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You are here: Home / Archives for Gear / Binoculars

Binoculars for birding

Here is all you need to know about how to choose and use binoculars.

This information can help you increase your bird-watching enjoyment and upgrade your practical skills.

Our buying guides and reviews of binoculars and accessories will help you make informed decisions before purchase.

We offer advice on how to care for your optics. Plus you can learn how to make the most of your binoculars to have the best birding experiences.

Binoculars buying guides

How do you know which binoculars are best for your style of birding? We discuss what criteria to use when deciding what to look for in binoculars.

You can also learn how to get the best from your binoculars - both taking care of them and how to see the most birds.

Our reviews of the best binoculars cover a wide range of styles and sizes, brands and budgets.

Technical information

This section is a technical guide to the terminology and special features of binoculars for bird watching.

Here we provide information on the terms you will hear, how binoculars work and special components that affect performance.

Learn about the optical systems that make a good pair of binoculars, and the terms that describe them.

8x Binoculars

While 8x binoculars are a commonly recommended magnification for general birding, there are plenty of options within that category.

Explore this section to discover why 8x power binoculars are so popular.

10x binoculars

For clarity over a greater distance, take a look at 10x binoculars.

These optics, with their increased magnification, combine high power with portability.

7x binoculars

7x binoculars capture images of good quality with a decent field of view. Compact and lightweight, they add little weight to your gear.

Choose the best here…

12x binoculars

12x binoculars get you up close and personal with your favorite feathered friends from distances you never thought possible.

Read more about the incredible clarity and detail of 12x binoculars for birding.

Featured image Man in mountains with binoculars

The best lightweight compact binoculars for bird watching

March 22, 2024

Going hiking, traveling, or just want to lighten your birding bag? Check out these binoculars combining portability with quality images >>>

FI best binoculars glasses

The best birding binoculars for glasses wearers

March 22, 2024

Looking for the best binoculars to buy if you wear spectacles or sunglasses while birding? We compare pairs with adequate eye relief here >>>

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The best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

March 21, 2024

8×42 is a popular magnification for bird-watching binoculars. With such a range of models available, our reviews help you choose. Check here >

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What are the best binoculars for birding?

March 21, 2024

The gear that will most enhance your bird watching is a pair of quality binoculars. With great choices available, find our top picks here >>>

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7x vs 8x binoculars: which work best for birding?

November 14, 2023

How do 7x binoculars weigh up against the more commonly recommended 8x? The pros and cons of each size will point you in the right direction.

Child-friendly binoculars - how to find the best for your kid

How to choose binoculars for kids

November 9, 2023

Which child-friendly binoculars suit which age of kid? To find a pair that lasts, but doesn’t break the bank, be sure to consider these factors.

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Binoculars vs spotting scope: which is better for birding?

February 24, 2023

Not sure if binoculars or spotting scopes are best for your style of birding? We’ll analyze the finer points of both to help you decide > > >

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8x vs 10x binoculars: which magnification is better for bird watching?

February 7, 2023

What kind of bird watching do you like to do? Our guide will help you work out if 8x or 10x is the best magnification for your binoculars.

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Are 12x binoculars good for bird watching?

February 7, 2023

12x binoculars – too big for bird watching? We discuss a few different perspectives on this size of binoculars. Take a look here >>>

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Are 10×42 binoculars good for bird watching?

February 7, 2023

Are 10×42 binoculars good for the kind of bird watching you enjoy? Here’s an in-depth look at situations when 10×42 is the best configuration

FI 10x42 vs 10x50 binoculars

10×42 vs 10×50: which binoculars are better for birding?

February 7, 2023

Confused about whether to buy 10×42 or 10×50 binoculars? You are in the right place to find out which suits the bird watching you prefer >>>

featured image - 2 yellow birds on thistles

Do 7×50 binoculars work for bird watching?

February 7, 2023

Are 7x50s a good size for those people who want to combine their binoculars for marine use as well as bird watching?

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