Search results for: outdoors buying guide
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by Christopher Witt · Posted
In the comments for one of my other binocular articles, a reader pointed out that I had neglected to suggest binoculars for children. In response, we’re publishing this piece that is devoted strictly to kids, and will deal with the different types of optics we offer here at B&H: binoculars, spotting scopes, and microscopes. Buying for children presents a complicated set of contradictory ideas. You don’t want to spend too much on them because they tend to
by Joseph Albanese · Posted
For some, there is nothing better than cooking directly over an open fire. Fire can be mesmerizing—I challenge you to look away from the campfire when there’s one near. You can’t, and no one else in your party will be able to either. The way the flames dance seems to transfix all those whose gaze happens to fall upon it. There is certainly is something about the crackling roar wood gives off as it succumbs to the flames surrounding it, transforming into embers. And wood smoke definitely has a certain appeal to it, as well; the way it cloaks
by Christopher Witt · Posted
The vast open expanse of our country has inarguably bred a culture that craves the open road. From our first expansion west over the Appalachians, to breaking out across the plains and prairies, then the final push over the Rockies, we yearn for the wind in our faces that harks back to galloping on a trusted steed over a boundless sea of grass. That’s our culture—our heritage—and our mythology.
For many of us, from New York to Los Angeles, we end up sitting in traffic trying to avoid texting jerks drifting into our lanes, potholes, or
by Christopher Witt · Posted
When you’re ready to take your astrophotography to new dimensions, you’re likely going to need optical tubes and mounts specifically designed for what you want to accomplish. While other brands, such as Celestron, are household names in the industry, there is a lesser-known brand that specializes in purpose-built gear for astronomers and imagers who require precision equipment: Sky-Watcher.
Mounts
Star Adventurer
Since Sky Watcher is primarily geared toward astrophotographers, it should come as no surprise that the company offers a photo
by Christopher Witt · Posted
I went to my first NFL game when I was about 14 years old—and I went with a group of fairly affluent people who were also raging superfans. We drove to the game in a purpose-bought touring van with a custom interior, complete with a team-matched color scheme, a refrigerator, card table with six swiveling captain’s chairs, a hot plate, and microwave. As a naïve kid who wasn’t that much into football, I figured going to the game like that was the exception rather than the rule. Then we got to the parking lot and, boy, was I wrong.
by Morgan Lyle · Posted
Camping is supposed to be different from being at home. We choose to do without creature comforts like heated rooms, Wi-Fi, and a stocked fridge because the whole idea is to live, for a time, out in the natural world.
Even so, a few trappings of civilization are necessary for comfort and survival. We need protection from thirst, hunger, and the elements. These things are not hard to accomplish: wear the right clothes, arrange for a tent or similar shelter, and carry (or filter) water, food, and some basic cooking gear.
At the end of the day,
by Ryan Zanoni · Posted
It is 2015 and, still, a staggering 90-95% of the Earth’s oceans remain unexplored. This seems unbelievable, given the incredible advancements we’ve seen in technology over the years, and the fact that we’ve even explored the Moon and planets in some detail. Indeed, it has been said that we know more about the surface of the Moon or Mars than about the ocean floor. How is it that the vast majority of the ocean, which makes up 70% of our own planet, is as yet undiscovered? It speaks to the sheer vastness and depth of the underwater realm. It
by Joseph Albanese · Posted
Knives were among the first tools fashioned by humans. Using flint or obsidian, prehistoric craftsmen knapped sharp edges from these soft stones using harder ones. By fracturing the stone, they could shape blades that could be used as crude knives or axes for preparing food or building shelters. Sharing a similar design, these basic tools evolved to become spearheads and arrowheads. As time went on, techniques were improved, and stone blades were refined and improved upon. The more advanced of these could feature animal skins wound around part
by Ryan Zanoni · Posted
Whether your area of interest is hunting, studying, observation, or surveillance, a trail camera can be a helpful tool for capturing close-up photos and video of wildlife or other people, remotely and discreetly. Get clear, detailed images of animals without running the risk of scaring them off, or monitor the exterior of your property for intruders. Strap a camera to a tree or post and set it to take shots automatically while you go about your business elsewhere. When you return, you’ll have great shots that would have been extremely
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Seven by fifty. That is all you need to know. Almost. The classic size of binoculars for marine use is 7x50. This means that they have 7x magnification and the objective lenses are 50mm in diameter. There are three characteristics of the 7x50 binoculars that make them attractive for marine use: conservative magnification, large objective size, and generous exit pupil size.
Many binocular shoppers, regardless of the planned use for their optics, start off
by Sara Lovelace · Posted
Safety first. Remember that great little phrase? Even children know that safety comes first. But do you feel that way when it comes to your electronics and camera gear? What about when you aren't using them—do you keep them in a safe place? Do you have other valuables that you would like to hide and keep secure, but perhaps you have limited space? A high-tech safe may be the perfect safety solution for you. One of the following fantastic safes can keep your valuables and your most precious treasure—your camera gear—secure, yet quickly
by Christopher Witt · Posted
Many lay people and beginners believe, somewhat naïvely, that they have a pretty good understanding of microscopes. However, like many scientific instruments, microscopes come in many shapes and forms, with varying levels of intricacy and accuracy. And—much like many of the tools that have been around for centuries—as technology has advanced, so have microscopes. In this buyer’s guide, we’re going to discuss the many iterations of today’s microscopes, and look at the people and professions who rely on these instruments. Along the way, we’ll