Skip to content
FREE UK Shipping automatically applied on all orders over £100
FREE UK Shipping automatically applied on all orders over £100

Blogs

  • The Frank Perspective: Kowa vs Swarovski – Travel Scope Delight
    December 12, 2024

    The Frank Perspective: Kowa vs Swarovski – Travel Scope Delight

    I was talking to Russell about why I like the Trinovids and he asked if id ever thought of getting a spotting scope. To be honest, I really hadn’t given it a thought! I’ve not really used a spotting scope for any length of time so I’m not sure how I would get on with one. Plus, there’s the added weight and size to consider. I’m often out with a bag full of cameras so to carry a scope around as well didn’t seem so appealing until Russell suggested a travel scope. Now, why didn’t I think of that?
    Read now
  • HikMicro Habrok 4k at £1199.95: Is This the Best Product to Enter the Birdwatching and Nature Market in 10 Years?
    May 9, 2024

    HikMicro Habrok 4k Binoculars at £1199.95: Is This the Best Product to Enter the Birdwatching and Nature Market in 10 Years?

    Has the birdwatching and nature observation market changed forever? That’s the question we are now asking ourselves at South West Optics. The May 2024 release of the HikMicro Habrok 4k HE25L thermal and digital binocular is at a crazy aggressive retail price of £1199.95 which has never been seen by any thermal binocular. Come with us as we take a closer look at the HikMicro Habrok 4k, answering queries like: what are its key features? How much does a Habrok 4k cost? What are the technical specifications? And what is the impact on birdwatching and nature observation?
    Read now
  • HIKMICRO M15 4G Trail Camera: Capturing Nature's Secrets
    March 15, 2024

    HIKMICRO M15 4G Trail Camera: Capturing Nature's Secrets

    Step into the world of wildlife surveillance like never before with the HIKMICRO M15 4G Trail Camera. Designed to offer unparalleled performance at an exceptional price, this trail camera brings cutting-edge technology to your fingertips. Join us as we explore...

    Read now
  • Birding with a Novice Part 2: Not Quite Ready to Fall Off the Perch
    February 13, 2024

    Birding with a Novice Part 2: Not Quite Ready to Fall Off the Perch

    Last week at work, we were chatting over where I am with my desire to go birding and what my next step should be. Having had a couple of weeks entertaining a new strain of covid, I had time to consider lashing out my hard earned cash on a pair of binoculars of my own. We were discussing the options within my price range when my boss (40 years younger than me) suggested that I get a move on as starting a new hobby at my age (70) doesn’t leave me much time. Now, I'm sure it was said in jest but it got me thinking...

     

    Read now
  • Picture of Siskin at a bird feeder- RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch- South West Optics
    January 23, 2024

    Exploring Nature's Beauty: RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch

    Step into the captivating realm of birdwatching, where each wingbeat and song forms a tapestry of nature's marvels. In this blog post, we'll delve into the excitement of participating in the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch—an annual event connecting individuals with the diverse birdlife in their own backyards.
    Read now
  • Birding with a Novice- South West Optics
    October 22, 2023

    Birding with a Novice: Join Me as I Stumble My Way into Birding for the First Time

    I’ve always had an interest in nature and wildlife in general. I was born in Paignton, Devon, but spent my early years living in the Essex countryside. Where we lived, there were no real made up roads and very few neighbours so consequently I spent a lot of my childhood roaming the fields alone looking for things to do (or mischief as my grandparents called it).
    Read now
  • The Best Thermal Monocular for Wildlife Observation
    September 27, 2023

    The Best Thermal Monocular for Wildlife Observation

    During our lifetimes, there have been some major revolutions in the equipment used in the field by birdwatchers and wildlife observers. The performance of affordable binoculars and telescopes has improved exponentially in recent decades, even tripods have become lighter, sturdier and much more practical (especially with carbon fibre models being used). Then there was the dawn of digital cameras, after which every wildlife watcher could now be a photographer (whether via digiscoping, phonescoping, DSLR or bridge cameras and more recently mirrorless systems). Birdwatchers have started becoming bird listeners with high quality digital audio equipment and brilliant apps to match.

    And now, the use of thermal imagers is sweeping the world of wildlife observation.

    Read now