In this day and age finding the right pair of binoculars has proven to be a daunting task, especially for birders – a multitude of choice has its downsides. However, the most important things birders require from binoculars is that the images are clear and the gadget is comfortable and easy to hold. There are thousands of product models on the market today going at various price ranges, many of them being reasonably good, and picking out the best binoculars for bird watchers is not always a walk in the park.
In this review, we will discuss some of the most highly rated binoculars that are suitable for any birder out there. One thing most birders don’t know is that even though optics have really improved in terms of technology their price has not changed drastically over time.
Best Bird Watching Binos: What Features to Look For
There are some things that are universally applicable to all good birdwatching binoculars. These are:
- Magnification not too small and not too big. Typically anything in the 8x to 10x range is a good choice. Any lower, and you won’t see any details, any greater, and you won’t be able to keep a steady view.
- Good size objective lenses, at least 42mm. You want to see the birds’ plumage bright and not dim or dull, right?
- High quality optics. These ensure you get bright vivid colors and sharp images.
- Waterproof and fog proof: since you’re going out into the nature, your birding optics will need to be able to handle the conditions.
- Construction quality: again, since you’re out in the wild, you’ll want a sturdier build than for viewing opera.
- Wide field of view: a narrow field of view means it’s harder to find your target and you’d get to see less of the flock. Compact versions are particularly susceptible to having a narrow FOV.
So let’s have a look at some of the best options out there.
The 8×42 Nikon Monarch 5 is an amazing product that is used by avid bird watchers. It has been highly recommended by numerous users who say that the Monarch 5 are actually a birder’s best choice.
They come with a pair of ED (Extra-Low Dispersion) lenses and multilayer Prism Coating that is highly reflective for crystal clear images. It is completely fog proof and waterproof. It is very light – a little over 20 ounces. Additionally, it comes with features that are mostly found on high-end items by Steiner, Bushnell or Leupold. Using these binoculars will make you feel like you are using one of the most expensive pairs on the market.
Advantages
It is an excellent pair since it has features that compare to the most expensive binos.
Disadvantages
Some people feel that the straps were too small and they need to be adjusted.
Similar to the 8×42 Nikon Monarch, the Bushnell Legend Ultra 10×42 is an amazing and powerful tool that leaves most users breathtaken after they experience using it for the first time.
Its price range is neither too high nor too low but it is guaranteed to give you an awesome user experience. The 10x magnification model is also one of the highly rated models in the market.
Features
It comes with a custom made anti-reflective lens coating that guarantees superior light transmission. This, in turn, ensures an excellent viewer experience in terms of sharp focus color detail as well as long eye relief. It also comes with an HD water repellent lens coating making it waterproof and fog proof. Furthermore, it is has a lightweight magnesium chassis with smooth touch grips. It is enclosed in a soft microfiber carrying bag with an adjustable neck strap.
Advantages
The optic features of this pair are mind blowing – the image clarity, sharpness, and brightness.
Disadvantages
It has been noted that these binoculars are quite and may not be the ideal size for some birdwatchers.
Another customer favorite from Nikon, the Prostaff model comes with incredible optic capabilities that wow users each time they take a look. As a Nikon product, they are assembled from the best materials and design so as to maintain the Nikon reputation and this is probably the reason behind the popularity of this model.
Features
As is expected from an outdoors binocular model, this one has a 100% fog- and waterproof as well as a unique and comfortable design. The 8×42 is very light and, for the lens size, provides clear images in situations that are tough like low light conditions. Sharp colors enhance the experience of birdviewing, enabling the user to savor every moment.
Advantages
It’s easy to use and it delivers high quality focusing capabilities that are required for bird watching activities.
Disadvantages
Some users feel that it is not as good as the other Nikon models on the market currently.
The 3D ED by Carson is another affordably priced high-quality birding binocular that is ideal for the job. It has top notch accessories and the imaging capability it provides is one of a kind for most binoculars within its price range.
Features
It’s equipped with an ED Glass so as to provide sharp and bright images. It comes with a deluxe BinoAmor carry case with a shoulder harness and neck strap to protect it from scratches or clumsy accidents. It has lens cloth to ensure the lenses are clean from particles and impurities that may damage it. It also has a coating armor made of rubber to ensure maximum grip as well as ensure that the device is water proof and fog proof.
Advantages
It is affordable in terms of price but does not disappoint in terms of image quality.
Disadvantages
Some users wish that it had a lens cap.
If you know a thing or two about the optics industry, then you know that Vanguard is one of the most trusted companies in the optics world. The Vanguard 10×42’s with ED Glass is no exception – this device is designed to give you a bright and sharp images with a wide viewing angle.
At one time one had to pay an incredible amount of money to own one of these but Vanguard has recently released models that are budget friendly and economical for most birders.
Features
These come with premium ED or extra-low dispersion glass that helps focus the light through the lenses accurately by eliminating chromatic aberration so as to receive true color transmission throughout the whole field of view. They have phase-coated Bak4 prisms that offer better light reflection, color fidelity, and high contrast. Naturally, they are water proof and fog proof. Furthermore, these open-bridge binos are designed with a magnesium chassis enabling them to be shock proof, light and durable.
Advantages
This product is very affordable and most users can appreciate the fact they are getting a superior quality product for a fraction of its price.
Disadvantages
Some users have complained about the construction of the eyepiece on this model, saying that it has been better with other products.
This is probably the crème de la crème of birdwatching binoculars due to the specific features that are added to it to make it really easy to use as well as provide clear and bright images.
Features:
They have an extra low dispersion glass that is high density to guarantee the viewer very sharp, bright and clear images. The lenses on these are completely multi-coated with phase correction ensuring that there is minimal eye strain and maximum comfort. Its close focus capabilities are superb. It is also fog proof and water proof making it ideal for any weather conditions that may arise. Its eyecups are metal reinforced with twist up eyecups that are very durable. It is easy to adjust the focus with the locking diopter adjustment. It also has an unlimited lifetime warranty.
Advantages
It’s easy to use and it delivers high quality focusing capabilities that are required for bird watching activities.
Disadvantages
The price of the Vortex Viper HD Binoculars tends to put off some potential customers.
These bins are possibly the top binoculars for an avid bird watcher on the market today. Every birder who is serious about birding either has them or dreams of acquiring them. They were even featured as the best of their category on Top Gun. This is because they were seen to be the best in terms of production of crisp, precise, clear and perfect images as well as overall quality of materials used in the manufacture. The Zeiss team did not leave anything to chance from the lenses all the way to the strap . This gadget is a must have for any birder out there.
Features
They have a 7.1-degree wide view angle capability that is useful for spotting and following moving birds. Users enjoy 8 times magnification to clearly observe the object from a distance. This product boasts an 18mm eye relief for users who may have sunglasses or normal glasses. It is very light since it has a roof prism design. Its central focus mechanism is wonderful and fast, enabling the user not to miss a single moment. It is 100% waterproof and fogproof. It is also easy to use and very light, weighing 720 grams only.
Advantages
There’s little not to love about this item…
Disadvantages
…except for the price of course.