Bought the Swarovski AT Balance 18-45x65 spotting scope from this local store in Irving, CA. My brother shared great experiences he had over the years. I was bit nervous regarding the quality of the image stabilization. Blew me away. Does great as a hand held spotting scope! Excellent, personalized service. Optics4birding now my #1 choice for future needs. read more

I had an amazing experience while evaluating a new pair of binoculars. Pete was extremely knowledgeable and patient in helping guide my decision as I had a hard time choosing between the Zeiss Victory and Swarovski NL Pure 10x40. Thier 30 day swap policy helped ease the decision. I can't say enough about how impressed I was and will be spending more time and dollars with them going forward! read more

I have purchased 2 premier quality binoculars at O4B recently and have, in each case have been very impressed with their quality offerings. One was a Zeiss Victor 8x25, for travel, and the second an 8x40 Leica Trinovid for birding. Both were excellent quality and at competitive pricing. I could have spent more, but the quality of each of these glasses is high and had excellent construction and image quality. Since the purchase of these I have carried one or both to Hawaii, Costa Rica, Mexico, San Juan Islands, Washington State, France, and Spain, and have been pleased with the imaging that they offered. The fact that O4B had a wide range of choices, brands and price ranges to compare was a key to finding the best fit for my use, and can apply to a wide range of customer/users. read more

Great selection, way better than any other store I've been to in Orange County. Easy, low key sales, lets you take several pairs of binoculars outside and compare at your leisure. I purchased a pair of Zeiss Terra ED 8X42 because I liked it better than the Nikon and others in the same price range... around $500. Optics are pretty personal, so it's great to have a place to compare. I highly recommend this store. read more

Got great help from Peter Young a few days ago at the front counter. I traveled there in order to try several candidate binoculars and Peter was most patient & helpful! I was very pleased with his attitude and product knowledge and highly recommend you seek him out. read more

Walking in to a place like O4B makes you appreciate why retail stores are so important - Sure, I could have saved a trip and just ordered online from Amazon but the help and guidance we received over the phone from Steve and then in-store from Pete was just above and beyond anything I could get online or from a big box retailer. They have a deep collection of all the excellent brands of binoculars along with necessary accessories - my dad was looking for binoculars for a safari trip and Pete patiently and expertly guided him to what worked out to be an ideal choice - a Zeiss pair that was within our price range and then we bought a harness to go with it. I can't say enough good things about our experience - their pricing is as good as Amazon and Optics4Birding is a local gem worthy of a visit and purchase. Thank you, guys, for making sure my dad got exactly what he needed! read more

Optics4Birding is a world-class establishment with superb customer service that is second to none. My wife and I drove 1.5 hours one way from San Diego to learn about quality binoculars. After spending 2 hours with Peter while trying out various types of binoculars, we bought 2 pair of Zeiss (8X42 and 10X42) and we couldn't be happier with our decision. Optics4Birding has an epic selection to choose from and equally impressive customer service. The store is a hidden gem --- neat and clean --- with plenty of free parking not to mention on a great area to view distant objects when trying out different binoculars. Optics4Birding will price match and they stand behind what they sell. We very much appreciated the "no pressure, no hassle" service and would encourage anyone within driving distance to visit the store, or at least give them a call. Their website is equally impressive, featuring a wide array of optics and very reasonable prices. Peter is also the face of the Optics4Birding YouTube channel. His knowledge of Optics and birding is vast but not intimidating; he is the kind of guy you'd want for a neighbor. Overall I gave them 5 stars because they truly deserve it. I would not hesitate to purchase from them again. Great quality . Great store. Great value and great customer service. read more

There are so few stores like this in the country. THe inventory and knowledge-base of Pete and Steve are just extensive! They not only let you try everything but they really get to know you and your birding needs such that they help you think through things that you may not have even thought about. Additionally, I really appreciated how they were not afraid to provide frank opinions about everything. For all your binocular, spotting scope, thermal scope, and related accessory needs there is no better store in all of CA. Bonus: they know all the great birding spots! read more

I'm relatively new to birding, and knew it was time to upgrade my binoculars. After much time online, I realized I'd need knowledgeable guidance to make a decision. So, I reached out to some birding guides, and asked some local Audubon members, and the same name kept coming up: Optics4Birding, located in Irvine, CA. Note that one of these guides operates in solely in MI, and has built a long, cross-country relationship, buying equipment and making many recommendations to fellow birders. Peter & Steve know their trade! They were more than patient with me as I tried different binoculars of varying brands, capabilities and prices. They patiently answered all my questions, and helped me reach the right choice. I can't describe the value of their expertise, and look forward to many years of birding with my new binoculars. I rarely write Yelp reviews, but was so impressed, I just had to share my extremely positive experience with Optics4Birding. read more

I'm so glad we stopped in Optics4Birding. I highly recommend stopping here if you're looking for great service andxquality. The shop is small, with very professional grade binoculars and scopes on display. We spoke with Steve, who helped us with our needs to find a good quality set of binoculars within our budget and for birding. He was really knowledgeable and let us try different binoculars, explaining the differences in each set as well as the pros and cons to them, so we could make a more informed decision. Since I use glasses, I struggle with focus with some cheaper binoculars, and Steve was thoughtful and sensitive to my needs with eye strain when it came to testing different binoculars that would suit my needs. We ended up leaving with higher priced models than we originally intended, but it was after we tested at least 8 different models, and could see the differences and what suited us best. read more

Excellent location with multiple brands at all price points in stock. Steve was very knowledgeable, patient and helpful. Asked all the right questions to understand our need. The ability to hold and test multiple binoculars definitely helped us exclude ones we might have bought from only an online experience. read more

Great Service, selection and expertise on equipment and local knowledge. Highly recommend.

Absolute best selection of high-quality optics and binoculars that I've seen in one store. Binoculars are often a significant investment and it's really nice to be able to go look through all of the major brands and side-by-side them in person. They carry all of the high end brands like Swaro, zeiss, Leica as well as some very solid budget options for the savvy birder and wildlife watcher. Extremely knowledgeable and friendly staff. Stoked to find this place. read more

Needed new Zeiss binoculars before a trip. Optics4Birding got them to me on time, no hassle. Great service, nice to work with a personable company. They also have great video reviews of products from excellent and knowledgeable staff. read more

Excellent and knowledgeable service. If you like no pressure informed guidance regarding binoculars, this is the place to go!

I am in Wisconsin and ordered a Wanderingtattler tri-pak last week via online - also spoke with Steve on the phone and tho end-of-the-day, he managed to get my order shipped out same day, and it arrived in 3 days - today I contacted Optics4birding via email with a couple of minor issues regarding the product, and the response from Pete was nearly-instant - he was incredibly helpful, as was Steve last week, and I can say, with confidence, they give top-notch service! read more

I cannot imagine a better store or sales persons (Pete & Steve) better equipped to help the birder find just the right binoculars, spotting scopes, tripods, heads or accessories. Why? They have a the full range of optics from the best manufacturers. Their reviews are spot-on! Steve and Pete know their stuff! They are both comfortable to deal with. Their goal was to help me find the best kit to help me be a better birder! read more

Optics4Birding - Sporting Goods Near Me - Irvine, California

I met Pete at the office in Irvine to help me install my Bino Suspender Pro. He was professional, competent, courteous, and polite, and solved my minor problem immediately. I highly recommend Optics4birding and Pete! read more

Excellent customer service, communication and follow through. Thank-you Pete! read more

Very Knowledgeable - Great selection of binoculars and scopes. I went in person to the store to try several brands of binoculars after doing some homework I came in with many questions - Pete answered them all and went through details of each pair I was considering. After taking my time I selected a pair of Swarovski NL Pure and I am SO Happy with them. These were not the ones I was considering however after spending the time, learning and trying them - I would have lost out if I did not go in person. Both Pete and Steve welcomed my many questions. You don't find customer service like this in most stores or online - If you are serious about a purchase of binoculars or scopes - take the time to go in. I also purchased a pair of Celestron Nature binoculars for my granddaughter - another great purchase. Thank you Pete and Steve ... I'll be back for a Scope! read more

I recently purchased some tier 1 binoculars online from Optics4Birding and I have to say, the customer service I received was the best I have experienced in many years. Pete was amazing...super responsive and very knowledgeable! He went above and beyond to make sure I got was well taken care of. If you are looking for some alpha glass and a staff of professionals that you can trust, this is your place. Buy with confidence! -Kris read more

Great service! I really appreciate everyone at optics4birding for helping to fix a mistake I made ordering online. They responded quickly and the process to exchange couldn't have been any easier. Thanks again Pete for all you did and for making my husband's Father's Day a special one!!!! read more

I had the best experience. I'm totally new to bird watching, and Steve patiently went over everything with me. He even spent time giving me great tips on where I can go birdwatching, and what apps to download to get me started on the right foot. He also tried to work with my budget. I walked out excited to use my first pair of birdwatching binoculars. Thanks Steve! read more

A BIG WARNING DON'T EVER USE THIS COMPANY! THEY DO NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR PRODUCT OR SERVICE! I ordered a replacement eyecup for a specific pair of 10 X 42 SLC Swarovski Binoculars. I followed all the online order entry directions. The order entry directions did not request a serial number to make sure Optics4Birding would send the right part. Optics4Birding sent the wrong eyecup. I called and talked with Pete who maintained the eyecup was not returnable because Swarovski would not return it. That is not my problem. Optics4Birding is a retailer of Swarovski product. They sent the wrong product and will not stand behind their product. I was willing to send the eyecup back. Pete said it was not returnable. Being a customer of AMEX for 19 years they took care of it. AMEX credited my account and now Optics4Birding will be out the eyecup and the payment. I own a business if I ran my business in this manner I would not have any customers. Definitely do not use this company! They say an unhappy customer tells 10 people and a happy customer tells 1 person. Trust me everyone I know will never use this company! read more

I had many questions for Pete to answer and I ended up having a mini optics class. It's easy to buy online but Optics4Birding brought out several spotting scopes and binoculars for me to try outside and I ended up choosing the Zeiss Victory HT 10x54. Thanks for answering all my questions read more

Disappointed. This was my first purchase from Optics4Birding. We needed to replace an eyecup for a Swarovski EL 8.5x42 binoculars. When received, the eyecup did not fit the binoculars. I called to get a Return Materials Authorization number per their Product Return Policy and was informed that this eyecup could not be returned. I was also told that we must have a newer model of that binocular. I guess I should have read the other reviews for this company. Bill T had the identical problem. That's a $38.50 lesson for me. I guess that in this Covid-19 challenged economy not every business needs to really satisfy their customers. Too bad. I won't try this business again. My wife called Swarovski directly, and they sent two of the correct eyecups. Lesson learned. My wife is correct again. read more

This company over charge you for postage. A 3 oz. item shipped for $15 (not even Express or Priority). Also beware, their return policy is only for 7 days. So read carefully. read more

"This is one of a kind store in the whole area" when I planned to buy binoculars, I started searching the different brands and I found many names out there to buy. Optics4Birding is the only place I found that gave me a chance to try multiple binoculars before I made the decision to buy the one I liked the most. Later I had to return my binoculars back because my mother in law bought me the same ones (what a coincidence). It is true that they would deduct the shipping money from you but no hard feelings since they have explained everything in advance :) read more

We researched spotting scopes for general use ahead of time and then found Optics4Birding. They had a great selection of all price ranges of scopes and an excellent place in front of their store to try them out. Pete patiently went over the scopes and let us explore viewing from a number of scopes for maybe 2 1/2 hours. We were there on alow light day which helped test the scopes range of visibility. In the end Pete's associate commented, "You will only buy one scope in your life (we are a retired couple)" That caught our attention and after a cup of coffee we decided to purchase the Kowa TSN-883. Our first experiences in using the scope and playing with digiscoping have been great. We highly recommend in-store shopping and they meet reasonable competitive pricing. You'll never get the service we had on-line. read more

I am impressed with the personal and helpful customer service received from Pete, and the swift processing and mailing of my order of Zeiss Terra ES binoculars. Thank you for this professional and thoughtful care of your customers, especially during a pandemic. read more

CUSTOMER BEWARE!!!!! Wrong item sent TWICE and refused return. Most unprofessional optic company to work with. Buy elsewhere as they are misrepresenting their merchandise. read more

If you want to make sure you find the best binoculars for your need, these guys will rate 10 stars. They are extremely knowledgeable, helpful, and honest. They took the time, with me, to ask questions and understand my need. Taking care of the customer is much more important than just making the sale. Before contacting them and going into their store, I was planning on buying a different pair of high end binoculars than I left with. They were absolutely correct! I would highly recommend these guys if you want to make sure you make the right decision. Also everyone in the store uses what they sell and they know optics better than anyone. read more

I can't say enough good things about Optics4Birding. Two years ago I went to them to buy a pair of good binoculars for an upcoming birding trip. Steve spent a lot of time with me, explaining how the design of roof prism binoculars has changed since I bought my first pair of binoculars in the 90s (and why, using my old Celestron, I'd been seeing aberrant colors - like red on the back of terns). He was very patient and friendly, answered all of my questions thoroughly, and let me try out as many binoculars as I wanted to. He never made me feel rushed, and never tried to steer me toward a more expensive choice. Twice since then, I've had a minor problem with the binoculars and have had to go back to the store. Each time, Steve fixed the problem on the spot with an explanation of what had happened and how I can fix if it happens again. He did so cheerfully and charged me nothing. Best of all, he didn't make me feel like a dunce when it turned out the solution was pretty obvious! When I recently decided to buy a spotting scope, there was no question where I would go.This time I got to work with both Steve and Dan, the owner. Both are extremely experienced birders, listened well to what I wanted, and helped me find the perfect scope and tripod for me - never trying to get me to buy the more expensive options. I can't imagine buying optics online - without a chance to try them out - so I'm grateful that Optics4Birding has a brick & mortar store in Orange County, where I can try out different models and have my questions answered on the spot by people who are extremely knowledgeable and friendly, and whom I can trust to sell me the optics that fit my needs - not the ones that will make them the most profit. If you live anywhere in Southern California and are looking for good optics, this is the place to go. Wherever you live, it's worth the drive. Also, check out their website for instructive articles about optics and expert reviews: www.optics4birding.com And if you're an owl fan, check out their website on owls: www.owling.com read more

Don't buy from this store! I purchased a new Swarovski BTX 95mm and Pete sent me the floor model! When I received it there was greasy smudges on the oculars and dust on the objective lens. After talking (arguing) with Pete for 1/2 hour, he finally admitted he shipped the floor model. Then he said you can ship it back and I'll send you a new one, but I would have to pay for the shipping! I sent it to Swarovski, and they cleaned and checked it for me. BTW, Swarovski was horrified when I told them Pete said, "oh we get Swarovski optics with smudges frequently". WHAT!! OMG, I think Pete needs to find a new job, or at least take some customer service classes. What a jerk. So, lesson learned, you have been warned. I'm just glad Swarovski is an excellent company with REAL customer service. read more

These guys are the best. I've been becoming a birder due to my 15-year-old son, who has bought pretty much all of his new equipment at Optics4Birding. The owner and staff here have always listened carefully to his wants and needs, and kept us on our target budget. We haven't gone wrong yet! They also have a lot of fun stories to share about their own birding experiences, so every visit is more like a club meeting than a visit to a store. If you need binoculars, scopes, tripods or just about anything else for your birding hobby, you owe Optics4Birding a visit! read more

These guys are extremely valuable and incredibly patient. After spending a lot of time on the phone helping me understand the nuances of the equipment, pricing and various options I learned that they are one of the few places that has the equipment in stock on the west coast. So, my husband and I drove to their location, where they spent considerably more time helping us make our choices. They could not have been more helpful and gracious Highly recommended read more

I purchase two Swarovski binocular cases from this company online and they didn't work out for me so I returned them and I have had a major hassle trying to obtain a refund from them. This is the WORST company I have ever dealt with. I will never buy anything from them again and I highly recommend not trying to do business with them. read more

I've been going to this business for years. Great guys with exceptional expertise. The only place in OC where one can sample and do a side be side comparison of the finest optics made in the world. And the prices are fair. They also do fantastic, thorough reviews of many of the products they carry. I only wished they did more reviews since optics are changed or upgraded with more frequency these days. Also, even though this business is listed as a optics birding store, these gentlemen have a great respect and understanding for hunters and importance ethical hunters contribute to conservation through the various licensing fees and stamps. read more

"No hassle return policy" they claim to have is a lie. I tried to simply get my money refunded for the wrong eye pieces they had sent and that's when they started telling me about all the fees to send the item back and restock, which ended up being about 30% of purchase price. I still opted to have the refund and I had to repeatedly call over and over to find out why I have not seen the refund. Here we are 3 months later and I finally got Steve to refund me. Very very frustrating to deal with. read more

This is the best place in southern California I've found to shop for binoculars and spotting scopes. The staff is friendly and helpful, and know a lot about what they are selling, unlike most sporting goods stores. And their prices are competitive. I've bought binoculars from there along with accessories for my spotting scope. If you are interested in getting great binoculars for birding. I highly recommend checking them out. read more