Optics aficionados and fans of Steiner Binoculars are very familiar with the Steiner Peregrine Binoculars.  They probably became even more familiar in 2008 when the Steiner Peregrine XP were awarded the “Optic of the Year” award by American Hunter Magazine.  This high end binocular comes in two variants: Steiner 10x44 Peregrine XP Binoculars 814, and Steiner 8x44 Peregrine XP Binoculars 804.  These binoculars feature some of the most cutting edge attributes available, which makes them useful as both bird watching binoculars and hunting binoculars.
The Peregrine binoculars XP by Steiner use lightweight magnesium housing as well as Steiner’s unique nitrogen purging and pressurization system to keep water out.  These are one of the most waterproof binoculars available.  From an optics standpoint, you cannot help but smile.  44mm objective lenses mean that you will be receiving plenty of light.  The specially coated 30 mm ocular lens alongside XP Lens Technology mean that focusing time will be minimal for both up close and distant objects.  In addition, the new specifications offer the user an unusually high depth of field, uncommon with roof prism binoculars and extremely advantageous in low light bird watching.
Once you get your hands on these binoculars, you will not want to let go.  The new ergonomically designed body, and the durable protective rubber covering give these binoculars a very sturdy feel.
How do you decide which of these German Binoculars to buy?  As always, Optics Planet Inc. recommends purchasing products that fit your needs.  The same way you do not need a sledge hammer to drive in a thumb tac, you do not need extra magnification if you plan on observing from relatively close distances.  If this is the case, you should get the Steiner 8x44 Peregrine XP Binoculars 804 because their magnification is smaller.  There are advantages to having lower power binoculars; a wide field of view is one of them.  At 1,000 yards, the Peregrine XP 804 have a 390 feet FOV, while the Peregrine XP 814 Binoculars have a field of view of 328 feet.  Also, 8x magnification results in a larger exit pupil which translates to a slightly brighter picture.  Finally, the 8x Peregrine Binoculars are easier to focus because they are less sensitive to the slight trembling in your arm when peering through them.  Do not be discouraged from buying the 10x Peregrine Binoculars.  These are extremely powerful binoculars for bird watching, and in the right hands can yield a spectacular image.  Just keep in mind that they are more difficult for novices to use as birding binoculars.

The ATN Thermal-Eye X50 is an entry level ATN thermal imager.  Thermal imagers detect heat signatures from all objects generating more heat than their surroundings.  You may recognize the use of this technology from the show “Cops.”  After the drunk driver crashes into a tree, he emerges from his car and tries to escape the police.  Little does he know that soaring above is a police helicopter equipped with a powerful thermal imager capable of pinpointing his location no matter where he runs.  Thermal imaging cameras let you harness the same power for your purposes.  The Thermal-Eye X 50 by ATN serves a variety of purposes:
•Firefighters can find victims in low visibility and smoky conditions.  Also, after a fire is extinguished, firefighters can quickly identify the remaining hotspots.
•Rescuers can detect casualties in rubble for faster search and rescue.
•Law Enforcement officers can spot criminals trying to escape the law.
•Military officers can use thermal imaging for any of the above purposes and others

Comparable in price to a Gen 2 Night Vision unit, the ATN Thermal-Eye X50 offers certain advantages over conventional nocturnal imaging devices.   Because it is impossible to hide a heat signature, neither a camouflaged fugitive, nor a coyote in the brush can go undetected from this thermal imager.  In fact, the ATN Thermal Eye is so sensitive that it can read your palm print on the surface of a table after you have removed your hand, or the heat generated from the friction from under your footstep.  It can even be used to identify heat leaks in areas of your house; this can save you hundreds of dollars on your heating bills.  Despite the high level of sensitivity, this thermal camera is immune to the bloom effects of bright lights typical of Night Vision Devices.  Another interesting distinction between the thermal imaging devices and traditional night vision devices is that the X50 has an output which can be connected to or recorded on a television or computer.  The point is, this thermal imaging camera is very sensitive, and has a wide variety of useful applications.  If you think this device can be useful to you, and you have the money to invest, you should seriously consider the ATN Thermal-Eye X-50 Thermal Imaging Camera as an alternative or accompaniment to your NVDs.

Do not forget that thermal cameras require two commercial AA batteries, either lithium batteries or alkaline batteries.

The Swiss Army knife with cigar cutter by Wenger is a favorite knife by far! It has everything you need whether you're going hunting, birding, or just relaxing outdoors. The unique feature, which really gives this butterfly knife a great spin, is the cigar cutter with double-honed edges. It is really a great folding knife to have because nobody would carry around bulky cigar cutters. When you travel to your summer home and want to unwind, your cigar cutting needs are all taken care of by your Wenger Swiss Pocket Knife 16881. The bright red color is easy to spot if you drop it in the forest while you're camping or lose it in your oversized hiking bag. The Wenger Cigars Cutter also comes with 2.4" springless self-sharpening scissors, which never fail their job. The corkscrew is always there to keep your romantic getaway truly romantic. Or, if you're on a more laid-back trip, the Wenger Army Knife has your back with built in can opener and can lifter capabilities. Furthermore, this survival knife is really a life saver and if you're ever in a tight spot, the Wenger will help you out with reamer, awl, patented locking screwdriver, and wire stripper features. This custom knife is so versatile and unisex that it even comes with tweezers, a toothpick, and an all-purpose 2.5" blade. The Wenger Swiss Pocket Knife Cigar Cutter also comes in stainless steel (16630) and stainless steel/leather (16886) versions.

In addition to Wenger Swiss Pocket Knives Cigar Cutter with Scissors, make sure to check out Wenger Watches and other Wenger products offered in our store.

The Steiner 8x30 Predator Binoculars are light-weight, yet their built feels like a tank. Holding them is a pleasure because the durability and solid construction is instantaneously obvious. They are very functional and the affordable price makes it a great deal. The predator coating effectively phases out green foliage and visually emphasizes brown and red. This feature is exceptional for hunters and birders who need high-contrast lenses to spot wildlife. In addition, 8x30 magnification is optimal for these hobbies.

It is a common misconception that more is better, but for hunting and birding that is not the case. Do not be fooled into buying 10x and higher magnification binoculars unless you are planning on using a tripod. The magnification with the 10x power pair will be higher but you will not be able to stabilize the binocular to get a clear image. The 8x30 version allows you to hold the binoculars in your hands or hang it around your neck using a binocular neck strap. You can even place the lightweight binoculars in your coat pocket. Focusing time is eliminated because this Steiner 8x30 Binocular pair features German-engineered auto focus technology. Aesthetically, Steiner binoculars offer an unmistakable profile that has become a custom after decades of use by the US Armed Forces.

All Steiner products offer quality and durability to its users. For all current Steiner promotions please visit the Steiner Rebates page.

ATN Night Spirit Gen 2+ Upgrades and Delivers

There has never been a better time to try out the ATN Night Spirit Gen 2+ night vision monocular because now it comes standard with a 3X magnification lens. This is a significant improvement over the original specification which included only a 1X lens. Additionally, you can acquire the optional 5X lens for maximum magnification. While this modification will certainly increase the detail of what is seen, the old adage concerning Night Vision is remains true: additional magnification will not let you see farther. The reason is that NVDs project an image in front of your eyes, like a television screen. Holding a magnifying glass to a TV will let you see in more detail, but it will not let you see deeper into the picture. Do not listen to anyone that tells you otherwise; they are just trying to get you to buy.

This monocular by ATN is unusually durable, water resistant , and the dim infra-red illuminator is a nice touch for total darkness. Night vision super-magnifies a small amount of light which means there needs to be some sort of light source. When there is none, the attached infra-red serves as a nearly undetectable light source as long as you do not shine it directly into someone's eyes. Overall, this ATN Night Vision Device is a great monocular for someone looking for a gen 2 product.

Here are a few more strengths of the ATN Night Spirit:

• Very affordable relative to competitors
• Camera adaptable
• 3X lens with optional 5x lens
• CD is included with genuinely useful information and tutorial

Keep in mind that 2nd Generation NVDs are generally used for law enforcement and other professional functions. Before purchasing this product, make sure that it fits your needs. Although Gen 1 products are less powerful than their Gen 2 counterparts, they are the most widely used Night Vision devices. You have heard the famous expression before: "The right night vision monocular for the right person!"

You are going hunting. You picked the perfect day, your license is current, and your firearm is ready. You double check your equipment and everything is in order. Despite your preperation, you come home empty-handed. Has this ever happened to you? It does not have to. You will have a significantly easier time finding game with the Steiner 10x26 Predator Pro Binoculars 236.

How do these binoculars actually help you? The Steiner Predator Pro Binoculars have some of the strongest contrast-creating PC-5 coating available. When you peer through them, the foliage blends into the background, effectively emphasizing your targets. Unless you are hunting green parrots or iguanas (which I am assuming you are not), you will have no trouble sighting game. This gives you an enormous edge over other hunters.

The Steiner Predator Pro Binoculars are a great choice even if you are not going hunting. Take them hiking, climbing, or sight-seeing. They are remarkably light-weight, convenient, and durable. They come with a Steiner Guarenteed Limited 10 Year Warranty. Trust me, you will not be needing it. These German-made binoculars have a strong aluminum housing and are covered with rugged armor that gives them a firm grip. They come with a very protective carrying case for maximum durability. I also love the fact that the focus knob is big, which lets your turn it even if your fingers are freezing and numb. Did I mention that they are waterproof? That is right, the Steiner Predator Pro Binoculars are the ultimate companion for all your adventures.

When it comes to industrial strength flashlights, no one compares with SureFire.  Compact, rugged, powerful, reliable, and efficient, Surefire flashlights have every desirable characteristic a police officer, emergency personnel, or outdoor professional could ask for. If it’s good enough for people whose lives depend on SureFire’s performance, believe me, it’s good. 

SureFire 6P Original Compact Flashlight

You'll be surprised how something so small can produce so much light! Imagine 65 lumen eminating out of a 5.20 inch compact flashlight. It's pretty intense. But, it's nothing when you use the P61 ultra high-output lamp which will nearly double the brightness to 120 lumen. It's definitely bright enough to use for self defense and tactical purposes, as well as for daily use. Don't forget to add these flashlight batteries to your order: Surefire 123A Lithium Batteries.

SureFire G3-BK Nitrolon Xenon Tactical Flashlight

At 6.50 inches, the SureFire G3-BK Nitrolon fits in the palm of your hand. It's only a little larger than the 6P, but the additional size definitely packs a punch. This tactical flashlight outputs at 105 lumen, making it one of the brightest flashlights available for its size. It's fun to see just how far this light will shine, but don't get carried away. As if this wasn't enough, output nearly doubles when you use the P91 ultra high-output lamp to 200 lumen. Like the 6P Original Compact Flashlight, it's useful for self defense, tactical purposes, or daily use. You will need these flashlight batteries to operate: Surefire123A Lithium Batteries. Happy shining!

SureFire G2 LED Flashlight

This one is my personal favorites because it is one of the best LED Flash lights available. The SureFire G2 LED Flashlight is capable of producing up to 80 lumen of light using a nearly indestructable LED light. Here's the beauty. There's no filament to burn out, so this light will last for thousands of hours. Think about it, you'll never have to spend money replacing the bulb, and you know you won't get caught in an emergency without a working flashlight. That is, if you have batteries. Speaking of which, for long lasting use, pair the G2 light with the Surefire 123A Lithium Batteries.