Bird Binoculars – How Do You Choose?
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With good binoculars you feel like you are looking with your own eyes only the view is closer, magnified and clear. How big do you want that image to be? Well, that will depend on many things. How heavy will the binoculars be with extra magnification? Can you hold the binoculars steady if they are magnified more than 10 times (10x)? I find it hard to hold 12x steady for any length of time without support. But I have small hands and that makes a difference too. Will the bird binoculars you choose work well with eyeglasses? Some are better than others for eye relief and eyeglasses.
While there are many considerations to make when purchasing binoculars, remember to think about the field of view in addition to size, weight and magnification. Field of view refers to how much you will see through the binoculars in relation to a fixed distance from the object you are observing. A broader field of view helps you locate small birds in the brush and across wide expanses of ocean or desert terrain.
If you are wear eyeglasses or have macular degeneration or other uncorrected vision conditions, this is likely to affect which binoculars are best suited for you.While you may need higher magnification for viewing, it is harder to hold those heavier binoculars steady and in focus. Consider getting a tripod to help you keep it steady.
Those numbers can be confusing when you first get started. Here is a simple way to understand them. Let’s say the binoculars are 10×32. The 10 means the bird or other object will appear to be 10 times closer. That is the level of magnification for the eyepiece. The second number refers to the size of the objective lens, listed in millimeters. So in this example the diameter of the lens is 32 mm. The size of the objective lens is directly related to how much light can enter your binoculars to allow you to see clearly. The first number refers to the eyepiece and the second number refers to the lens at the other end of your binoculars.
Waterproof binoculars are essential for me. Are these binoculars sturdy, durable and compact to fit my hands? Will they be able to withstand being dropped now and then? Of course, if you wear your strap around your neck all the time they are less likely to fall, but, just in case, are they sturdy? I have lost a lot of lens covers at overlooks.
If you choose the best binoculars that fit you that also fit your budget and you will be a happy birdwatcher and even have some cash in your pocket for lunch, maybe. Just relax and look around. The binoculars you buy are intended to enhance your field trips or birding expeditions, so don’t stress out over them. Take your time and read some reviews. Every manufacturer has a website full of detailed information and there are plenty of reviews online for you to compare while you are still looking.
I confess that I really like using Leupold binoculars. I know I have a fine pair of excellent quality binoculars that are waterproof, fog proof and guaranteed for life. I choose the 10×32 because they fit me well, even though they are a bit bigger than my compact Bushnell Binoculars at 8×25 that I carry with me wherever I go for casual or surprise birding.
To tell the just plain truth, when your binoculars feel like an extension of your hands and you can see clearly and well, you have just found your best pair. Remember to stay within your budget and check on the field of vision and depth of field while you are looking. That is what it takes when you get right down to the details.
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