Outdoor Optics

Janet Arnett is the former campus manager of adult education at Ontario’s Georgian College. She is the author of Antiques and Collectibles: Starting Small, The Grange at Knock, and 673 Ways to Save Money.

This is a practical, hands-on guide for anyone planning to purchase
binoculars or a spotting scope. Robinson starts with the basics of how
binoculars work, explains the terminology, and discusses what makes one
particular combination of features ideal for any given situation.
Throughout, he relates optics to function, particularly the demands
presented by birding, camping, and other outdoor hobbies. In addition to
binoculars and scopes, he discusses camera adapters for scopes, supports
(e.g., tripods), focusing systems, accessories, and cleaning methods.
Along the way, he mentions bits of history and dispels misconceptions.

Although the material is fairly technical, a chatty tone and lots of
diagrams and charts make it easy to follow.

The book’s usefulness is enhanced by an excellent glossary of
technical terms and by lists of manufacturers, with addresses and phone
numbers.