Blogs
RSS-
Bringing you another episode of 'An Insight to Binoculars' with the brilliant Russell, who this week had the opportunity to interview Toby Carter who works for Zeiss as their Business development Executive who came in to share his expert knowledge on all things optics!Read now
-
The Frank Perspective: Hawke Frontier vs Opticron DBA VHD - Great Value Under £500
Last week, my wife and I were out and about in the South Hams in Devon, near where I live and where South West Optics is based. While we were driving down a country lane towards a friends farm, we spotted a juvenile buzzard on a telegraph pole. We stopped the car and popped out my trusty pair of Opticron Veranos 10x42 (excellent bino’s for the price) and watched for a while as it sat looking for things to pounce on for dinner.Read now -
Exclusive Interview: Rob Laughton from Opticron
Read nowIn this exclusive interview, Rob Laughton from Opticron sits down with Russell Welton to delve into the world of binocular quality and optics craftsmanship. Rob shares insights on Opticron's dedication to Japanese-made products, emphasizing their superior build quality and innovative features like...
-
HikMicro Habrok 4k Binoculars at £1199.95: Is This the Best Product to Enter the Birdwatching and Nature Market in 10 Years?
Read nowHas 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? -
HIKMICRO M15 4G Trail Camera: Capturing Nature's Secrets
Read nowStep 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...
-
Birding with a Novice Part 2: Not Quite Ready to Fall Off the Perch
Read nowLast 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...
-
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 -
Exploring the South West Optics Showroom: Where Clarity Meets Choice
Read nowWhen it comes to experiencing the wonders of nature up close, having the right optics is crucial. At South West Optics, we're your ultimate destination for top-notch optical brilliance. Step into our showroom, and you'll enter a world filled with...
-
The Best Thermal Monocular for Wildlife Observation
Read nowDuring 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.