7,500+ items available from stock
Best price guarantee
Your partner for astronomy

Author Archives


Stefan Rieger

Stefan Rieger

Posts composed by Stefan Rieger

A REALLY GOOD OFFER: 30% DISCOUNT ON KAHLES THERMAL IMAGING CAMERAS!

March 8 2024, Stefan Rieger

Kahles Helia TI+ Offer

Especially when hunting wild boar at night, thermal imaging cameras are an accessory that no hunter would want to miss these days. Moreover, a thermal imaging camera can also highly support you in searching other animals, like fawns in the grass, hares and rabbits in the field or birds in the bushes.

For all those who are not yet equipped or do already have an outdated device, we can currently make a great offer!
The Kahles Helia TI 18+ and TI35+ Thermal Imaging cameras for € 1980! This means more than 30% discount compared to the former recommended retail price of € 2950.

Both models have high-resolution thermal sensors with 640×512, a pixel size of 12µm and a temperature resolution of < 20 Millikelvin. They differ in the lens used and therefore in their magnification, field of view and intended use.

The Kahles HELIA TI18+ has a focal length of 17.5mm and a field of view of 44m/100m, making it the expert for forest hunters. The Kahles HELIA TI35+ offers 35mm and a 2x basic magnification. The field of view is 22m/100m and the maximum range is over 2400 meters. This makes it an all-rounder for forest and field hunting.

Go for it! This great offer is valid until July 30th, 2024!

SWAROVSKI AX VISIO 10×32 – FIRST SMART BINOCULARS

January 8 2024, Stefan Rieger

Swarovski AX Visio 10x32

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.

Swarovski AX Visio 10x32

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.

Swarovski AX Visio 10x32

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.

ZEISS cashback campaign: Up to €450 back on your new binoculars

December 4 2023, Stefan Rieger

ZEISS CashbackHave you been thinking of buying a new pair of ZEISS binoculars for some time, or would you like to offer one as a Christmas present? ZEISS and us will make the decision a little easier for you.

ZEISS will refund you up to €450 after your purchase, depending on the model:

Here you can find more information about the campaign, eligible countries (sorry, the offer does not apply to sales to the UK) and here you can register your binoculars!

Take advantage of this promotion between 01.12.2023 and 29.02.2024 and get your money back from ZEISS!

Special winter offer: discounts on Nikon Prostaff P3 and Monarch M7 series of binoculars

November 8 2023, Stefan Rieger

Take advantage of Nikon’s winter discount which runs from 27.10.2023 to 29.01.2024. On selected binoculars in the Prostaff P3 and Monarch M7 series you will receive a discount of €30 or even €60!

The details:

This discount has already been deducted from the listed price.

So no matter whether you are buying binoculars for yourself or as a gift this Christmas, you can take advantage of this promotion, which is valid until 29.01.2024!

Special offer: up to 25% discount on thermal imaging cameras and clip-ons from ZEISS

November 8 2023, Stefan Rieger

ZEISS Wärmebildkameras DTI 6

Just in time for the long winter nights, ZEISS has lowered their recommended retail price on some thermal imaging cameras and clip-ons. Now you can really improve your chances of bagging your prey at dusk!

The following products are currently on special offer: ZEISS DTI 6/40 and DTI 6/20 thermal imaging cameras and the DTC 3/25 and DTC 3/38 clip-ons.

ZEISS Wärmebild-Vorsatzgeräte DTC 3

These price reductions are valid until 31.12.2023! Don’t miss this opportunity to save up to 25% compared to the former recommended retail prices.

Special offer: thermal cameras for bargain hunters, save over 25%!

October 6 2023, Stefan Rieger

You can choose between the entry-level Thermalfox model, the Thermalfox Wi-Fi which features Wi-Fi connectivity, and the LCD screen which is suitable for both devices.

This offer is not only aimed at hunters. I also find it can be extremely helpful to use a thermal imaging camera when nature-watching to detect birds or other animals based on their thermal signature before locating and identifying them with binoculars or a spotting scope. The LCD screen is especially useful for finding birds in trees, or for nocturnal rabbit and hare counts.

Omegon Thermalfox mit optinalem LCD-Screen

So be as smart as a fox and bag a quick bargain! Save more than 25%

This offer is only valid while stocks last.

CONOTECH thermal imaging cameras on special offer

July 11 2023, Stefan Rieger

These CONOTECH thermal imaging cameras and modules are on special offer for a short time only. Take advantage of discounts of up to 30%, but only while stocks last!

To ensure that you do not buy a pig in a poke, we would like to briefly introduce these devices to you:

 

CONOTECH Tracer LRF hand-held devices with built-in laser rangefinder

Products in the Tracer LRF series are available with 25mm, 35mm and 50mm focal lengths, the product features are otherwise the same. The VOx sensor has a resolution of 384×288 pixels. The pixel pitch is 17 microns and the NETD is less than 35 millikelvin. This ensures an above-average image quality in this price category. The integrated OLED monitor offers a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. The frame rate is 50Hz, which is in line with today’s standard. All devices offer a 2x/4x digital zoom.

Six different colour palettes represent the image in different ways:

  • C1 = BH or black hot: the warmest sites are shown as black
  • C2 = WH or white hot: the warmest sites are shown as white
  • C3 = RH or red hot: the colour temperature display ranges from black to white with the warmest sites displayed in red
  • C4 = CG or cold green: the cooler the site, the brighter green the display
  • C5 = GB or glow bow: the display is in red-orange tones and becomes brighter as the heat signature of the object becomes warmer
  • C6 = RB or rainbow: the image is blue with red colours indicating the warmest objects

The RB and CG modes especially easy on the eyes, because they do not produce as much glare. Another interesting feature of these thermal imaging cameras is the built-in rangefinder. Using modern laser measurement technology, the range of objects up to a distance of around 1,000 meters can be determined. The accuracy is +/- 1 metre and rangefinding is available from a distance of 5 metres from the measured object. Photos and videos can be captured on the internal memory and transferred to a mobile device or PC over WiFi or a USB cable. Control via the mobile device is also possible, as well as a live view on the display of the connected smartphone or tablet.

Let’s take a closer look at the individual models:

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 25 PRO has a 25mm focal length with 2.4x optical magnification. The detection range is around 720 metres for an object the size of a wild boar.
Special price of €1,299 instead of the recommended retail price of €1,790

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 35 PRO, 35mm focal length, 3.3x optical magnification, detection range approx. 1,020 metres.
Special price of €1,539 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,190

CONOTECH Tracer LRF 50 PRO, 50mm focal length, 3.9x optical magnification, detection range approx. 1,450 metres and therefore the specialist for stalking wild boar across large field areas.
Special price of €2,299 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,690

CONOTECH Artemis 35 bundle

CONOTECH Artemis 35 thermal imaging attachment bundle

This set comprising attachment, charging cradle with USB-A connection, and two Panasonic 18500 batteries also has a VOx sensor with 384×288 pixels and a pitch of 12 micrometres. The NETD is below 25 millikelvin. The field of view at 100m is 13.2 metres. The OLED display has a resolution of 1024×768 pixels. This device also features 6 colour modes, which are identical to the aforementioned hand-held unit.

Operation is via a side-mounted joystick button. This may take some getting used to initially, but you will quickly appreciate the advantage of not having to search for the right button. If you plan to attach this device to your daytime optical instrument, you will need a suitable adapter with a M43x0.75 connection thread.

Our special price for this set is 2,159 instead of the recommended retail price of €2,749.70.

Now it is time to grab yourself a bargain, to ensure that your next nocturnal hunt will be a success. We wish you “good hunting” always.

Improved version of the CL Companion by Swarovski Optik

December 1 2017, Stefan Rieger

Swarovski Optik has revised the CL Companion. The ergonomics in particular have been improved.

The eyepiece cup has been enlarged and, therefore, fits better on the eye. This means that the eye is automatically guided to the image. Handling was improved further by moving the connecting bridge upwards towards the eyepiece. This means that the hand can hold the binoculars better. The focus button is easier to reach. The dioptre compensation has now been integrated into the central wheel. This reduces the risk of unintentional adjustment. The weight has also been reduced further. Compared to its predecessor, the 10×30 has been made 15 grams lighter.

The revised CL now uses the FieldPro carry strap connector. The risk of the carry strap getting twisted has now been considerably reduced. The CL companion now comes in anthracite or green and as a 8×30 or 10×30 version.

Swarovski has recognised the trend towards customisation and now offers a series of binoculars with three different bags and carry straps. The classic dark green bag with black carry strap bears the wording “WILD NATURE”.

For those who want something a little more modern, chose the binoculars in connection with the “URBAN JUNGLE” accessory pack, a light green bag with a grey carry strap.

The “NORTHERN LIGHTS” set has been designed for the tradition conscious. You will receive a grey felt bag with black leather appliqués and a grey felt carry strap.

All versions can be delivered from mid-November. The best thing to do is order your favourite combination now!

New carrying case by B+W International in the range

November 3 2017, Stefan Rieger

Known by photographers for many years and now available from us: the outdoor cases by B&W. These very high-quality cases were developed for use in extreme conditions.

B&W Outdoor Case Type 6000

These cases made from polypropylene come in various sizes and colours. If they are often outside at night, we recommend the light-coloured cases because they are easier to see, and you won’t trip over them. As a customer, you can choose whether you prefer an empty case, one with cube foam or one with variable partitions. If your equipment changes, and you want to divide up the case differently, you can always buy additional content later, at any time.

The smaller models are suitable for accessories such as eyepieces and filters (Type 500, 1000), the medium-sized models for astrophotography equipment (Type 3000, 4000, 5000, 6000) and the largest models for mounts (especially for the case series Type 5500).

B&W Outdoor Case Type 6700

The cases comply with the IP67 standard and are water and dust-proof. They can be stacked and have a pressure equalisation valve. Thanks to the eyelets, you can secure your expensive equipment from theft with a padlock. For many models, there is a shoulder strap or a rucksack carrying system as an accessory.

B&W Outdoor Case Type 5000

The stability and permeability of these cases have been subjected to various tests and the outdoor cases have been certified in accordance with the specifications of STANAG 4280, DEF STAN 81-41 and ATA 300.

In the video, you can see how strictly TÜV Rhineland tested these cases.

Experts on Tour – Leica has invited us to deepen our expert knowledge!

August 1 2017, Stefan Rieger

In order to refresh our expert knowledge, we occasionally get up early in the morning: The plane to Hamburg took off at 6 o’clock already, from there we travelled to Schleswig-Holstein. Leica had invited us to comprehensively check and compare their range of binoculars and spotting scopes over a period of two days. For this purpose, we travelled to the Kaltinger Watt. During a walk through the tidal flat and intensive watching out of the sheds of the NABU station, we were able to put the Leica binoculars and spotting scopes extensively to the test.

Hinflug mit Nikiair MUC-HH

During a delicious supper in a sociable group of people with dealer colleagues and Leica employees we explained which product developments the market is looking for. Let’s see, whether the one or the other idea will find its way into the product development.

On the second day, a theoretical part first explained, what a Leica product is characterised by. Leica describes this as the “Leica-DNA”: A specification profile that any product in the Leica portfolio must attain in order to make it from development to production.

The Leica DNA includes:

  • Compared with other premium products in their class, Leica products should have the best balanced transmission curve in the visible wave range of the light. This ensures excellent contrast and outstanding colour neutrality.
  • Besides the optics Leica also places high demands on the mechanics and the robustness of the housing. All models must pass some tests, both during the development phase and, at random, during ongoing production. As an example, Leica binoculars must withstand temperatures from 40 to 85 degrees over hours, i.e. they must work correctly immediately after. They must also withstand sudden shocks.
  • Leica products should always be the most compact binoculars of their class, but still highly ergonomic. For this purpose, Leica tries to balance the weight perfectly in comparison to their competitors, so that tipping the binoculars does not always need to be prevented by hand.
  • All Leica binoculars and spotting scopes are made for everyday use!

The following series of binoculars are currently in the Leica product range:

Leica Noctivid - das Non-Plus-Ultra für den Naturbeobachter

Leica Noctivid: This is currently the non-plus-ultra in binoculars for nature and bird watchers. Due to the extremely short close range of approx. 1.5 metres, it is most suitable for watching insects and crayfish as well as plants. Among the premium binoculars from European production, it currently offers the biggest field of view of its class and has – as preferred by many nature observers – an open bridge. Moreover, this instrument is characterised by a very plastic representation, which gives the impression of a very high focal depth.

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus, hier in der Sonderserie

Leica Ultravid HD-Plus: The Ultravid HD-Plus is the successor of the legendary Ultravid HD and the Ultravid models. At present, it is still one of the most compact binoculars for discerning customers. This model has not been changed from outside, but the newly developed coatings have been adapted to the SCHOTT-HT-Glass that is now used. This allowed for a further improvement of colour purity, contrast and transmission.

Leica Trinovid HD 8x32

Leica Trinovid HD: Leica binoculars have been available under the name Trinovid already since 1963. This model designation is therefore very popular and known by many nature observers. Even today one can see models from the 60s and 70s hanging around the neck of some nature observers. In the meantime, so-called HD glass is also used for the most current version of the Trinovid HD series. This increases the contrast range and reduces colour fringes, leaving you with a much clearer and sharper image. As a measure to slightly reduce the production costs, this binoculars model is produced in their own factory in Portugal. The quality and manufacturing standards are obviously the same as in their factory in Wetzlar. The Trinovid HD series addresses users, who would rather keep an eye on their money, when it comes to judging between costs and the last percent of what is optically possible.

Leica pocket binoculars: Even with the pocket binoculars there is a differentiation between Ultravid and Trinovid. The Ultravid has a shorter close range, a slightly better image performance and, apart from that, is nitrogen filled and thus watertight and protected against steaming up from inside. The Trinovid is a classic, which, in its present form, has been available since the 90s. But still excellent and, above all, compact binoculars.

Leica Geovid 8x56 HD-B

More interesting for hunters is the Geovid series with integrated rangefinder. Moreover, for customers looking for something special, there are various models or edition models.

Leica APO Televid 82 W

In case of spotting scopes the selection is more limited. Here there is only one series “APO Televid” which is available with various aperture diameters and always with straight or inclined view. The Vario Eyepiece is a so-called wide-angle eyepiece and provides a magnification range of 25-50x for all models.

In the field of digiscoping, Leica supplies adapters for their own cameras, but also for system cameras and it is currently the only adapter with diopter compensation in the market. This is simply made to fit via an optional T2-ring for the DSLR or system camera.

Leica Beobachtungshütte am Katinger Watt

All in all, a very successful journey. With less sleep, but excellent impressions concerning Leica products, the Leica market consciousness and the bird life at the North Sea. Over the next few days my colleague will write a bit more about our observations.