A great compact bino for under $100.! This ever-popular binocular from Nikon is exactly what its name infers: a lightweight and willing companion on the road or trail. At just over 9 ounces, the Nikon Travelite is barely noticeable in the pocket, backpack or purse; but it does pack an optical punch at an affordable price. The 8x magnification affords a wide field of view while remaining light and steady in the hand, and the color contrast in the image is sharp, clear and distinct. It has a smooth focus wheel, and fold-down rubber eyecups accommodate the view for eyeglass-wearers. A sweet little bino to have on hand at the game and the theater, too. Makes a great gift for the beginning birder!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

There are certain products that come our way and make us think, “What did I ever do without this?” Such is the case with the line of flashlights from Surefire, recently added to the Eagle Optics website. Once the gang here tested these little marvels, (or “illumination tools,” as Surefire calls them) there was no thought of settling for flashlights of our past.

Little could come in handier in select (especially underlit) situations than a trusty handheld light. But, let’s be truthful: how many flashlights in your past have been hands-down reliable? Bright enough for the job? Many of us have that dreaded drawer which harbors flashlights in varying stages of disarray, filaments broken or burned out, half-dead batteries rolling around everywhere. And, even when one is at the ready, we all share that dismal story of grabbing one, flicking it on, and click–nothing. Argh!

With Surefire’s line of illumination tools, everything is under control. Ever seen a flawless beam of light coming from a flashlight? I mean, one without dark spots, imperfections, or rings? We hadn’t, and we were duly impressed. Amazed, even. Surefire lays claim to offering a world-famous beam, achieved by combining quality components and power sources, and by teaming the light source with the correct precision reflector. There is even a tiny computer inside regulating power from the battery to deliver the most consistant light output. Wow! The result, when compared to ordinary flashlights is like night and…well, day.

Consider these factors that make Surefire products light years above other brands:

1. Some of the smallest, brightest and most lightweight flashlights in the industry.
2. Surefire’s use of super-efficient LEDs means there is no filament to burn out or break. Their incandescents feature shock-isolation, similar to a car’s suspension.
3. The instrument won’t suddenly quit once the battery power runs out; instead, it provides gradually decreasing levels of light as it uses every last drop of energy in the battery.
4. Your hand will easily and quickly find the switch on the tailcap, and a lockout feature prevents accidentally leaving the flashlight on. 2 styles of headlamps afford no-hands illumination (I LOVE mine).
5. Impact and weather resistant; O-rings keep dust, dirt, and moisture out.
6. Your choice of rechargeable or non-rechargeable flashlights; both use high-power density lithium batteries which perform better in cold temps and have a longer shelf life.
7. Surefire’s no-hassle, limited lifetime warranty.

While Surefire illumination tools may cost more than other store brands, it is money well spent on unmatched quality and dependability. (Remember that world famous beam!) Flashlights built to serve every time, in every situation. Highly recommended.

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

The gang here at Eagle Optics rolled out the red carpet recently for a shipment of this binocular which had been out of stock for awhile. Why the celebrity treatment, you may ask? Quite simply, we have long known this bin can Stand and Deliver. It is our customers, though, whose feedback about its performance has elevated the Intrepid ED to celebrity status.

Aptly named in every sense, the Intrepid’s True Grit begins with its magnesium alloy body and solid construction features. The rubber armoring ensures a non-slip grip in the field; but if a drop in the drink should occur, our star retains its composure with waterproofing and fogproofing. Its amazing optics have garnered raves for clarity, color, and brightness of image . These features, combined with an exceptionally wide field of view, promote this bino to a class much higher than its price reflects.

I’m a big fan of the open-hinge design of the Intrepid ED. Its resolute stature, though slightly heavier (26.6 oz.) than a standard roof prism, still felt comfortable and well-balanced in the hand . The twist-up eye cups with click stops stay where they are directed and there is plenty of eye relief, giving the nod to eyeglass wearers.

The Atlas Intrepid ED is truly a rising star with moxie that will stand up to the big guys. Backed by the best warranty in the industry and a price that can’t be beat, this binocular is an all-around winner.

-Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

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 out front, sturdy construction with water/ fogproofing, ample eye relief for eyeglass wearers, a generous field of view, and a relatively light weight at about 23 ounces.

Looking through the binocular, it was easy to appreciate the workmanship and quality of materials that provide the overall image quality of the Burris Signature Select. The view has an impressive clarity and brightness that, in my opinion, makes it a real bargain at the special price of $389.00. I liked the sharpness of color definition it afforded, the smooth-moving focus wheel, and the overall comfort in the hand. While I found the mechanics of the locking diopter (located on the focus wheel in the center) to be a bit awkward, it didn’t dissuade my general impression. To me, the Signature Select surpassed the optical quality of some binoculars in the $500-$600 range. This model is also available in a 10×42. I highly recommend it.

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

Mike and I set up our digiscoping equipment at nearby Pope Farm Park, a natural area with oak savanna and restored prairie habitats and a spectacular view of distant Madison and Lake Mendota.  Several bird houses are in place; we found one to be an excellent subject on which to focus our scope since there were tree swallows busily feeding young there.

With Mike’s guidance, I learned there are three basic points to remember as you get started in digiscoping. The first is to have your subject well illuminated:  have the sun at your back.  Secondly, use the lowest magnification on your scope (we were using the Vortex Razor HD); and lastly and perhaps most importantly, have patience.

Mike stepped back from the tripod and I was on my own. The swallows gracefully circled, veered, dipped, dove, and alighted on the house.  It was exciting to view their blue luminescence through the lens, but I also noticed that the swallows were not stopping to pose for me.  They had young to care for and feed.  Snap.  Miss.  Snap, miss.  Snap. I got the tail in the shot!  I learned to anticipate the birds’ movements.  Snap.  Sigh.  Snap!   There we go! I GOT ONE!   Mike checked the viewfinder, let out a cheer, and gave me a high five.

As I said, the allure of digiscoping can be irresistible, especially once you have had a taste of success.  Stay tuned for our video, Introduction to Digiscoping, on the Eagle Optics website. Mike and I encourage you to get out there and experience wildlife up close through the lens of a camera and a scope. With a little instruction and a lot of patience, you’ll be on your way to capturing your own images and a lifetime of memories.

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

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 extremes, especially in high humidity. Fogproofing is sometimes referred to as nitrogen-purging. This term is probably more descriptive of the actual process; O2 (oxygen) is purged from the barrel(s) and replaced with an inert gas (usually nitrogen) which doesn’t condense.

A binocular or spotting scope can be waterproof without being fogproof. This merely means that the instrument is sealed, but the oxygen inside the barrels haven’t been purged and replaced with an inert gas. But if an optical instrument is fogproof, it has to be waterproof (sealed) as well. Fortunately today, even most inexpensive and moderately priced binoculars and scopes are both waterproof and fogproof.

Waterproof and fogproof binoculars (or scopes) are highly recommended if you plan on using your gear in rainforests, anywhere where the humidity is high, or if you’re around water (on a boat or near a wetland). Some of the best birding can be experienced during inclement weather and one of the main reasons birdwatchers go with binoculars that have both of these features. An optical device that becomes compromised by moisture will obstruct your view and may ultimately become damaged from mold growing on the inside of the barrel(s). Likewise, if you intend to use your optical gear in an extremely dry climate, the O-ring seal will prevent contamination from dust and debris. It’s well worth having the added confidence that your investment will not be damaged from exposure to adverse elements!

Mike McDowell
Eagle Optics Staff

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 their first brood. Before the leaves have completely formed on the trees, we have a chance to observe where nests are located. It is fascinating to see the different types of nests; it’s also mind-boggling to think of the task of building what is so often an incredibly intricate thing.

I love a book called And So They Build by Bert Kitchen. It examines 12 different animal builders and the purposes behind each of their unique constructions. The birds included are satin bowerbirds; swallows; and my favorite, the tailorbird. Kitchen’s descriptions, accompanied by his exquisite illustrations, make the book a joy for young and old.

On my property in southwest Wisconsin, I have wrens nesting in gourds; bluebird pairs in two Peterson boxes; a Red-Bellied Woodpecker in a perfectly carved hole in a dead tree cavity; and a moss-covered phoebe nest under the eave of my old stone house. (And these are only the nests I’ve noticed!) This year my large red mailbox has become the location for an ample starling nest. The box is used only for large parcels and it should be obvious to any delivery person who sees long strands of grass hanging out of the partially-opened door that it is “closed for business.”

If you have seen a nest built in a strange or funny location, you may want to take a photo of it and enter it in “Funky Nests in Funky Places” challenge, sponsored by Kaytee. The website is www.celebrateurbanbirds.org, and you will see photos of nests submitted from people around the world. Or, perhaps you have a hankering to peek at active nests. There are video cameras set up for this! According to the spring issue of Birdscope, from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, one of many resources on-line that allow you to “watch the nesting cycle unfold without human disturbance and witness behaviors that are beautiful, fascinating, and extraordinary” is at www.nestcams.org.

Lastly, if you’re looking for safe ways to find and monitor nests, build nest boxes, and contribute to the knowledge base about nesting birds, go to www.nestwatch.org.

Happy observing!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

I have been on a steep yet enjoyable learning curve since joining the crew at Eagle Optics earlier this spring. I’ve become familiar with the mechanics of optics while handling and looking through a wide variety of binoculars and spotting scopes and appreciating the differences by quality and price. Clearly (no pun intended), one can spend an awful lot of money on a pair of binoculars. Why would anyone want to do that, when you can buy decent binoculars for considerably less? Are differences in optical quality really that significant? Are you getting that much more bang for your buck? For many of our customers, the answer is a resounding yes.

Both birders and hunters dream of owning a Swarovski binocular, considered by many to be the best optics in the industry. I recently had the pleasure of spending a few hours with our Swarovski rep, Keith, to find out what sets this family-owned company apart from their competition.

Swarovski is a relatively small factory located in the town of Absam, a suburb of Innsbrook, Austria. Each binocular, scope, and rangefinder is assembled by hand. Really! If that isn’t impressive enough, consider that they also manufacture each tool and element of its product with just one exception: the material for the rubber armoring. I also like knowing that all production is carried out with a reverence and respect for the environment.

Uncompromising performance in optics is paramount at Swarovski – they really know their glass. In addition to sport optics, the Swarovski name is synonymous with fine crystal production. Also, a subsidiary produces reflectors for roads and rail lines throughout the world. The superb quality of Swarovski’s glass is largely owed to high standards in lens grinding and polishing techniques, rendering optical clarity that’s extremely tough to beat!

As a consumer, how can you tell by looking through the new signature Swarovision EL binocular that its glass is so superior? The answer is simple: get one in your hands! In low-light conditions, compare the Swarovsion EL with your current binocular; you will be treated to unparalleled clarity of image, truest color and razor sharp, distortion-free resolution.

Sure, the product is pricey, but Keith assured me, “It’s only expensive once!” If you are ready to make that once in a lifetime optics investment, Swarovski is certainly a brand worth considering!

Nina Cheney
Eagle Optics Staff

I’ve been receiving very positive feedback from a number of customers who are using the Canon S90 for digiscoping. While Canon doesn’t make an accessory adapter to bring it out to a convenient filter thread to support Swarovski’s DCA or Kowa’s DA1 adapters, the S90 will mount to bracket/platform adapters like the Swarovski UCA or Kowa DA4. If my Nikon Coolpix 8400 died today, I’d replace it with the Canon S90!

Mike McDowell
Eagle Optics Staff