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Optics

Nikon Sports Optics http://www.nikonsportoptics.com

Optics retailers are often the best source of information about birdwatching equipment. It pays them to make sure you get equipment that suits you not necessarily the most expensive. Some of the sites have comparisons of equipment, league tables etc. Some manufacturers (see Optics Manufacturers) also thoroughly review their own products and are also good sources for spare part. A couple of the sites below are just for information… including some no nonsense explanations of the technical terms most birders bandy about but few understand! Also, if you are thinking of buying take advantage of the modern trend of optics suppliers to go out in the field and show you their wares on your local reserve… it is definitely the way to see what suits you rather than just buy on reputation. Most of the retailers listed supply worldwide but you may need to add local tax when importing (e.g. Europeans may have to add VAT to US prices). Also, if you are thinking of buying take advantage of the modern trend of optics suppliers to go out in the field and show you their wares on your local reserve… it is definitely the way to see what suits you rather than just buy on reputation.

useful information

Best Birding Binoculars

http://www.4u-binoculars.com/birding-binoculars.html
Your online resource for the best binoculars and related information... Birding Binoculars – Are They Really Any Different?

Repair Service

OPTREP 16 Wheatfield Road, Selsey, West Sussex, PO20 0NY, UK http://www.opticalrepairs.com

trip reports

Travelling Birder
http://www.travellingbirder.com
The Travellingbirder.com birding trip report search engine guides you to 7,000+ birding trip reports on the Internet. You can search for trip reports from a specific country and time of year. Not all these reports are in English. So, if you can’t find the trip report you want on this Fatbirder page… give them a try!

ABA Sales

http://www.abasales.com/
ABA Sales is the mail-order company that is wholly owned and operated for the benefit of the American Birding Association, and so benefits birders and birding. We carry a wide selection of books for birders, specializing in field guides, ID guides, and bird finding guides, plus other birding titles and checklists. We also carry a wide selection of optics including selected top-notch birding binoculars and spotting scopes by Kowa, Bushnell, Zeiss, Leica, Swarovski, Meade, Swift, and Nikon, plus the best selection of Gitzo and Bogen birding tripods and parts, and other birding gear and accessories.

Ace Optics

http://www.acecameras.co.uk
For Everything Visual, Optical, Photographic & Digital - Ace Optics are situated in Bath in the older part of the city. Established as part of the Ace cameras group for 12 years we pride ourselves on unsurpassed levels of customer care and value for money. If you are able to visit us when making your purchase we will guarantee you a view of a bird of prey and if you spend over £99.00 we will treat you to a free pint and a ploughman`s at the OLD GREEN TREE pub situated next to our store.

Action Optics

http://www.actionoptics.co.uk
Southampton based optics retailer. Action Optics is a specialist binocular and telescope repair workshop that also stocks new and second hand binoculars; telescopes - both Astro and terrestrial; night sights and telescopic rifle sights.

Adorama

http://www.adorama.com
On line US optics...

Anacortes Telescope and Wild Bird

http://www.buytelescopes.com/store.asp?s=4
We are thoroughly committed to providing the astronomical and birding communities not only with the world`s best products, but the finest service as well. Whether you`re just starting out with your hobby or you`ve had decades of experience, call us or visit us online for competitive pricing and professional service that you can rely on again and again. - Herb and Paula York

B&H Photo-Video

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/
B&H Photo-Video is a retailer and mail order company with among the world’s largest inventory of photographic, pro video, pro audio and digital imaging equipment.

Bargain Table Binoculars

http://www.bargaintable.com/binoculars.htm
Finding the right binoculars for your activity is right at your finger tips. At Bargaintable.com we provide not only the variables in magnification, size and durability, but check out our outstanding competitive prices on top brand names...

Big Sky Optics

http://www.bigskyoptics.com
New US on-line store...

Binocular Site - Consumers' Product Guide

http://www.thebinocularsite.com
In depth information on binoculars of all sorts; also includes information on all the latest brands - an independent website with a mission - to give you a clear view of the best deals and information on binoculars and scope accessories available today!

Binocular Warehouse

http://www.binoware.com/
Binoculars and telescopes at discount prices from this Texas based company.

Binoculars Direct

http://www.binocularsdirect.com/
BinocularsDirect is founded on the efforts, talents and ideas of many different people. In all dealings with our clients, we endeavor to conduct ourselves with integrity and honesty. Decisions are made on what is best for you, the customer. We take your vision needs very seriously. Associates are trained to provide you with accurate and professional answers to all your sport optic needs... We are authorized dealers for all our products and in most cases ship the product directly from the manufacturer. (Bushnell, Zeiss, Swarovski, Steiner, Nikon, Swift, and others)

BINOCULARS-UK

http://www.binoculars-uk.co.uk/
BINOCULARS-UK are specialists in providing quality vision accessories. Inpro Optics binoculars are designed for people who expect extraordinary performance at a very competitive price. The quality of your binoculars can have a lot to do with the sucess of your days outdoors, Inpro Optics bring you a comprehensive range that will satisfy the most demanding of users.

Binoculars.com

http://www.binoculars.com
We monitor the internet and physical retail stores to ensure our customers the lowest possible prices. We work hard at this and we want to help you. If you find a set of binoculars for a lower price please let us know, we will do our best to meet or beat that price. Many makes including Swarovski , Steiner, Nikon, Cannon, Zeis, etc..

Binocularsmart.com

http://www.binocularsmart.com/
Our mission is to provide high quality binoculars at the lowest possible prices and the highest possible customer support. We are looking to build a relatively large group of motivated satisfied customers as good as concerned fans of what we are selling - affordable quality optics and we are ready to pay for it. That`s why we don`t rise our prises too high or even fix them at ANY level.

Bird Feed View

http://birdfeedview.co.uk
We sell Bird Feeders with internal miniature wireless cameras, with receivers which connect to a PC or TV / Video. There are no wires from the Bird Feeder back to your PC or TV…

Birding Binoculars & Scopes

http://www.birdwatching.com/optics.html
A good source of information for comparing options. Some of the technical words used in articles about binoculars could use a bit of explanation. If you`ve ever been puzzled over Porro prisms, tried to figure out what kind of school an exit pupil goes to, or wondered if eye relief is some kind of welfare, check out this brief glossary of essential binoculars terms.

Birding Gear Big Board

http://birdinggearbb.com/index/
Reviews of birding books, optics, cameras, and gear by bloggers you trust…

Birding Shop (Australia)

http://www.thebirdingshop.com/
The Birding Shop has been set up to operate as a separate company with the approval of Birds Australia`s Council (Birds Australia is the BirdLife partner in Australia). To this end, Aquila Audax Associates Pty Ltd has taken over the running of the shop and commenced trading on the 13th of November 2000. Aquila Audax Associates Pty Ltd is committed to meeting the service delivery and product quality expectations of the birding community.

Birdnet (UK)

http://www.birdnet.co.uk
They say... Birdnet Ltd - offering the birder the best value on Optics, Books & Outdoor Clothing as well as fast, efficient bird news to Pagers and Mobile Phones.

Bob Rigby Photographic Ltd

http://www.bobrigby.com
This the web home of Bob Rigby Photographic Ltd and it is packed with details of everything that makes us the UK’s favourite family-owned and run Professional Photographic & Digital Imaging dealer. Our famous names include : Arca Swiss, BRP, Brightscreen, Deville, Transformer, Graf Strato, Japo, Larson, Lighthouse, Olo, Oslo, Sailwind, Schoon, Scoponet and System Flash.We also have amazing bargains in a whole variety of quality used equipment ... always hundreds of items, all fully gauarnteed of course!

Bristol Cameras

http://www.bristolcameras.co.uk/
You will find the UK`s Cheapest Digital Cameras, Binoculars, Printers, Batteries and other accessory listings from all the major photographic companies on this site. Full accessory lists show that we can supply not just the camera of your choice at the cheapest price but also a full list of accessories...

Camera Shop - UK

http://www.camera-shop.co.uk/index.html
...we sell a large range of binoculars and monoculars... an on-line retailer based in Worcestershire, UK.

Camera Warehouse - Australia

http://www.camera-warehouse.com.au/
Camera Warehouse makes it easy to find what you need...

Camerastore - Australia

http://www.camerastore.com.au/
Camerastore.com.au is 100% Australian owned and operated. We only sell Australian market digital cameras, film cameras, video cameras, SLR's, MP3 Players and related accessories. All our products come with a full 1 year national warranty...

Carson Optical - New York

http://www.carsonoptical.com
Whether you're indoors or out, Carson has the right optic for any situation, at the right price!

Christophers

http://www.birdbino.com
The light green sub-links above will help you pick the right optics and accessories for birdwatching, nature studies, sports, marine use, and astronomy...

Clifton Cameras

http://www.cliftoncameras.co.uk
A range of cameras and a limited range of binoculars. Mark Williams Tel 01179 734484 Clifton Cameras 82 Alma Rd Clifton Bristol BS8 2DJ...

Countryside Optics

http://www.countrysideoptics.co.uk
COUNTRYSIDE OPTICS is a TRUE BINOCULAR & TELESCOPE SPECIALIST and has provided an informed and educated choice to our customers about OPTICAL INSTRUMENTS over the last decade...

Deutsche Optik

http://www.deutscheoptik.com/
Founded in 1990, our quarterly catalogue is unique in offering a fascinating mix of new and historical optics from the world`s finest optical houses. Our customers include birders, collectors, decorators, sportsmen, view homeowners, and general enthusiasts from around the world.

Eagle Optics

http://www.eagleoptics.com/
Eagle Optics is one of America's largest independent mail-order sports optics companies, with a particularly strong presence among birders and outdoor-enthusiasts. Eagle Optics has gained this prominence as a result of an exceptional selection of quality products offered by its highly regarded sales staff, providing expert opinion with unmatched customer service. The right stuff. The right place. The right price...

EagleEye OpticZooms

http://www.eagleeyeuk.com
We are the sole manufacturers of all EagleEye products sold on this website...

East of England Binocular Centre

http://www.eebc.co.uk/
Based in Lincolnshire another on-line optics retailer. A site where you probably need to know what you want already as it is very sparse. Suppliers of: Bausch & Lomb, Bushnell, canon, Doctor, Helios, Inpro, Olympus, Opticron, Optolyth, Pentax, Swift & Zeiss.

Edinburgh Cameras

http://www.edinburghcameras.co.uk/
For all your optical needs... ...one of Scotland`s specialists in binoculars.

Focalpoint

http://www.fpoint.co.uk
FOCALPOINT is a family run business dedicated to its customers in a highly specialized field. We pride ourselves on our friendly, unbiased advice and on our wide range of specialist equipment Telescopes, Binoculars, Tripods, outdoor clothing, and Accessories.

Focus Optics

http://www.focusoptics.co.uk/
We are the leading Optical & Ornithological Centre. Our showrooms are set in our own nature reserve. We have a large pool in front of the optical showroom with its bird visitors to the feeding stations. Our species list is expanding all the time with some rarities amongst them. We have a flock of tree sparrows (one of the major threatened species) which are usually clearly visible amongst many other species...

Green Witch

http://www.greenwich-observatory.co.uk/telescopes.html
The ETX Astro Telescope - One of the most popular telescopes for beginners and experienced amateurs We invite you to come and try our wide range of telescopes from leading manufacturers, completely free of any obligation. We have examples of most types of telescope in our extensive showroom and can provide expert advice on choosing and using a telescope, whether for astronomy or land or sea. Our aim is to help you choose the right telescope. Sell: Opticron, Leica, Manfrotto, Kowa, Canon etc.

Hardin Optical

http://www.hardin-optical.com
Hardin Optical Company is your one stop telescope and accessory store on the Southern Oregon Coast. 1-877-447-4847 toll free personal service. Hardin Optical`s telescope shop is a complete retail store that offers quality optical products from a wide variety of manufacturers.

Henry`s CCTV Centre

http://www.cctv-centre.co.uk/cctv/wildlifecctv.htm
Specialist suppliers of wildlife surveillance CCTV equipment enabling you to watch; bird boxes badgers, foxes, buzzards, peregrine falcons, dormice, hedgehogs, bird feeders, bird baths, aquatic, pond and marine aniamls.

Hunt`s

http://huntsphotoandvideo.com/
Mail order optics from Maine.

In Focus

http://www.at-infocus.co.uk/choosing.html
We are the leading specialist retail supplier of optics to the birdwatching community, with seven shops and a comprehensive programme of field sales days. As main sponsor to the British Birdwatching Fair, we have a proven commitment to birdlife conservation. Our service is based on value-for-money and personal after-sales attention. All our shops are managed and staffed by optics specialists - many of whom are well-known birdwatchers in their own right. Our shops are listed here and in every one you can be sure of a warm welcome and helpful advice.

Janado

http://www.janado.com
…retails NIGHT FORCE night vision equipment and some day time optics…

Jessops

http://www.jessops.com
Jessops is the UK`s No.1 Photographic Retailer. Available to buy online you have a choice of 20,000 products including Cameras, Digital and Video equipment, Darkroom products, Film and all related accessories - all backed by our network of over 180 stores nation-wide. Our reputation has been built on the excellence of our service, value for money, the most extensive range of products in the UK, and our unbiased advice to customers. We pride ourselves on our integrity, the quality of our staff - the majority of whom are keen photographers - and our commitment to photography.

Just Binoculars

http://www.just-binoculars.com/
Binoculars, Spotting Scopes and Rangefinders from Name Brand Manufacturers at the Lowest Prices. We carry binoculars for hunting, boating, birding and traveling as well as binoculars for star gazing, equine sports, night vision and sporting events. Top Name Brands from Steiner, Zeiss, Nikon, Leupold, Bushnell and Tasco. From this New Jersey based company.

KAHLES

http://www.kahles.at
TRADITION is not only over 100 years of KAHLES history. TRADITION is a challange to be faced each and every day. In this sense KAHLES, Austria`s oldest existing optical manufacturer (established in 1898); continues a tradition of Optical manufacturing excellence supplying customers all around the world with precise an reliable Austrian Optical instruments - perfectly designed for each and every challenge.

Kay Optical

http://www.kayoptical.co.uk
Kay Optical offer an unbeatable service in the supply and maintenance of binoculars, telescopes and associated equipment for bird watching, astronomy and general use. Experience and expertise count in optics and ours dates back to 1962. Our interest in advising and supplying our customers is rewarded by so many of them returning to us and recommending us.

Kingbirdfeeders.com

http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com
Quality birding optics: bird watching binoculars and spotting scopes; bird feeders, houses and accessories for birders and backyard nature observation. Roy C. Smallwood 3rd. mailto:roy@kingbirdfeeders.com 2318 Oak Cliff Drive, Waco, TX 76710 Tel: 254-722-9993

Lamberts (Lancaster) LTD

http://www.birdtours.co.uk/lamberts/
We stock a full range of quality Binoculars for Birdwatching and Field Sports. We sell a variety of optical accessories from: Slik, Velbon, Cullmann, Miralux and Vanguard Including: tripods, cases, lenses, rainguards and straps. Please call us for our best prices.

Leisuretec

http://www.obm.co.uk/
Mail order optics with an on-line catalogue. Suppliers of Kowa, Opticron, Steiner Binoculars etc.

London Camera Exchange

http://www.lcegroup.co.uk
All LCE branches sell a wide range of the latest photographic equipment, together with a selection of USED stock. The exact mix of products varies from branch to branch in order to reflect local demands. With this in mind it is always best to contact the branch prior to making a journey to confirm that any items you require are available

Meade

http://www.meade.com/
Founded in 1972 and public since 1997, Meade is a world leader in the design and manufacture of telescopes and accessories for amateur astronomers. The Company`s innovative and technologically advanced products are recognized to be among the best in the world. Plenty of products for birders too!

Microglobe

http://www.microglobe.co.uk/catalog/index.php
Discount optics online from the London store...

Monk Optics

http://www.monkoptics.co.uk
Monk Optics maintains a showroom in the Wye Valley where customers may drop in to inspect the range of products on offer. The repairs service is based here and if you bring your existing binoculars, you may have a free collimation check. Our policy is to sell binoculars that meet our high standards of optical performance and durability within each price range. Our exclusive range of Monk and Fumoto binoculars have all been specifically designed and selected for their performance, and always represent the best value purchases.

N R Green

http://www.nrgreen.com
N R Green`s is a well established family shop with loads of stock and expert advice on all our photographic equipment. We have probably the largest selection of binoculars in the area for birdwatching and general use. Also we specialize in telescopes both for astronomical (the big ones) and terrestrial (birdwatching both types) use. Bausch & Lomb, Canon, Helios, Opticron, Pentax, Zeis.

Opticron

http://www.opticron.co.uk/
Clearly the easiest choice you`ll ever make... Welcome to the Opticron on-line Catalogue all about Opticron Binoculars, Compact Binoculars, Telescopes, Fieldscopes, Mighty Midgets and Accessories...

Optik-Pro

http://www.optik-pro.de
Wir sind einer der führenden Händler im Bereich Ferngläser, Spektive und Naturbeobachtung. Im Gegensatz zu vielen anderen Händlern bieten wir auch eine umfassende Beratung und lassen unsere Kunden auch bei Problemen nicht im Stich...

Orion Optics

http://www.telescope.com/interact/default.asp
Orion Telescopes & Binoculars is the largest direct-to-consumer brand of quality optics for amateur astronomers and outdoor enthusiasts in North America. Established in 1975, we`ve built our reputation on providing high-quality products backed by a 100% satisfaction guarantee, competitive prices, and the best customer service and support in the industry. We`ve been selling direct since 1975 through our 100-page mail-order catalog and, since 1997, via our full online catalog. Unlike web-only storefronts, or department stores that sell optics only seasonally, we`re specialists in telescopes and binoculars - it`s what we do year-round.

Pennine Online

http://www.pennineonline.com
Based in Rochdale England, Pennine Photographic and Binocular Centre offer unbiased advice on all your photographic and optical needs. We are authorised dealers for such brands as Opticron, Leica, Swarovski and Zeiss binoculars and scopes. Our dedicated first floor optical showroom displays a wide range of astronomical telescopes and accessories as well as night vision equipment. We pride ourselves on our friendly service, fast mail order and keen prices. Visitors always welcome or check our website for details.

Psyer-SGI Ltd

http://www.pyser-sgi.com
Kent based retailer of scopes and binoculars - among other things.

RSPB Optics

http://www.rspboptics.com
An online shop for all popular optical brands in the UK. Their aim is to deliver the best products at the best possible price online. Run by Viking Optical, at least 5% of the purchase price of their products is passed on to the RSPB.

Scopemax

http://www.Scopemax.com
Here at the ScopeMax online superstore, our buyers are constantly searching the country to bring you the hottest deals on top quality name brand optical products by such makers as Nikon, Steiner, Alpen, Bushnell, Bauch & Lomb, Brunton, Olympus & Tasco. By utilizing our wholesale direct relationships, we are able to offer one of the most exciting selections of products that you`ll find on the Internet... all at unbeatable prices!

Scopes & Optics

http://www.scopes-and-optics.com/
Do you have an interest in telescopes, binoculars, or other optics, but you don't know all the facts? Are you tired of searching the Internet for info you need?

Sheffield Photographic Centre

http://www.sheffphotoctre.com
The premier independent dealer in Sheffield for Canon, Pentax, Minolta, Leica, Nikon, Olympus, Kodak, Tamron, Mamiya, Fujicolor, Ilford, Ricoh, Lowepro, Samsung, Kowa, Opticron, Gossen, Meopta, Minox, Swarovski, Agfa, Fotospeed, Tetenal, Forte, Cobra, Metz, Courtenay, Paterson, Kentmere, Manfrotto, Polaroid, Digital Imaging, Used cameras and darkroom equipment, Monochrome products, Chemicals, optics, the list is endless...

Sibir Optics

http://www.yukonoptics.com
Sibir Optics is new to the UK market offering very affordable bird watching. Sells variable power compact spotting scopes.

Smith & Wesson Distributors

http://www.gutmanncutlery.com/
Exclusive distributors Gutmann Cutlery - Not all binoculars are created equal! There are many different styles and qualities, and each serve a specific function. This page is intended to give dealers or consumers some quick information about optics, so they can make an informed decision about what product is right for their needs. As always with Gutmann products, we assure the very best in quality - no matter which items are chosen.

Somerset Cameras

http://www.somersetcameras.co.uk:80/brand/hawke/19/1/
We traditionally have a lot of business through our shop from local birdwatchers and we are an official stockist of Hawke binoculars, spotting scopes and range finders...

South West Optics

http://www.swoptics.co.uk/
South West`s leading Optics specialist. Telescopes, Binoculars, and accessories. Free Delivery on Internet Sales. (Say you saw it here!) Interest free credit on selected items. Part Exchange often possible. We also sell second-hand equipment. Long term credit available. Leica, Nikon, Swarovski, Zeiss, Opticron, Bushnell etc.

Soviet Bazaar

http://www.sovietbazaar.co.uk/
This new range of Russian binoculars is absolutely first class. These binoculars are centre focusing, wide angle, with high light-gathering power. Add to that high resolution and affordable prices. Available in all the most popular ranges: 6x30, 7x35, 8x40 and 10x50, they have long eye relief, handy for spectacle wearers, and have effortless focusing.

Spotting Scopes

http://www.spottingscopes.com
SpottingScopes.com provides a spotting scope selection of Leupold, Bushnell, and Nikon spotting scopes and telescopes...

Valdellera Aventura

http://www.valdellera.biz
Spanish retailer of optics and supplies for ornithology and nature watching. Prismáticos y binoculares, Telescopios terrestres y astronómicos, Trípodes y cabezales, Visores Nocturnos, GPS, brújulas de campo, brújulas náuticas, Sondas, Altímetros y Relojes multifunción, Podómetros, Telémetros y aparatos de medición, Estaciones meteorológicas, Barómetros, Termómetros, Higrómetros, Microscopios, Lupas estereoscópicas, Lupas de campo, Punteros Láser, Linternas, Cartografía terrestre, Cartas Náuticas (todo el mundo); etc.

Vickers

http://www.jjvickers.co.uk/
Established in 1887 by the late John James Vickers, J J Vickers & Sons Ltd has been run as a family business since that date. The company has specialised in sports optics for the last fifty years. The current Managing Director, John M Vickers, has been involved with the business for some twenty-four years and has extensive knowledge of the sports optical products and markets. The company based in Kent has agreements for the Sole UK distribution of Bushnell and Bausch & Lomb Sports Optics. The full product range being found within our website. Bushnell is the US number one sports optical provider, so is able to bring not only high quality products but also innovative and exclusive products and ranges.

Viking Optical

http://www.vikingoptical.co.uk
Viking first began supplying the specialist optics market in 1985, and was founded by individuals whose experience within the optics field stretched back to the origins of modern optical technology, as we know it today. Viking recognized a need for performance and value. Our materials are sourced from around the world and our partners are among the world`s leading authorities in binocular design. We strive to combine our experience, user relationships, commitment to quality and dedication to new and improved techniques; presenting a concise and effective range of professional binoculars. Our standards are recognized by the British and internationally acclaimed, Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). Our relationship has spawned many superb products designed specifically for the naturalist.

Vortex

http://www.vortexoptics.com
Vortex is committed to offering you the finest value in rugged outdoor optic equipment, setting the standards that constantly outperform the expectations of the average, the routine, the ordinary...

Walters Photo-Video

http://www.waltersphotovideo.co.uk
Wales` largest Binocular & Scope Centre, stockists of Busnell, Bausch & Lomb, Canon, Docter, Eschenbach, Helios, Kowa, Leica, Minolta, Nikon, Opticron, Optolyth, Olympus, Pentax, Swarovski, Swift & Meade.

Warehouse Express - Norwich

http://www.warehouseexpress.com
Voted Retailer of the Year with over 14,000 product lines on their website this company specialises in Optics and Digital Photography and are renowned for their outstanding service. They stock all the leading brands including Leica, Swarovski, Zeiss, Kowa, Opticron, Nikon, Bushnell, Swift, Canon, Fuji, Olympus, Manfrotto, Slik, Skua, etc, and offer a superb next day delivery. Warehouse Express with Birdwatching Magazine are now running a new worldwide competition International Wildbird Photographer with over £5000 of prizes, details and entry form are on their website.

Whitby`s Imaging Centre

http://www.whitbys-imaging.co.uk
Photographic supplier and processor in Chichester West Sussex.

Wild Bird Centres of America

http://www.wildbirdcenter.com/
Through about 100 franchise stores in the United States and Canada, we provide products and information that empower people for intimacy with nature.

Wilkinson Cameras

http://www.wilkinson.co.uk
Digital cameras etc.

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