2024 OPTICS ALLEY
Optics Alley will be open 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. May 3-12, 2024
NEW IN 2024!
Optics & Photography Workshops at Optics Alley!
Scroll down for the schedule.
If you're interested in binoculars, scopes, or cameras, then the Biggest Week's Optics Alley is THE place to be this spring! So many dealers, so many experts, so many great deals! You don't have to register for the festival to take advantage of all the great things Optics Alley will offer!
This year, the Optics Alley tent will be located past BSBO and around the corner on the Magee Marsh road (the same location as 2023). Watch for the large banner and be sure to stop by to try an impressive variety of binoculars, spotting scopes, camera gear, and MUCH MORE!
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Optics Alley Vendors Include:
This is a current list. We are still adding more!
New in 2024 Optics Alley mini-workshops
These FREE workshops offer participants the opportunity to learn from the experts in the field! No registration required, just show up and enjoy!
Date: May 3-11 Time: 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Fee: Free! Location: Optics Alley tent, Magee Marsh Wildlife Area, near Visitors Center Registration: None required - just be there at the time shown and enjoy! Friday, May 3: Vortex 10 a.m. and Swarovski 1 p.m. Saturday, May 4: Celestron 10 a.m. and Bushnell 1 p.m. Sunday, May 5: Hawke 10 a.m. and Kowa 1 p.m. Monday, May 6: Zeiss 10 a.m. and Vortex 1 p.m. Tuesday, May 7: Leica 10 a.m. and Vanguard 1 p.m. Wednesday, May 8: Bushnell 10 a.m. and Zeiss 1 p.m. Thursday, May 9: Leica 10 a.m. and Kowa 1 p.m. Friday, May 10: OM System 10 a.m. and Swarovski 1 p.m. Saturday, May 11: Hawke 10 a.m. and Zeiss 1 p.m. |
Exploring the Natural World 24/7 with Thermal Cameras
Presented by Rich Moncrief of Zeiss
Thermal cameras open a whole new world of nature exploration with their use not being limited to daylight hours. They can be used for a wide variety of nature observation activities whether at 2:00 P.M. in the afternoon or 2:00 A.M. in the morning. Whether you are a new or experienced birder, ornithologist, researcher, scientist, or someone who just enjoys all aspects of the natural world, join us to learn about the potential to extend the limits of nature exploration through these amazing devices!
Thermal cameras open a whole new world of nature exploration with their use not being limited to daylight hours. They can be used for a wide variety of nature observation activities whether at 2:00 P.M. in the afternoon or 2:00 A.M. in the morning. Whether you are a new or experienced birder, ornithologist, researcher, scientist, or someone who just enjoys all aspects of the natural world, join us to learn about the potential to extend the limits of nature exploration through these amazing devices!
Rich Moncrief is the Manager of New Business Development for nature and Observation and is proud to have been with ZEISS over 22 years in a variety of roles. His passion in ZEISS is advocating for the Birding and Nature communities in product development and community support. Rich is a self-described “adequate birder” but really enjoys championing the conservation causes that support birds and birding.
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The World's First Smart Binocular - the AX Visio
Presented by Clay Taylor of Swarovski
What is it, how does it work, and why do I simply HAVE to have it? These questions and more will be answered. Clay Taylor became a birder in the mid-1970s, both watching and photographing birds in the Northeastern United States. One of his highlights of spring migration at that time was the passage of the Wood Warblers, many of which wintered in Central and South America and nested in Canada. They were fascinating to watch and challenging to photograph. Today, 45 years later, he still enjoys photographing the warblers, using a Swarovski Optik spotting scope and a DSLR camera. Clay likes to take images where you see the personality of the birds, acting and reacting to the real world, taken in true field conditions – no photo blinds with water drips, or background manipulations. |
Digiscoping made easy with Hawke
Always dreamt of taking photos of your day out, to share and keep? Well, it’s never been easier to put your smart phone onto your spotting scope, monocular or binocular using the New Hawke Smartphone adaptor.
Come along to the Hawke workshops to see how simple these new adaptors are, and to test them out on your own equipment. Best picture of the session will win a Hawke goodie bag! |
Opening the door to the world of birding
Presented by Donald Ditzenberger of Vortex
Join Vortex representative Donald Ditzenberger and learn how to choose the best beginner optics. Whether you’re looking to pick up a new hobby, or if you want to spark a love of nature and birding for your kids, we’ll teach you how to pick out the perfect optics to start your lifelong journey. Donal Ditzenberger is the representative for Vortex and a binocular expert. He's a new birder himself and knows what birders of all ages are looking for in an entry level binocular. |
Binocular Basics for Birding and Beyond
Presented by John Riutta of Celestron
Join self-described binocular evangelist John Riutta for this gentle introduction to the world of binoculars. You’ll learn many handy tips for selecting the right binoculars, caring for your new optics, and getting the most enjoyment from your instrument on every birding excursion. Whether you’re planning to buy your first binocular soon or already own one and want to learn more about it, John’s workshop will leave you feeling confident and well-equipped to explore the wonders of the outdoors up close with clarity and ease. John E. Riutta has been developing binoculars for optics manufacturers for over two and a half decades. He is the product development manager for binoculars, spotting scopes, and optical microscopes for Celestron, as well as that company’s product compliance manager. An avid naturalist and natural history book reviewer (he founded and publishes The Well-read Naturalist), John is particularly enthusiastic about educating people on how optical instruments, like binoculars, can enhance our appreciation of nature and improve our understanding of the world around us. |
Digiscoping Tips & Tricks
A Few Bird Photography Tips with OM System
Presented by Mike Amico of OM System
Join OM System Rep Mike Amico as he shares a few tips to go from birder to bird photographer. Mike will share some basic tips and basic camera settings to help you capture that special image! Mike Amico is an OM SYSTEM representative, who specializes in bird and nature photography. He hails from Ohio and loves to educate new photographers. |