OPTICS GUIDE 2021
To order, call 833-262-1568 or visit redstartbirding.com. 1 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Table of Contents
3 Unprecedented Times, Extraordinary Birding Redstart Birding Staff
8 Angela's Tips for Smart Optics Shopping Angela Anderson-Beach, Redstart Birding Manager
11 Pssst...Here's a Hint for Using This Guide! Redstart Birding Staff
12 Zeiss Victory SF 8x32 Binocular Review Luke Tiller, Zeiss Ambassador
16 Zeiss Binoculars
18 Zeiss Spotting Scopes
20 Things to Consider When Upgrading Binoculars Whitney Lanfranco, Leica Nature Sales Manager
26 Leica Binoculars
28 Leica Spotting Scopes
30 Expert-Recommended Tips for Choosing a Swarovski Binocular Clay Taylor, Swarovski Optik Naturalist Market Manager
1 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] 37 Swarovski Optik Binoculars
39 Swarovksi Optik Spotting Scopes
42 Insights for Buying Your First Spotting Scope Adrian Lesak, Vortex Birding and Observation Manager
49 Vortex Optics Binoculars
51 Vortex Optics Spotting Scopes
53 Kowa Binoculars
54 Kowa Spotting Scopes
57 Celestron Binoculars
58 Celestron Spotting Scopes
60 Opticron Binoculars
62 Opticron Spotting Scopes
63 Steiner Binoculars
64 Nikon Binoculars
65 Phone Skope: Your New Favorite Bird-Watching Tool Kiara Neilsen, Phone Skope Birding Liaison
70 Essential Gear
2 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Unprecedented Times, Extraordinary Birding Redstart Birding Staff
3 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] s we prepare to pub- with no contact with anyone. Alish the 2021 Redstart (We’re also grateful that she Birding Optics Guide, we are experienced no symptoms, beginning to see some light and she has now also re- at the end of a long, dark, ceived her vaccine!) As of year-long tunnel. today, about half of our staff One year ago, in March have been vaccinated, and 2020, the governor of Ohio we hope to see the other half required that businesses receive their vaccines in the like ours close our doors near future. temporarily to help slow the We have also seen some- spread of the rapidly growing thing wonderful and quite pandemic in our state. In full unexpected develop over compliance, and with fearful the past year. An unprece- and heavy hearts, Redstart dented number of new folks Birding shut down completely around the world have be- for three weeks at that time. gun watching birds! There When we reopened in April, are likely several reasons we determined that the best for this. The bottom line is, way to keep our employees millions of people were stuck safe and healthy would be at home with no place to to have eight of our staff go and little to do. Droves members work from home of people went outside and on a full-time basis, while discovered the birds they’d four members would closely been missing in their own adhere to all COVID-safe pro- backyards! Individuals, cou- tocols and continue working ples, and families flocked to from our office building in local parks, explored near- Marietta, Ohio. We are happy by trails, and enjoyed their to report that as of today we “local outdoors” more than have only had one person ever. We have experienced a from our staff test positive for record number of new sub- COVID-19 in twelve months, scribers to our magazines and she remained quaran- this year, and more people tined throughout that period have shown interest in bird-
4 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] ing optics and gear than ever more bird-watching products before. For our staff, it has than ever before. No one definitely been “the best of could have predicted how times and the worst of times.” many pieces of optical gear— We were not only learning at every price point—would to adapt to an array of new be sold in 2020! Although communication platforms and the demand for birding optics remote working methods, far outdistanced the supply but also keeping up with this in 2020, every single optics flood of “new birder” activity, manufacturer is working hard which greatly increased our to produce and ship birding workload. optics in greater numbers. All of us in the optics in- Our most popular products dustry vastly underestimated are becoming more readily the enormous influx of cus- available by the day as man- tomers in 2020 as a result of ufacturers continue to close global lockdown. Because of the gap on manufacturing the unusually high demand and shipping times. We thank for birding optics and gear, you for your patience as optics manufacturers experi- we’ve juggled the combined enced pressure to produce challenges of high demand,
5 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] limited product availability, 5% discount on everything and slower shipping times they buy, and their local bird during the pandemic. Red- club/conservation organiza- start Birding, along with tion also receives 5% of total each of our optics partners, sales throughout the event! remains committed to put- We certainly hope that the ting the best birding optics COVID-19 pandemic is gone in your hands as quickly as as soon as possible. How- possible. ever, rest assured that our In response to the global Redstart on the Road events pandemic and new health will continue in the months and safety protocols, Red- and years to come, even start Birding has developed when “normal” retail shop- a new series of optics sales ping resumes. events called Redstart on Our entire Redstart Birding the Road. We’ve hosted staff would like to thank you four of these events thus far for your commitment to us in 2021, and all have been during good times and bad. highly successful, safe, and As a small, female-owned well attended. Folks seem to local business in only our really like the ability to sched- fourth year, we are most ule a one-on-one personal thankful for our optics manu- appointment with an optics facturing partners who con- consultant without having to tinue to design and produce wait in line or subject them- such amazing products, and selves to unwanted crowds. for you—our valued, loyal You can read more about patrons. Thank you for shop- our appointment-based, ping with us! COVID-safe birding optics We hope to see you in events on our website, and person again soon. find out if we’ll be visiting a Until then, be safe, be well, location near you! The best and keep on birding! part is, everyone who makes a purchase at a Redstart on Sincerely, the Road event receives a The Redstart Birding Staff
6 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] We're taking Redstart Birding on the road this year! Look for us in a city near you! redstartbirding.com/ontheroad
Some benefits of attending a ROTR event include: • Try optics before you buy them • 5% discount on all optics and gear • 5% of sales will be donated to a local bird club • Products purchased will be shipped to your home • COVID-safe, sanitary, crowd-free setup • Personal appointment with an optics consultant • Close-to-home and convenient
Join our Redstart Birding VIP email list to learn more: redstartbirding.com/join-us 7 Follow Redstartredstartbirding.com Birding on Facebook: • 833-262-1568 facebook.com/RedstartBirding • [email protected] Angela’s Tips for Smart Optics Shopping Angela Anderson-Beach, Redstart Birding Manager
hen you’re in the Wmarket for a lighter binocular, one easy trick is to look for something with smaller objective lenses. A 32mm binocular will typically weigh a bit less than a 42mm As the first point of contact model, but always be sure to for many Redstart shop- check and compare weights pers, the person in charge before taking the plunge. of making sure every order A compact or pocket mod- gets shipped to its destina- el will typically weigh even tion safely, and the bonafide less than these mid- and expert in the our tagline of full-sized models, but some- “Optics, Gear, Expertise,” times that means decreased we thought that manager performance. Mini bins make Angela Anderson-Beach great backups for storing in would be the perfect source your bag or car in case you of knowledge for all things see something interesting un- optics-buying. The following expectedly, though! tips answer questions that A wide field of view (FOV) we get every day, often from is handy for finding and track- customers considering their ing birds. This is the distance first optics purchase. We from edge-to-edge that you hope they’ll help you, too! see when looking through an
8 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] optic. If you’re a less experi- pear. Using a more magnified enced birder or are shopping 10x in these instances will for a child, we often recom- give you looks with better mend getting something with details without risking the a larger FOV measurement. sacrifice of not seeing the If you notice a number with bird at all. And if you opt for a degree symbol on your a 12x or higher, you might binocular, that’s the angle of consider investing in a tripod view measurement. To find to support it! the field of view in feet at Everyone has their unique 1,000 yards, simply multiply needs and preferences when that number by 52.5. it comes to birding, though, When it comes to magni- so don’t feel pressured to fication, the higher the num- buy models that won’t suit ber, the shorter the field of your birding style! view. So again, a lower mag- The term “close focus” re- nification (such as 6.5, 7, or fers to the minimum distance 8) is often preferable for new a subject can be before an birders. Binoculars with lower optic can focus on it clearly. magnifications are often less A lot of times, birders never susceptible to blurred imag- need to have the shortest es caused by shaky hands, close focus possible. If you’ll which is a consideration be insect watching, looking among many shoppers. at nearby birds in your back- We often recommend 8x yard, or exploring boardwalks binoculars for birders watch- with dense, up-close foliage, ing fast-moving birds such something with a shorter as warblers, as well as those close focus might serve you wanting an all-purpose mod- better. el. For watching slower-mov- The exit pupil is the pin- ing birds like waterfowl and hole through which you view raptors, and birding in wide- a subject through a binoc- open spaces, there is often ular. To get the exit pupil’s a little more time to find your measurement in millimeters, subjects before they disap- divide the size of your op-
9 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] tic’s objective lens diameter friend with a ruler to take the by its magnification power. measurement for you. Don’t Theoretically, the larger the forget: It’s in millimeters! exit pupil is, the greater the If you wear glasses, make light transmission is, and sure to shop for optics with the brighter the images will an eye relief of 15mm or appear. Optics manufacturers higher. This number indicates have improved light transmis- the optimal distance between sion abilities by innovating your corneas and an optic’s lens coatings that enhance eyepiece lens or eyecup, de- their products’ visuals, how- pending on the manufacturer. ever. But an 8x42 binocular If the eye relief is too short, should have brighter visuals you might have problems than a 10x42 binocular of the with dark rings, or “vignett- same brand and line. ing,” around the full images. For birders with smaller And finally, we get lots of faces and closer-set eyes, questions from birders with look for binoculars with a Eagle Optics binoculars that lower interpupillary distance need to be repaired! Vortex (IPD). This measurement is Optics is now handling all of the space between the cen- Eagle’s warranty services. ter of your eyes’ pupils. You Get more information at can often get your IPD from vortexoptics.com/vip- your optometrist, or enlist a warranty.
10 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Pssst!...Here’s a hint for using this guide: Many elements in this document are clickable!
Each product image and specifications chart is linked to the Redstart Birding site, with every model in the line displayed on one collection page. Simply click or tap on these elements within this document to open our site in your web browser and find out more about the products that pique your interest. Brand logos are clickable, too!
We’ve also peppered in links to blog posts, podcasts, videos, and more offerings that we think you might find helpful as you’re shopping for optics. Look for the bold orange and dark green bubbles sprinkled throughout this document to take you to them.
Need to get in touch with us as you’re reading? Our web- site URL, phone number, and email address are in the page footers. And if you click or tap them, you’ll find yourself on our website’s Contact Us page.
And finally, all of the ads in this guide are connected with the business sites they’re promoting. If something sparks your interest, discovering more is just one easy click or tap away!
Happy reading, learning, and shopping! 11 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] ZEISS Victory SF 8x32 Binocular Review Luke Tiller, Zeiss ambassador
12 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] am so excited about and the one-and-a-half turns I the new Zeiss Victory from the close focus of six SF 8x32 binocular. For a long feet (great for observing time now 8x32s have been butterflies and dragonflies as a favorite format of mine well as birds) to infinity pro- because they offer the light vides the speed of focus bird- weight and compact size ers require but also allows for that are essential in my life easy precision adjustments as a tour guide and traveling when required. The focus on birder, so I have been waiting the binocular is silky smooth, patiently for a new high-end as befits the SF designation 32 since the launch of the (special focus), and the three Victory SF line in 2014. stops on the eyecups allow What a surprising number me to set them precisely for of people do not realize is my favored stepped down that in the same line of bin- position. oculars the 8x32 is always As a professional hawk- going to give you the wider watcher, I find people often field of view than a compara- think that extra magnification ble 42, essentially because of would be the key element the shorter body. One of the that you would be looking for main features found across in a birding binocular, howev- the Victory lineup is the er many eschew more mag- line's incredible field of view nification for a wide field of and—here in the 32s it is a view and a bright image. Lots spectacular 465 feet at 1,000 of professional hawkwatch- yards (20 percent larger than ers used to use seven power many comparable binocu- binoculars to get just that, lars). Of course, that wide however with the SFs you no field of view is sharp edge to longer need to sacrifice the edge, with the Ultra FL Glass magnification to achieve that. providing a razor-sharp and When you have a lot of open true-to-life image. sky to cover, the large field The binocular is extreme- of view allows you to do that ly comfortable in the hands, more quickly, and a bright im-
13 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] biologist, I am often wearing my binoculars for up to 12 hours a day, so I want as light a pair of binoculars around my neck as possible. This is ever more relevant these days, when like many bird- ers I am also encumbered by a camera and/or spotting Red-tailed hawk, scope. With these new Victo- by Luke Tiller ry SF 8x32s you are looking age can be especially useful at a binocular that weighs a when trying to pick out plum- third less than many of the age detail on backlit birds. Of high-end 42s, and that lack of course, actually getting on weight around my neck is a the bird is of importance to massive draw. all birders, and a large field of Of course, all optics are view is important, as it allows something of a tradeoff, and you to find birds more easily, with the 8x32s you sacrifice a key starting point for any a little light gathering; how- bird ID. ever, thanks to the incredible What I love about the 8x42 light transmission of this new Victory SF is that it combines Zeiss Victory, for most birders, a remarkably wide field of that’s not going to be per- view with optimal balance in ceptible. I regularly lead tours the hand. They also take the top spot as the lightest 42 on the market—a record they hold to this day. In my mind there is no point having a wide field of view in a clunky and heavy binocular that will be exhausting to carry all day. As a professional tour guide, Swainson's hawk, hawkwatcher, and wildlife by Luke Tiller 14 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] in Panama in fall to see the pair of 8x32s is a no-brainer, spectacle of hawk migration in my opinion, especially if there. That migration coin- you plan to pack and carry a cides with the rainy season, camera or scope, too. and days often can be heavily The new Zeiss Victory is overcast. Even birding deep a binocular that marries the in forests in those overcast incredible quality of glass and conditions, with a Zeiss 8x32 innovative lightweight tech- I have not ever felt like that nology that you’ve come to has impacted my ability to expect from the Zeiss Victory identify and enjoy birds. line with a compact design. Though I cannot currently If you do not currently own travel to rainforests to test a high-end binocular, you these out, I have taken these need to check out the new new SFs up to the mountains Victory SF 32 before you buy here in Los Angeles to use anything else. If you have a at dawn and dusk in forest- high-end 8x42 and are think- ed conditions, and with their ing about something lighter amazing light transmission and more compact, either they perform incredibly well. for travel or as your primary I’ve always been some- binocular, then you need to thing of an 8x32 evangelist. check out this extraordinary When I am working at birding little binocular! festivals, I always ask people to look at the 32s, and it’s amazing how many converts I’ve made. It always surpris- es me when I see people lugging around these huge, heavy binoculars that real- ly do not seem to fit com- fortably in their hands. The weight savings and compact Get the Victory SF 32. » size alone make them such an appealing format, and a
15 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
Terra ED Pocket Terra ED Victory Pocket
Conquest HD Victory T*FL Victory SF
Zeiss Terra ED Pocket Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x25 357 ft 6.2 ft 16mm 35–72mm 10.9 oz $349.99 10x25 291 ft 6.2 ft 16mm 35–72mm 10.9 oz $379.99
Zeiss Terra ED Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 405 ft 4.9 ft 16.5mm 56–74mm 18 oz $399.99 10x32 320.2 ft 5.2 ft 16.5mm 56–74mm 18 oz $449.99 8x42 375 ft 5.25 ft 18mm 58–75.5mm 24.5 oz $449.99 10x42 330 ft 5.25 ft 15mm 58–75.5mm 24.4 oz $499.99 Zeiss Victory Pocket Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x25 357 ft 6.2 ft 16.5mm 34–74mm 10.9 oz $819.99 10x25 291 ft 6.2 ft 16.5mm 34–74mm 10.9 oz $879.99
Zeiss Conquest HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 420 ft 4.9 ft 16mm 54–74mm 22 oz $929.99 10x32 354 ft 4.9 ft 16mm 54–74mm 22.2 oz $979.99 8x42 384 ft 6.5 ft 18mm 54–74mm 28 oz $999.99 10x42 346 ft 6.5 ft 17mm 52–74mm 28 oz $1,049.99
Zeiss Victory T*FL Model FOV @ Close Weight IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 8x32 420 ft 6.56 ft 19.75 oz 52–74mm 19.75 oz $2,099.99 10x32 360 ft 6.6 ft 19.75 oz 52–74mm 19.75 oz $2,149.99
Zeiss Victory SF Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 465 ft 6.4 ft 19mm 54–76mm 21.2 oz $2,249.99 10x32 390 ft 6.4 ft 19mm 54–76mm 20.8 oz $2,299.99 8x42 444 ft 4.9 ft 18mm 54–76mm 27.5 oz $2,699.99 10x42 360 ft 4.9 ft 18mm 54–76mm 27.5 oz $2,749.99
Watch Zeiss ambassador Luke Tiller discuss the new Victory SF 32. » Spotting Scopes
Conquest Gavia Victory Harpia
Zeiss Conquest Gavia Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 85mm 30–60x 99–69 ft 10.8 ft 16.7–15.5mm 60 oz $1,999.99
Zeiss Victory Harpia with Eyepiece Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 85mm 22–65x 189.6–63 ft 11.4 ft 18mm 76 oz $4,499.99 95mm 23–70x 176.4–58.5 ft 14.7 ft 18mm 81.1 oz $4,799.99
Read Ben Lizdas’s review of the Victory Harpia spotting scope. »
18 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Find what you are searching for. With an extremely wide field of view.
NEW: ZEISS Victory SF 32 With birds often hiding in dense cover, it’s essential that you have a wide field of view to allow you to spot any slight movements. The wide field of view of the ZEISS Victory SF 32 results in a 20% larger area of observation compared to other leading brands, giving the user an impressive overview. zeiss.com/morediscoveries 19 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Things to Consider When Upgrading Binoculars Whitney Lanfranco, Leica Nature Sales Manager
birders discussed obscure details, and decided I just wasn’t a good enough birder yet. It wasn’t until a seasoned old-timer saw me squinting against heat shimmer and hen I first began handed me their much better Wbirding as a young, (and higher-priced) binoc- poor, college student, I did ulars that I realized I was a what most people do: I went good birder, but my binoc- out and bought the only pair ulars had been holding me of binoculars I could afford. back. Even the $200 price tag was We have come a long terrifying and meant many way since the Victorian days meals of ramen noodles when people took their were in my future. Although opera glasses into the great they served my purpose well outdoors to see birds better. enough, there were times I The technology allowed to found myself frustrated when us today has taken our view- other people were calling out ing experiences to levels field marks and better able our forebearers never could to identify species, especially have imagined. Birding is a in bad light or atmospher- hobby that continues to grow ic conditions. I would keep and become more popular. quiet while these seasoned When choosing optics, the
20 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] age-old adage of “you get the best, that just means they what you pay for” comes into are the best for them. There play. Premium binoculars are are many things to consid- going to come at a premium er on your premium optics price. When I was working as shopping journey. Most peo- a guide, I had many birders ple want to upgrade because ask me, “Are those binoculars they want to improve their worth the price?” My answer experience overall, but what to them, and you today, is does that experience entail? quite simply: YES. Are you birding in a place If you just casually scan that’s highly wooded with out your window now and dense trees, or where there again, I might take that state- are open fields and far-off ment back and say you are hawks? Will you be taking welcome to buy premium this binocular on adventures binoculars, but you would like a pelagic or tropical bird- probably be fine at a lower ing, or is it more birding your price. However, if you are local patch? What has affect- someone who regularly goes ed your birding experience out birding, who goes on with your old equipment? Is it local bird walks or frequents light, field of view, eye relief, parks, who travels for birds, or a combination of several who visits birding festivals, things? If you are starting to someone for whom birding panic, take a deep breath; is anything from a regular there are plenty of optics gu- hobby to a lifestyle, then you rus to help you answer these should buy the absolute best questions. binoculars you can afford. We will start with weight. Now that we have agreed Everyone judges a binocular it’s time to upgrade, the next by how it feels when they question is: What is the right pick it up. Unfortunately, binocular for you? In the op- there is no true lightweight tics world, one size does not premium binocular. Quality fit all, so even if your friend glass is heavy, and we are swears their binoculars are buying these binoculars for
21 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] the quality glass. I under- it weighs less; this is be- stand, there is nothing worse cause the binocular might be than being on a long hike and more compact, therefore it is your binoculars start to make denser. The thing you should your neck ache. A shoulder consider is not which one harness can alleviate a lot of weighs the least, but what weight issues, but you still binocular gives you a premier want to enjoy wearing your viewing experience without binoculars rather than leav- the weight being an issue. ing them at home. When it You have picked up your comes to optics, there are soon-to-be new binoculars a lot of specifications that and now you look through come with every product. If them and the world changes I paid attention to only the forever, or does it? Keep in specs, I would have a vastly mind that festivals are often different pair of binoculars held in locations with good than I do. In the case of lighting, so when you are us- weight, however, the num- ing them inside you might not bers don’t lie. Keep in mind notice things like the sharp- that the binocular might feel ness of contrast or low-light heavier even if the specs say performance. When shopping
22 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] for binoculars it’s important image versus a higher power to go outside and get a feel binocular. It is also going to for what they can do when give you a steadier image. the conditions aren’t perfect. We all have a natural shake Things to consider while you to our hands, and at a higher are comparing different kinds magnification it will be more are field of view, light trans- noticeable. Leica has the only mission, eye relief, sharpness 7-power binocular available of contrast, and stray-light at the premium level: the reduction, to name a few. 7x42 Ultravid HD Plus. One Eye relief is something to user review calls them: pay attention to when test- ing binoculars. The specs on “Perfect for aging eyes eye relief can be misleading and hands…Its resolution, because different companies contrast, glare suppression, measure them in different and depth of field are su- ways. Some measure from perior to anything I’ve used the cornea to the binocular's before.” optical lens, while others (such as Leica) measure from Although a larger field of the cornea to the eyecup. view is something many bird- This will especially be import- ers desire (understandably), ant if you wear glasses, as the most important take-away they bottom out at the eye- is that peak optical perfor- cup, not the lens. Specs are mance is not made up of one helpful, but sometimes they thing but a combination. The are intentionally misleading, specs might say a binocular an under-promise in hopes has a large field of view, but of overdelivering. Ultimately, if the distortion is bad and trying the binoculars will give the edges are out of focus, you a feel for the best eye that isn’t going to be a good relief for you. viewing experience. Lower magnification is Regarding light transmis- going to give you a larger sion: A brighter image will field of view and brighter change your viewing expe-
23 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] “The view is incredibly bright, crisp, and pops out at you.”
“They are the brightest and clearest we have ever used.”
“Images are bright, and colors stand out in a way I Ultravid HD-Plus with haven’t seen in years.” laughing gull rience and allow you to see However, reviews also those minute details that recognize the combination of have been missing from your attributes found in a premium birding life. Again, the specs binocular: can be misleading. A binoc- ular might boast a high light “Excellent contrast and transmission, but that could resolution of fine detail.” mean they peak at a certain color instead of across the “Bright, sharp, edge-to- color spectrum. The image edge, and have a great might then have a slight wash depth of field.” to it. You will notice the initial brightness of several premi- Aside from an enhanced um binoculars when trying viewing experience, premium them. So, try to find some- binoculars also offer a higher thing in the shadows and test quality product overall. By them in harsh or low light to going up to a higher price see where that light transmis- level, you will be getting a sion will make a difference. durable product designed The reviews for the Lei- to last. They are tested in ca Noctivids emphasize the conditions like extreme cold unparalleled performance in and heat, high humidity, and low-light conditions: force. Most premium binocu-
24 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] lars have multi-coated lenses actually. The build quality is and some sort of hydropho- top-notch. I was looking to bic coating. Leica’s is known purchase a pair of quality as Aquadura and not only binoculars that gave me a works to repel water from really good image for a rea- the lenses but also to protect sonable price.” them from scratches. The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus and When it comes to your Noctivid are waterproof, fog- next optics purchase, remem- proof, shock-proof, and can ber that you know what suits withstand pressure down to you best. Start with a budget 16 feet or up to 18,000 feet. in mind and then test every- They are meant to be used. thing you can. It’s best not to When upgrading, you're get- buy a premium binocular until ting a product that is ready to you have compared it to at stand the test of any adven- least one equivalent-quality ture and lasts for many years. competitor. Again, one size Going premium doesn’t does not fit all. Specs are always mean you have to helpful, but understand how go above $2,000. If that just those numbers are achieved, isn’t in your budget, up- and that premium quality is grading a little can greatly a combination of many fac- enhance your viewing. The tors. Upgrading binoculars is Leica Trinovid HD, for exam- exciting and should be fun! ple, comes in under $1,000 It might seem a little daunt- and, while it doesn’t have the ing at first, but once you find same durability of the higher that perfect match, you won’t binoculars, it is still rugged regret the enhancements and and reliable and doesn’t sac- joy it brings to your birding rifice on light transmission, experience. We are all good color, and field of view. birders; we just have to find One reviewer states: the right optics!
“The image is tack sharp, beyond what I imagined
25 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
Trinovid BCA Ultravid BR Trinovid HD
Trinovid Classic Ultravid HD-Plus Noctivid
Leica Trinovid BCA Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x20 340 ft 9.8 ft 14mm 32–74mm 8.3 oz $549.00 10x25 312 ft 16.4 ft 13.7mm 32–83mm 8.5 oz $579.00
Leica Ultravid BR Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x20 341 ft 7.2 ft 15mm 34–74mm 8.5 oz $779.00 10x25 273 ft 10.5 ft 15mm 34–74mm 9.4 oz $799.00
26 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Leica Trinovid HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 372 ft 3.3 ft 17mm 58–76mm 22.93 oz $949.99 10x32 342 ft 3.3 ft 16mm 58–76mm 22.58 oz $949.99 8x42 373 ft 5.9 ft 17mm 56–74mm 28.5 oz $999.99 10x42 340 ft 5.2 ft 15mm 58–76mm 28.5 oz $999.99
Leica Trinovid Classic Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 7x35 460 ft 13.12 ft 16mm 55–75mm 20.81 oz $1,499.00 8x40 404 ft 18 ft 16mm 55–75mm 22.57 oz $1,599.00 10x40 341 ft 18 ft 16mm 55–75mm 22.57 oz $1,649.00
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 404 ft 7.2 ft 13.3mm 52–74mm 18.9 oz $2,099.00 10x32 352 ft 6.6 ft 13.2mm 52–74mm 19.93 oz $2,099.00 7x42 420 ft 10.8 ft 17mm 55–75mm 27.1 oz $2,299.00 8x42 389 ft 9.8 ft 13.3mm 55–75mm 27.9 oz $2,299.00 10x42 330 ft 9.7 ft 16mm 55–75mm 26.8 oz $2,299.00 8x50 352.41 ft 11.48 ft 17mm 58–74mm 35.27 oz $2,599.00 10x50 352.41 ft 10.8 ft 15 mm 58–74mm 35.3 oz $2,599.00 12x50 301.2 ft 10.5 ft 13mm 58–74mm 36.7 oz $2,599.00
Leica Noctivid Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 404 ft 6.2 ft 19mm 56–74mm 30.34 oz $2,749.00 10x42 336 ft 6.2 ft 19mm 56–74mm 30.34 oz $2,799.00
27 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Spotting Scopes
APO-Televid
Leica APO-Televid with Eyepiece Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 82mm 25–50x 123–84 ft 12.8 ft 19mm 64.9 oz $3,598.99
Learn all about Leica’s binocular lines from nature sales manager Whitney Lanfranco. »
Catch Up on the birding adventures of the Redstart Birding and Bird Watcher’s Digest team on the Out There with the Birds blog. »
28 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] SPORT OPTICS
Trinovid HD Ultravid HD-Plus Noctivid
As natural as the eye can see. Leica binoculars. Over a hundred years of building top quality optics.
From the premium entry level Trinovid HD, to the performance benchmark Ultravid HD-Plus, to the best-we’ve-ever-made Noctivid, every Leica binocular features built- in wow factor. See what we mean at your Leica Sport Optics Dealer. • Razor-sharp, high-contrast images • Exceptional color neutrality and brilliance • Durability and comfort in all viewing conditions leicacamerausa.com @leicanatureusa 29 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Expert-Recommended Tips for Choosing a Swarovski Binocular Clay Taylor, Swarovski Optik Naturalist Market Manager
30 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] ou have recently taken “scanner” or a “spotter”?), Yup bird watching, close focus (if you also watch but your birding friends are butterflies and dragonflies), finding birds and identifying and ergonomics (how com- them while you cannot get fortable are they to hold good looks at the same birds. steady while viewing?). How do you solve that? The numbers to know Well, since the hobby are always listed as 8x25 is bird watching, getting a or 10x50, and it is easier to great look at the birds is very remember “how big x how important. If you are strug- bright.” The first number is gling to see the same things how big the binocular makes that your friends do, you just the bird appear, and the might need to upgrade your second number is how bright binocular. the bird image appears. In There are literally hun- the two examples above, the dreds of models on the 10x50 binocular gives both market, so here are a few a bigger bird and a brighter suggestions from Swarovski image, but the binocular itself Optik, makers of top-of-the- is much larger and heavier line optics for birding. than the 8x25. While big and Most birders would rank bright are obviously desir- the important parts of choos- able, too heavy means that ing a binocular in this order you might not want to take it – size and weight, power with you. (magnification), durability The debate amongst bird- (waterproofness, ruggedness, ers usually starts with “which etc.), and price. There are do you prefer: 8 power or other considerations that can 10 power?”—and there is no further help you with the final definitive answer. Instead, it choice, such as image quality depends on the user—if you (sharp images with accurate can hold the binocular steady colors), eye relief (especially enough, 10x is great. If you important if you wear glass- use your binocular to scan es), field of view (are you a the trees or the horizon for
31 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] birds, the wider field of view amazing comfort and grip. of the 8x makes this more They then redesigned the efficient. I will always recom- optical path to feature the mend that you try both power widest field of view in the options to see which one is optics industry, a completely better for you. new focusing system that will Here are my four recom- close-focus down to 6 feet, mendations to check out for and 5-position eyecup to pre- your next birding optic. cisely position your eyes so you can enjoy that huge field Top of the Line: The of view. Swarovski Optik NL Pure Then they added an indus- In July of 2020, Swarovski try first: the FRP Forehead Optik introduced the NL Pure Rest. As the name indicates, binocular as its new flagship the FRP allows you to press model above the EL Swaro- the binocular against your Vision line. The 8x42, 10x42, forehead, giving you much and 12x42 NL Pure models greater viewing stability. feature a completely new That makes the 12x model, body shape with an indented which has the same field of barrel (some call it a wasp- view as the 10x42 EL, mighty waist look) that allows for appealing. The 8x42 has a
32 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] field of view of 470 feet at periods of time. They sell for 1,000 yards, and looking into about $1,300, and of course it makes you feel like you are totally waterproof and are inside the image. It is very rugged. spectacular, and that is what I Now, there are many 8x42 carry every day. and 10x42 binoculars avail- All that innovation comes able from other manufac- at a price, as the NL Pure turers that are in the same costs over $3,000, but that price range, so why would has not deterred customers you buy a binocular with the from rushing to buy them. At smaller “How Bright” num- this writing in early 2021, you ber? Simple. If you do most might have a hard time find- of your birding outside during ing one in-stock at Redstart the day, the scene is usually Birding, but get on the list bright enough that your eyes soon. The wait will definitely have to close down. That be worth it! larger, heavier 42 binocular no longer has the brightness The Swarovski Optik CL advantage. As a long-time Companion Binocular photographer, I know that The CL Companion mod- even when taking photos of els come in 8x30 and 10x30 birds in the trees on a cloudy versions, with two color day, there is more ambient choices for the rubber ar- light there than in your well-lit moring (Swarovski green living room. Can you use your and anthracite gray) and binocular to look at things in three choices of strap & carry your living room and still see case—Wild Nature, Urban details and colors? Of course Jungle, and Northern Lights. you can! So, the CL Com- They are a great size and panion’s image sharpness weight—17 ounces and small and color will rival that of the enough to store in a jacket larger, heavier binocular of pocket, yet large enough to the same price. You really hold comfortably and firmly need to see this and decide as you watch birds for long for yourself.
33 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] The Swarovski Optik CL Would I take one on a trip Pocket Binocular to New York City, Vienna, Everyone loves a small, or Paris? Yes, absolutely! I lightweight, easy-to-carry could use it while birding tiny binocular. The CL Pocket bin- Bryant Park in NYC, watching oculars are very rugged and the Eurasian kestrels nesting compact, the image is sharp, on St. Stephen’s Cathedral in and the colors are perfect. Vienna, or viewing the recon- They are available in 8x25 struction of the Notre Dame and 10x25 models, and have Cathedral in Paris. I would excellent eye relief in case probably choose the 10x25 you wear glasses. However, model if I wanted to see the the field of view is relatively artworks and architecture in narrow, and their light weight these cities. makes them harder to hold steady when compared with The Swarovski Optik a larger binocular. dG Digital Guide: The CL Pockets have The “Wild Card” recently been updated with Also in 2020, Swarovski new ergonomics, a more rug- Optik introduced something ged twin-hinge design, and totally unique to the mar- the addition of an ocular cov- ket—the dG Digital Guide. It er that attaches to the strap. is a hybrid optic, consisting This makes them a great trav- of an 8x32 monocular in a el binocular, especially if you wide, flat body PLUS an 8x are in places where you want telephoto camera! The cam- to have a binocular handy but era lens and the viewing lens do not want to be wearing it are side by side in the body around your neck. of the dG. As you watch your Would I take one as my bird through the viewing lens, primary optic on a birding pushing the top button will trip to Costa Rica? No, but it take a 12-megapixel picture would make a great backup with the equivalent of a binocular in case something 400mm telephoto lens. happens to my NL Pure. However, that is only the
34 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] start of what the dG Digital a WiFi source, you can also Guide can do. The dG will connect up to four additional store up to 50 photos inter- devices (smartphones, tab- nally, and as soon as you lets, etc.) simultaneously, and open up the dG app on your the streaming image from smartphone, the dG will con- the dG can be viewed on all nect to the phone and WiFi of them. Including your own all the images to your pho- device, all of them can record tos. If you have the Merlin the streaming images as a app from the Cornell Lab of video, or take still photos any Ornithology, the dG will also time, and these will be saved send its images to Merlin, on the device. which can then identify what If you are birding in a new you just saw! city or country and do not Since the dG Digital Guide have a local guide to help is its own WiFi source, the you with identifications, the system works in your back- dG Digital Guide plus Mer- yard, New York City, or even lin can do that for you. The some place like Carara Na- 8x telephoto lens will also tional Park in Costa Rica! make it easier to get photos But wait, there is more! of things like butterflies and Since the dG Digital Guide is dragonflies, which an app like
35 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] iNaturalist can then identify. Is the dG Digital Guide ideal for everybody? If you typically go birding with a binocular and either a DSLR camera or a SuperZoom cam- era, probably not. However, if you want to get photos for identification (or to verify that you saw a really rare bird) and you are not a “camera person,” this solution makes a lot of sense. The dG is water- We often get asked proof, has a built-in battery what happened to that charges with a USB cord, founding Redstart ample eye relief for eyeglass wearers, and is quite easy to manager Ben Lizdas. hold comfortably while view- Wonder no more: ing birds or snapping photos He’s now Swarovski of them. No matter which of these Optik’s business de- optics you choose, go out velopment manager! and have fun with them! Listen to Wendy Clark’s catch-up in- terview with Ben on the Out There with the Birds podcast. »
36 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
CL Pocket
Companion CL EL NL Pure
Swarovski CL Pocket Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x25 357 ft 8.2 ft 17mm 50–74mm 12.2 oz $819.00 10x25 294 ft 8.2 ft 17mm 50–74mm 12.3 oz $879.00 Swarovski Companion CL Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x30 396 ft 9.8 ft 16mm 55–74mm 17.3 oz $1,229.00 10x30 324 ft 9.8 ft 16mm 55–74mm 17.6 oz $1,259.00
Carry your bins, scope, and tripod with Swarovski’s new BP Backpack 30. » Swarovski EL Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 423 ft 6.2 ft 20mm 54–74mm 20.5 oz $2,199.00 10x32 360 ft 6.2 ft 20mm 54–74.5mm 20.5 oz $2,299.00 8.5x42 399 ft 4.9 ft 20mm 56–74mm 28 oz $2,659.00 10x42 336 ft 4.9 ft 20mm 56–74mm 28 oz $2,689.00 10x50 300 ft 9.2 ft 20mm 56–74mm 35 oz $2,839.00 12x50 300 ft 9.2 ft 16mm 56–74mm 35 oz $2,869.00 Swarovski NL Pure Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 477 ft 6.6 ft 18mm 56–74mm 29.5 oz $2,969.00 10x42 399 ft 6.6 ft 18mm 56–74mm 30 oz $3,029.00 12x42 339 ft 8.5 ft 18mm 56–74mm 29.5 oz $3,099.00
Meet the dG Monocular EASILY IDENTIFY BIRDS. With the simple push of a button, your sightings are transferred to your smartphone for auto- matic identification.
STORE YOUR IMAGES AND VIDEOS in the SWAROVSKI OPTIK dG app to preserve your special moments. Get it for $2,099.00 at SHARE YOUR DISCOVERIES on Redstart Birding. » social networks. An integrated WiFi hotspot allows several of your companions to follow your sightings by livestream. Spotting Scopes
Objective Lens Module
ATX Eyepiece STX Eyepiece BTX Eyepiece Module Module Module
ATS/STS Body Zoom Eyepiece
Read Ben Lizdas’s review of the BTX Eyepiece Module. »
39 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Swarovski Objective Lens Module Size Magnification FOV @ Close Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 65mm 25–60x 124–68 ft 6.9 ft 28.4 oz $1,029.00 85mm 25–60x 124–68 ft 11.8 ft 40.3 oz $1,719.00 95mm 30–70x 104–57 ft 15.7 ft 47.3 oz $2,099.00 115mm 30–70x 108–60 ft 15.7 ft 74.1 oz $2,999.00
Swarovski Eyepiece Module Model Shape Eye Weight Price Relief ATX Angled 20mm 28.6 oz $2,369.00 STX Straight 20mm 30.5 oz $2,369.00 BTX Binocular 21mm 50 oz $2,799.00
Swarovski ATS/STS HD Body Model Shape Close Weight Price Focus 65mm Angled 10 ft 39.9 oz $1,689.00 65mm Straight 10 ft 39.2 oz $1,689.00 85mm Angled 16.4 ft 47.6 oz $2,399.00 85mm Straight 16.4 ft 48 oz $2,399.00
Swarovski Zoom Eyepiece Magnification FOV @ Eye Weight Price 1,000 yd Relief 20–60x 108–60 ft 17mm 9.2 oz $579.00 25–50x 126–81 ft 17mm 10.4 oz $729.00
40 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] CL COMPANION THE FREEDOM, TO EXPERIENCE MORE 41SEE THE UNSEENredstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Insights for Buying Your First Spotting Scope Adrian Lesak, Vortex Birding and Observation Manager
There are a few consider- ations to keep in mind before diving into your first spotting scope purchase. Foremost, always think hile binoculars may about your primary use. Do Wbe your primary tool you simply want to scan for in the field when birding, wildlife from the back porch? there are frequent occa- Perhaps you intend to carry sions when you find yourself your scope with you on long wishing for just a little more field outings. Are you a biol- reach—a little more magni- ogist trying to discern color fication. Be it scanning rafts bands on distant shorebirds of sea ducks well offshore, or a backyard birder hoping shorebirds on tidal flats, or to get intimate portraits of that falcon aerie high up the birds visiting your feed- on the canyon wall, there er? Different spotting scopes comes a time when your and the tripods you pair with steady, handheld binoculars them could be recommended just don’t provide the detail for each of these applications you’re looking for. That is and this article will help you when a spotting scope really weigh your options. shines and can be a great addition to rounding out your Size and Weight birding toolkit. One of the primary deci-
42 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] sions to make is which size ical sizes you will see are spotting scope is right for around 50mm, 60–65mm, you. The size of your spotting and 80–85mm, though there scope is tied directly to that are larger and smaller op- of one of its most important tions available on the market. components—the objective Weight of these spotting lens. The objective lens is the scopes can range from just large lens out front that you over 20 oz. to well over 6 lbs. point toward your subject. on some of the largest mod- This lens is the light-gath- els. Expect a typical 65mm ering aperture and the first spotting scope to weigh glass element that light pass- around 3.5 lbs. and an 85mm es through as it enters the scope to come in around optical system of your scope. 4.5 lbs., with some variation Holding variables like glass depending on the materials quality, optical design, and used in the body and the magnification equal, the larg- number and density of the er the objective lens is, the glass elements employed. brighter and more detailed If you have the opportunity, the image through your eye- get a feel for the heft of your piece will appear—especially spotting scope choices at a in difficult conditions such local optics retailer. Try them as poor lighting and greater out with different tripod op- distances. tions to get a feel of the total Objective lenses come in a weight you may have to bear wide array of sizes expressed during future birding trips. in diameter in millimeters and Often, the best-sized is typically the last number in scope for you is the one the spotting scope descrip- you are comfortable taking tion, for example 20–60 x 85. along and not leaving behind The 85 denotes the objective due to prohibitive bulk and lens diameter. This number weight. is directly related to the size, weight, and often length of Magnification your spotting scope. Typ- Typical mid-sized spot-
43 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] ting scopes often have a er, wide-angle views, long magnification factor some- eye relief, a range finder, or where between about 15- binocular eyepiece configura- and 60-power, making your tions. Ask your favorite optics subject appear that many professionals about the pros times larger, or closer, than and cons of each of these. the naked eye. Most modern You will find a substantial scopes offer a zoom eye- portion of your viewing will piece that covers some por- be done at the lower range of tion of this range with a twist your spotting scope’s mag- of the wrist and is denoted nification, where the field of as the first number(s) that view is bright, steady, sharp, describe its specification. For and generally more pleasing example, a 15–45 x 65mm to the eye. The wider field of spotting scope magnifies by view available at low mag- 15x at the low end and 45x at nification is also useful for the high end, and everything finding and following your in between. Some scopes subject before zooming in for have eyepiece options avail- more detail. able with different properties, The highest reaches of such as a single fixed pow- your magnification range are
44 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] useful for confirming the ID around birding all day, but on that far-away red-throat- higher magnification and a ed loon offshore, or under larger scope may provide calm and bright conditions the digiscoper or videogra- at closer distances for highly pher with the brightness and detailed, frame-filling views of magnification for great wild- that painted bunting in your life portraiture and candid backyard. But that higher, recording of behavior. top-end magnification often comes with a few penalties. Angled vs. Straight The atmosphere can create Another decision you must distorted images that are make is whether a straight or seemingly magnified with angled eyepiece orientation higher power under certain is right for you. While this conditions where air meets choice often comes down to water or land of different personal preference, there temperatures, such as over a are advantages and disad- mudflat or lake. Higher mag- vantages to each. Straight nification performs best with spotting scopes are intuitively a large front objective lens, easier to point and acquire and that can increase the size the subject within your field and weight of your spotting of view—especially at first scope, which means more for for novice scope users. With you to carry. You may need a just a little practice, however, more robust tripod to control aiming and acquiring your the shakiness inherent with subject with an angled scope higher magnification as well. quickly becomes second na- All of these factors come ture. Straight scopes can be with a real dollars-and-cents useful when looking down, price, so keep in mind how say, into a canyon or valley, much magnification you will but the rotating collar that really use and weigh these almost every modern angled tradeoffs carefully. A 15–45x spotting scope is equipped 65mm scope may be all you with allows you to rotate the need and are willing to carry eyepiece to a more comfort-
45 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] looking up in tall trees while keeping the scope relatively low and stable on the tripod. Both straight and angled spotting scopes can be mounted and used on your car window. The flexibility provided by the rotating scope collar can give an angled scope a wider range of viewing from your window able position, negating this without moving the position difference to a fair degree. of your car. In other words, Because of the upward it’s easier to look further be- 45-degree angle, an angled hind or ahead of your vehicle spotting scope can be kept without contorting yourself lower on your tripod, ideally to get a look through the sitting on the “shoulders” of eyepiece, though it can take the tripod with the center col- some practice aiming your umn all the way down. This scope at these odd angles. can provide a more stable Finally, straight and angled image at high magnification scopes have different centers and in windy conditions. As of gravity that may or may every good birding guide not be offset by the position knows, angled scopes can be of the scope’s mounting foot. easier to share with a group. Straight scopes tend to be Set your tripod height for the weighted a little farther back shorter people in the group toward the eyepiece, which and everyone can easily may determine whether you bend down and look though will need a sliding balance the scope without adjusting rail in order to keep your the scope height and poten- scope level when the weight tially losing the brief shared of a camera or smartphone look at a lifer. Angled scopes is mounted on your eyepiece are also convenient for for photography.
46 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Optics Matter spotting scopes can seem Once your practical like a formidable investment. considerations about size, Thankfully, a spotting weight, magnification, and scope is a relatively simple eyepiece configuration are instrument without many settled, it’s time to think bells and whistles. That about the finer details—many means optics manufacturers of which will affect your do their level best to offer overall enjoyment in the field the best optics they can for and pertain directly to the the price. Variations in build quality of optics in your new quality, body design, and er- spotting scope. Regardless gonomics may separate one of glass quality, increasing from another, but spotting magnification with a zoom scopes within a certain price eyepiece found on most class tend to perform similarly spotting scopes will diminish to the eye. Work within your your field of view as well as budget, but find a scope near the brightness and resolu- the top end of it and you will tion of your image. The high push off that urge to upgrade magnification inherent in for years. Find the best scope spotting scopes really push- to your own eye and the one es the limits of their optical that fits your birding style and systems, revealing the partic- feels right for you. And again, ular strengths and weakness if you have the chance, get a of their optical design, the look and a handle on sever- quality of the glass used, and al with your local birding or the coatings applied to that optics shop—or talk with your glass. trusted birding optics experts The large glass elements and friends such as those at and glass surfaces of a spot- Redstart Birding. ting scope require precise manufacturing, placement, Final Thoughts and coating throughout the Just as patience, careful optical path, which is why study, and repetition are even the most affordable necessary to improve your
47 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] birding abilities, honing your tage of the wonderful optics skills with your equipment and magnification because it can help you make the most is not adequately supported. of the investment in your Look for the sturdiest tripod birding optics. Practice is you care to bear when com- necessary to master fast and bined with the weight of your effective locating, scanning, scope. Choose one that has a and following of your sub- sturdy head with smooth pan jects with a spotting scope. and tilt motion that capably You will have a small field of performs under the weight of view at high magnification. your scope. Find one that is Things can seem a bit dim in tall enough for you. Excessive challenging light, and it can center column extension can be very shaky compared to introduce frustrating insta- your trusty binoculars. Don’t bility. And finally, if budget be intimidated. Take some allows, a carbon fiber tripod time in your backyard prac- can help you save up to a ticing your aim on various pound of weight while greatly targets, be they stationary or reducing the vibration that is moving. Practice zooming in the bane of high magnifica- and refocusing at different tion viewing. distances. Start at low power Please send questions to for finding and scanning, then me at alesak@vortexoptics. when your target is acquired, com. zoom in and focus to reveal Good birding! the details. And don’t feel afraid to look up with your eyes or binoculars when you feel lost. Lastly, save room in your budget for a quality tripod. There’s nothing worse than Listen to our interview spending a bunch on a nice with Adrian at Vortex’s spotting scope and then not Wisconsin headquarters. » being able to take full advan-
48 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
Vanquish
Raptor Crossfire HD Diamondback HD
Viper HD Razor HD Razor UHD
Vortex Vanquish Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x26 352 ft 7.6 ft 15mm 57–71mm 12.7 oz $94.99
Vortex Raptor Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8.5x32 390 ft 15 ft 14mm 50–70mm 16 oz $99.99
49 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Vortex Crossfire HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 393 ft 7.5 ft 17mm 57–74mm 23.3 oz $139.99 10x42 325 ft 6 ft 15mm 58–75mm 23 oz $149.99
Vortex Diamondback HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x28 332 ft 6 ft 18mm 55–72mm 14 oz $139.99 8x32 426 ft 5 ft 16mm 56–73mm 15.9oz $189.99 8x42 393 ft 5 ft 17mm 55–73mm 21.8 oz $219.99 10x42 330 ft 5 ft 15mm 55–73mm 21.3 oz $229.99 10x50 315 ft 6 ft 17mm 60–75mm 30 oz $249.99
Vortex Viper HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 409 ft 5 ft 18mm 56–76mm 24.9 oz $489.99 10x42 341 ft 6.5 ft 17mm 56–76mm 24.9oz $499.99 10x50 346 ft 8 ft 16mm 56–75mm 28.4 oz $549.99
Vortex Razor HD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 388 ft 6 ft 17.5mm 55–75mm 24.2 oz $979.99 10x42 362 ft 6 ft 16.5mm 55–75mm 24.8oz $999.99 10x50 330.7 ft 10 ft 16.5mm 55–74mm 28.1 oz $1,089.99
Vortex Razor UHD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 420 ft 4.5 ft 16.7mm 56–76mm 32.2 oz $1,449.99 10x42 346 ft 4.5 ft 16.7mm 56–76mm 32.2 oz $1,499.99 12x50 236 ft 6.6 ft 17mm 56–76mm 36.1 oz $1,599.99
50 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Spotting Scopes
Diamondback HD Viper HD Razor HD
Vortex Diamondback HD Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 65mm 16–48x 138–72 ft 16.4 ft 20.3–18.3mm 50.4 oz $399.99 85mm 20–60x 18–60 ft 24.6 ft 20.3–18.3mm 61.3 oz $499.99 Vortex Viper HD Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 65mm 15–45x 140–65 ft 16 ft 18mm 48.5 oz $699.99 85mm 20–60x 101–50 ft 36 ft 19.6–17.8mm 76.8 oz $899.99 Vortex Razor HD Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 50mm 11–33x 191–96 ft 6.5 ft 20mm 25 oz $699.99 65mm 22–48x 138–84 ft 26 ft 20mm 56.8 oz $1,199.99 85mm 27–60x 117–68 ft 16.4 ft 20mm 65.6 oz $1,599.99
51 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] 52 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected]
vortex-2020-new-dbk-spotters-ad-8.5x11-.125bleed.indd 1 11/11/20 10:46 AM Binoculars
YF II
BD25 BD II XD Genesis XD
Kowa YF II Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 6x30 420 ft 16.4 ft 20mm 50–70mm 16.5 oz $100.00 8x30 393.75 ft 16.4 ft 16mm 50–70mm 16.7 oz $100.00 Kowa BD25 Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x25 330.7 ft 5.9 ft 15mm 55–74mm 10.58 oz $275.00 10x25 262.95 ft 5.9 ft 15mm 55–74mm 11.3 oz $275.00 Kowa BD II XD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 6.5x32 525 ft 4.25 ft 17mm 57–76mm 18.5 oz $399.00 8x32 462 ft 4.25 ft 16.5mm 57–76mm 18.5 oz $399.00 8x42 429 ft 5.9 ft 17mm 57–76mm 22.5 oz $449.00 10x42 378 ft 5.9 ft 16.5mm 57–76mm 22.5 oz $449.00 Kowa Genesis XD Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x22 393.7 ft 4.9 ft 15mm 35–72mm 11.11 oz $799.00 10x22 315 ft 4.9 ft 15mm 35–72mm 11.46 oz $849.00 8x33 420 ft 4.9 ft 15mm 54–73mm 20.8 oz $999.00 10x33 357 ft 4.92 ft 15mm 54–73mm 20.81 oz $1,099.00 8.5x44 367.5 ft 5.6 ft 18mm 55–74mm 33.44 oz $1,299.00 10.5x44 354 ft 5.6 ft 16mm 55–74mm 33.9 oz $1,399.00 Spotting Scopes
TSN-553/554 Kit
TSE-14WD TE-9Z 30x 20–60x TSN-601/602/663M/664M Wide Zoom Body Eyepiece Eyepiece
Watch our interview with Kowa sales and marketing manager TSN-773/774/883/884 Jeff Bouton. » Kit Kowa TSN-553/554 Kit Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 55mm 15–45x 132–69 ft 9.8 ft 16.5–16mm 28.5 oz $1,799.00
Kowa TSN-601/602/663M/664M Body Model Shape Close Weight Price Focus 60mm Angled 19.7 ft 25.9 oz $500.00 60mm Straight 19.7 ft 25.6 oz $500.00 66mm Angled 19.7 ft 36.8 oz $1,000.00 66mm Straight 19.7 ft 35.2 oz $1,000.00
Kowa TSE-14 WD 30x Wide Eyepiece Magnification FOV @ Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd 30x 126 ft 20mm 7 oz $300.00
Kowa TE-9Z 20–60x Zoom Eyepiece Magnification FOV @ Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd 20–60x 99–54 ft 16.5–16mm 9.76 oz $350.00
Kowa TSN-773/774/883/884 Kit Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 77mm 25–60x 126–69 ft 16.4 ft 17mm 59.9 oz $2,249.00 88mm 25–60x 126–69 ft 16.4 ft 17mm 66.6 oz $3,150.00
55 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Crystal clear, literally...
Crystal clear - a phrase you will often hear loosely used in the world of sporting optics, but take a look through a Kowa PROMINAR TSN-880 or PROMINAR TSN-550 spotting scope and that’s exactly what you will get, both physically and visually.
A solid piece of pure fluorite crystal is crafted into a perfectly polished and multi-coated lens to deliver the true definition of what is crystal clear and the ultimate viewing experience.
When you take your first look through a Kowa pure fluorite crystal scope you will instantly understand what it means to If it’s see crystal clear. crystal clear, Kowa is the only spotting scope brand to use pure fluorite crystal lenses. Experience the next level of performance. it’s Kowa.
56 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Kowa American Corporation | 20001 South Vermont Avenue | Torrance, CA 90502 | 800.966.5692 | www.kowa-usa.com Binoculars
Ultima
Nature DX TrailSeeker TrailSeeker ED
Celestron Ultima Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 425 ft 8.2 ft 15mm 50–74mm 18.3 oz $99.95 8x42 394.58 ft 13.1 ft 18mm 50–74mm 21.87 oz $119.95 10x42 343.37 ft 13.1 ft 15mm 50–74mm 21.9 oz $129.95 10x50 316.27 ft 23 ft 18mm 50–74mm 26.1 oz $139.95 Celestron Nature DX Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 388 ft 6.5 ft 17.5mm 56–74mm 18 oz $125.95 8x42 388 ft 6.4 ft 17.5mm 56–74mm 22.2 oz $146.95 10x42 304 ft 6.5 ft 14mm 56–74mm 22.2 oz $156.95
Celestron TrailSeeker Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 426 ft 6.5 ft 17mm 56–73mm 23.1 oz $249.95 10x42 341 ft 6.5 ft 15mm 55–73mm 22.4 oz $259.95 Celestron TrailSeeker ED Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 426 ft 6.5 ft 17.2mm 56–74mm 23.5 oz $314.95 10x42 340 ft 8.2 ft 15.2mm 56–74mm 23.5 oz $325.95
Spotting Scopes
Hummingbird Regal M2 Celestron Hummingbird Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 56mm 9–27x 220–97 ft 9.8 ft 15mm 20.8 oz $229.95 56mm 9–27x 216–98 ft 9.8 ft 15mm 20.8 oz $379.95 with ED glass Celestron Regal M2 Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 65mm 16–48x 131–68 ft 16.4 ft 20mm 46.8 oz $524.95 80mm 20–60x 110–52 ft 26.2 ft 20mm 56.7 oz $734.95 100mm 20–60x 100–47 ft 26.2 ft 20mm 73.5 oz $899.95
58 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] THE FAMILY KEEPS GROWING From our original revolutionary Hummingbird spotting scopes to our most recently introduced Ultima Porro binoculars, the Celestron family of birding optics continues to grow.
59 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Learn more about them all and find the best one for you at celestron.com/birding Binoculars
Adventurer II WP
Savanna R PC Oregon 4 PC Discovery WP PC
Explorer WA ED-R Natura BGA ED Traveller BGA ED
Please Note! The prices and availability of the products featured in this guide are subject to change. DBA VHD+
60 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Opticron Adventurer II WP Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 325.5 ft 16.4 ft 20mm 56–73mm 17.88 oz $99.00 8x42 357 ft 16.4 ft 20mm 56–73mm 22.12 oz $115.00 10x42 294 ft 16.4 ft 15mm 56–73mm 21.98 oz $125.00 10x50 288 ft 9.8 ft 17mm 57–73mm 26.8 oz $139.00 Opticron Savanna R PC Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x33 366 ft 11.5 ft 20mm 52–76mm 15.1 oz $149.00 10x33 318 ft 11.5 ft 17mm 52–76mm 14.6 oz $165.00 Opticron Oregon 4 PC Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 423 ft 5.9 ft 15mm 57–74mm 17.5 oz $149.00 8x42 366 ft 7.5 ft 22mm 57–74mm 24.2 oz $165.00 10x42 315 ft 7.5 ft 18mm 57–74mm 23.9 oz $179.00 Opticron Discovery WP PC Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 393 ft 3.9 ft 17mm 52–75mm 13.8 oz $229.00 7x42 408 ft 4.9 ft 25mm 53–75mm 24.34 oz $249.00 8x42 393 ft 4.9 ft 22mm 53–75mm 24 oz $249.00 10x42 315 ft 4.9 ft 17mm 53–75mm 24 oz $259.00 8x50 367.5 ft 4.9 ft 17mm 57–75mm 28.11 oz $289.00 10x50 346.5 ft 4.9 ft 17mm 57–75mm 26.68 oz $289.00 Opticron Explorer WA ED-R Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 408 ft 8.2 ft 17mm 54–74mm 15.52 oz $279.00 8x42 393 ft 6.56 ft 17mm 55–73mm 23.63 oz $289.00 10x42 339 ft 8.2 ft 15mm 55–73mm 23.28 oz $299.00 Opticron Natura BGA ED Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 366 ft 8.2 ft 23mm 56–76mm 22.9 oz $399.00 10x42 314 ft 8.2 ft 20mm 56–76mm 23.6 oz $419.00 Opticron Traveller BGA ED Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 429 ft 5.9 ft 19mm 51–73mm 16 oz $429.00 10x32 341.2 ft 5.9 ft 17mm 51–73mm 15.98 oz $449.00 Opticron DBA VHD+ Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 366 ft 8.2 ft 22mm 56–74mm 24.55 oz $779.00 10x42 315 ft 8.2 ft 17mm 56–74mm 25.2 oz $799.00 Spotting Scopes
MM4 GA ED/45 Travelscope
Opticron MM4 GA ED/45 Travelscope Size Magnification FOV @ Close Eye Relief Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus 50mm 12–36x 180–80 ft 8.2 ft 22–17mm 29.1 oz $675.00 60mm 15–45x 148–70 ft 11.5 ft 22–17mm 33 oz $799.00
62 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
Peregrine HX
Steiner Peregrine Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x32 399 ft 6.5 ft NA NA 20.5 oz $399.99 10x32 354 ft 6.5 ft NA NA 21.2 oz $419.99
Steiner HX Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 378 ft 5 ft NA NA 27.7 oz $819.99 10x42 325.5 ft 6 ft NA NA 28 oz $869.99
Read Wendy Clark’s experience with selling the HX to a new birder. »
63 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Binoculars
Monarch 5 Monarch 7
Nikon Monarch 5 Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x42 330 ft 8.2 ft 19.5mm 55–74mm 20.8 oz $279.95 10x42 288 ft 8.2 ft 18.4mm 55–74mm 21.2 oz $299.95
Nikon Monarch 7 Model FOV @ Close Eye IPD Weight Price 1,000 yd Focus Relief 8x30 435 ft 6.5 ft 15.1mm 56–72mm 15.3 oz $376.95 8x42 420 ft 8.2 ft 17.1mm 55–74mm 22.9 oz $479.95 10x42 351 ft 8.2 ft 16.5mm 56–74mm 23.3 oz $499.95
Subscribe to Bird Watcher’s Digest and Watching Backyard Birds to get amazng birding content delivered monthly. » Phone Skope Your New Favorite Bird-Watching Tool Kiara Neilsen, Phone Skope Birding Liaison
65 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] love being in nature cell phone. You are light and I and getting the chance free and still able to capture not only to see but capture the birds in all their glory. pictures of unique and rare Phone Skope is the key to birds. It is a beautiful op- your happiness and awe- portunity to take advantage some birding photos and of all the outdoors have to memories. If you can take a offer, especially now that picture on your cell phone, we are embarking on spring you’re ready for digiscoping and can escape the house with Phone Skope. Simply again. However, nothing is put your cell phone in your worse than setting out on a custom Phone Skope case, birding adventure and be- lock in your optic ring adapt- ing weighed down with a er specific to your optic,* spotting scope or binoculars slide those onto the eye- and a camera with a huge piece of your scope or bins, telephoto lens. Add to that and you are digiscoping to tripods and bags for carrying your heart’s content. Now those things and your acces- you’re getting the photos you sories, and you practically thought were only possible need to be a bodybuilder to in those fancy outdoor mag- handle it all. I’m a petite wom- azines, without all the fuss or an, and I don’t get very far fancy equipment. This setup when trying to juggle multiple has been a game-changer for pieces of equipment. Plus, it me. only makes it more challeng- Phone Skope started as ing to set up and quickly cap- a father and son team who ture a picture of a bird. We all wanted a better way to di- know birds don’t listen well, giscope. They enjoyed the even when you politely ask outdoors together and want- them to hang out for a minute ed to capture what they were while you get your camera seeing and share it with oth- set up just right. ers. They tried large camera Now imagine a trip with setups, but they weren’t con- only your optic, tripod, and ducive to hiking long distanc-
66 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Bald eagle and better every year. The evolution of Phone Skope has followed the same path. Simple, quick, solid, and convenient are all goals we aim for with every product we build and sell. The setup is simple. Like I mentioned before, we’ve built a two-piece system to marry your optic to your cell phone. We’ve made sure es. They then tried holding a the process of picking out point-and-shoot camera up to your perfect Phone Skope the eyepiece of their spot- setup is just as easy as it is ting scope, but we all know to use. The first step is to the level of skill necessary to figure out the type of phone keep that still is beyond even you want to use the Phone the most practiced heart Skope with and choose that surgeon. So they decided to case. The next is to figure come up with a tool to attach out the make and model of their cell phones onto their your optic, whether it be a optic eyepiece in a quick and spotting scope, binoculars, simple way. Enter the first Barred owl version of a Phone Skope. Since 2011, the Phone Skope has gone through sev- eral redesigns, but we have stayed true to the original goal of helping our users get the best photos with what is most accessible. Cell phone technology has come a long way, and the cameras in our phones are getting better
67 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] or both; really, any optic with Digiscoping is the best an eyepiece that you’d want and quickest way to capture, to take a picture through will record, and share all of your work with our system. Then greatest birding moments. you decide if you need any accessories. I always suggest www.phoneskope.com the Bluetooth shutter button. With that, I can take pictures without touching my phone. No shaky videos or blurry photos for me! And that’s it. The last step is to order it all and wait for it to arrive. So, leave the workout at the gym. Get yourself a Phone Skope setup, and never worry about missing an excellent birding shot ever again. It’s as quick and con- venient as they come, and you can even use our latest phone cases as an everyday case. If you’ve ever won- dered if you can digiscope, stop asking and just try it. You *Phone Skope offers a won’t regret your decision. universal phone case and And we’ve got you covered universal optic adapter op- with a 100% money-back tions, as well as the custom guarantee. If it breaks or it’s case and adapter. just not your cup of tea, we’ll make sure you’re satisfied. Go to Phone Skope's website to get your custom, two-piece setup and start digiscoping now!
68 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] 69 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Essential Gear
RYO Ultra-Light Bino Harnesses Tripods & Bino Dock Mounts
BWD Bino-System Lymeez Rite in the Rain Harnesses Tick Gaiters Birder’s Journal
Insect Shield Optics Cleaning Scarves Kit Field Guides
Listen to BirdSense for expert insights on birding optics, destinations, festivals, products, and more. » 70 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Come Birding With Us!
Birding is better with friends
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Join us on our safe, socially distant birding tours in 2021! readerrendezvous.com 71 redstartbirding.com • 833-262-1568 • [email protected] Bird Watcher’s Digest • P.O. Box 110 • Marietta, Ohio 45750 • 800-879-2473