View Carson Optical’s history. Read through our timeline and see the steps Carson has taken to become an industry leading optics company. This timeline exemplifies how from humble beginnings Carson has gained media attention through featured articles and catalog listings, and how Carson has seized opportunities to expand whether that be upgrading and adding to our physical locations or expansion into more markets all over the globe.
1991
President, Rich Cameron starts the company representing Japanese Optical supplier Copitar Japan.
The first office was located in his mother’s Long Island basement.
1992
First NY Times Feature
Featured in the NY Times, with an article titled “For a Boat or the Ball Game, Flexible Binoculars” written by Barbara Lloyd. Article discusses how the company imports, and the versatility of the Zoom Binocular – The Look.
1992
Popular Science Feature, Electronic Zoom Binocular
Company is featured in Popular Science Magazine, showcasing the significance of the electronic binocular. The article explains the benefit of choosing electronic binoculars over classic binoculars. Company begins gaining popularity in the Optical industry.
1993
Moved to Greenlawn, NY
Richard Cameron moves store out of home office and into first official storefront in Greenlawn, NY.
1993
First large catalog placement, Sharper Image
The company’s first large catalog placement in the Sharper Image Catalog. The Magazine features of the Look binoculars, listed under binoculars and sporting gifts. The catalog highlights the product’s zoom power and key features such as its Bak-4 prisms meant to reduce distortion and enhance brightness.
1995
Moved to Huntington Station
As business expands, Richard Cameron moves storefront to Huntington Station, NY into a 10,000 square foot warehouse.
1996
The company begins to import binoculars under its own brand name, Carson Optical
In this prominent year, the company begins importing binoculars under its own brand name, Carson Optical. This is a historical example of Richard Cameron’s dedication to the brand in an ever-expanding competitive optical market.
2004
First Patent Grant
Carson Optical receives its first patent – for a loupe magnifier.
2004
Moved Office to Hauppauge NY
Company moves from Huntington Station to Hauppauge NY, expanding into a 25,000 square foot warehouse. This third physical move is a great representation of the ever-increasing business.
2008
First In-house Engineer Hired
Carson hires its first in-house engineer to help with its optical designs.
2014
Moved to Ronkonkoma NY
Carson relocates to a 51,000 square foot building in Ronkonkoma, NY, doubling in size.
2015
Opened United Kingdom Warehouse
Carson Optical opens Warehouse in the United Kingdom, its first overseas move. This expansion pushes the company in the direction of becoming a global industry leader in the world of optics.
2016
100th Patent
Carson receives a grant for its 100th patent. This milestone solidifies the company’s wide range of products including binoculars, magnifiers, telescopes and microscopes, and represents the company’s continued growth.
2017
Netherlands Warehouse
Carson Optical opens a warehouse in Netherlands, further expanding business in the European market.
2021
Warehouse in Hong Kong
Carson taps into markets in Asia by opening an office in Hong Kong.
2021
Carson Celebrates 30 Years!
Carson Optical celebrates 30 years in the optical industry. With many milestones hit, and increased market share in regions all over the globe, this is still just the beginning for this company.
2022
Carson now has sales offices in North America, South America, Europe & Asia
Now a strong leader in the global market, Carson has become an industry leader with sales offices in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia.