When to research Optics (Archipelago maps)?

[_megafone_]

Title says it all: Where do you fit in Optics on a regular opening where you still want to build HS/PT (Deity difficulty)? Of course, the question assumes you NEED to find land to settle. I usually do it after Theology, but on some games you start on a tiny island with room for like 1-2 cities and I think you need the tech earlier?

 

[Tabarnak]

If you don't play with ruins, triremes only can do the job at finding civs. Lot of sea ressources make Optics really appealing. It depends of the map.

If you expand(=>3) before NC you can decide to tech it faster since you don't need libraries too soon. Don't forget that you have a little discount on techs that they already researched when you find civs. And at deity it's surely a good idea to find them early.