It was recently brought to my attention that one of my favourite binoculars and Winner of the Best Safari & Travel Binocular for 2010, the excellent Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars was being offered at a hugely discounted price at a number of optics retailers. In fact many of the models within the Minox BL range are now on sale, making this a great time to get your hands on a quality pair of German optics at a very reasonable price.

For example the Minox BL 8X44 BR Comfort Bridge Binocular is currently for sale at Eagle Optics for only $401:
Sale Price: $409.99
List Price: $559.00
You Save: $149.01 (26%)

Check Prices and where to buy

You can check the sale prices at Eagle Optics or Amazon in both the US and UK below:

More about Minox BL Binoculars

One of the stand out features of Minox’s BL binoculars is their open bridge design, or as they like to call it, their “Comfort Bridge”. This design ensures that your grip on them, even with one hand is just that much more secure. This is really important when for example you are walking through dense vegetation the chances of them being knocked out of your hand is greatly reduced.

This body is also fully waterproof and because it has had all internal air replaced with dry nitrogen gas filling, you won’t get any fogging of the internal optical surfaces, even under severe temperature fluctuations and places with very high humidities.

Other Minox Comfort bridge highlights include fully multi-coated optics and phase-correction coatings on the roof prisms.

More Information & Further Reading

• Read my full review of the Minox 8×33 BL Binoculars
• More about Minox Binoculars
• View all Minox Binoculars reviewed on Best Binocular Reviews

New for 2012 (available in March)
Eagle Optics announce the release of their top of the range Golden Eagle HD Binoculars.

Available in both 8X42 and 10X42 configurations they include a whole host of excellent features, including a rugged and lightweight body that has a protective rubber armoring, waterproofing, and the barrels are filled with argon gas to inhibit internal fogging.

The body houses their High Density (HD) extra-low dispersion glass with fully multi-coated lenses that will enhance fine details and provide you images rich in colour as well as being bright. Eagle Optics have also added their own SeeClear Lens Coating that Repels oils on outer glass surfaces.

These Golden Eagle binoculars also come with the Eagle Optics Platinum Protection Lifetime Warranty and both are available for under $600 and are available to purchase now on the Eagle Optics Website.

Main Features

• High Definition (HD) extra-low dispersion Glass
• Fully Multi-coated Lenses
• SeeClear Eagle Optics Lens Coating that Repels oils on outer glass surfaces
• Phase Correction Coatings on the Prisms
• Waterproof & Fogproof
• Rubber Armoring
• Twist up and down eyecups for comfortable viewing with or without eyeglasses.
• Locking Right Eye Diopter
• Tripod Adaptable

Main Specifications of the 8×42 Golden Eagle

• Magnification: 8x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
• Field of View: 347 feet/1000 yards
• Eye Relief: 20 mm
• Close Focus: 5.1 feet
• Weight 24.2 ounces
• Dimensions (H x W) 5.8 x 5.3 inches

Main Specifications of the 10×42 Golden Eagle

• Magnification: 10x
• Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
• Field of View: 319 feet/1000 yards
• Eye Relief: 16.5 mm
• Close Focus: 5.1 feet
• Weight 24.6 ounces
• Dimensions (H x W) 5.8 x 5.3 inches

Further Reading

• About Eagle Optics Binoculars & other Models
• My Full review of the Eagle Optics 8×42 Ranger ED Binoculars

Digibinning & Digiscoping with your iPhone

Meopta USA recently announced their new MeoPix iScoping Adapter, that allows you to connect the iPhone 4 or 4s to almost any binocular or spotting scope eyepiece. The MeoPix thus transforms your Apple smart phone into a long-range photo and movie capturing device.

The MeoPix iScoping adapter is approved by Apple and attaches securely to the iPhone, it has a low profile and is very light making it very easy to carry wherever you go.

Meopta signed an exclusive global distribution agreement with Base One Labs, LLC the designer and patent holder of the smart phone adapter.

“The latest smart phone technology combined with our revolutionary MeoPix adapter will render traditional camera based Digiscoping and Binoscoping obsolete,” says Meopta USA GM Reinhard Seipp. “iScoping” harnesses the power of the iPhone to capture, edit, organize and upload images from the field. When paired with our premium spotting scopes and binoculars, the MeoPix adapter provides extraordinary close-up photos and movies with clarity and resolution that rival traditional photography.”

The proprietary technology guarantees a secure fit and precise alignment which helps to ensure that you get great image quality.

The MeoPix will be officially shown to the public at the SHOT 2012 and IWA 2012 shows where show attendees can experience a live demonstration and a chance to win a Meopta spotting scope and MeoPix iScoping adapter.

If you would like further information or additional product photography, you can contact:

Reinhard Seipp, General Manager
Meopta, USA, Inc.
50 Davids Drive, Hauppauge, NY 11788
Tel. 631-436-5900
Fax. 631-436-5920
www.meoptasportsoptics.com

Further Reading

• More about Meopta Binoculars
• More About Meopta USA:
  Meopta USA is the U.S. affiliate of the Meopta Optika group. Founded in 1933, the Prerov, Czech Republic based company is the leading manufacturing partner to many of the World’s finest optical brands. Meopta conceives, develops and manufactures precision optical and electro/optical systems for semiconductor, medical, aerospace, military and consumer industries at their state of the art Prerov development and manufacturing campus and New York manufacturing and distribution facilities.

Leupold’s New BX Binoculars – Built to be the Best

Dedicated to excellence in every way, a special project team pooled its talents and put thousands of hours into Leupold’s new BX binocular line for hunters, shooters and wildlife observers.

The line is uniquely Leupold, offering a distinctive look and feel, high optical quality, and rugged dependability. Models include the BX-3 Mojave, BX-2 Cascades, BX-2 Acadia, BX-1 Yosemite, and BX-1 Rogue and Rogue Compact.

“Consisting of more than 20 designers, engineers, production personnel and quality control specialists, our Synergy Project Team devoted itself to producing the best possible line of binoculars for various field applications and budgets,” said Pat Mundy, communications manager for Leupold & Stevens, Inc.

“Our BX line is the result of all their hard work, which really paid off.”

All BX binoculars are waterproof, built to withstand harsh field conditions, and designed for comfortable use and easy handling. Key features for each model:

The BX-3 Mojave is a roof prism binocular with a lightweight open bridge design that fits well in most any hand. Fully multi-coated lenses and cold mirror coated BAK4 prisms provide a bright image with exceptional color reproduction, resolution and clarity. Low-light performance is outstanding. Twist-up eyecups and ample eye relief allow comfortable viewing for extended periods, even with eyeglasses. Delivering a wider field of view than many competitive models, the BX-3 Mojave is available in 8x42mm, 10x42mm, 10x50mm and 12x50mm, with either a black or Mossy Oak Treestand finish.

BX-2 Cascades binoculars also provide exceptional low-light performance with fully multi-coated lenses and phase coated BAK4 prisms. This roof prism model has a slim lightweight design that is easy to grip, even in wet conditions. Long eye relief and twist-up eyecups are standard. The BX-2 Cascades binocular comes in 7x42mm, 8x42mm and 10x42mm. In addition to black, the 8x42mm and 10x42mm are available with a Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo finish.

BX-2 Acadia roof prism binoculars are available in 8x42mm and 10x42mm and offer an exceptionally wide field of view. The Multicoat 4 lens system and phase coated prisms deliver a sight picture with excellent clarity, contrast and brightness. Trim and compact, the BX-2 Acadia has an ergonomic design that comfortably fits hands of most sizes. Color finish options include black and Mossy Oak Break-Up Infinity camo.

The BX-1 Yosemite can be adjusted for the width between the eyes of adults as well as children, making it a good binocular choice for the entire family. A Porro prism model, the BX-1 Yosemite is also designed to fit most hands, large and small. Fully multi-coated lenses provide a quality image, and forgiving eye relief makes it easier to acquire the sight picture, even for novice users with eyeglasses. BX-1 Yosemite binoculars are available in 6x30mm or 8x30mm with either a black or natural tan finish. There is also an 8x30mm in clamshell packaging with a Mossy Oak Treestand camo finish.

BX-1 Rogue including the Rogue Compact Porro prism binoculars also have fully multi-coated lenses. The inverted Porro prism design of the BX-1 Rogue Compact not only excels at transmitting a three-dimensional image, but helps make the binocular extremely small (4.3 inches long) and lightweight (12.7 ounces). The BX-1 Rogue comes in 8x42mm, 10x42mm, 8x50mm and 10x50mm. Options for the BX-1 Rogue Compact are 8x25mm and 10x25mm. All BX-1 Rogue and Rogue Compact binoculars are available in a black finish. A Mossy Oak Break-Up camo finish is also offered for the 8x42mm and 10x50mm versions.

BX binoculars are covered by Leupold’s Limited Lifetime Warranty. For more information, visit a local dealer, go to www.leupold.com or call 1-800-LEUPOLD.

Leupold & Stevens, Inc., the preeminent American-owned and -operated optics company, employs more than 700 people in its state-of-the-art facility near Beaverton, Ore., where rugged, dependable, high-performance Golden Ring optics, Mark 4 riflescopes and Redfield Revolution riflescopes are designed, machined and assembled. Leupold is a fifth-generation, family owned company whose products are sold worldwide to hunters, competitive shooters, American military warfighters, law enforcement personnel and wildlife observers. The product line includes rifle, handgun and spotting scopes; binoculars; rangefinders; trail cameras; flashlights; mounting systems; and optical tools and accessories.

The winner will travel with a SWAROVSKI OPTIK team and selected specialised journalists to Lisbon from 26 to 28 March 2012. Where the new EL 32 SWAROVISION will be tested for the first time in the field by selected specialised journalists. You will be able to participate live and as the exclusive SWAROVSKI OPTIK blogger, report on this test on your blog. This package comprises birding tours, product tests, travel to and from Lisbon, accommodation, board (breakfast, lunch/snack, dinner) etc.

In your blog, you should be able to report live about your trip, your personal experiences with the new EL 32 SWAROVISION directly “on site” or via social media sites like Facebook or other channels.

In order to qualify for to become Swarovski’s guest blogger and go on the trip, you need to send them a brief application by 15 February 2012, telling them why you believe you are the best live reporter for the EL 32 SWAROVISION field test.

Swarovski Optik are particularly interested in:

• your blog (topical focus, readers, URL)
• your hobby bird watching and nature observation (where, how, why)
• your experience with optic equipment

More information and the application for can be found on the Swarovski Website Here

Further Reading

• About Swarovski Optics
• My Full review of the Current Swarovski 8×32 EL W B Traveler Binoculars

According to Terry Moore, Leica Sport Optics vp sales & marketing, “In everything we do at Leica, our objective is to be best in class. We developed the new Trinovids to be fully-featured and to maintain Leica’s high standard for exceptional engineering while providing superior value and performance as the new Best in Class of premium entry-level binoculars.”

Whilst new Trinovid binoculars are relatively affordable, the highest quality for which all Leica sport optics are renowned is still very evident in both their manufacturing and optical quality. For instance, you won’t find any plastic parts on the body, whilst the body itself is made from magnesium which is very light as well as strong. This housing is then covered in a rubber armouring, which ensures that they are durable as well as tough enough to handle rugged conditions. This includes unpredictable weather as they are fully waterproof (impermeable to water to a depth of 5m) as well as being fog-proof as the air inside them has been replaced with dry nitrogen gas.

Other features include a stainless-steel center hinge and large eye cups with 4 stops and ample eye-relief (16mm on the 10×42 and 15.5mm on the 8×42 model).

The Roof prism system features a P40 phase correction coating on the prisms as well as their HighLux system (HLS) – A newly developed mirror layer on the prisms that is said by Leica to increase light transmission significantly (99.5%) which in turn increases the image brightness. Thy also have an improved optical and mechanical configuration that markedly reduces stray light.

Wide Field of View
The 10×42 model has an impressive field of view of 326ft at 1000 yards (6.2°), but it is the 8×42 model that is most impressive with a FOV of 378ft at 1000 yards (7.2°) which means it easily makes it onto my list of wide angled binoculars and will therefore really appeal to serious birders.

One feature were these binoculars do not really excel is their fairly distant minimum focusing distance of 11.5ft (i consider anything under 6ft to be excellent) – so possibly not the ideal binoculars if viewing objects close up (like butterflies) is your main intended use for them.

To sum up, the New Leica Trinovid’s offer the classic Leica style, superb optics as well as a tough exterior at a surprisingly affordable price.

Main Specifications

For More details take a look at their main specifications (PDF file):
Leica Trinovid 42 Specifications

Cost & Where to Buy

Further Reading

• About Leica Sport Optics and Leica Binoculars

New Edition of a Classic – The MINOX BL 8X42 and BL 10X42 “Made in Germany” Edition

MINOX have released two new models to their line up – The MINOX BL 8X42 and BL 10X42 “Made in Germany” Edition Binoculars, both of which they proudly advertise as being made in Germany and designed in their words “for the dedicated nature observer.”

Looking at their main specifications and some of their main features below, both the 8X42 and 10X42 versions have a fairly good field of view, plenty of eye-relief and not a bad close focusing distance.

L = light construction
Where they really do excel is their low weight. At only 21oz, they are very light for a full sized 42mm binocular and would be one of the lightest that I have ever used.

According to Minox this is mostly down to the very light polycarbonate housing that they use in the construction.

In their press release, Minox also mention that they use High-tech special glass but don’t really elaborate on this:

High-tech precision optics with high-tech glass
“Equipped with high-resolution high-tech specialized glass, these binoculars offer an outstanding optical performance for their class. Impressive light transmission and color fidelity offer pin sharp details and high contrast even at dusk. The lens system is treated with the Minotec M* multi-coating and the prism system with a complex phase correction coating, providing the user with an exceptional viewing experience.”

Volkswagen Design
These MINOX BL binoculars have been developed in close collaboration with Volkswagen Design, who consistently takes the user’s needs into account which are then implemented into superb external forms. I have not yet had the chance to try them but they say that “In terms of ergonomics, the binoculars in the BL 8×42 and BL 10×42 Made in Germany Edition, leave nothing more to be desired.” – pretty strong words, but I must admit that from the pictures, they do look great.

Main Features & Highlights

• Precision quality Made in Germany
• Optical brilliance at the highest level
• High-tech specialized glass
• M* multi-coating
• Solid and reliable fine mechanics
• Light and robust polycarbonate body
• Long Eyerelief – Ideal for eyeglass wearers
• Filled with Nitrogen for antifogging
• Watertight down to 16 feet
• Volkswagen Design

Main Specifications

Cost & Where to Buy

These new Minox “Made in Germany” BL binoculars are available mid March 2011:

Overland Park, Kan. – Bushnell Outdoor Products, an industry leader in high-performance sports optics for more than 60 years, has redesigned its popular H20 binocular line. After 10 successful years on the market, Bushnell has refreshed key features, making the H20 one of the best waterproof binoculars for the money.

The H20 series binoculars are O-ringed sealed and nitrogen purged, offering outdoor enthusiasts 100 percent waterproof and fog-proof performance. The durable, rubber-coated chassis has been enhanced with a new soft-texture grip that provides added reassurance in inclement weather.

In addition, BaK-4 prisms and multi-coated optics deliver maximum light transmission and bright, optimal clarity at any distance. Featuring a large center-focus knob for quick focus and twist-up eyecups that provide expanded eye relief, the Bushnell H20 is a well-rounded binocular.

Adventure tested, the H20 line will be available in January 2012 with 24 models in the product line. The H20 binocular is available in compact or full-size, and porro and roof prism models ranging from an MSRP of $69.95 to $173.95.

More Information

• All About Bushnell Binoculars

The CONQUEST HD’s extra-wide field of view is impressive. The 10×42 features the widest field of view in its class (345 ft @ 1000 yds with the Conquest HD 10×42) and makes glassing for prolonged periods more pleasurable. The ergonomically designed grip area and large focus wheel ensure easy, precise handling in the field.** Featuring a rugged, lightweight aluminum body that is water and fog proof, close focus to 8 feet, precision mechanics and absolute reliability, the CONQUEST HD is an outstanding high-performance, multi-purpose binocular. Whether you are hunting in freezing conditions in Alaska, or birding in your backyard, the CONQUEST HD binoculars deliver top performance every time.

“The ZEISS CONQUEST HD binoculars represent a new level of quality in the premium market,” said Michael A. Jensen, President of Carl Zeiss Sports Optics.* “There is no finer European binocular on the market today for the money, and we are proud to add this sleek, rugged line for hunters, birders and outdoor enthusiasts who demand high performance and quality at an affordable price.”

The all new CONQUEST HD is part of the Carl Zeiss premium binocular line. All CONQUEST products are based on modern technology for exceptional value and performance. They are built with maximum durability for heavy life-long usage.

Each CONQUEST HD binocular comes with eyepiece and objective lens covers, a neoprene carrying strap, cordura case, and is protected by Carl Zeiss’ industry leading limited lifetime transferable warranty.

More Information

• All About Carl Zeiss Binoculars

10×42 Swarovski SLC’s (new) for $1399

Built for a rough and tumble lifestyle, the SLC delivers a smooth performance in any situation. A patented focusing wheel for rapid adjustments, deep thumb grooves for comfort, and top-notch optical coatings for bright and sharp images all combine to offer you a superb experience.
Sale Price: $1,399
List Price: $1,887
You Save: $487.79 (25%)

Swarovski 10×32 EL 32 Traveler Binoculars

The Swarovski EL binocular sets the standard for excellence. In order to deliver 98 percent of the available light to your eyes, the EL is engineered with three-part objective lenses, phase corrected prisms, Swarobright prism coatings, and Swarotop multi-layer anti-reflection coatings. Such top-notch brightness even allows digiscoping through the binocular and is made easier with the included SnapShot Adapter.
Sale Price: $1,699
List Price: $2,187
You Save: $487.79 (22%)

Also for sale is a Swarovski STM80 HD scope (display models) with 20-60x eyepiece for $2699 (normally $3060)

Where to Buy

For these and other savings on Swarovski Binoculars check out:

• Swarovski Binoculars on Eagle Optics

Further Reading

• About Swarovski Binoculars
• All Swarovski Binoculars Reviewed on Best Binocular Reviews