Quality Binoculars for Birding

Quality Birding Binoculars for - $500 - $1000

Terrific quality birding binoculars between $500 to under $1,000 are more than adequate for most birdwatchers that enjoy bird watching, unless of course, $2000 - $5000 is pocket change for you, then why not. Keep in mind, even the "Top Guns", boy am I sticking my neck out here, such as Zeiss, Swarovski, Leica, and BSA, have low ratings on some of their binoculars, but, not many.

Pentax DCF ED is a quality binocular for birding and is a mid-range price for quality binoculars for bird watching. Pentax has been around for a long time and their experience with camera lenses has help them to refine their optics, which you will experience with the Pentax DCF ED.

Three new midrange quality binoculars for birding are the Vortex Razor binocular and the Minox HG Rangefinder binocular. The Vortex Razor binocular is the highest scoring binocular by Birdwatchers Digest in the mid-price range. The Minox HG Rangefinder has a one turn focus that includes the distance to your object and has outstanding brightness, clarity and color fidelity. The new and exciting bird watching binocular by Kowa, called the Kowa Genesis binocular is the talk of the bird watchers because of its bright and clear images for a midrange price.

Now for my subjective bird watching binocular, hang-on-to-your-hat, the waterproof Steiner binocular 8x42 with a range finder and compass. Get the picture, great for sailing and good for bird watching. I love this binocular, or should I say, it's a great duel purpose binocular for me, and occasionally, even watching Seahawk football. Steiner binoculars rock, grandkids taught me that phrase! Another Steiner binocular that is good for long distant is the 10x42. This binocular is heavier, hard to keep steady for short distances and got worst for me with age, but still good at the longer ranges. I know there a other excellent binoculars with these features, however, when you are my age and used this binocular as long as I have, it's hard to change. One more thing, the Steiner binocular has great low light sensitivity.

Cornell University Ornithology Lab research and ratings of the top 5 binoculars in this price range are rated overall quality index from a low 6.0 to a high of 30.0. Prices are always subject to change without notice, and may vary by dealer.

Nikon HG DCF - 8x32 - rated 27.0 - $700

Minox BD ALT BR - 10x42 rated 24.8 - $799

Opticron Oasis WP - 8x42 rated 24.6 - $849

Pentax DCF SP - 8x43 rated 24.0 - $698

Minox BD ALT BR - 8.5x42 rated 23.7 - $759