Bird Watching Binoculars for Birdwatching Information

Bird Watching Binoculars Information

When looking for bird watching binoculars, start with an inexpensive pair, if you're just getting started. Personally, I like my bird watching binoculars to be multi-purpose. Being an offshore sailor and pilot for years, I like my binoculars to meet all three requirements, which can become a compromising situation.

The special requirements for my bird watching binoculars are, dim light optics, which means larger optics, but a heavier binocular, waterproof, and compass, laser rangefinder for sailing and flying. The two binoculars that I like and meet my requirements are the Steiner and Nikon, they are a little pricey but not out of range for the moderately serious bird watching, especially if used for other situations, such as mine.

I came across a field test by the Ornithology Department at Cornell University that I felt comfortable with, Ken Rosenberg is the author. I called them for permission and verify the accuracy of their reviews, and Tim Gallagher, Editor in Chief of Living Bird Magazine at Cornell University indicated that these results were current as of December 2007. So many of the bird watching binoculars listed on these webpages include their findings, not necessarily my recommendations, however, personally, I don't have any reservations with their reviews.

You would think that buying a binocular for bird watching should be relatively simple, which is going to depend on what you're looking for and your other personal needs. Here are some things that you may want to consider.

1. What is you budget? We are talking about costs for bird watching binoculars from under $100.00 to in the thousands for bird watching.

2. Your preference in magnification. The lower the magnification, the easier and steadier to use in finding you target, however, I like an 8 power binocular best, but at times 10 power is even better, but harder to keep steady. Also the binoculars field of view is important, the large the field the easier to find your target and much better lighting, but heavier. My preferences are an 8 power by 42mm is the best for me, and occasionally a 10 power by 50mm is outstanding for range or mind blowing up close shots. An other consideration is focus. If you're into close range focus, like six feet of less, hang on, that can get expensive, especially under twenty four inch focus.

3. Next, do you wear glasses? This one can become a BIG problem in using you bird watching binoculars, yet is an easy fix if you buy the right binocular with the correct eye relief, rubber cups for glasses are one, but over time folding and unfolding rubber cups may start to crack or tear apart. The best solution is the turn and lock eyecups.

4. Before you buy, try your birdwatching binoculars at the store, testing them to make sure they will adjust to your hands, face, nose and eyes comfortably. Don't forget to check the focus, at distance and very close range, 15' of less. Note: In my world there is no such thing as a focus free binocular, period.

5. Last but not least is the type or style of binocular for bird watching, Porro prism or roof prism. Porro is a little larger and bulky compared to the straight lines of the roof prism. I still like the old Porro prism binoculars, just a preference and possible do to my years of flying and sailing. Now, take a good look at the suggested binoculars for bird watching in your price range.