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Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

Recommendations by Bob Allen

Bob Allen, Information Technology Consultant & Biologist, CSUF. Primary interests are Entomology, Botany, Ornithology, & Mammalogy.

After about a year of study and delay, I recently purchased a Swarovski SLC 10x42WB binocular.

My criteria for binocular selection were: Rugged, waterproof, no fogging, rubber coated body, good light gathering, edge-to-edge sharpness, ergonomic control (center wheel that can be operated with one hand), and overall good feel in my hands. This binocular is all that. Yes, I held and tested several different makes and models until I made my selection. Yes, I may have been happy with other selections as well, but there was something about this binocular that just "clicked" when I held it.

To me, there is only one shortcoming to this binocular. The close focus is about 12 feet, which it too far away for most insect viewing. On the other side of the coin, that forces one to stand back and not disturb the insect. I would like to see Swarovski offer an adapter to allow attachment of supplementary close-up lenses (like those used in photography) which would allow much closer focusing. My friend, John Acorn, has devised a method to attach close-up lenses to binoculars and I wrote and illustrated an article showing how he does it (http://biology.fullerton.edu/lorquin/acornbugviewer.html).

Revised 19 January 2000.