Target the outdoors this fall with Riton Optics | Outdoors | postandcourier.com

Riton Optics makes rifle scopes and quality binoculars for the outdoors.

The end of September welcomes many deer hunters back into the woods with the start of doe harvest season, but the preparation of deer stands and sighting in of hunting rifles begins much earlier.

When a hunting buddy offered a chance for me to view a new rifle scope by Riton Optics he acquired for this coming deer season, I was game. Headquartered in Arizona, Riton Optics is 10-year-old company that also makes binoculars and a spotting scope that are excellent for birdwatching during the fall migratory warbler season.

Riton (pronounced Right-On) Optics prides itself on the precision shooting arena out West where the trend is for people to try and shoot long distance. They make more than 20 different rifle scopes with varying magnifications, and some include multiple reticles for long-range shooting. The Primal 2-12X44 Riton rifle scope is better suited for the Southeast, with the 2X to 4X magnification allowing for quick target acquisition when big game is at close range. An illuminated red dot in the center of the single reticle helps assure hunters the crosshairs are centered before squeezing the trigger. The Riton high-density glass and multi-coated lenses improve low-light enhancement needed at dawn and dusk.

A bird ID book, binoculars and a spotting scope are important tools for birdwatching enthusiasts.

This deer hunter never goes to a deer stand, or into the field for any occasion, without a pair of binoculars. There is simply too much wildlife and bird species present not to enjoy viewing them. Riton Optics makes affordable binoculars that are compact enough to tote anywhere, and I chose the 10X magnification with 42mm lenses. These optics are nitrogen purged, making them waterproof and fog-proof. The non-slip rubber coating makes it easy to grip and handle with the center wheel making it easy to focus. Having a pair of these binoculars can also make sense for sports fans who attend football games, and desire a closer view during critical plays.

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A spotting scope can be used in conjunction with a rifle scope when target shooting on a rifle range, but the Primal 15-45X60 spotting scope has everyday applications for birders in the Lowcountry. Some of the wariest birds along the coast are the shorebirds that only feel comfortable on a spit of sand with a close-up view of the ocean. Conservation measures on local beaches are increasingly marking off shorebird sites with signage that requires No Disturbance by humans or dogs. This Riton spotting scope mounted on a tripod is the ultimate game changer when it comes to not only noticing shorebirds hunkered down in the sand, but also for correct identification. In some cases, these birds carry leg bands used for research purposes, which can be nearly impossible to read without the increased magnification from a spotting scope.

All of the Riton Optics line comes with a limited lifetime warranty, and feature crystal clear viewing. The spotting scope has a versatile 15X to 45X magnification range, with a field of view at 1,000 yards from 110 feet to 44 feet that would be great for taking in panoramic views of the fall leaves in the Upstate or the mountains of western North Carolina. If the photography bug bites, one can make digiscoping photos with your smart phone positioned over the eyepiece.

A waterproof design makes the scope reliable any day, whether rain or shine. Its aluminum alloy construction weighs in at 2.75 pounds, and the scope comes in a lockable hard case for secure storage when traveling.

For more information, visit www.RitonOptics.com.

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