Binoculars & Spotting Scopes

Optics sales are via appointment.

Please call 780-439-7333 to book a time.

WE DO NOT ACCEPT PHONE ORDERS. WE DO NOT SHIP.

ALL SALES ARE FINAL.

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We specialize in Nikon,  Vortex,  Swarovski, and Zeiss binoculars.

Many models are special order only. 50% deposit required.

We price match in-stock Canadian online and brick-n-mortar stores (including S/H) for customers picking up in person.

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Start the process of picking the best binoculars for your needs & budget by reviewing our BUYING TIPS, then scroll down for our BUYING GUIDE with pricing showcasing our best sellers.

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Tips for choosing the best binoculars for your needs & budget:

The first number (eg. 8x) is the magnification power. As the magnification increases the size of the subject (eg. bird) increases. 10x power magnification helps you see a subject that is further away.

The second number (eg. 42) is a measurement (in mm) of the diameter of the objective glass (aka the front piece opposite your eyes). As the size of the objective piece increases, the binoculars will gather more light which is better in dimmer conditions.

The most common choice for birding is 8×42.

Why not just get a pair of super high power binoculars with huge objective lens?

Like anything in physics, there are trade-offs. As magnification increases, the field of view becomes narrower, leading to difficulty in image stabilization making it harder to follow little birds in flight. Also, as the magnification increases, the binoculars will gather less light and the field becomes darker, making it harder to distinguish colours.

As for the objective size, as it increases the binoculars will tend to get heavy and harder to hand hold. (Glass is actually quite heavy). The cost also tends to climb significantly with larger objectives.

All of this means that 8×42 is usually the optimum for bird watching. But…. there’s always a “but”.
Going to 10x power is fine too and is somewhat better for longer distance birds like shorebirds.
Larger objectives can be good for use in low light, so long as they don’t get too heavy.

Objectives of 21 or 25 are considered “Compact” and good for small hands, perfect for travel and concerts/events, but quality glass is again expensive.

*A special note on the Pentax Papilio II 8.5 x 21: This optic has a close focus of 0.5m, making it perfect for botanists & bug lovers.

The approach we usually suggest is to start by testing an 8×42 in your budget, and then adjust size and magnification (if need be) to best suit your specific needs. We will be more than happy to walk you through all the choices so that you get the BEST optic for YOU.

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Our BUYING GUIDE showcases our best sellers. (Best viewed on desktop; sort the columns by size, brand, magnification, or price.)

Please note, many models are special order only. Models not listed, including Swarovski & Zeiss, are also available for special order.

SIZE	BRAND	MODEL	MAG	OBJ	PRICE
Compact	Bushnell	PowerView Compact	8	21	24.99
Compact	Pentax	UP	8	21	69.99
Compact	Pentax	UD	9	21	79.99
Compact	Pentax	Papilio II	8.5	21	149.99
Compact	Nikon	SportStar	8	25	159.99
Compact	Pentax	AD WP Compact	8	25	159.99
Compact	Pentax	AD WP Compact	10	25	169.99
Compact	Zeiss	Terra ED	8	25	529.99
Lite	Vortex	Raptor	8.5	32	169.00
Lite	Pentax	AD WP	8	36	199.99
Lite	Nikon	Prostaff 7s	8	30	259.99
Lite	Vortex	DiamondBack HD	8	32	299.00
Lite	Zeiss	Terra ED	8	32	629.99
Lite	Nikon	Monarch M7	8	30	669.99
Standard	Bushnell	H2O Waterproof	8	42	139.99
Standard	Nikon	Prostaff 3s	8	42	179.99
Standard	Pentax	SD	8	42	259.99
Standard	Nikon	Prostaff 7s	8	42	269.99
Standard	Vortex	DiamondBack HD	8	42	359.00
Standard	Nikon	Monarch M5	8	42	459.99
Standard	Vortex	Viper HD	8	42	689.00
Standard	Nikon	Monarch M7	8	42	699.99
Standard	Zeiss	Terra ED	8	42	699.99
Mid	Vortex	Raptor	10	32	169.00
Mid	Vortex	DiamondBack HD	10	32	319.00
Full	Nikon	Prostaff 3s	10	42	189.99
Full	Nikon	Prostaff 7s	10	42	284.99
Full	Vortex	DiamondBack HD	10	42	369.00
Full	Nikon	Monarch M5	10	42	479.99
Full	Vortex	Viper HD	10	42	699.00
Full	Nikon	Monarch M7	10	42	729.99
Full	Zeiss	Terra ED	10	42	749.99