We've seen the future and it looks like it's going to be in 3D

You've seen the kingfisher from 150 yards. Now you've filmed it, too... in 3D

3D Sony DEV-5 Binoculars

The grip area on Sony's DEV-5s is coated with an elastomer material for a firm hold. The controls are top-mounted, with dual buttons so you can film with either hand

The first cuckoo of spring; Fat Chance winning the 2.30 at Kempton; Mrs Jessop at No 23… life’s full of moments that the keen binoculars buff prepares for with the quiet patience of a beagle at the dinner table.

Yet who could have predicted that one day there’d be binoculars for making 3D movies?

Reminding us a little of the sinister proto-robots in Terminator 3, Sony’s DEV-5s work like conventional bins: scan the horizon at low magnification to spot your quarry, then zoom in at up to 20x (10x optical).

3D Sony DEV-5 Binoculars

The design is described as 'stealth' - meaning there are no distracting buttons or flashing lights that could give your position away

KingFisher Bird

Spot the kingfishers with the DEV-5s

Autofocus keeps the image clear; image stabilisation negates trembles. But what’s different with these is that you can take the images you see home with you. 

The DEV-5s capture 2D 7.1MP stills and Full HD video – and if you press the magic 3D button they’ll record footage that leaps out at you on a 3D TV (though bear in mind that in 3D the zoom is only 5.4x). 

Plenty of other features are packed in too, including GPS for geotagging, and the battery can handle over two hours of 3D filming. 

Any drawbacks? They’re £2,605, but you could see that a mile off, couldn’t you?