important investment you'll ever make when it comes to wildlife watching equipment. It's not something you want to rush into, and you want to make sure you're making the right choice for you.While there's no such thing as the perfect binocular, you can certainly find the perfect binocular for you, and for the sort of … [Read more...] about Choosing Binoculars e-book free for a limited time on Amazon Kindle
Optics
New Minox BL HD binoculars now available — and you could win a pair!
The new BL-HD line of high performance binoculars from German manufacturer Minox are now available in Ireland and the UK. With 8x33, 10x44, 8x44, 10x52 and 8x52 options in the range, there should be a binocular to suit practically everybody. The range has been redesigned to offer cutting edge HD optical performance in a German-made binocular, but at a … [Read more...] about New Minox BL HD binoculars now available — and you could win a pair!
New beginning birding series in association with Meopta Optics
Ireland's Wildlife has teamed up with premium Czech optics manufacturer Meopta to bring you a series of four articles focussed on Beginning Birdwatching.Launching later this month, the series looks at why we watch birds; the relationship between birds, habitats and seasons in Ireland; bird identification basics and choosing the right birding equipment. It is aimed squarely … [Read more...] about New beginning birding series in association with Meopta Optics
Sneak peek at the Vanguard Endeavor 82mm HD Spotting Scope
We've just received the brand new 82mm Endeavor HD spotting scope from Vanguard Sporting Optics for review here at IWHQ.UPDATE: our Full Review of this spotting scope is now available here.While we're obviously going to spend a bit of time getting to know this new scope before posting our full review, I though some of you might want a sneak peek at what it has to offer, … [Read more...] about Sneak peek at the Vanguard Endeavor 82mm HD Spotting Scope
Swarovski Optik announces re-vamped SLC binocular range
Swarovski Optik -- the renowned European premium sports optic manufacturer -- has announced a re-vamp of its venerable SLC (Slim-Light-Compact) binocular range.The SLC line received a major upgrade to its 42mm models back in 2010 with the release of the SLC 42 HD. Available in both 10x42 and 8x42 configurations, the SLC HD is my binocular of choice, and is an outstanding … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik announces re-vamped SLC binocular range
American black duck… maybe I’m going quackers…!
Yesterday I dropped everything and went hightailing down to Mizen Head -- Ireland's most southerly point -- with a birding friend for an opportunity that was just too good to miss.Ducks.Yes, that's right, ducks. And pretty unusual ducks at that.While the two chaps in the photo (a very dodgy-scoped effort taken hand-holding my ancient 2MP iPhone3GS camera up to the … [Read more...] about American black duck… maybe I’m going quackers…!
Swarovski Optik announces modular ATX / STX spotting scope
Prestige Austrian optics manufacturer SWAROVSKI OPTIK has announce a radical new redesign of the spotting scope with its modular ATX / STX modular scope system.The new design incorporates two eyepiece modules (offering a straight or angled wide-angle zoom) and three detachable, interchangeable objective lens section. This radical redesign allows Swarovski to bring its the … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik announces modular ATX / STX spotting scope
How do they make high-end binoculars?
I stumbled across this video on Twitter yesterday. It offers a bit of insight into the manufacture of high end binoculars and optics for birding and nature watching from the perspective of a pair of Swarovski Optik's flagship binoculars -- the EL Swarovision range.While this is a Swarovski video, I'm sure there are parallels with all of the leading optics manufacturers … [Read more...] about How do they make high-end binoculars?
Swarovski announces EL 32 Swarovision binoculars
SWAROVSKI OPTIK's EL Swarovion range of binoculars represent the pinnacle of optical performance, and are widely acknowledged as being among the best binoculars that birders and wildlife enthusiasts can buy.Now the Austrian manufacturer is introducing a brand new lightweight model to it's flagship Swarovision lineup with the new EL 32 Swarovision. The compact binoculars … [Read more...] about Swarovski announces EL 32 Swarovision binoculars
Gear Review: Opticron Aspheric LE WP 10×25
It’s not always practical to tote a pair of full size binoculars around with you. No matter how “ergonomic” and comfortable your regular bins are, there are times when you just have to leave them at home.Wildlife encounters, however, can happen any time, anywhere. From waxwings dropping in to feast on rowan berries in a supermarket car park, to a stoat loping across a … [Read more...] about Gear Review: Opticron Aspheric LE WP 10×25
