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One of my passions is photography- landscape and portrait, mostly. I'm a great fan of Leica cameras, they are beautifully engineered and their lenses are crystal clear and sharp. The same can be said for their binoculars. On a nice cold but sunny day in the new year, I was able to roam freely in the Devonshire countryside with a couple of different Leica models to see what I thought.Read now
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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 -
Leica Passport Scheme Is Back!
Read nowWe are pleased to announce the re-launch of the Leica Passport Scheme. Under this scheme, purchases of all Leica Sport Optics products (excluding Leica Calonox) will be eligible for complimentary accidental coverage for 2 years. This is alongside the 10 year warranty offered...
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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...
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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.
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Night Vision and Thermal Imaging for Bird & Wildlife Watching: Pros and Cons
Read nowBird watching and wildlife observation are typically associated with daylight hours, but there's a whole world of fascinating creatures that come alive after dark. To explore this nocturnal realm, enthusiasts have turned to advanced modern technologies such as night vision...
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The Joy of Bird Watching: Exploring the Fascinating World of Avian Observations
Read nowIntroduction: Bird watching, also known as birding, is an activity that allows individuals to connect with nature and explore the diverse and fantastic world of birds. Whether you're a nature enthusiast, an aspiring ornithologist, or simply someone seeking tranquility in...