Are you someone who loves to watch birds? Are you an avid bird-watcher who spends weekends in the wilderness? If yes, then you need a good pair of binoculars. A magnifying device through which you can observe birds and their movements from a distance. But with so many brands and types available in the market, how do you know which one to choose that is best suited for bird watching? Don’t worry, we got you covered. In this post, we’ll talk about the best binoculars for bird-watching that will help you get a closer and better look of each bird you come across.

Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter 🕊️👀

The first thing you need to consider while choosing binoculars for bird-watching is the Magnification and the Objective Lens Diameter. The Magnification refers to the number of times an object is enlarged, while the Objective Lens Diameter is the size of the lens at the front of the binoculars. The right combination of Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter ensures clear and focused viewing experience. For bird-watching, the preferred Magnification range is between 8x and 10x while the Objective Lens Diameter should be between 32mm to 42mm. This combination offers a bright and sharp image with good magnification.

A pair of binoculars showing Magnification and Objective Lens Diameter range

Prism Type 🌈🔭

The prism system in binoculars is responsible for reflecting light that comes through the Objective lens and presents it to your eyes. One of the critical considerations while choosing binoculars for bird-watching is the prism type. There are two types of prism systems, Porro and Roof.

Porro prism system is known for offering excellent depth perception, and the image quality is sharper and brighter. On the other hand, the roof prism system is more compact and durable and gives a straighter image path. Both Porro and roof prisms offer exceptional viewing experiences, but Porro prism is preferred for bird-watching.

Two binoculars showing Porro Prism and Roof Prism images

Close Focus Distance 🐤🔎

Close focus distance is the nearest point from where you can focus on any object using binoculars. This distance is an essential factor to consider for bird watching as you will be observing birds in their wind ranges. A lower close focus distance helps you get a more detailed view of the birds, but the higher magnification may cause eye fatigue. A close focus distance of 6-8 feet is suitable for bird-watching.

A binocular showing close focus distance

Eye Relief 🙈👓

For bird-watchers who wear glasses, eye relief should be a critical factor when selecting binoculars. Eye relief is the distance from your eye to the point where the image appears in focus. The shorter the eye relief, the closer you will have to hold the binoculars for the image to appear in focus. It is recommended that you opt for a binocular that has an eye relief of about 15mm or more if you wear glasses.

A man wearing glasses looking through binoculars that have good eye relief

Field of View 🌳📜

The field of view is the width of the image that you see through binoculars, measured from left to right. It is an important factor to consider while choosing binoculars for bird-watching, as it determines the area that you can see without having to move the binoculars.

Binoculars with a wide field of view are best for bird-watching, as it helps you keep track of a bird in motion without the need for continuous adjustments. A field of view of 50-65 degrees is suitable for bird-watching.

A pair of binoculars with a wide field of view

Weight and Durability 🏋️‍♂️🛡️

The last thing to consider while choosing binoculars for bird-watching is their weight and durability. Bird-watching often requires hours of walking in the wild, so it is essential to opt for a lightweight and durable pair of binoculars. A lightweight pair of binoculars can be quickly packed and carried around without straining your neck or arms.

Durability is also important, as binoculars are prone to rough handling and accidental drops. Opt for a pair of binoculars that are shockproof and waterproof, as they can withstand tough environmental conditions.

A person holding a pair of lightweight and durable binoculars

Conclusion 🦉🎬

Choosing the right pair of binoculars is crucial for bird-watching, as it can make or break your experience. It is important to consider the magnification, objective lens diameter, prism type, close focus distance, eye relief, field of view, weight, and durability while choosing binoculars for bird-watching.

We hope this in-depth review has helped you choose the right pair of binoculars for bird-watching. Happy bird-watching!

A person birdwatching with their binoculars in a natural setting