Ace Optics

Ace Optics, independent optics retailer in Bath since 1985

Ace Optics is an independent optics retailer based in Bath (United Kingdom), established in 1985. The company presents itself as one of the country's leading independent suppliers of binoculars, spotting scopes and accessories, serving both enthusiasts buying their first binoculars and users looking for high-end equipment.

Its catalogue is organised around four main areas: observation optics, photography, second-hand equipment and accessories. The physical store is located at 8 Belmont, Bath, BA1 5DZ, and complements its activity with online sales.

Binoculars for birdwatching and other hobbies

The binocular selection covers uses such as birdwatching, hiking, plane spotting or sports events. The catalogue includes compact, medium-size and full-size models, as well as image-stabilised binoculars and laser rangefinders.

Among the brands and models featured on the website are the Kowa BD III and SV, the Swarovski CL Pocket, CL Companion and NL Pure, the Leica Ultravid and Noctivid, the Canon 18x50 IS AW, the Minox X-Active, the Helios Nitrosport and the Avian Ultralite ED. Published prices range from £89 for the Helios Nitrosport to £2,440 for the Swarovski NL Pure 12x42.

Spotting scopes and optical modules

The spotting scopes section, also known as field scopes, brings together high-end models from Swarovski, Kowa and Leica, with angled and straight configurations, modular bodies and eyepieces of various magnifications. The website shows complete sets as well as bodies sold separately.

Among the highlighted references are the Kowa TSN-99A Prominar with TE-11WZ II zoom, the Swarovski ATX 85 complete, the Swarovski ATS 65HD with 25-50x eyepiece and case, the Leica Televid HD 82 and the Kowa HighLander Prominar 32x82. Prices in this section range from £299 for a Leica extender to £4,549 for the Kowa HighLander.

Second-hand equipment and photography

Ace Optics also sells used products, including binoculars, spotting scopes, camera bodies and lenses and accessories. The website cites brands such as Swarovski, Kowa, Leica, Sony, Canon, Panasonic and Nikon within this section, with examples such as a Leica Ultravid Noctivid 10x42, a Zeiss 12x50 SFL, a Swarovski ATS65 HD or a Canon EF 75-300 F4-5.6 III.

The photography area includes cameras and lenses, flashguns, field cameras, filters, batteries, memory cards, bags and tripods, as well as photographic film.

Accessories and complementary services

The store offers accessories specific to optics and photography: tripods and monopods, eyepieces, protective cases, digiscoping adapters, rucksacks and bags, as well as items from other categories such as thermal imaging, night vision, monoculars and magnifiers.

Among the services mentioned on the website are free shipping on orders over £199, best price guarantee, the possibility of part exchange and customer support by phone. The company also publishes a blog and an app about birdwatching.

Location and contact

8 Belmont, Bath, BA1 5DZ