Whether you are a hunter, birder, astronomer, spy, or someone who just likes to see distant or tiny objects close up, the Oasis can show you something you’ll be interested in.
The Oasis is a site that I renamed in April, 2018, when someone else wanted to use the former name (Optics Owl), and I agreed to give it to them. This site started out looking into (and through) binoculars and has expanded its horizons by examining monoculars, night vision goggles, telescopes, microscopes, and other kinds of optical gear.
Here you’ll find in-depth reviews of optical gear – both the popular and not so popular. I also try to give you general information about optics that you’ll find interesting and useful – perhaps even something you’ll like to share.
When possible, I get my hands on the gear so he can give you his honest, first-hand experiences working with the binoculars, goggles, and so on. That way, you can decide for yourself, based on accurate information, whether a particular piece of optics will do what you need it to or not.
Caveat Reader: Most of the time this is not possible. When it isn’t, what you’ll see is my collection of the best information available. If you find additional information or incorrect information, please let me know, so I can update the article in question.
Pay Attention to the Man Behind the Curtain
The man behind the Oasis is Gary Sonnenberg. I’ve had an interest in several types of optics since I was rather young.
I had a microscope that I got as a Christmas present when I was in grade school. I can still remember spending many hours peering at the slides that came with it and looking for those teeny, tiny critters that you can sometimes see in a drop of water from the creek.
I got a used Tasco 66TE refractor telescope when I was in high school. You can see in the picture below. I have since donated it to some of my grandchildren.
When I discovered that it was powerful enough to see the four large moons of Jupiter, I tried tracking them night after night. I wasn’t as successful at it as Galileo.
Somewhere along the way, I got a pair of Vanguard BR-1050W binoculars that I would sometimes use for bird watching. Unfortunately, one of the tubes didn’t focus properly. I don’t have these anymore.
The grandkids used to think they were lots of fun to look through…backwards.
What I do have, as of this update, is a GoSky 12×55 monocular and a Celestron Omni AltAz 102 telescope. The monocular works really well for birdwatching. The telescope (below) feels like an updated version of my Tasco.
A wise man once said, “Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.”
If there’s something I can do to direct you in your search for suitable optics, don’t hesitate to ask. I’ll gladly help you learn how to “fish” for the best solution to your needs.