Beyond science, bird watching is one of the most stress-relieving activities you can undertake. Because these masters of the sky fly so high, our eyesight may not be sufficient for this exercise. Hence, binoculars seem the best alternative.
But not just any binocular is appropriate for watching birds? So, which are the best binoculars for bird watching, and do you choose one?
Look no further! Here we’ve got the four best binoculars for birdwatching for you. Not only that, but you’ll also learn how to choose these binoculars, and we’ll give answers to all the questions that may be bothering your mind concerning bird watching. Just sit back, and let’s dive in!
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
We’ve considered all the necessary factors to select some of the best binoculars for bird watching. Here are the four of them:
1. Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
The Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 Binocular is incredible for several reasons. First, the device has an 8x magnification. That gives you a balance between power and field of view. The lenses are multicoated to boost light transmission and light filtration. Besides, it uses the phase-coated BaK-4 prisms with optimum light transmission.
Again, the pair of binoculars has features that make it ideal for outdoor use. The casing has a polycarbonate reinforcement and is waterproof. The eyecups are adjustable and provide sufficient eye relief of 17.5mm and allow you to look through even with a pair of glasses on. Of course, you would appreciate the wide lens diameter, knowing how much light it permits to make your vision clearer.
Moreover, this device comes with every accessory you need to spend the day in the field observing birds. When you buy this pair of binoculars, it comes with a compact carrying case and a cap for the objective lens. The eyepiece also has a rain guard and a strap to hang the pair of binoculars around your neck.
Pros
- Reinforced and waterproof casing
- Adjustable eyecups for optimum positioning
- Phase-coated BaK-4 prisms
- Comes with necessary accessories
Cons
- Slight chromatic aberration
2. Vortex DB-214 HD Binoculars
The Vortex DB-214 HD Binoculars are a sheer joy to behold. You can start by admiring the robust casing with aluminum construction and rubber covering. The non-slip design allows you have the best grip. Since it is for outdoor use, the parts have seals to every place that admit water.
In addition, you can twist the eyecups upward and downward to accommodate eyeglasses users. You can even adjust the diopter to match your eye type. The interpupillary distance is between 55mm to 73mm and a 17mm eye relief.
Most importantly, the objective lenses have 8x magnification and 42mm diameter. These lenses are multicoated to allow light transmission at their best. They also have a special coating, Amortek, which helps protect these lenses from scratches, oil, and specks of dirt. Lastly, you can set the Vortex DB-214 HD Binoculars on a tripod.
Pros
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- Non-slip design
- Rugged and waterproof casing
- Can stay on a tripod
Cons
- Backpack and strap purchased separately
3. ZEISS Terra ED Compact Binoculars
Stylish, functional, and robust – these words describe the ZEISS Terra ED Compact Binoculars. The device is weatherproof and reinforced with glass fibers. You can use it in any weather. Thanks to the ergonomic grip, it won’t slip off your hands.
The lenses have 8x magnification and a 25mm diameter. Even better, this pair of binoculars utilize a custom hydrophobic ZEISS MC coating. The coating helps it achieve high contrast in the images, regardless of the light condition. In short, the light transmission is close to perfect.
Moreover, the binoculars’ compact design allows you to have your finger on the index focus wheel without stress. The interpupillary distance is also adjustable to suit your eye spacing. More so, the device’s eye relief is 16mm. Everything makes up for a sharp focus when you look through the binoculars.
Pros
- Stylish and ergonomic design
- Highly compact and lightweight
- Weatherproof and robust construction
- Sharp images and quick focus
Cons
- It doesn’t come with a backpack
4. Bushnell Falcon 133450 Wide Angle Binoculars
You’ll love the Bushnell Falcon 133450 Wide Angle Binoculars for several reasons. First, the device has a powerful magnification of 10x and an objective diameter of 50mm.
Large magnifications often prove a problem because they cause shaking, but not in the case of this pair of binoculars. This device utilizes a Porro prism to balance this effect, making images clear and sharp. Meanwhile, the lenses have full coatings to help with the light transmission so that your sightings do not appear blurred.
In addition, you can push down to pull up the eyecup to your eye’s preference and to protect the lens from dust and impact. Meanwhile, the device’s interpupillary distance is adjustable. When you have to focus on a flying bird, the custom Insta-Focus lever helps balance effects from the magnification.
Lastly, the Bushnell Falcon 133450 Wide Angle Binoculars have a robust and scratch-resistant design.
Pros
- 10x magnification and 50mm objective lens diameter
- Porro prism for sharp viewing
- Adjustable interpupillary distance
- Autofocus lever
Cons
- It cannot attach to a tripod
How to Choose the Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
We understand that choosing binoculars for bird watching can be confusing, especially for beginners. Don’t worry; in this introduction to bird watching for beginners, we will guide you through the crucial things you should know about lens jargon. Don’t worry; we will put you through the crucial things you should know most simply in a moment. Here are five things you should do when choosing binoculars for bird watching.
Consider the Magnification
The essence of using binoculars is to magnify the image of the birds in flight. So, the higher the magnification, the better suited for bird watching. We recommend that you pick binoculars in the 8x-10x range, and here is why. As magnification increases, the field of view narrows. Therefore, magnifications above 10x could pose more challenges since you’ll have difficulty keeping up with birds in motion.
Check the Diameter of the Objective Lens
If you check binoculars, you’ll notice two numbers, such as 8x 32 GA. The first represents the magnification of your device, and the other represents the diameter of your device’s objective lens.
Now, the bigger the lens size, the more light can enter your binoculars. More light means you’ll get better colors and brighter images when viewing. Hence, we recommend you pick one above 30mm objective lens diameter.
Eye Relief
Simply put, eye relief is the distance between your eyes and the binocular’s scope. The measurement is in millimeters. You will need to test the one you have to see if it works for you. There isn’t a strict saying more or less is better. That is due to individual differences in individuals’ eyes.
Ease of Focus
Some binoculars require some skills to focus the view on your target. A pair of binoculars with a central focusing knob is easier to use. If you can get your index finger on it, that’s much better, as control is much easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is bird watching?
Bird watching is the observation of wild birds in their natural habitat for recreational or study purposes. That includes watching their flight, interactions, and catching their sounds where possible. You could do it from your home or out in the wild.
- How can I bird-watch?
To bird watch, get a pair of binoculars. Ensure it is one that you can use comfortably. If you love to record bird sounds, then get a microphone. You will also need a field guide to identify different bird types. If you have a camera, consider taking it along. Who knows, you may get a close shot on the bird.
Don’t forget to dress for the outing. Dark t-shirt to avoid scaring the birds, well fit trousers on a pair of waterproof boots would do.
The time of the day you would see birds vary with their nature. Some would fly at sunrise, others right before sunset, and a few at any time. You’ll find that in the guide. Do your best to walk noiselessly, whether you are going with a group of bird watchers or alone.
- How can I identify birds?
If you want to identify birds, your field guide will come in handy. Generally, you can decipher their sounds in songs, shape, size, markings, and feather colors. You may not know which bird is before you in an instant. You can take pictures and record their sounds.
After enjoying the view, you can go home and match what you saw with the suggestions in the guide. With time, you would become familiar with them and know them yourself.
- What is the best magnification for birdwatching binoculars?
Magnification has several effects on images. As magnification increases, the image appears less bright, the field of view narrows, and keeping steady becomes more difficult. We recommend between 8x and 10x magnification for bird watching.
Conclusion
Whatever reason you choose to bird-watch, it would be so much fun with the right pair of binoculars. There are four fine ones in the review section for your consideration.
But we love the Celestron 71332 Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars the most for a couple of reasons. Talk of its brilliant vision, excellent accessories to keep you bird watching on the go, and robustness, this binocular has it all.