A thread to collect SHOT Show 2010 news.
First up
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/new_...0WO/index1.html
quote:
Steiner Predator C5
Whether you’re glassing Africa’s savannas, tracking a buck across the Plains, clambering around barren mountainsides or trekking across the sparse deserts of the Southwest, these Predators have the power to tackle distances and bring your quarry into sharp focus. Steiner’s years in the field, and precision engineering have created an outstanding binocular in 10x56 or 8x56 sizes. The large 56mm objective lenses and special coatings on both C5s offer the superior brightness and contrast needed to separate birds and game from their surroundings, no matter how well they blend in.
http://www.rifleshootermag.com/new_...nC5_010810A.jpg
Liberty Optics blog is worth keeping an eye on too. He has some interesting comments last year.
http://libertyoptics.blogspot.com/2...-2010-shot.html
http://libertyoptics.blogspot.com/
Vortex has some new products at the show too though they seem to be going down the tactical route (even more than just hunting).
http://www.vortexoptics.com/content/new_products
They have an open bridge zoom bin the Talon with the focusing knob in a place no one else has tried yet! And despite the claims I'm underimpressed by the specs.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...16x42-binocular
Their 15x50 handheld "recon" scopes might actually be useful to a birder but it's not cheap at $650. Must be the Picatinny rails
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...ain-15x50-scope
THey have new "R/T" kit ... I think they all have reticules in them. Even the Hurricane has a reticule. It's an 8x30 which is an interesting move but you can't get it reticule free.
I'm curious with all the tactical branding that they don't have 7x (the magnification soldiers in the US Armed forces actually use) on any of their bins. Now a 7x30 no reticule bin could be interesting.
And I'd not noticed the 10x32 Viper before.
The Razor HD spotter now has a 30x wide angle EP in addition to the 20-60 zoom. And another R/T 30x WA EP which I presume has a reticule in it.
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...-spotting-scope
http://www.vortexoptics.com/product...30x-wa-eyepiece
Kruger Optical are there too.
Kruger Optical to Introduce Compact, Ergonomic Kalahari Binoculars at 2010 SHOT Show. Another 8x30 and 10x30 porro. I presume perhaps similar to the Celestron mentioned recently though the close focus is father out (more Yosemite like).
http://www.shootingsportsretailer.c...nt/view/1312/1/
quote:
Available in 8x30 and 10x30 models, the Kalahari Series has been engineered for easy use. A compact, ergonomic design makes binoculars comfortable to hold, even with extended use. One-touch internal center focus and diopter adjustment make focusing quick and simple.
Other features include:
· Bak-4 porro prisms
· Multicoated optics
· Waterproof/fogproof/nitrogen processed
· <4m close focus
· >16mm eye relief
· Twist-up eyecups
· Shockproof design
· U.S. engineering
With all these features, the Kalahari binoculars still retail for under $90.
Note sure what the "One-touch internal center focus and diopter adjustment" means yet.
http://www.ammoland.com/2010/01/11/...ari-binoculars/
has a photo
http://www.ammoland.com/wp-content/...-Binoculars.jpg
which says 7.4° FOV on the bin. So if that's the 8x that's a little smaller than the Yosemite.
KO's page is here. Not big FOV.
http://www.krugeroptical.com/kalahari.asp
quote:
62318 8X30 Kalahari Binocular 8x 30 mm 3.75 mm 387' (7.4 deg) <12 ft. 16 mm 17 oz.
62319 10X30 Kalahari Binocular 10x 30 mm 3 mm 288' (5.5 deg) <12 ft. 16 mm 18 oz
They'll also have the long awaited Caldera bins at the show too
http://www.ammoland.com/2010/01/11/...2010-shot-show/
quote:
With a patent-pending, ergonomic one-hinge design and push-in locking diopter, the product can easily be operated with one gloved hand. It features an extra-wide field of view (438 feet at 1,000 yards for the 8×42s; 367 feet at 1,000 yards for the 10×42s). Cast magnesium construction and easy-grip rubber armor make the Caldera lightweight and durable.
Other features include:
ED glass
BBAR coated optics
Long eye relief
<1.5 meter close focus
Hydrophobic, scratch resistant external lens coating
Phase-coated Bak-4 prisms and enhanced mirror coating
Waterproof/fogproof/nitrogen processed
All-season, breathable neck strap with warming pockets (users can insert chemical hand warmers for winter warmth; insert ice pack in summer)
Protective molded case
U.S. engineering
“The new Caldera binoculars represent everything Kruger Optical is about — Innovation, Uniqueness, U.S. Engineering — all at affordable prices for the general consumer, but with features the more serious user looks for,” said Dan Callen, Kruger Optical’s vice president of sales and marketing.
Binoculars are now being introduced at select retail locations, for an approximate retail price of $379.95 (8×42s) and $399.95 (10×42s).
That's 8.3° for the 8x and 7.0° for the 10x (!). I wonder what the edges look like?
KO's page
And the Kilimanjaro. I suspect these are Sky King, ZRS competitors?
http://www.krugeroptical.com/kilimanjaro.asp
