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Optical Instruments for the Observation of Nature - BirdForum Opus

Optical Instruments for the Observation of Nature

This is an English translation of a book written in German by Klaus-Dieter Linsmeier, and distributed free by Swarovski Optik North America (SONA). It is primer on optics and all optical instruments.


Content and images originally posted by elkcub

Reviews

elkcub's review

Glancing at the cover your first thought might be that this book is filled with promotional material, touting Swarovski products, marginalizing the competition, and so forth.

Absolutely not! This 70 pg. package of dynamite is actually the nicest primer I have ever seen about optical history, theory, product design, R&D, market needs, manufacturing processes, and field uses for telescopes, binoculars and rifle scopes. Other than a few pictures of Swarovski products (without even model names) the treatise is exceptionally educational and broadly applicable. I think experts and novices alike would find it hard to fault any of the technical material, which eloquently summarizes a great deal of what is discussed on BF every day.

The book was authored by Klaus-Dieter Linsmeier in collaboration with Swarovski Optik KG, and then translated to beautiful English by a Dr. Herrlinger. Apparently the book is only distributed by Swarovski and not sold over the counter (at least in the USA).

Okay, so what is the price of admission? Absolutely nothing. All you have to do is call 1-800-426-3089 and ask for the book to be sent to you. Stock # 60253. I inquired first if it would be OK for me to post this information, and was told it would be perfectly fine. Fair enough: � thank you Swarovski.

I would be very surprised if there were not several posts concerning the value of this free little book. Do enjoy it.

Pros

  • Objective primer on optics and instruments

Cons

  • None

Rob_777's review

Thank you for the information about this book and how to obtain it.

Ordered it from Swarovski yesterday and lo and behold, it arrived this morning.

Found this review whilst using the search facility (all I seem to do here).

Many thanks for the info.

I have tried to edit this post to indicate the price paid=free; but it doesn't seem to want to do it.

So, to reiterate - this book is free.

Paskman's review

Ordered it online from Swarovski UK. It arrived the next day, great service. I cannot recommend it highly enough to anyone interested in optics.

Pros

  • Free
  • detailed explanation of optical principals

Cons

  • None
  • it was free!

gmax's review

I agree with what has been reported here ... this book helped my understanding of how light works and how a lens is made, Recommended! One more thing: I must praise this brand's service: very kind and extremely fast shipping .. for free!

ggirino's review

gmax,

    I live in NW Italy and would really like to know how to get this book. Can you help?

Thanks,

    Lino
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