OLIVON SCOPES DEFINING VALUES

When buying a spotting scope, nature watchers have traditionally had to make a choice between inexpensive, fairly low specification products and high end models from old established names in the optical business.   Now, Olivon makes the choice easier, by filling the gap with a range of four, high performance scopes that offer really useful features and  performance, but at prices that wont break the bank.

The range includes two sizes, a 22 to 68 times zoom, with 90mm objective lens (22-68x90) and a 20-60x80, selling at around £299 and £239, respectively.  ED glass versions are available for around £649 and £579.

Both models are waterproof and nitrogen filled, so they won't be damaged or fog-up inside, when you're on the rocks, shivering in the pouring rain, trying to catch sight of an Arctic Skua or a family of Otters.  

In dull weather or twilight, the large objective lenses are able to deliver a much brighter image than small scopes, especially at high zoom settings, so the apparent extra definition and contrast help you to see subjects that otherwise blend into their surroundings, such as a Golden Plover on a salt marsh, or a Basking Shark in a rippled sea.  The wide angle of view is also particularly helpful in allowing you become aware of off centre subjects, when you move the scope across an area.  

The Olivon scopes are simple to use, with controls for focusing and zoom being smooth and easy to turn, so that vibration caused by handling is minimised.  The body is encased by tough, black rubber armour to protect against accidental knocks.

A deep, retractable rubber eyecup is provided on the eyepiece, to help place the eye at the correct distance from the optic, while excluding unwanted light.  At the objective end of the scope, a sliding lens shade is fitted, to help prevent cross-glare from sunlight.

As you would expect in an instrument of this quality, the optics are multi-coated and BAK-4 prisms are employed to ensure optimum brightness, contrast and definition.



Of course, with such high powered magnification, a tripod is essential and the scopes are equipped with a standard tripod bush, as well as a special foot that clamps directly into the quick release socket of Olivon's own optional tripod.

In addition to screw-on covers that protect the optics from damage when not in use, all the Olivon models are supplied with a stay-on case, which makes it easy to carry the scope, offering extra protection against impact damage, and allowing it to be made ready for use very quickly.

Optical technologies, like many others, show significant benefits when you spend a little extra over budget products, while additional amounts spent to buy very high end products result in only small extra performance benefits.  This explains why Olivon products outperform less expensive products, but come very close to the performance of top end instruments. 

All of the Olivon scopes are entirely suitable for digiscoping – digital photography using Olivon's optional accessories – but the ED versions will show enhanced results when the camera, operating technique and printing is of a high standard.  ED glass also offers a further improvement in viewing sharpness, colour quality and brightness.

The scopes are supplied complete with a 10 year guarantee, a good quality stay-on case, straps and caps.  Olivon products are imported and distributed in the UK and Eire by Optical Hardware Ltd - for more information and a stockist list, see www.opticalhardware.co.uk.

587 words,  November 2007

Note for editors:  To request review samples, please contact Phil Sokell at Optical Hardware Ltd, Mount Osborne, Oakwell View, Barnsley S71 1HH
, telephone 01226 203275, or email info@opticalhardware.co.uk. To download the text of this press release and high resolution images, please visit www.opticalhardware.co.uk/press.