How To Choose The Best Birding Binoculars

July 31st, 2008 Posted in Bird Watching Binoculars

When it comes to birding, binoculars are a must have item. They take a tiny speck and turn it into something you can not only see but identify as part of your bird watching experience. There are quite a few different makes and models of birding binoculars on the market, ranging in price from as little as a few dollars to sophisticated models costing thousands. Popular brands include Nikon and Swarovski. Nikon produce many fine optic products and their bird watching binoculars are particularly good. Nikon binoculars are excellent for the early morning or dusk – times that most species of birds are quite active.

Binoculars with Magnification and Front Lens Diameter

For basic birding, a standard set that you find in any hardware or sporting goods store will probably be appropriate to your needs. They can be purchased for very little and are generally quite durable, as well as doing an adequate job of magnification. Binoculars are rated by two numbers the first of which indicates the power of the magnification and the second number denotes the diameter of the front lens. The best binoculars for bird watching also provide a wide view so that birds can be viewed in flight, as well as in a static situation.

These details are usually written as, say, 7×23. Thus, these binoculars would have a magnification power of seven and front lens diameter of 23 millimeters. The magnification power of the binoculars that you want depends on how far you plan to be away from the birds you are planning to watch. If you are simply looking around your neighborhood at birds on the ground or in the trees, a lesser magnification will suffice. For those that want the ability to spend a large amount of time watching birds interact naturally or where the required distance is significantly greater than watching normal everyday birds, you will want to get a stronger magnification.

Changing the Level of Magnification

There are birding binoculars that have just one level of magnification, these are usually the basic style that allow simply a slight amount of focusing. Then there are the ones which let you alter the level of magnification and the focus of the lens as well. These kinds of binoculars are particularly useful when switching from a close object to one further away and means you will not need a separate set of binoculars.

Make Sure Your Binoculars Are Not Too Heavy

Weight is something which you should always take into account when purchasing binoculars – don't choose a pair which will be too heavy to comfortably hold for a long period. Some pairs can be hard to handle or hold up for longer periods of time, so this is another factor that you should consider if you are in the market to purchase a pair of binoculars. Many lightweight models exist today which offer all of the features of heavier models without the weight. After all, if you intend to carry them around with you whilst out on your adventures bird watching you do not want to be struggling with a heavy pair of binoculars.

Not being able to get to where you need to be to do a spot of bird watching because your equipment is too cumbersome will only end up ruining your trip. Some of the features to look for is scratch resistance on the lens, and a way to carry them other than in your hand or around your neck. This will help to not only protect them, but keep them out of the way while you are making your way to your location of choice.