It's been several years since anyone came out with switch-power binoculars. Leupold's Switch-Power glasses go from power settings of 7X to 12X or 10X to 17X, depending on the model. These binoculars have fully multicoated lenses, BaK4 prisms and phase-coated roof prisms. They are available in 7/12x32 and 10/17x42, the Switch/Powers have contoured, side-flared eyecups as well as flat, padded eyecups for eyeglass wearers.
This year there are two significant introductions from Leupold company. The 100-year-old company is bringing out a new top-of-the-line riflescope - the VX-7. This Leupold riflescope is built on a 30mm tube, it uses a new lens system - Xtended Twilight Lens - and features a new SpeeDial adjustment system, fast-focus eyepiece and Generation II argon/krypton waterproofing system. The scope will be available in 1.5-6x24, 2.5-10x45, 3.5-14x50, 3.5-14x56 Long Range and 4.5-18x56 Long Range, the latter featuring the concave crescent objective bell found on the VX-L.
The other scope is a neat little tactical piece of glass called the Tactical Prismatic. A 1x14mm riflescope, it has a glass-etched, circle-dot reticle that's always visible and can be used with or without battery-powered illumination. It's fast to use and rugged, thanks to a 30mm tube the company says is the thickest ever built.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 4:21 PM Read Article 1 comments

2007: What's new in the Bushnell Riflescopes and Binoculars?

This year Bushnell - a world's known brand of durable and reliable binoculars - has two new roof-prism binoculars in 8x42mm and 10x42mm. These PermaFocus binoculars are focus-free, and don't have any adjustments for sharp, clear viewing. They feature a slim profile, fully coated optics and nonslip rubber armoring.
In response to the popularity of short-action magnum rifles, Also Bushnell has introduced the Elite 3200 3-10x50mm, which has a fairly short overall length of 121/2 inches but a 5.4-inch mounting length to better accommodate a variety of mounting positions. It has 3.3 inches of eye relief, a fast-focus eyepiece, anti-fog Rainguard coating and a new optical coating for better red and brown tones in low light.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 4:14 PM Read Article 0 comments

Friday, January 26, 2007

2007: What's new in Nikon Riflescopes?

The new 4-12x42 Laser IRT Riflescope from Nikon was introduced in midyear of 2006. As the name implies, this is the scope that incorporates a laser rangefinder (IRT stands for Immediate Ranging Technology). What makes this Riflescope stand out? Well, it combines laser rangefinding with the company's Bullet Drop Compensating reticle for dead-on hold at any reasonable range. The laser is activated by hitting a button on the scope or by using the included remote control switch. The 4-12x42 IRT Riflescope weighs 26 ounces, measures 13.1 inches and is also available with a traditional plex reticle. It ranges out to 766 yards and runs on a three-volt CR-2 battery.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 5:08 PM Read Article 0 comments

Thursday, January 25, 2007

2007: What's new in Weaver Riflescopes?

Weaver is one of the famous and great names in American scopes. This year it's coming out with a line of riflescopes with 30 mm tube. The Weaver Extreme Riflescopes will be offered in a 1.5-4.5x24 and in two powers with side focus, 2.5-10x50 and 2.5-10x56. These scopes feature one-piece construction, fully multicoated lenses, fast focus eyepiece and 4 inches of eye relief.
The Weaver Extreme Riflescopes have finger-adjustable, resettable windage and elevation adjustments. And they also come with a choice of either German reticle #4 or Weaver Duplex.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 6:40 PM Read Article 0 comments

Wednesday, January 24, 2007

2007: What's new in Zeiss Riflescopes????

Zeiss company is bringing it's classic series of riflescopes to the U.S. market. It combines the classic company's feature - thin lens technology with the renowned T multicoating. Classic Diavari with 30 mm tube with the low power range 1.1-4x24 is designed for dangerous game guns or short-range woods gun. For those, who like normal objectives, a model 1.5-6x42 fills the bill. An d those who have bigger bells have only two to chose from: a 2.5-10x50 and 3-12x56. Zeiss in cooperation with Pride Fowler Industries has also developed a new reticle, which is called Rapid-Z. This Rapid-Z quick and easy range estimation as well as target holdover. It will be available in 600-, 800- and 1000 yard, Varmint versions in Diavari V, Victory Diarange M and Conquest MC Riflescopes.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 5:42 PM Read Article 0 comments

Tuesday, January 23, 2007

First Aid and Survival Gear will help the Hiker

I recently heard news, which touched my heart and made me think about life, my personal safety and safety of my family. But being optimistic, I think Safety Equipment will play its role.
The reporter said that the 24-year-old Brian Gagnon had been lost somewhere on Mount Lafayette in Franconia, NH. He’s been hiking with his two friends when the group split up, so Brian is missing since Saturday night. He called the rescuers on Sunday to tell his location, but they said that it was too vague. So, search crews, along with two helicopters are still in the process. They know that he’s alive and that he is an experienced hiker and is equipped with proper survival gear and first aid kit. But knowing all that is not enough, they need to find him.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 8:16 PM Read Article 0 comments

Monday, January 22, 2007

1947: Tactical Goggles break-through

Been occupied with light polarization, Edwin Land (1909-1991) was able to minimize bright blinks in things made of glass, such as lamps, tactical goggles,sport Rx tactical goggles and many more. Nowadays, Tactical Goggles are designed to meet the most rigorous demands of military and law enforcement tactical operators. Their design is ideal for use with PASGT, ACH, or MICH helmets and allows excellent peripheral vision. And their lenses provide substantial protection and superior optics. When operating in changing light conditions, people are able to use additional tear-off lenses, which can keep their lenses clean and also provide a quick tinting for them.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 12:30 PM Read Article 0 comments

Friday, January 19, 2007

Robot with laser sight helps determine opponent's dislocation

Specialists from the Institute of Technologies, Londonderry, NH, developed a new device, that allows not only determine the location of the opponent's weapon emplacement, but also learn the type of rifle, which is being used, according to its sound.
This technology is called RedOwl. RedOwl represents a robot, which resembles a laser sight on tracks. In the near future this device will be tested in Iraq. Glen Thoren, the creator of RedOwl says that the specialists from his company had invented several similar models, and now they are being tested on the firing ground in Georgia.
This robot-device has four microphones for sound determining. When RedOwl hears a sound, it turns that direction where the sound came from and with the help of the temperature sensors tries to define the location of a sniper. When a sniper is located, the device points an infra red beam at him, so the team equipped with night vision scopes is able to see him.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 3:14 PM Read Article 0 comments

Thursday, January 18, 2007

Tactical Gear in War

You won't go to a war without being equipped with good Tactical Gear, like Combat Boots, Tactical Gloves, Tactical Belts, Tactical Vests, Protective Gear and much more. After all, you never know which move might be fatal. War isn't just firing and taking cover, like a lot of us are brought up to believe. You have to be prepared for all kinds of events. I found not only the Tactical Gear page on the Tactical Store to be very useful, but also Night Vision devices seemed to be very helpful too. You could also click on the various links to learn more about special types of military gear.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 9:26 PM Read Article 0 comments

Wednesday, January 17, 2007

Night vision device for cars

Mercedes-Benz S550 is the first car equipped with this NV device.Like, for example, ATN Night Vision, it assists system consists of infra red headlight with the ray, which maximum length is 150 meters (0.09 miles), and LCD monitor, which shows black and white picture. In the night time this monitor will help driver to see better and be able to locate himself on the road. The price of this night vision device (together with the car) is $ 90. 000

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 8:20 PM Read Article 0 comments

Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Mouse with the laser sight

Here is the simplest test for you. Are you a computer game fan? Do you spend most of you free time playing games on your computer, though knowing you have more important things to do? If you answer yes to one or more of these questions, then there is good news for you! Japanese Kokuyo Company created a new mouse, which is equipped with a laser sight, for computer games players. Using this mouse will help you aiming at your enemy. The only downside of this device is that it's not wireless. The cost of this invention and its turnout is still unknown.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 7:33 PM Read Article 0 comments

Monday, January 15, 2007

A door bell with fingerprints scanner and Internet access

If you are tired of the unwelcome guests, who are bothering you and ring your bell more often you want it to happen. Then we found the solution for you! Here is the new door bell from the BioLife Company for your consideration. From the similar devices with resembling configurations, this BioLife TAP-01 stands out because it's equipped with the fingerprints scanner, which allows the owner of the house know who is ringing the bell not even looking in the spy hole - surveillance camera.
This BioLife TAP-01 device is able to keep 2800 persons in its database, and they can also be divided into groups. So, for some people the door will open immediately, someone will need to enter password, and other people will need to wait or even won't have the opportunity to come in.
The producing company informed that the time needed to identify the finger prints on the screen is no more than 2 seconds. The probability of mistaken successful authorization is less than 0.0001 %, the mistaken denial or authorization failure is less than 1 %. TAP-01 database saves 120 000 notes about visits and calls. This device can be also controlled through the Internet or even through a local network.
At this moment there is no data about the cost of this device.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 1:40 PM Read Article 0 comments

Friday, January 12, 2007

Sighting devices for the U.S. Marine Corps

Northrop Grumman Corporation will deliver the improved containers with sighting devices (very close to the sights itself) to the Aviation of the United States Marine Corps.
Litening containers will be installed on the electronic warfare airplanes EA-6B Prowler, which are adopted in the American Aviation. New equipment will allow to use Prowlers as high-accuracy weapon carriers.
At present time, Litening containers are adopted by the different types of airplanes in United States Air force and U.S. Navy. First, they were used in 1999 during the NATO operations against Yugoslavia
The next version of the Sighting container is to come out in 2008. Equipment, installed in the container will allow airplanes to act in Battlespace, exchanging the information about goals in real time operation mode.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 11:14 AM Read Article 0 comments

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Silent Knight

Raytheon Corporation has been working on the Radar, so called Silent Knight, used in special force helicopters.
New radar will be installed in the MH-47G Chinook helicopters, which are intended for delivering special force groups to the place of dislocation. Radar will simplify the pilotage of helicopters in the area rounding regime.
Compared to the previous device, Silent Knight Radar decamouflages the flying apparatus.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 9:56 PM Read Article 0 comments

Wednesday, January 10, 2007

Radar Scope for help

A very easy in use device, which had been created by the scientific and technical departments of Pentagon, "feels" the human presence even behind the 11.8 inches thick wall.
The new portable system, the so called "Radar Scope" which magically sees through concrete and works like heat seeker, is ready for the production manufacturing. American soldiers will be able to buy this fantasy only for $ 1,000 a piece.
It looks like phone receiver and weighs only 1.5 pounds. The Radar Scope shows its owner if there is anyone else in the room behind the walls, it also can determine if this thing is moving or not. The distance this device browses is 15 meters.
Supposedly this pocket device will help military and police people with the taking buildings by storm and dismissal of the hostages.
This spring the Radar Scope will be delivered to the American Army in Iraq

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 1:59 PM Read Article 0 comments

Tuesday, January 09, 2007

Launch of the Mk11

The Pentagon has ordered a new rifle for the Marines and Forces for Special Operations. This self-loading rifle MK11, which has been manufactured by the Knights Armament Company, has caliber 7.62 mm, magazines for about five or twenty shells and it also has the mounted riflescope. This rifle is being manufactured in several modifications; all of them differ from each other only in the length of the barrel. The main designer of the Mk11 is Eugene Stoner, the creator of the well known Rifle M-16.
Rifle's weight depending on the length of its barrel varies from 3.5 to 4.9 kg, the length of the barrel has three modifications 406mm, 508 mm or 610 mm. Mk-11 uses standard shell 7.62x51 and is designed for 1.5 meters target shooting. Shooting accuracy at 100 meters distance is 28 mm.

Posted by OpticsPlanet at 9:36 PM Read Article 0 comments