What can I say, sometimes change is good and sometimes it’s very good, and true to form for Swarovski it’s the latter always seems to be their reality. I read in one of their advertisements that they are calling the new SLC HD a “Classic Perfected” and I don’t see how a better description of this binocular could be made.  It is as near a perfect binocular as I’ve ever held in my hand, absolute magic.

Now there are lots of features to this binocular and you can find them all on the Swarovski Optik website, but here are some of my most important observations. First, a great binocular has got to feel natural in the hand, like the TV remote or a long neck bottle, you get the idea, and this binocular feels absolutely natural in every respect.  Second on my list is ease of function, and this is where Swarovski binoculars always seems to do it a lot better then most. The focus wheel is absolutely perfectly located and sized and even uses a combination of hard and soft materials which provides the perfect grip and feel wet or dry. Its buttery smooth and covers all practical focusing needs with a single turn, it will even focus down to an amazing short distance of 6 feet, so you can check out all the stuff near you that you’d rather not touch. Third, and very importantly they redesigned the dioptric compensator and expanded its capability. When it’s all said and done this binocular has an amazing vision impairment correction capability of 6 dpt. Just about everybody on the planet can optimize the view thru these binoculars. Swarovski was also thinking of my friends that wear eye glasses as they built a generous eye relief into this binocular, an amazing eye relief of 16mm in the 10X model and 18.5mm in the 8X model. At first you might think that all of this eye relief would come at the compromise of field of view, and in most binoculars it would, but Swarovski is using a very special wide angle eyepiece and the fields of view are just fantastic.

I know that shopping for a premium level binocular can be a bit overwhelming, and truthfully there are lots of really good options on the market, but if your thinking of buying one right now then I suggest you give these new Swarovski binoculars some serious consideration. They are simply magic!

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Swarovski Optik one of the worlds premier sport optics manufacturers introduces several new models to the landmark Z6 Rifle Scope product line. These Swarovski rifle scopes were the first 30mm tube models to feature a 6 X zoom magnification. Chris Wisecarver of OpticsReview.com interviews Dean Capuano of Swarovski Optik who demonstrates the new Z6i rifle scope in the 3-18×50 design. This new scope covers a full array of possible hunting situations from heavy timber to long distance bean fields. The scope is a marvel of design and construction and even at its equally impressive price tag this scope is sure to be a big hit in the high end rifle scope market!

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1. Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show
2. Swarovski HD Spotting Scope
3. Nikon @ Shot Show

We stopped by our friends at Nikon Sport Optics to review some of their 2009 product introductions. We always look forward to this visit because this company has the reputation of consistently introducing new products that really fit the needs of their customers, and this year was no exception.

We asked Jon LaCorte, Nikon’s Senior Product Manager, to give us a drive by introduction to two of his favorite 2009 items.

• First, on his list was the new binocular the Monarch-X. Built on the ultra successful lightweight frame of the Nikon Monarch this unit fits the hand like a fine sports car. It’s stylish in looks and has the super reflective prisms usually restricted to the markets most expensive binoculars.  The best I can suggest is that this Nikon Binocular is optically about as good as it gets, and with a street price of about $500 its sure to be a big hit.
• The second product reviewed dealt with Nikon’s introduction of the Coyote Special Rifle Scope, a specialty rifle scope built from the ground up with the Coyote hunter in mind. To make the scope as effective as possible Nikon developed its new Predator BDC Reticle. This reticle design is optimized for quick target acquisition on running game. A real plus for those fast moving critters.

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1. Nikon Monarch ATB review
2. Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show

The long anticipated return of Leica to the rifle scope market has finally occurred. This premium sport optics leader introduced two models at the 2009 Shot Show. and they are exceptional to say the least. Leica focused on the 42mm size for its initial introduction which has been a long time favorite of sportsmen. If these two premium level rifle scopes are any indication of the future Leica is sure to care out a respectable share of the rifle scope market. These models should be available sometime mid year 2009.

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1. Nightforce 2.5-10×32 Rifle Scope Review

• First the unit has no magnification. This allows the shooter to keep both eyes open for maximum situational awareness and fast target engagement. This is a huge advantage for close range work.
• Without the multiple lens system needed for magnification scopes the unit is remarkably light, about 3.5 ounces, and lack of extra glass makes it extremely bright. Combine this feature with legendary Zeiss lenses and you’ve got a low light scope that’s simply hard to beat.
• Easy on and easy off. The Z Point uses a patented quick connect  system that requires no tools for attachment or dis attachment.  Simply push in the spring loaded retaining clamp and this red dot scope is easily connected or taken off. This is a real plus for shooters wanting to quickly change their optic systems.
• The red dot illumination  system is really impressive. First its  easy to turn on with a momentary push of a flush mount button of the side of the scope, its under the Zeiss logo.  Second, a light sensor built into the front of the unit automatically detects the ambient light available and adjusts the red dots brightness intensity to the perfect setting.  This auto brightness does have a manual override but you wont need it, the auto brightness feature works great. To turn the unit off you simply press the switch down for a moment and its off, and if you forget to turn it off, like I did, it’s no problem the unit shuts down automatically after 4 hours.
• Here’s another really cool feature of the Z-Point. This unit combines battery power, CR 2032, with solar cell technology. This maximizes battery life by utilizing available light as the primary power source when available and dependable battery power when its not.
• Windage and elevation adjustments are easily field adjustable with the use of an Allen wrench.
• The Z Point has huge 56.4 foot field of view at 100 yards, and the red dot covers 3.6″ of a target at this distance.
• Two models are available from Zeiss, one for the Picatinny mount system and one for the slightly smaller Weaver style mount system.
• The unit is completely submersible waterproof and thus will not fog internally when going from one temperature environment to another.

We must admit that the simplicity of the units design and function is a bit disarming, but make no mistake this  Carl Zeiss scope has a bunch to offer. The range of possible applications is huge, AR-15 style guns, turkey guns, deer shot guns, you name it. The company even offers a bow hunting bracket for the Z Point. Come to think of it  I might want to give that application a try this comming October.

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1. Zeiss Victory PRF “Pocket Range Finder”
2. Zeiss Victory Compact Binocular Review
3. Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show

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 design took a few minutes to get over, but it really does makes sense and allows one barrel to fold under the other and therefore compresses the unit to it’s minimum. The single hinge (to me) is better because there is only one axis to adjust the interpupilary distance…with the Conquest’s dual hinge the barrels can float around and be off-set from each other.

In my experience, you need a binocular be set up and working in a matter of seconds with minimum adjustments. Mother Nature is not going to sit around wait for me to catch up. I think that a single hinge accomplishes this best. Now I know there are a lot of fine qualities to the Conquest compact and that it has a huge following of satisfied customers, but this is a review of the Zeiss Victory and I’m allowed to be a little biased.

It’s always give and take with binoculars and if I have to give up the benefits of a full size bino then it better take me to multiple places and work perfectly. When I look at buying a compact binocular it has to fit into several environments. I think that the Zeiss Victory compact family does this very well.

The Victory compact is a very versatile binocular that can go from the ball game, to nature hike, and opera in one weekend. The simple black housing is stylish enough for the theater and sporty enough to cover all other occasions. It’s truly compact and of course nitorgen purged to protect the internal components from oxidation as well as prevent internal fogging.

Compacts are probably the hardest working binoculars out there since they need to perform well with minimum housing, that’s why it’s especially important to choose a well-established authority in optics (like Zeiss) when purchasing one.

As far as the sizes go, if you are either a birder or theater goer, you should consider the 8×20 for the larger field of view. If you are a traveler and want that extra magnification of vistas and far off animals, I’d choose the 10×25′s. Zeiss has designed them to have the same exit pupil so they will work the same in low light. Just make sure that you purchase them from an authorized Zeiss dealer in order to get their USA lifetime warranty.

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1. Zeiss at the 2009 Shot Show
2. Zeiss Victory PRF “Pocket Range Finder”
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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.

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1. Zeiss Victory PRF “Pocket Range Finder”

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 binocular, with a brown rubber armor. The brown rubber armor absorbs light; this means the binoculars won’t reflect light and alert wildlife to your presence. When you wrap your fingers around it you can tell that this bino is meant to be a tool…an everyday tool if necessary.

And this rugged binocular has some interesting features that the user can decide on. First off, it has winged eye covers that will turn down for viewers with glasses. This is a nice option to have; other manufacturers will gladly sell you an extra set of eyecups for those lucky enough not to wear glasses when using binoculars.

Another nice feature that Steiner has incorporated is in the flip down objective covers and neck strap. Both the strap and the lens covers have a button that will release them should the user want to leave them at home. Personally, I didn’t think they flipped down very well, but in Steiner’s defense, this pair is fresh out of the box and would probably loosen up with age and hang better. The center focus knob and diopter adjustment are kind of tight but again, I suspect that they will work better with use.

The optics on this binocular is fantastic. The image is crisp and clear at it’s closest range (about 6 feet) and far off. The German optics are fully coated and offer remarkable color fidelity…this is especially nice for the naturalist viewing wildlife. You can tell that Steiner put careful thought into the design of the  Merlin binocular series for hunters, birders and naturalists.

The optics are spectacular, the unit is hiker friendly, the armor is both silent and anti-reflective, and the accessories are well made with the additional option of detachment. I like this binocular and would readily recommend it as a true bargain in it’s price range. Way to go Steiner.

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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 line is nitrogen purged to eliminate internal fogging and has fully coated optics for the very best light transmission possible. Each binocular features adjustable eyecups for ease in viewing regardless of whether you view with or without eyeglasses. The newest feature added to the line are the flip down objective covers that snap into the barrel but can be taken out and left at home if one prefers. One neat feature that is underplayed or just plain overlooked is the ability for tripod adaption and rock steady viewing; just remove the hinge cap and screw in the accessory (not included) to any standard photography tripod you already own. The soft case completely envelopes the bino for added protection and can be looped through your belt for hiking. They come in green and black or two forms of photo realistic camo (Team Realtree and Drury Outdoor: Dream Season). The Monarch series is the flagship line for Nikon and boasts a 25 year “No Fault” warranty. You should take this line into serious consideration when about to purchase a new set of glasses for your hunting lifestyle. Nikon has certainly made a solid name for itself with outstanding camera equipment over the years, why wouldn’t they know a lot about sport optics and be able to create an excellent product for a reasonable price? Go check them out for yourself at www.nikonsportoptics.com

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