Sometimes smaller is better. If you have ever wished for a closer view when binoculars aren’t handy or convenient, a monocular may be just the thing. A monocular is an optical instrument which is technically 1/2 of a binocular. It can be thought of as a low-powered miniature spotting scope, since it is designed to be [...]
Archive for June, 2010
Worth A Look: Burris Signature Select 8×42 Binocular
The classic look and pleasing feel of this roof prism binocular weren’t unusual or surprising, but soon after I picked it up, I became a fan of it. Glancing at the specs, the Burris Signature Select has all the features one would want: a decent close focus (10′) for viewing the bird feeder [...]
Nina Learns Digiscoping (and enjoys a little beginner’s luck)
Last week I had my very first experience with digiscoping, and I can easily see how one becomes addicted to this fascinating hobby. As my coworker Mike showed me, digiscoping is taking photographs using a digital camera and a spotting scope. While I have long admired Mike’s exquisite photographs ( he has 8 [...]
About Waterproofing & Fogproofing
Waterproof binoculars and spotting scopes are sealed internally with O-rings to prevent moisture, dust, and debris from compromising the inside of the instrument. Fogproofing means that the optical barrel (or barrels in the case of a binocular) is filled with nitrogen or argon gas to prevent internal fogging caused when subjecting the optic to temperature [...]
On Nests!
Nina’s special find: a horsehair nest!
It’s the beginning of June and nesting season is well underway. Our feathered friends may be seen busily selecting their prime spot, gathering materials, and doing their magic to create the sacred place where their eggs will be laid and their young raised. Many species have already fledged [...]
