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Blog Archives
SWAROVSKI AX VISIO 10×32 – FIRST SMART BINOCULARS
January 8 2024, Stefan Rieger
BEYOND SEEING – Swarovski Optik wants to usher in nothing less than a new era of wildlife observation with the launch of the AX VISIO.
The first smart binoculars that allow you to observe nature, identify what you see and share your discoveries.
The AX VISIO combines classic observation with the digital world. The integrated apps allow you to identify over 9000 animal species. Birds, mammals, butterflies and dragonflies are stored in the database – not just on the basis of the picture that was taken on your smartphone. Moreover, the identification result is displayed directly in the visualization. You can also mark landmarks, pass on the binoculars and your companion will be guided to these points by arrows. The integrated compass helps with navigation. Up to 5 mobile devices can be connected to the AX VISIO. This means that your companions can also watch what you are seeing live on their smartphone or tablet. It’s the ideal function for nature hikes.
The optics are based on proven Swarovision technology and show you our nature in brilliant colors with outstanding brightness and sharpness. The 10x magnification allows you to recognize numerous details.
You can already pre-order these top-notch binoculars exclusively in our shop. Delivery will start at the beginning of February.
NEW IN THE RANGE: HUNTING BINOCULARS, NIGHT VISION DEVICES AND RIFLESCOPES FROM STEINER
December 19 2023, Stefan Rieger
The name STEINER has been synonymous with ruggedness and reliability for many decades. This is exactly what hunting is all about. No matter what time of day or night, you must rely on your equipment. That is why hunters and nature observers all over the world trust the Bayreuth company.
The Nighthunter 8×56 porro prism binoculars with their Sports Autofocus System or the Ranger LRF binoculars with integrated rangefinder with a measuring range of up to 1800 metres are especially interesting. And have a good look at the intuitively operated thermal cameras of the Nighthunter series and the hunting riflescopes of the Ranger series. The Sights and the riflescopes in the M5Xi, M7Xi and M8Xi series are ideal for sports shooters.
Swarovski / Kahles Roadshow 2023: we were there!
October 5 2023, Stefan Rieger
Last Monday the time had come: Swarovski Optik Germany invited the hunting trade to a roadshow in the 4-star Panorama Hotel Waldenburg, close to Schwäbisch Hall in Germany. The invitation was extended to at least 30 specialist dealers and so naturally we also went along to watch the latest product innovations from the Swarovski and Kahles brands being presented in detail, allowing us to become acquainted with the most important product features.
Of course, we want to share this experience with you. The following products were presented: Swarovski Z8i+ series of rifle scopes, Kahles K18i-2 rifle scope , Kahles TI+ thermal cameras, Swarovski EL Range 32 binoculars and the new universal VPA 2 smartphone adapter including adapter rings.
Let us take a look at the products in detail:
Swarovski Z8i+ riflescopes:
Especially designed for the driven hunt or stalking to ensure the widest possible field of view and excellent viewing comfort. 
Available in two versions and with different reticles. 0.75-6×20 and 1-8×24. Both models offer optimal viewing comfort thanks to a large eyepiece diameter of more than 51mm. As soon as you take position with your weapon you can immediately locate the target. The 0.75 models offer a field of view of max. 64.4 m/100 meters. The models with the 1-8x magnification offer a field of view of up to 50 metres. Two throw levers are included for quick magnification changes. You can choose to fit either the black or orange coloured lever. The models with the 4A-IF reticle are particularly interesting. In addition to the classic 4A reticle, you can also superimpose an illuminated ring over the centre. This helps with target acquisition and determining the correct lead distance.
KAHLES K18i-2 1-8×24: This rifle scope was developed in collaboration with leading sports shooters from the IPSC and 3-gun disciplines. 
The special 3GR reticle with several aiming points allows you to stay on the spot at different distances without needing to make any elevation adjustment. In addition, the customer also benefits from a stable 34mm centre tube and the large 50m field of view at 100m distance. It also features a fantastic view through the large eye box. This model also comes with two different throw levers, although in this case they do not differ in colour but in size.
KAHLES TI+ Thermal Cameras: This new series of thermal imaging cameras focuses on the essentials of hunting. All the necessary settings can be made with just two buttons. A Wi-Fi connection, photo or video mode have been deliberately omitted to keep its operation as simple as possible. The new VOx sensor delivers high 640 x 512 pixel resolution with a pixel size of 12 microns and a NETD of < 20 mK. This ensures images are rich in detail and with excellent contrast. The user can choose between Black Hot, White Hot, and Red Only colour modes. The special housing design prevents the device from rolling. An automatic standby switch, triggered by a tilt and motion sensor, protects the battery and prevents the face from being illuminated when the device is removed from the eye. Available with a 35mm lens for a long range of up to 2,479 metres, or a 18mm lens for a wide field of view of 44m/100m.
These new binoculars with rangefinder especially surprised us with its low weight of less than 700 grammes. They are available in 8×32 and 10×32. Besides, the design is also an essential feature of this binoculars. The narrow connecting bridge and the omission of a front connecting bridge, as with the 42 models, make it extremely easy to use, even with large hands or gloves. Another advantage is the ability to freely assign functions to the two operating keys. This makes them much easier to use, especially for left-handed users. Of course, this model also offers the familiar tracking assistant, which helps, for example, when narrowing down the target area. The binoculars can be configured to your personal requirements using the EL RANGE configurator app and offer a measuring range of 9 – 1,500 metres. We would especially recommend these to mountain hunters, or hunters who want to keep their equipment as light as possible and do not need to use the binoculars right up till the last light fades. The optional FRR forehead rest increases image stability, especially after a strenuous climb.
Last but not least, we have something for DIGISCOPING fans: Swarovski has updated its universal adapter and presented the VPA 2. 
With its generous dimensions and prominent lens units, it is now also suitable for modern smartphones. In addition, its operation has been significantly simplified and the mechanics improved. The adjustment device for selecting the right lens is now mechanically more stable and the adapter ring is much easier to attach. There are three different clamp adapters that can be used for different binoculars by means of inner rings. These must be ordered as an optional extra.
CA-Bs for all CL series binoculars (Companion, Nomad, Mountain, Curio and Pocket)
CA-B for all EL, EL Range, NL Pure and SLC series of binoculars and the BTX eyepiece module
CA-S for ATX/STX, ATC/STC, ATS/STS series spotting scopes and the STR spotting scope.
It is not recommended for the CTS.
These new products will become fully available during October. Secure your new model soon, we expect supply bottlenecks when deliveries begin.
Celestron NATURE DX binoculars now with ED lenses
October 5 2023, Stefan Taube
Binoculars from Celestron’s NATURE DX range are ideal for nature lovers and hikers. They are weatherproof, compact and lightweight – ideal for on the go!
However, the price of these binoculars is perhaps the most impressive thing. Although they have all the features of more expensive brands, they are offered at an exceptionally attractive price. This makes them the ideal companion for all hillwalkers, skywatchers and, in particular, for amateur bird watchers.
The latter benefit especially from the NATURE DX binoculars with ED lenses. The extra-low dispersion lenses provide true colour images at high resolution and contrast – with almost no colour abberations. This is particularly beneficial when observing colourful plumage on bright days.
Binoculars from the NATURE DX range are true all-rounders for all nature lovers!
POLAR: classic weather stations with incredibly precise mechanics
March 27 2023, Stefan Taube
These classic weather stations with mechanical analogue pointers are particularly aesthetically pleasing and will enhance any living space. K. Fischer GmbH, the fine instrument manufacturer, offers fine mechanical craftsmanship created in its own production facilities in Germany.
POLAR thermo-hygrometer weather station
Fischer presents a new series of handmade barometers, thermometers and hair hygrometers under the brand name POLAR. These are the three most important meteorological measuring devices, which provide information about the current weather conditions and the room climate.
All instruments are precisely adjusted after manufacture and function completely maintenance-free. Each individual instrument is assigned a serial number.
The curved instrument pointers ensure parallax-free reading of the respective measured value. The dial’s typography and indices are clear and easy to read, despite their graphic refinement.
An overview of all instruments in the POLAR series can be found here in the shop.
New binoculars from ZEISS: SFL series
December 15 2022, Stefan Taube
True lightweights among high-performance binoculars: ZEISS SFL
- Ideal for observing birds and other animals!
- Very lightweight and compact for nature walks!
- Very high quality ZEISS lenses for lifelike colours and fine details!
With the ZEISS SFL binoculars (SmartFocus Lightweight) special moments can be easily experienced. The binoculars are optimised so that they are as lightweight and compact as possible.
The new ultra-high definition (UHD) concept provides lifelike colour reproduction and ultra high detail. Thanks to its SmartFocus design, the focusing wheel is perfectly positioned and enables fast precision focusing – even when wearing gloves.
The optimised ergonomics and a large exit pupil provide a relaxed, undisturbed view.
The binoculars are available in the following versions:
Omegon Pro Kolossus – the new mount for large binoculars
February 24 2022, Marcus Schenk
Large binoculars with diameters of 80mm or 100mm are almost reminiscent of a double refractor. So how can such heavy binoculars be used practically in the skies? With the new Kolossus parallelogram mount!
Using this, you can move heavy instruments like a feather across the sky.
Simply attach binoculars with a level view or an angled scope and then surf the skies. This is a good way to describe using your binoculars under the stars. Turn the mount in any direction you desire. Without having to tighten axles or kneel on the ground in awkward positions. Simple, natural and comfortable.
Different than usual
Normal tripods are small, too weak and you often need to position yourself awkwardly until you’re able to see an object. With the Kolossus parallelogram mount all that is history. You can move your binoculars upwards, downwards, to the right and to the left always in a relaxed position. This does not only lead to comfortable and more intensive observations – you also see more!
Observe together
Your binoculars move where you want them to go! Observe when lying down, on a stool or sitting normally. Thanks to the huge swivel mechanism, you have complete freedom when observing. What would it be like to observe with others? This is easy with the Kolossus mount as height differences are not a problem. Within seconds, you can lower the binoculars and also let your children observe with you.
The Kolossus mount was specially-designed for large binoculars. The sturdy swivel arm allows for 360 degree rotation so that you can reach almost every point in the skies. When packed up, the new wonder mount fits into a practical carry bag. Optimal for transportation to the observation site. All you need are your favourite binoculars and a sturdy three-legged tripod. And your new observation sensation can begin.
Want to observe more simply and naturally? View the Omegon Kollossus parallelogram here.
New CMOS-optimised line filters from Baader
July 1 2021, Stefan Taube
The manufacturer Baader presents new filters for astrophotography in the spectral lines H-alpha, OIII and SII.
- Narrowband filters for aperture ratios f/10 to f/3.5
- f/2 highspeed filters for aperture ratios f/3.4 to f/1.8
- Ultra-narrowband filters for aperture ratios f/10 to f/3.5
- f/2 ultra-highspeed filters for aperture ratios f/3.4 to f/1.8
The half-width of the narrowband filters is 6.5 nanometres, and for the ultra-narrowband it is as little as 3.5 to 4 nanometres. The f/2 filters are optimised for very fast astrographs such as Celestron’s RASA optics.
All filters are available in standard sizes:
With a line filter, astrophotography of luminous nebulae is possible even under a light-polluted city sky! These filters only allow those wavelenghts of light in which the selected celestial object shines to fall on the camera sensor. All other wavelengths are blocked. This produces high-contrast images of planetary nebulae, supernovae remnants and star-forming regions.
Three types of line filters are used in astrophotography, each of which is transparent to the brightest spectral lines of oxygen, sulphur or hydrogen atoms. Depending on the astronomical object, a single filter may be enough for a spectacular image. Combining three shots, each taken through a line filter, creates an ideal result.
The new generation of Baader CMOS-optimised filters is characterised by, among other things:
- Reflex-Blocker™ coatings, for maximum insensitivity to retro-reflection from adjacent auxiliary optics, even under the most adverse conditions.
- FWHM on each filter category carefully designed to allow for 1:1:1 exposures, matched for typical CMOS quantum efficiency and S/N ratio.
- Blackened edges all around, with filter-lead-side-indicator in the form of a black frontside outer rim, to additionally eliminate any reflections due to light falling onto the edges of a filter.
- Each filter is coated individually, with sealed coating edges.
- Life-Coat™: Hard coatings to enable a non-aging coating for life – even in the most adverse environments.
You can find all the new filters here in the shop.
Build your own OpenAstroTech mount!
June 11 2021, Stefan Taube
A photo mount allows you to track the rotation of the night sky on a camera equipped with a photo lens or a small telescope. This allows for long exposure shots of large areas of the night sky.
The manufacturer OpenAstroTech now offers a very functional, yet particularly inexpensive variant of a photo mount. The OpenAstroTracker is a mount you can build yourself!
The OpenAstroTracker with camera and optional autoguider
Building the mount yourself is not only fun and educational, you also get a powerful GoTo mount at an extremely low price thanks to the DIY approach!
Some of the features:
- GoTo: The mount comes with full, computer-control functionality. The electronics are compatible with commonly used astronomy software.
- Suitable for DSLR cameras with a maximum total length of 35cm (camera body with lens). The maximum recommended focal length without autoguider is 200mm.
- High-precision stepper motors: GoTo positioning accuracy of approx. 1 arcmin, tracking accuracy of 25 arcsec, guided accuracy of approx. 1 arcsec.
What you will need: A USB power bank able to deliver at least 5V 1A
The OpenAstroTracker is available in different latitude setting versions. We will supply you with a set that allows you to set up the mount for a latitude of either 35° to 45° or 45° to 55°.
The OpenAstroTracker kit
No need to worry: The electronic components are all designed for easy use. No soldering is necessary.
A matching DIY autoguider is also available as an option: OpenAstroGuider V2
Declare war on viruses and bacteria!
January 12 2021, Patric Leibig
During the colder seasons, we spend more and more time in enclosed spaces, therefore increasing our risk of contracting viruses.
It only takes a short amount of time for us to lose our ability to assess air quality as we adapt to smells. This increases the importance of counteracting this.
Significantly reduce the risk of infection due to SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 (Coronaviruses) and other viruses by using ambient air filters with Hepa H13 filter systems and CO2 monitors.
Seben HT-2008 CO2 Monitor
Air filters reduce aerosols in the ambient air.
SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 and other lower respiratory illnesses are transmitted via aerosols/water droplets, amongst other things. Air purifiers with class H13 HEPA filters can filter these minute particles out of the ambient air and therefore significantly reduce the risk of infection. A combination of regular ventilation and air purifiers with class H13 “High Efficiency Particulate Air Filters” HEPA filters is the best way to reduce the risk of infection in enclosed spaces. H13 HEPA filters remove minute aerosols (<5µm) from the air and improve air quality. CO2 monitors can also be used to support ventilation.
According to estimates, the risk of a person in a room becoming infected with SARS-CoV-2 / Covid19 (coronaviruses) due to the presence of a superspreader is reduced sixfold by using air filters with H13 HEPA filter technology.
Monitor and improve the air quality in your office, your flat, the classroom, etc, using the following measures:
- Proper and regular ventilation / cross ventilation
- CO2 monitors which support your ventilation
- Air purifiers / air filters with H13 or H14 “High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter” HEPA filters
Calculating the filter output for your room:
The ambient air filter should be able to filter the entire volume of air in the room at least 2x per hour in order to considerably reduce the concentration of aerosols and particulates. It is easy to work out the filter output you require:
To calculate the volume of your room, and therefore the volume of air, multiple the room’s length x breadth x height. Multiply this result by 2 and you have calculated the filter output in m³/h for your room.
Example:
Length: 5m, width: 4m, height: 2.5m
5m x 4m x 2.5m = 50m³
50m³ x 2 (per h) = 100m³/h
For classrooms / schools or other spaces where groups of people gather, we recommend calculating the air purifier’s output at 5 to 6 times the volume of the room.
Example:
For a room with a volume of 50m³, the air purifier used should have a minimum output of 300m³/h.
