Very welcoming and helpful. I arrived at South West Optics unannounced as I was staying nearby on holiday. The showroom was in a secure building and I was guided to the sales area. I had previously vi... See more
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Review summary
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Reviews shaping this summary
Fantastic offer on Hawke 8 x 42 APO. Very quick delivery but Royal Mail let everyone down by just leaving the parcel sitting by my front door. Very frustrating to report that I could not get the... See more
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Thoroughly recommend South West Optics if buying online. Spoke on numerous occasions with Russell re binocular choice both for my daughter and myself. After much discussion the choice was whittled d... See more
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I've just purchased a spotting scope and tripod from South West Optics. I was guided through my purchase patiently, helpfully and expertly by Russell over several phone calls. I can't recommend their... See more
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Company details
- #7 of 13 best companies in Binoculars shop
- #11 of 92 best companies in Outdoor clothing and equipment shop
- #3 of 7 best companies in Telescope Shop
Written by the company
South West Optics is the ultimate destination for nature enthusiasts. Home to the widest selection of Binoculars and Spotting Scopes in the UK. Located in Torquay, Devon, South West Optics was established in 1996 by Steve Rogers an avid bird watcher and optical specialist. Since Steve's recent retirement, the business has been purchased by 4Wildlife Limited who have a clear vision of becoming one of the leading names in the UK's wildlife scene, catering specifically to the needs of bird watchers and nature lovers. SW Optics is an official main UK dealer of renowned brands such as Swarovski Optik, Carl Zeiss, Leica, Kowa, HIKMICRO, Hawke Optics, Opticron, Vector Optics, Athlon, Vortex Optics, Delta Optics, Manfrotto- and many more! We bring you the best and most trusted names in the industry. We ensure a diverse range of options to suit your specific needs. Our wide selection extends beyond binoculars to thermal and night vision optics as well as spotting scopes. We enable you to explore and appreciate the beauty of nature with clarity and precision in all light conditions.
Contact info
Nicholson Road, TQ2 7TD, Torquay, United Kingdom
- 01872 263444
- sales@swoptics.co.uk
- swoptics.co.uk
4.9
Excellent
636 reviews
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Reply from South West Optics
Thank you so much for the 5 star review! We're thrilled to hear you had an excellent experience with us from start to finish.
Helpful & next day delivery
Rang to check delivery time for a tripod head. They were very polite & helpful. I received the order the next day, product was well packaged. 10 out of 10, when I decide which tripod to buy, I'll purchase from here.
12 May 2026
Unprompted review
Reply from South West Optics
Thanks for the 10/10 review! We’re thrilled our team could help and that your order arrived the next day. Can't wait to help you pick out your next tripod whenever you're ready!
First Class Service
I rate this company very highly. Their service was excellent and the binoculars I bought were far cheaper with South West Optics than any of their well known competitors. Based on my experience, I would highly recommend.
13 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you so much for the 5 star review! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed our service and found the best value with us happy viewing with your new binoculars!
Highly recommended
Such an easy process from searching for the binoculars I wanted to paying for them. Such an easy site to navigate. The binoculars arrived within 2 days and were impeccably packaged to ensure safe arrival. I highly recommend this company
18 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
We greatly appreciate your recommendation! It’s wonderful to know you had such a seamless experience from browsing to delivery.
Brief encounter but impressed
Didn’t really have any contact with store but product sent out quickly and will be making trip
To store for next purchase.
5 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you for the 5 star review, We're glad your order arrived quickly, and we can't wait to welcome you to our store for your next purchase!
Great customer service.
13 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you for the 5 stars, We truly appreciate your kind words and your support.
Great service and fast delivery
Great service and fast delivery. Would recommend , the binoculars are awesome.
18 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you for the fantastic feedback, We hope your new binoculars bring you some incredible views happy viewing
Not your average high street shop but…
Not your average high street shop but once you figure out where they are, well worth a visit.
Very knowledgeable and expert staff who give great advice.
14 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We pride ourselves on offering specialized expertise that goes beyond the standard high street experience, and we are delighted you found your visit worthwhile.
Great and helpful service & advice
Researching for to upgrade my binos, I came across Russell's reviews from South West Optics on YouTube. That led me to call them...Russell himself called me back as he wasn't available when I called. His approach was just like on camera, simple, clear, no-nonsense; he explains things brilliantly. He spent time on my intended use and focused on what I actually wanted/needed. We explored alternatives in the same quality bracket (which is quite a wide price bracket); there was no push for me to spend the most, just a focus on what I would enjoy. Great service. Unsurprisingly, SWO got my custom immediately. I'm very happy with my choice of binos - Opticron Europa VHD 8x32 - which are getting daily use. I'd recommend SWO (and their YouTube channel) to anyone looking for optics.
14 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Hi there! Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a detailed and kind review. Russell was absolutely delighted to read this. We always aim to bring the same honest, no-nonsense advice to our phone calls as we do to our YouTube videos, so it’s wonderful to hear that resonated with you. The Opticron Europa VHD 8x32s are a fantastic choice, and we are thrilled to hear they are getting daily use! Thanks for your support and happy viewing!
Top tier service
I was deeply impressed by the top tier service I received. Helping me choose a scope, the guidance was unbiased and honest with an impressive depth of knowledge which gave me reassurance to purchase the right instrument for my needs and budget. Highly recommend
12 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thanks for the great feedback! We pride ourselves on honest, expert advice, and we're so glad it gave you the confidence to make the right choice.
Difficult to find item in stock
Difficult to find item in stock, easy and robust checkout and fast delivery.
Thanks very much
Top Service
11 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
We love making shopping easy and fast for our customers. Thanks for sharing your experience!
Wow!
Wow, total perfection from order, to delivery. This company could seriously not do anything more. Husband is super happy with his upgraded binoculars and the cheapest on the web! Many thanks SWoptics, it’s been a pleasure A*****
11 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you so much for the amazing A***** review! We’re thrilled your husband loves his upgraded binoculars and that you got the best price online. It was an absolute pleasure doing business with you!
Great service and advice
Great service and advice from Russell and speedy next day delivery once again.
11 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you for the 5 star review! We appreciate your continued business and will be sure to pass your kind words along to Russell.
Reply from South West Optics
Hello thank you for the feedback
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you very much will pass onto the team
Love them I've had some binoculars in…
Love them I've had some binoculars in my time these are by far the best ones you pay for what you get
5 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Brilliant! good to hear
Great price and very fast delivery
Great price and very fast delivery. I’d happily use the company again.
5 May 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thank you so much
The best customer service I have ever experienced
I had an absolutely fantastic experience with Southwest Optics, and I can’t say enough good things about Russell. His customer service was top-notch—he was incredibly attentive, took the time to understand exactly what I needed, and his knowledge of the optics was vast. Not only did he recommend a perfect set for my outdoor activities, but he also made sure they fit my medical needs as well. I couldn’t be happier with both the product and the service. 10 out of 10 Russell goes above and beyond the best customer service I have ever experienced.
30 April 2026
Reply from South West Optics
We really appreciate your feedback! It’s wonderful to hear that Russell’s expertise helped you find the right fit, we look forward to seeing you again at Southwest Optics
Excellent service throughout
Excellent service throughout. My binoculars needed repair and Russ had them repaired and back in good time. He is very knowledgeable and professional and has an amazing array of highest quality optic goodies in his shop. Five star service. Will definitely be back to purchase from him in the near future.😊
24 April 2026
Reply from South West Optics
Thanks so much! Russ really appreciates the shout out, he loves talking shop, and we’re thrilled you enjoyed exploring our collection of optics.
Reply from South West Optics
Thanks for the 5-star review! We’re thrilled to hear you enjoyed our service and pricing.
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