A closer look: binocular and telescope event

Chris Lusted from our shop is passionate about helping people to see wildlife, so he has helped to organise our first Binocular and Telescope Day in The LookOut on Sunday 5 October. He’s written a blog to highlight how optical technology has improved in recent years.

Our event is a great opportunity to try out our range of great quality optics and compare them to the very best on the market. You may be surprised how much binocular and telescope technology has moved on over the past few years, giving us brighter, sharper images, shorter close-focusing along with better handling and great value.

I recently changed my own binoculars due to changes in my own eyesight. Having been fortunate to have very good sight until my mid-fifties, slow changes mean I now use reading glasses. I was starting to find that my long-standing binoculars were not so easy to use.

I spent a few days trying different models to find the best that suited me. I finally got together three models that I liked and made my final choice over a couple of hours side-by-side use. I ended up choosing a model that I hadn’t expected to. So if you haven’t tried a new pair of binoculars or telescope recently, call in and try some out; you may be as surprised!

Our Avocet and Puffin binoculars come in 8x30, 8x42 and 10x42 models offering great value and performance in the £55-£135 price range. Our HDX range are a serious challenge in optical quality to high-end binoculars, but at about one-third of the cost. If you are looking for a quality compact binocular, try the incredible Swarovski Pocket CL range in 8x25 and 10x25 models; these have become a firm favourite among our customers.

Do you need something to view over longer distances? A telescope, with its higher magnification range, would be worth a look. Available in various packages of a RSPB AG body, eyepiece (fixed or zoom), stay-on case and tripod, they are ready to go from just £249. The different options will be available on the day for a direct comparison. Our HD scope offers the latest technology with ED glass, magnesium alloy body, coarse and fine focus controls along with a superb 25-50x zoom eyepiece, again a serious contender to high-end scopes.

We have experienced staff and volunteers, who are binocular and telescope users, able to guide you in your choice. As we are all different and have different viewing needs, we can help you choose the right binocular or telescope.

We look forward to seeing you and to give you the opportunity to try out equipment ‘in the field’ - not down a high street or across a showroom. Don’t forget buying over the internet does not give that valuable hand on experience of a range of equipment. And, remember, that all profits from RSPB shops go straight into our conservation work, giving nature a home.

Our Binocular and Telescope event is on Sunday 5 October, 10am-4pm. If you can’t make it here that day, we are open seven days a week, and you can book an optics adviser for an hour – please ring us on 01492 584091.