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The best equipment for bird watching

The best gear and optical instruments will help you to enjoy bird watching at whatever level, whether it is amateur or professional. There is so much great birding equipment available.

If you need help to narrow down your choices you have come to the right place. We sum up the features to look for when shopping for bird-watching gear.

Our buying guides will help you to pinpoint exactly which models are best for your birding requirements and why.

Binoculars

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

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

Plus, learn how to make the most of your binoculars to have the best birding experiences.

Spotting scopes

A spotting scope is an invaluable tool for long-distance viewing. Most birders love the increased magnification for close-up images.

If you are considering the upgrade to a spotting scope, our clear and straightforward guides can help.

Find out what to consider when choosing a scope and how to pick the best one for you.

Tripods

We talk about why tripods are an important part of your bird watching equipment.

Our guides and in-depth reviews cover which features are most important.

Here you can work out which one is best for your birding habits and circumstances

Clothing

What’s the best clothing for successful, comfortable birdwatching adventures?

Find recommendations on the functional apparel and gear for any birding activity.

Birding journals

Keeping a birdwatching journal is a great way to document your birding experiences.

Our articles provide tips on starting and enriching a journal.

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Manfrotto’s best tripod heads to hold birding spotting scopes

March 26, 2024

So many great tripod heads on offer from Manfrotto… how will you ever decide? May we humbly suggest starting with these reviews…

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Five of the best fluid pan tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

March 26, 2024

Not sure which fluid tripod head offers great panning smoothness for a birding scope? We review a range of fluid heads. See which is top here

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Which is the best two-way tripod head for birding spotting scopes?

March 25, 2024

With the ability to pan and tilt, two-way tripod heads are a sound choice to support a birding spotting scope. Check here for top options >

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Best lightweight compact tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

March 25, 2024

Matching a lightweight tripod head to a spotting scope is a challenge. We have a short list to help you decide which is best for birding >>>

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The best value tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

March 25, 2024

On a budget but need a sturdy tripod head? These options offer the potential for stable views at an affordable price >>>

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Best heavy duty tripod heads (stable for big scopes or wind!)

March 25, 2024

Upgrading a tripod head? With a large scope, tripod heads are a crucial part of getting sharp views. For top heavy duty tripod heads, read on

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The best tripod heads for birding spotting scopes

March 25, 2024

Searching for a new tripod head for birding? We outline a few options with a variety of features. Which suits you best? Find out here >>>

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What makes a good spotting scope for digiscoping? (3 top picks)

March 25, 2024

Identify the best spotting scope for digiscoping from these top picks that include most important features for great photos and video >>>

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Six of the best angled spotting scopes for birding

March 25, 2024

Angled spotting scopes are a popular choice for birders. Which features differentiate the models? Choose from these top choices >>>

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Dawn to dusk: the best spotting scopes for birding in low light

March 24, 2024

Great bird watching can be done at either end of the day. So it makes sense to have a spotting scope that performs best these times >>>

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The best birding spotting scopes for eyeglasses wearers

March 24, 2024

These spotting scopes have long eye relief, crucial for people wearing glasses when birding. Which model has the best features for you?

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Travel light with the best compact spotting scopes for birding

March 23, 2024

Wanting to take a more compact spotting scope for an easy birding adventure? These scopes all offer lightness and small dimensions >>>

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