Birding Binoculars

Birding binoculars come in many shapes, sizes and prices, depending on your needs and preferences. Cost is sometimes, but not always, a prime consideration. Also important are size (will it fit easily into your pocket?), weight, power, use with glasses, close focus, brightness of image and so on.

We've pulled together a range of binoculars, each one addressing one or more of these specific needs.

If you've installed numerous bird feeders around your property as we have, you will attract a vast assortment of wild birds to watch!

It's worth noting that binocular technology, like everything else, has made huge strides in the past few decades. If, like us, you've been using a pair of older binoculars, you'll be amazed at the difference a good modern pair of birding binoculars will make to your bird watching experience!

Explanation of some technical terms

If you're fairly new to birding and/or understanding binoculars, here is a little information you might find useful.

What do the numbers mean?

If your binoculars are marked 8 X 28 or 10 X 42, what do these numbers tell you?

The first number represents the power of magnification. In the examples above 8 times and 10 times respectively.

The second number tells you the size (diameter) of the large lens at the front of your binoculars in millimeters. The larger the number, the greater the amount of light that will enter. Therefore if you foresee use in dim light, look for binoculars with a higher second number.

Lens coatings

Optical lenses have a thin coating applied to reduce reflections. Reducing the reflected light allows more light to reach the eye. Look for the following codes: "C" (one or more surfaces are coated), "FC" (fully coated -- air to glass surfaces are coated), "MC" (multi-coated -- at least one surface has a multi-layered coating, "FMC" (fully multi-coated -- all air-to-glass surfaces have a multi-layer coating).

Binoculars with FMC will allow transmission of 90 to 95% of the light resulting in crisper, brighter images.

Prisms

Just like single lens reflex cameras, binoculars are constructed with prisms (either Porro or roof prisms) to manage the passage of light within the binoculars.

If your binocular lenses are in a straight line they have roof prisms. If the front (objective) lens is offset from the eyepiece there are Porro prisms inside.

While some people have a preference for one type over another, generally today's superior manufacturing has eliminated any significant differences in optical quality between the two. The only significant difference would be the slightly better stereoscopic effect from Porro system binoculars given the wider spacing of the objective lenses.

Choose the birding binocular that's right for you

Because your needs will be specific to you and your situation and usage, we've compiled some excellent birding binocular choices and given a brief description for each. Click on the picture or title to learn more or to order.

	Pentax 8.5x21 Papilio Binoculars A true close range binocular... as little as 1.6 feet! Tough rubber exterior for easy grip and protection. 8.5 X 21.
	Vortex 8x28 Fury Binoculars This is a compact binocular that is relatively inexpensive yet has good optics. Waterproof and weighs in at just 11.8 oz.
	Leica Ultravid 8x20 Compact Binoculars These can be described as ultra-small, ultra-light and ultra-bright! Works well with glasses. Folds to very compact to fit in pocket. Available in leather and rubber exterior finishes.
	Eagle Optics 8x42 Ranger SRT Binoculars A great buy in a moderately priced binocular with top-quality optics. Long eye relief for glasses wearers. Waterproof.
	Zeiss Victory FL 10x42 Binoculars Looking for it all? These are the ones! Good eye relief, close focus, great optics, 10 power.
	Swarovski 10x42 EL Binoculars Regarded by many as the "best of the best". Lightweight yet containing superb optical qualities, close (8 feet) focusing, amazing color fidelity, easy to use with just one hand. Many many features!
	Telescope Strength Binoculars telephoto magnification of a telescope with the portability and dual viewfinder design of a pair of binoculars, these professional grade optics are ideal for both celestial and terrestrial viewing. Includes two interchangeable eyepieces capable of up to 40X magnification. Higher-than-average eye relief. Many more features!.