Optics

Various optics are widely used in outdoor activities. In most cases, the goal is to bring faraway objects into closer view and let you see more detail. This is the case with binoculars and spotting scopes. Optical sights are also used by hunters to aid aiming during long distance shots. Range finders are used in both hunting as well as numerous sports.

Probably the most common and widely used outdoors optical instrument is the binocular. Most binoculars are portable and provide a decent magnification of distant objects. The main advantage of binoculars is that unlike most optics, they allow you to use both eyes, which is more natural and convenient, plus gives you some depth perception.

Monoculars are basically half a binocular. They are even smaller and lighter, but obviously don’t give you any stereoscopic vision.

Spotting scopes and telescopes are typically mounted on a support such as a tripod and have more magnification to look at objects even further away, or at dim objects, such as celestial bodies.

Laser range finder are very useful devices with a number of specialized applications. Having a precise measure of distance to something far away is important in sports such as golf, as well as archery and shooting.

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• Reviews of the Top Spotting Scopes for Wildlife Viewing
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• Reviews of the Best 8X42 Binoculars on the Market / Tips for Buying
  See the most recommended 8X42 binoculars models in our thorough review and buying guide. Choose your optics wisely.
• What are the Top-Rated Spotting Scopes for Hunting Elk? Reviews
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• A Review of the Top Spotting Scopes for Mountain Hunting + Buying Guide
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• Best American Made Binoculars: Which US Brands Assemble Them in the States?
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• Choosing the Best Spotting Scope for $400 Or Less
  We look at and compare some of the best spotting scopes available for less than $400. Read our reviews and quick bullet-point guide to figure out which scope is the best one for you.
• A Review of Gosky Binoculars: Quality, Features, Usability
  Gosky has certainly risen to fame for their affordable optics. How good are their binoculars? We review the most popular models and provide an overview of everything you need to know when buying binos.
• Choosing the Best Close-Focus Binoculars for Watching Butterflies and Other Insects
  Few binoculars are suitable for watching insects and other small things up close. We review the top binoculars on the market for this job and provide a guide to choosing optics for this job.
• Best Backpacking Binoculars
  The best backpacking binoculars are lightweight compact binoculars with high quality optics. We review the best compact binoculars for hiking, camping, birding and backpacking, for a reasonable price. See our buying guide, binocular reviews and top picks.
• Choosing Image Stabilization Binoculars for Boating, Sailing, Fishing and Other Marine Use: Reviews and Buying Guide
  We cover everything you need to know about choosing stabilized binoculars for use on a boat and review the top models best suitable for the job. Read before making a decision.
• Best Image Stabilized Binoculars
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• Choosing a Spotting Scope for 200 to 300 Yards Distance
  If you need to spot targets or game at about 200 or 300 yards out, you'll need a decent spotting scope for the job. Let's see the main points to consider and look at some of the best products on the market.
• Buying a Rangefinder Spotting Scope - What Are Your Options
  We go through the actual options you have when trying to buy a spotting scope with a rangefinder - there are several solutions to the issue. Read this guide before jumping to any conclusions.
• How to Buy the Best Binoculars for Use With One Eye Only
  Read our guide and reviews to get yourself the best one-eye binos for your purposes and your budget. We review the options available and discuss some of the top products on the market today.
• Alpen Optics Binoculars Reviewed + Buying Guide
  Alpen Optics makes some very nice optics for all purposes - we review their main binoculars models and offer a guide to buying the best bino for your needs.
• Review of Steiner's Military/Marine 8X30 Binoculars
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• Wingspan Optics Spectator 8X32 Binoculars Review
  In this article, we take a good look at the Spectator binos from Wingspan, and look at their features, pros and cons, plus some alternative products to consider.