Optics Review

Tag - Binoculars

Binocular Harness / Suspenders

When it comes to field convenience the binocular harness, some folks call them suspenders, rein supreme. This handy device allows the weight of the binocular, camera, etc. to be distributed across the back and shoulders and not the neck. When ever our staff ventures out for a field trip these are an essential part of our gear. There are plenty of good models on the market but if the manufacturer offers one we suggest you buy that one, they often contain little design changes that are handy. For...

Zeiss Victory Compact Binocular Review

Zeiss Victory Compact Binoculars

Greetings. I wanted to talk about the Zeiss Victory compact binocular today. The Victory series is of course Zeiss’ flagship line. The compact family sports two sizes: the 8×20 and 10×25. The fully coated optics realistically boasts maximum brightness in minimum dimensions. The view is tremendous with crisp sharpness that fits in any pocket. What I really like about these compacts over their little sister line, Zeiss Conquest,  is the single hinge design. It’s asymmetrical...

Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show

Zeiss Victory Range Finding Binocular

At the 2009 Shot Show Carl Zeiss Sport Optics introduced two premium level optical rangefinders, the Victory PRF Pocket Range Finder and the Victory RF Range Finding Binoculars. The company makes an impressive move into the laser rangefinder market for sportsmen. Both of these models are marvels of design and construction and feature advance features including ballistic compensation assistance. Additional infomation on each of these range finder products can be found at the Carl Zeiss website.

Steiner 10×42 Merlin binocular

Steiner 10×42 Merlin Binoculars

The Steiner Merlin binocular is the subject of today’s scrutiny of high quality optics. Upon opening the box I am pleasantly greeted by a fully zippered deluxe thermo-molded case. So many manufacturers make great binos and then fall asleep in the design of the extras like the case, eye cups and straps. I must say, Steiner has this one right and as a whole I think they do a fair job in this area across all their series. The roof prism Steiner binocular is compact, more like a mid-size...

Nikon Monarch ATB review

Nikon Monarch All Terrain Binoculars

  The Nikon Monarch ATB series is a wonderful line of binoculars developed specifically with the hunter in mind. Nikon has done a great job providing an array of sizes for just about any hunting adventure; ranging from 8×36 up to 12×56. These roof prism binoculars are small and compact with full size function and crystal clear optics. Each bino has a rugged rubber armor to protect the it from the weather as well as reduce noise by preventing any metal to metal contact. The entire...

Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 Binoculars

Pentax Papilio 8.5×21 Binoculars

The Pentax Papilio binocular is a refreshing surprize to the compact / travel size class. It has the wonderful optics that Pentax is known for as well as all the standard magnification and field of view for a perfect travel companion, but what is exciting is its close range focusing. The close up focus range is a foot and a half. That’s amazing. When your through checking out the vista, point them at your feet and discover a whole new world as well as a sudden urge to buy new shoes...