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optics

Trail talk

Trail talk: choosing a loupe

The study of many aspects of natural history, both indoors and in the field, can often be aided by the use of a magnifying lens, also called a hand lens, or loupe. There are cheap loupes and there are expensive loupes. There are really poor loupes and there are excellent loupes. What there isn't, is a really good cheap loupe. But it is possible to buy one that isn't too scarily expensive.
Trail talk: choosing a loupe

Gear

Gear talk: the Opticron 8×20 Gallery Scope

Opticron are a UK optics company that produce monoculars, spotting scopes, binoculars and peripheral equipment. The great majority of their products are manufactured in Japan by 'elite optical manufacturers'. Products are good value, high quality and backed up by warranty and good after-sales service. The 8x20 monocular is quite an old product now, but has undergone a minor design revamp. It is an affordable and good choice for the lightweight backpacker.
Gear talk: the Opticron 8×20 Gallery Scope

Gear

Gear talk: a plea for the monocular

Three Points of the Compass only occasionally carries a little monocular on multi-day hikes, but one of these little gadgets almost always accompanies me on a day hike. I tuck it into my packs hip pocket, there to be (fairly) quickly pulled out should I see something of interest. I actually seldom use it, but just occasionally it has really proven its worth.
Gear talk: a plea for the monocular