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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 - a pair of binoculars

How to choose the best binoculars for bird watching

June 11, 2022

Are you bewildered by the array of binoculars on the market? No idea whether you need an 8x or 10x magnification?

Find out more here >>

Featured image - man looking through monocular

Which is better for birding: monocular or binoculars?

January 26, 2022

Wondering if a monocular is any good for birding? We look at their pros and cons in comparison to binoculars. The results here may surprise you >>>

Featured image woman with small binoculars

How to choose the best lightweight binoculars for bird watching

December 8, 2021

Compact binoculars save both space and weight in your pack. But do they still offer quality viewing, despite their smaller size?

Featured image binoculars shining in light

BaK-4 v BK-7: What is the best glass in binoculars?

December 6, 2021

Here we sum up of the pros and cons of BAK4 versus BK7 glass used in binoculars. Would you be able to tell the difference between them?

Featured image sheets of glass

What is ED (extra low dispersion) glass in bird watching binoculars?

December 6, 2021

Extra low dispersion glass and high definition glass – do both features need to be on your wish list for binoculars for bird watching?

Featured image light through a prism

Why are prism and lens coatings important to birding binoculars?

December 6, 2021

Effective light transmission through the body of your binoculars results in a brighter image. How do prism and lens coatings achieve this?

Featured image - zoom lens

Are zoom binoculars good for bird watching?

December 6, 2021

While zoom binoculars sound like a great idea for a close-up view, most bird watchers stick with fixed magnification binoculars. Why is that?

Featured image Woman with umbrella by the sea

Do I need waterproof or fogproof binoculars?

December 6, 2021

Many affordable binoculars include waterproofing and fogproofing. What are the best features which extend the life of your binoculars?

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