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Wildlife Optics

The latest in wildlife viewing optics independently reviewed by the Ireland’s Wildlife team.

Vortex Razor HD 27-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

A Vortex Razor HD Spotting Scop looking out over the Irish coast

Pros: Bright, sharp, high-contrast image that delivers plenty of detail at lower magnifications across a wide range of conditions. Large objective lens pulls in plenty of light through twilight and beyond, focus ring integrated into scope body is quick and accurate. Reasonably compact for a full-size scope. Excellent build quality….

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×32 Binocular Review

A person reviewing the Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x32 binoculars.

Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality — the NL Pure 10×32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best. Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are….

Vortex Razor UHD 10×42 Binocular Review

Vortex Razor UHD Binocular Review by Ireland's Wildlife

Pros: Superb image quality that lives up the name. Exceptionally bright, pin-sharp image across the wide field of view. Smooth, accurate focus and outstanding build quality rounds off what is a very accomplished binocular that holds its own with the best on the market. Cons: A little on the large side for….

Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review

Vanguard VEO HD Birding and Wildlife Binocular

Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image “pop”. Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from….

Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular

Hawke’s Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke’s new top-of-the-range birding….

German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review

The GPO Passion HD 10x42 Binocular reviewed by Ireland's Wildlife

Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast. Cons: Feels a….

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review

Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10x42 Binocular Review

Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view… and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level. Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the….

Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review

Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point. Cons: Focus is….

Kite SP65 17-50x Spotting Scope Review

Pros: Detailed, bright image for a smaller scope, which stays sharp right to the edge of the field of view. Dual focus knobs make for quick and accurate focusing at any magnification. Robust aluminium body is lightweight yet feels as if it’s made to last. Compact contemporary design. Unusual 17-50x….

Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review

Hawke Frontier HDX 8x32 Highly Recommended by Ireland's Wildlife

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….

Hawke Frontier EDX 8×42 Binocular Review

Hawke Frontier EDX 8x42 Binocular Review

Pros: Superb image quality and premium build quality deliver excellent all-around performance. Contemporary design looks great, is ergonomic, lightweight and a delight to carry and use for extended periods in the field. Top notch accessories complete the package. Cons: Minor observations rather than real “cons” — lack of thumb indents….

Hawke Endurance ED 20-60×85 Spotting Scope Review

Pros: Crisp, high-resolution image, impressively bright and sharp across the field of view. Fast, accurate focussing thanks to dual focusing knobs. Tough magnesium-alloy body. Included stay on case functional and effective. Excellent optical quality at a very compelling price point. Cons: Not many, at the price — as with most zoom eyepieces….