Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunting Optics SHOT Show Report 2018 from Doug @ Camera Land

Today was the opening day of SHOT Show. Very excited to see what's new, who's new, and what exciting products are being shown for the first time. As we have in the past we are looking to expand our offerings this year, if there's something great to add. Looking forward to what this week will bring.
We have added a SHOT Show Page on our Home Page so please check it out.
2017 was a very interesting year for us. We added Athlon,AimCam, GPO and Konus to the stable of brands that we carry. We feel all of these were great additions. Companies that bring quality products, great customer service and value to their brands.
Day 1:
My first meeting this year was with Leica. I wasn't sure what to expect as last year Terry Moore, long standing icon of Leica Sports Optics retired after SHOT. Thankfully and brilliantly, Leica promoted from within and my long time friend Brian was put in charge of Sports Optics. It's great when we can continue working with folks that we've built relationships with over years and in this case decades
They showed the new members of their Geovid family, the Geovid HD-B 3000 and HD-R 2700. This new line of Geovid binoculars offer the longest range of any Class 1 laser product, a completely new LED display with decimal figures, new symbols, Micro SD Card Programming and extremely fast scanning modes.
We discussed customer service as this has been a hot button topic. Last year they tripled the staff and in 2018 they will be doubling that. They are putting Care back into Customer Care. When any product is sent in for service the customer will be contacted in 1-2 business days. They are on a mission to be #1 in service. So happy about this.
Stop # 2 of the morning was with Athlon Sports Optics and to say I was excited would be an understatement. We opened up with Athlon towards the end of 2017 and they have entered our offerings by storm. They offer a line of both Hunting and Tactical Riflescopes, Binoculars, Red-Dots and Spotting Scopes. The interesting thing about Athlon is that they have many parallel products to other very popular brands and manage to offer their items for 20-40% lower priced than the competition without cutting corners. Great quality, great customer service, great variety of offerings and lower prices. Hmmmmmm. The reason I was so excited is that I've been working with these guys for a few months but have never met them. Time to put faces with the voices that I've been working closely with on the phone for the past few months.
New Product announcements include:
Riflescopes
Cronus BTR (Tactical)
210200 1-6x24, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 24mm, ATSR2 SFP IR MOA Reticle $1,099.99
210108 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm,APLR FFP IR MOA Reticle $1,799.99
210110B 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS FFP IR MIL Reticle (Brown) $1,799.99
210108B 4.5-29x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APLR FFP IR MOA Reticle (Brown) $1,799.99
Ares ETR (Tactical)
212100 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle $1,199.99
212101 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS2 FFP IR MOA Reticle $1,199.99
212100B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APRS1 FFP IR MIL Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99
212101B 4.5-30x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 34mm, APLR2 FFP IR MOA Reticle (Brown) $1,199.99
Midas TAC (Tactical)
213070 4-16x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, APRS2 FFP MIL Reticle $589.99
213075 6-24x50, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, APRS2 FFP MIL Reticle $629.99
Midas HMR **NEW FOR 2018**
213050 2.5-15x50, Capped, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, AHMR IR MOA $489.99
213051 2.5-15x50, Capped, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, IR BDC600A $489.99
Argos BTR (Tactical)
214070 10-40x56, Direct Dial, Side Focus, 30mm, SFP, BLR MOA $399.99
Neos
216010 4-12x40, Capped , Side Focus, 1 inch, SFP, 22 RimFire $139.99
Spotting Scopes
Cronus
311003 Cronus Tactical 7-42x60 ED with Ranging Reticle (Grey) $999.99
311003T Cronus Tactical 7-42x60 ED with Ranging Reticle (Tan) $999.99
Laser Rangefinder
Ares
501001 2000Y Rangefinder (Grey) $449.99
Midas
502003 1 Mile Rangefinder (Grey) $369.99
For those of you not familiar with Athlon please check out:
Argos BTR Riflescope Review posted by a Ballistics Analyst with the NYPD
Ares Spotting Scope Review from a customer who purchased one
I told them I'd like to be able to offer an exciting "get the brand out there" promotion and we worked out a slammin' deal for you.
Argos 2-10x40 reduced from $249.99 to only $199.99
Argos 3-15x40 reduced from $279.99 to only $219.99
Argos 4-20x50 reduced from $319.99 to only $249.99
Argos 6-30x56 reduced from $349.99 to only $269.99
These are for sure a best buy opportunity. Check out these scopes and you'll be thrilled you did.
Next stop Kowa . For those of you who read my report each year you may recall that my friend Paul joined Kowa right before SHOT last year. We had a slow start of things working together, however, we managed to get together on some great promotions in 2017 and together we got the Kowa name out there to more than just the birding community. There was this Kowa Genesis 8x33 vs Swarovski 8x32 EL Binoculars review posted on SnipersHide that woke a few folks up to the fact that Kowa has some notably optics.
Their TSN-55mm Compact Spotting Scope was released towards the end of 2017 and was a huge success. Super high quality in a tiny lightweight package. I'd put this scope up against pretty much any 65mm spotter and you'll choose the Kowa for quality and the size and weight are sooooo tiny.
From Kowa I headed on over to Hawke. Every year I tell myself I will wait for the floor plan to be released so I can make my appointments intelligently (without having to run from end to end or downstairs to upstairs and then back down and over again). Oh well, maybe next year, lol
So, Hawke.....
We first met with and brought Hawke on board at SHOT 2016. We did not do a great deal with them in 2016, however, that certainly changed in 2017. Their Endurance Series Binoculars and riflescopes were a very big seller for us and we received amazing feedback from our customers. Great optics for the surprisingly low pricing.
This year looks exciting with new products being released.
Their Frontier line was enhanced with FFP and Tactical Turrets. They revamped the Endurance line with longer eye-relief and a wide angle optical system in 13 new models. The Vantage includes 3 new wide-angle 30mm riflescope models, while the Sidewinder line has been enhanced with 2 FFP models to expand the offering their long range model offerings.
I am very excited about Hawkes commitment to the industry and their customers. Listening to what folks have been asking for and responding with upgrades in their already successful product lines. All while keeping their pricing realistic.
I did give them some crap about their lack of marketing for their Spotting Scopes & LaserRangefinders as most people aren't even aware that they offer them. Which is a pity because their Spotting Scopes have eye relief of up to 20mm which is way better than almost everything else on the market and for folks wearing glasses this is HUGE.
Next in my crazy busy morning was Leupold . Mid-2017 the Leupold representative that I had been working with for a couple of years left the company and I was assigned a new guy. Those of you who know me can imagine how I reacted, lol. As it turned out I was upgraded
In September Dan made a trip to NY to meet with me and we had an extensive meeting covering everything from product availability issues, customer service and the direction he saw Leupold going and our involvement with that. He seemed genuinely interested in growing the company and taking it beyond what it is. There's growing pains as with any company that's been around a long time as there's constant changes within and all around. I understand this better than most as Camera Land entered its 61st year this past November and things have definitely changed since we opened in 1957.
New product announcements include:
The Mark 5HD. You can click here for the full announcement and details and their VX-Freedom. The VX-Freedom is a replacement for the VX-1's and VX-2's and it seems to be a decent scope. Running $199.99 - $299.99 it's a nice entry level scope worth checking out.
Last stop today was with great friends at Swarovski & Kahles . We've been a Swarovski dealer for a couple of decades now so it's great seeing all the folks here. A few have been here a long time and the only time I get to see them is here at SHOT so I really look forward to catching up. OH, and I get to see all the new toys.
2017 was a great year at Camera Land for both Swarovski & Kahles. Our sale grew with Swarovski Spotting Scopes and their Z3 Riflescopes. The Kahles Riflescopes were impossible to keep up with as stock was difficult to come by and once we received a delivery it sold out rather quickly.
New announcements include:
KAHLES K318i Ultrashort: "The K318i is perfection packed into an ultrashort housing. To achieve highest performance standards despite short-build design it took many years of development and the latest technologies. The optical system with it's wide field of view and a brilliant, exceptional high contrast image sets new standards for ultrashort riflescopes". Please click here for all the detail on this new scope This scope is a serious offering by Kahles and I think it will be a very big seller for them.
Swarovski announced their new CL Companion binoculars click this link for details . They made it small and light and when I put it up to my eyes the ease and comfort of view was amazing. It's available in 8x30 and 10x30 with your choice of 3 different style cases. Very nice addition to their line-up.
I cannot believe I scheduled so many meetings for the first day. You'd have thought I would have learned after all these years coming here. Once again I will say.....Never again.
Remembering from years past how great it felt on my dried out throat I stopped on the way back to my room for an ice cream cone. I went with a double scoop, Vanilla and Caramel and it was as great as it was last year.
OK, Day 1 done. Tomorrow is another day
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SHOT Show Report - Day Two:

I'll never understand why I load up appointments the first day

Yesterday while walking between meetings I stopped by and set up a morning meeting for today with Vanguard Optics . I had met with them a few years ago and wasn't blown away with their offerings and never did anything. Lately there has been a bunch of threads about their spotting scopes being a nice quality and great value and I do know they have a nice tripod line so I decided to take another peek at what they've got.
They have some appealing offerings in riflescopes (nothing really unique) but the Spotting Scopes do seem nice and they are very competatively priced.
I arranged to meet with their sales rep next week back to the store to discuss opening up with them.
Anyone who has feedback on Vanguard please share it with me.

From here I walked over to Konus ; . We signed here at SHOT last year with Konus as we were looking for a decent quality inexpensive option to offer. Their Riflescopes start at under $50.00 for a 4x32 and they have excellent Spotting Scopes all under $350.00. No, their not Euro quality, however, their Konus Pro KonuSpot-70 20x-60x70 #7121B for about $200.00, which includes a Table Top Tripod, Camera Adapter, Carrying Case, Lens Cleaning Cloth and Smart Phone Adapter is an amazing range scope and it pretty freekin' clear. WAY better than I expected for the price.
I saw a couple of interesting optics....
KonusPro M-30 1-6X24:
1-6x24
Engraved reticle with dual illumination
Finger adjustable tactical turret
1/2 MOA adjustments
only $250.00
Sight-Pro PTS2 3x30:
3x magnification
1/3 MOA click adjustment Turrets
Integrated Tri-Rail System
Red/Blue illumination
$150.00
Again, not the best of the best but for sure the best of the lower priced offerings.
Going to the other end of the Optics Universe I headed over to Schmidt & Bender to finally meet Lisa after about a decade of speaking with her on the phone. Sometimes that's just the way it is. You build these great working relationships with folks strictly over the phone for years and then finally get to put a face with the voice. FWIW, Lisa has been the greatest point person. Helpful, knowledgeable and a workaholic which is perfect for me as she is always responsive to my endless e-mails. For those of you familiar with Schmidt & Bender you know that every scope is available in more flavors than Baskin and Robbins offers and getting it right takes a degree from S&B University, or at least that's how it seems.
The new for 2018 I saw are:
3-21x50 Competition Hunting Scope. Improved daytime illumination, 7 power zoom, 34mm tube, auto-off, ST, LT, ZS, CT, DT, MT
1-8x24 PM II Short Dot CC. 8 power zoom, 30mm tube, Illuminated, D, CC, MTC, LT ZS.
These scopes feature Multi-Functional Turrets for Windage and Elevation. MT II at elevation position and DT II at the windage position.
Lever allows switching between locking mode, MTC mode and non-MTC mode with window indicator. Different click values available (0.1 mil, 0.05 mil, 1/4 MOA or 1/10 MOA for both elevation as well as windage turret. Depending on model elevation up to 39.5 mrad or 78 MOA and windage +/- 6.5 mrad or +/- 13 MOA. Visible and tactile indicator for every rotation of the turret.
From here I was off to Flir which was another new brand for us in Mid-2017.
From their website, for those of you who have no idea who Flir is:
"FLIR Systems, Inc. designs, develops, manufactures, markets, and distributes technologies that enhance perception and awareness. We bring innovative sensing solutions into daily life through our thermal imaging systems, visible-light imaging systems, locator systems, measurement and diagnostic systems, and advanced threat detection systems. Our products improve the way people interact with the world around them, enhance public safety and well-being, increase energy efficiency, and enable healthy and entertained communities."
That certainly clears up who Flir is, right? lol
OH, how I love my job.
Here's a bit more off of their site:
"See the world in a whole new light with FLIR’s outdoor thermal imagers. Compact and light weight they’re easy to pack and easy to use, giving you a clear view of what’s around you regardless of how much light is out there. Spot wildlife, keep track of other hikers, and make sure you’re still on that overgrown trail – FLIR imagers make life in the outdoors even better."
"The missions may change, but one thing remains the same: your trust in your gear must be absolute. FLIR’s wide range of tactical optics are mission-tested and combat-proven to keep officers safer. Using cutting edge thermal imaging technology that makes images from differences in heat, not light, they give you a clear tactical advantage, day and night."
"Whatever you’re looking to do—track big game, stop predators from harming your livestock, or find a member of your hunting party in the woods—FLIR thermal vision will help you get it done. Packing the latest in thermal imaging tech that makes images from heat instead of light, you’ll be able to see more of your surroundings than ever."
Basically, if you want the worlds best in Thermal Imaging Optics look no farther than Flir.
I saw some wicked cool products:
Breach PTQ136: "Built for the rigors of law enforcement, the FLIR Breach PTQ136 spots the heat of suspects and objects in total darkness. Featuring the new FLIR Boson core and a compact design, the FLIR Breach offers unmatched tactical awareness. Weighing only 7.4 ounces (210 grams), the FLIR Breach can be concealed in a pocket or mounted to a helmet with its mini-rail feature, while adding minimal weight to officers’ heavy gear. Additional features include onboard recording and seven palettes for fast detection of suspects or evidence, day or night."
ThermoSight Pro PTS: "Invasive wildlife control specialists and tactical professionals understand the significant benefits of thermal imaging technology. Many have gone without this unique capability, however, because buying the best thermal imaging weapon sight is an expensive proposition.
The FLIR ThermoSight Pro Series weapon sights, a new level of performance, compact power and superior value to the sporting, law enforcement and tactical markets.
Powered by FLIR’s newest, compact, uncooled, high-performance 12-micron Boson™ thermal camera core, these next-generation thermal weapon sights set a new standard in thermal image quality, while offering a wealth of innovative and intuitive performance features. Best of all, the ThermoSight Pro models are available at a favorable retail prices below what consumers might expect to pay for other thermal targeting systems offering less performance and fewer features."
We work with a few distributors so that when the mfg has product on back order, or it is a brand you're looking for that we do not normally carry, we can still get it for you. Again, these are normally folks I build phone relationships with but never meet. I stopped by to actually see a couple of voices I knew and now can put a face with them. Makes working together that much better.
BTW, we can access Sig Optics, Nikon Riflescopes, Trijicon, Weaver, Burris, EOTech as well as a few other brands through these channels so even though it's not on our web site please feel free to call us and we can get you a great price, 516-217-1000.
From here I was headed over to Steiner ; . We used to do much more with Steiner then we have the last year or so. No real reason other than our sales rep is not very aggressive and it slips our mind.
Something a little different is their New LRF 1700 LASER Rangefinder Binocular:
"Steiner’s new LRF 1700 is an 8x30 Porro prism range-finding binocular that precisely measure distances from 25 to 1,859 yards without refocusing. It also features a scan mode that continuously measures distance to moving targets. The LRF 1700 binoculars are compact, lightweight and easy to use while maintaining the legendary ruggedness of Steiner binoculars."
Last week we posted that the MSR2 Reticle is now available on their M5Xi 5-25x56mm scope. "Working with experts from FinnAccuracy, Steiner has developed an exclusive new reticle for the M5Xi scope line.
The M5Xi is a military grade sniper scope which sets the standard for performance and durability. Crafted entirely in Germany, the optic is hewn from the finest materials and features world-class engineering. This combination allows the M5Xi to provide ultimate long-range viewing and delivery of accurate fire at extreme distances. Because it is assembled to strict military specifications, it can handle the rigors of combat in some of the harshest climates around the globe, delivering outstanding clarity even in low-light conditions.
Improving an outstanding package
While the M5Xi’s rugged effectiveness comes standard, it still remains customizable as shooters may select their preferred reticle. New to 2018, Steiner is excited to announce they will be exclusively offering the MSR2 Reticle in the M5Xi 5-5x56mm riflescope."
Some very worthwhile riflescopes that I was checking out are the:
P4xi 1-4x24 This P4Xi riflescope is a compact, tactical optic that is ideal for patrol rifles and AR platforms. This scope features a proven and versatile 4x zoom system with a true 1x that is perfect for close-quarters engagements and 400-yard accuracy at the highest magnification.
High-contrast optics deliver outstanding results under poor light conditions. Steiner’s P3TR illuminated reticle is quick pointing and offers 11 levels of illumination for day or night operations.
Their T5xi series is made in the USA with German optics. These tactical scopes do not have the exposure that S&B does but they are so worth checking out.
Their H4Xi 4-16x56 & H4Xi 3-12x56 are a great answer to dawn and dusk hunting riflescopes with illuminated reticles and super bright optics.
"High-contrast optics deliver clarity at dusk and dawn with light transmission greater than 90%.
A powerful all- around hunting riflescope. Lightweight, with a large field of view. High light transmission and precise illumination adjustments delivers perfect performance in any light."
I also checked out their HX-15x56 binocular. I've been looking and looking for a high quality, sub $2000.00 15x56 binocular and this for sure is it. Great optics, built Euro great. This @ $1199.99 blows away any of the Pacific rim options that I keep seeing.
Last year when USA distribution of Minox ; was taken away from the company who had been doing it as long as I could remember and transfered to Blaser we sat back to see how this affected the handling of customer service and the way the brand would be handled. We have not brought in any product in 2017 so I went here next to meet with my long time associate from Germany to discuss possibly picking up the relationship again. They have great binoculars and a nice variety of riflescopes in entry level from entry all the way up to multiple thousand dollar tactical scopes. We will be updating our site to include their most recent offerings. Stay tuned.
I then went to have a nice social moment with a fellow optics industry acquaintance, Ilya. Those who read reviews and posts and such I am sure know him. I always like to discuss, with folks who I respect, opinions of optics from the show. We had a great chat about a few of the newer companies and some of the just shown offerings. Was great to enjoy his company and take a breather from the hectic day.
Next up, and thankfully last meeting of the day as I was starting to fade, was GPO, German Precision Optics . GPO started in 2017 with Mike Jensen, former President of Zeiss USA. To be brutally honest, I like the products GPO is offering, however, I think the company name is misleading. Yes, the company is headquarted in Germany. Yes, all products are designed and inspected in Germany before being shipped to the USA. However, all product is manufactured in Japan and China. Not necessarily a bad thing as most optics today are manufactured in the Pacific Rim, however, one would assume that German Precision Optics would be made in Germany. Again, all product, after being made, is sent to Germany for quality control inspection before being sent to the U.S. and the offerings are designed in germany. After meeting with them I get their position of German as ALL QC is done in Germany.
OK, now that I've gotten that out of the way I do need to say that they do have some outstanding optics and Mike knows what he's doing and what the competition is doing.
The Passion HD Series Binoculars can compete with all the top offerings. I would say if you were going to put them into a fair test environment they would be on a table with Swarovski SLC's, Leica Trinovids, Kowa Genesis', Vortex Razors, Nikon EDG's and the like. OH, if you plan to google Passion HD I'd strongly suggest that you word it as "GPO Passion HD Binocular" because if you only google Passion HD you'll get a very different type of result. They really need some guidance with names, lol. The standout one for me was their 12.5x50 Passion HD. Of all the 12x options availablethis gives the sharpest glass, 92/93% light transmission, a wide FOV, great contrast and awesome fit and finish. GPO is even stand up enough to include the tripod adapter (most companies offer this as an additional accessory item). At $1299.99 I think this is a winner.

They have their Passion 3x Series of Riflescopes starting at $299.99 which are GPO's version of the Zeiss Conquest from a few years back. Wow, how shocking that the ex-President of Zeiss would offer a remake of what was a very popular scope and price it below what the Conquest was selling for.
I was impressed with the 4-12x42 which comes with 5 free turrets (223 Rem. / 6.5 Creed. / 308 Win. / 30-06 Spr. / 300 WM) The turreets are already custom cut for the most popular loads.
High light transmission, 3 3/4" ER, exceptional range of adjustments to assist in use of long range ballistic turrets. This is priced to sell at $449.99
We arranged for a promotion on their Passion 6xi 2.5-15x50/56 Riflescopes:
This super-premium 30mm line of riflescopes offers a comprehensive array of features for shooters. The 6X super-zoom allows extreme versatility for close and distance usage. The large internal lenses assure optical brilliance and low-light visibility. This super-premium flagship product is sure to impress the most discerning hardcore trophy hunter.
Super-zoom 6X technology
iControl illumination options
Massive lenses assure optical excellence
30mm main tube
GPObright lens coating technology
PASSIONtrac quick-zero target turrets
Double HD objective glass technology
Introductory Special through the end of February 2018, 10% off. please call to order.
Once again, too many meetings today. I got my after show ice cream cone, Strawberry Cheesecake flavor today. It hit the spot.
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Day 3:

I like to try not to make any meetings for the last day (well my last day as I can only be here for 3 days) however, I was so busy the last two days that I still had a few important appointments.

I started my day at Zeiss ;
Always great seeing my friend Tom and catching up. We discussed all types of things, including the new releases:
Conquest V4 Riflescopes: Conquest V4 Riflescopes
Key Features:
30mm Main Tube
Matte Black
Second Focal Plane
Capped Windage Turret
T* Six Layer Transmission Coating
LotuTec Hydrophobic Coating
CONQUEST V4 1-4x24 ZQAR Illum. Reticle (#62) - Ext. Elevation Turret, Locking, Single Turn - Ballistic Stop - .5 MOA - Fixed Parallax
CONQUEST V4 3-12x56 Z-Plex Reticle (#20) - Capped Elevation Turret - .25 MOA - Fixed Parallax
CONQUEST V4 3-12x56 Plex Illum. Reticle (#60) - Capped Elevation Turret - .25 MOA - Fixed Parallax
CONQUEST V4 4-16x44 Z-Plex Reticle (#20) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
CONQUEST V4 4-16x44 ZBR-2 Reticle (#92) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
CONQUEST V4 4-16x44 ZMOA-2 Reticle (#94) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
CONQUEST V4 6-24x50 ZBR-1 Reticle (#91) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
CONQUEST V4 6-24x50 ZMOA-1 Reticle (#93) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.
CONQUEST V4 6-24x50 ZMOA-1 Illum. Reticle (#93) - Ext. Elevation Turret - Ballistic Stop - .25 MOA - Parallax Adj.

Laser Rangefinder Binocular
VICTORY RF Rangefinding Binoculars
Key Features:
2500 Yards
Bluetooth® enabled
Angle Compensation
T* Six Layer Transmission Coating
LotuTec Hydrophobic Coating
Adjustable Red LED Display
Compact Design
VICTORY RF 8x42
VICTORY RF 10x42
VICTORY RF 8x54
VICTORY RF 10x54
Absolutely the most technologically advanced rangefinder binocular available.

VICTORY HARPIA Spotting Scopes
Key Features:
3x Wide-Angle Objective Zoom
FOV: Constant 72°
Dual-Speed Focus
FL/HT Glass
T* Six Layer Transmission Coating
LotuTec Hydrophobic Coating
VICTORY HARPIA 85mm (Main Body w/o Vario Eyepiece)
VICTORY HARPIA 95mm (Main Body w/o Vario Eyepiece)
VICTORY VARIO Eyepiece (22-65x w/85mm Obj.; 23-70x w/95mm Obj.)

We also discussed getting our hands on some show samples and such of various product and should have a list next week (No, there will be no samples of the just announced products)

Next was Meopta which I have hinted would be a great meeting, and it certainly was. I was looking forward to this visit as they brought on a new head of Sports Optics at the end of 2017.. I know how he works and how will be on a quest to make Meopta the major optics company that they deserve to be. For years it was "Oh, I know Meopta, they made the Zeiss Conquest for Zeiss and don't they make all kinds of great optics for Cabelas too"?
Well with Randy at the helm it will be more of a "Hell yeah, I own Meopta Binoculars, a few of their riflescopes and a spotter and couldn't be happier"
Well to say I was not disappointed with my meeting would be a total understatement. Meopta is going after the binocular business with gusto.
There's no question, after being here at SHOT, that the #1 suggestion in binoculars is a Meopta Meopro or Meostar. Reason being is not that they have changed these great offerings for 2018 as far as their great European Optics, but they are stealing your business away from all the other manufacturers offering binoculars made in the Pacific Rim with the insanely lowered prices they are offering.
They have reduced the Meopro 8x42 HD from $749.99 to only $479.95 and the Meopro 10x42 HD from $799.99 to $499.95.
Can you say "Give me an amazing Euro glass for the same price the other guys are asking for their made in China binoculars"?
It gets better
They are offering their high end Meostar Binoculars also at reduced prices and less than the competitions Pacific Rim offerings:
Meostar 10x42 HD for only $999.95
Meostar 15x56 HD for only $1499.99
Meopta is well on their way to being in many more folks hands for sure.

I then asked for something I could put into today's post as a super offer and was given:
#467820 MeoStar 3-10x50 Z-PLEX II in Silver
or
#469480 MeoStar 3-10x50 #4 in Silver
Reduced to only $399.99, while supply lasts Please call, 516-217-1000 to place an order.

I stopped by Carson ; to order some more HOOKUPZ™ 2.0 Digiscoping adapters.
The HookUpz 2.0 Universal Adapter from Carson Optics to attach your smartphone to your binocular, spotting scope, telescope, or microscope and record still images or videos.
The HookUpz 2.0 securely attaches any phone up to 3.75" wide to any 25mm to 58mm optical eyepiece using a powerful, patented dual-spring clamp. A generous-sized knob operates the screw mechanism that smoothly and precisely aligns the phone's camera with the eyepiece. A locking cam further secures the phone in place. The screw mechanism also makes it easy to switch between camera-in-the-corner iPhones and center-camera Android phones, and the HookUpz 2.0 is compatible with the iPhone 8, 8 Plus, etc. Only $59.99

After this I went and met with Nikon to try and see if we, as a nikon photo dealer, could also become an official Nikon Sports Optics dealer. Once again, I was informed that Nikon has not changed their policy and as a photo dealer we are not permitted to be a hunting dealer. Long story.
We can special order any Nikon riflescopes, binoculars, etc for you so if you are interested please call to discuss it.

OH, I couldn't find the links yesterday for new Steiner items so here they are:
TOR FUSION LIGHT/LASER COMBO FROM STEINER
STEINER TOR MINI/MICRO PISTOL-AIMING Lasers
TOR TORCH™ RAIL-MOUNTED Light

Lastly I walked the floor looking around, saying goodbye to folks I speak with all year and only see here at SHOT.

Being this was my last meeting you know by now where I went. Today was birthday cake flavor. Very refreshing.

If I can answer anything for you, as always, it will be my pleasure. For those of you who took the time to read all of my reports please mention this to me when you place your next order and I'll add a bonus into your shipment. Nice to know that you're taking the time to read the whole thing when I take the time to write it, lol.

As always, thank you for all the support we receive. We are nothing without you, and we know that.
Have a great day

Thank you for your continued support.
If there is anything else that I can assist you with please let me know.
Doug
516-217-1000

Please visit our web site @ www.cameralandny.com ;

Doug;
I see you talked to Blaser again about the Minox line of optics.....did they mention any NEW upgrades or models in the Minox Binocular lines....I really liked the HG/HG APO line but have seen very little upgrades in the line in the last 3/4 years....and now they seem to be fading away instead of being upgraded or replaced with a new FLAGSHIP model....any information along this line....

Unfortunately, nothing new in the binoculars. I am getting a demo/display list from them with HG's and APO HG's so if you're interested in a deal on one of those we can certainly assist you