In November 2010, my wife surprised me with a pair of Swarovski Optik 10×42 SLC HD for my 40th birthday present. Since then we’ve been practically inseparable (me and the binoculars, I mean, although of course the alternative interpretation is also true). They were without a doubt the best binoculars….

Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality — the NL Pure 10×32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best. Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are….

Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image “pop”. Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from….

Hawke’s Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke’s new top-of-the-range birding….

Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast. Cons: Feels a….

Binoculars are perhaps your most indispensable piece of wildlife watching equipment. The right pair of binoculars can enhance your enjoyment of and engagement with the natural world exponentially. But choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife watching can be a tricky proposition. At Ireland’s Wildlife we get to try a wide range….

Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view… and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level. Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the….

Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point. Cons: Focus is….

Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast. Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a….

Ireland’s Wildlife has teamed up with Vanguard to bring you a fantastic photo competition with a superb prize. We’re thrilled to introduce our “Seeing is believing…” wildlife photography competition. We are looking for your best photographs that capture nature’s wild side! The prize is an amazing pair of Vanguard Endeavor ED II….

  The Endeavor EDIV is the brand new flagship binocular from Vanguard. With their Endeavor ED range Vanguard broke new ground in terms of value and performance, delivering premium features and build quality at mid-range prices. With the EDIV the company raises the bar yet again, delivering a bright, razor sharp….

Thanks to the folks over at German optics company Eschenbach we’re giving away the pair of Trophy D 8×42 ED binoculars we recently reviewed on the site. Optically excellent, the binoculars are superbly made and feature an intriguing contemporary design packed with high-end features. For your chance to win this superb….