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The best equipment for bird watching: guides and reviews

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, including binoculars, spotting scopes, monoculars, field guides, tripods and much more. Our buying guides will help you to pinpoint exactly which models are best for your birding requirements.

Tripod head comparison - ball head vs three way

Tripod head comparison: ball head vs three way

We compare key features plus pros and cons of ball heads and three-way heads to help you make an informed decision on which will suit you.

February 7, 2023

FI carry binoculars on plane

Can I carry binoculars on a plane?

Flying to a new destination for birding is fun. But how should binoculars travel to ensure they arrive safely? Your best strategy here >>>

February 7, 2023

Featured image - Asian openbill birds

Top Vortex tripods for birding spotting scopes

A brand offering rugged products and a great warranty, Vortex is many birders’ go-to for optics. Check here for their best tripods for scopes

February 7, 2023

Featured image - yellow bird on pink blossom

Manfrotto’s best tripod heads to hold birding spotting scopes

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

February 7, 2023

Featured image - a hoopoe looking curious

Which is the best Manfrotto tripod for a birding spotting scope?

If you’re aware that a Manfrotto tripod is a sound investment, but aren’t sure which model will be best for your spotting scope, we can help.

February 7, 2023

Featured image - pink parrot looking happy

What Gitzo tripod head is best for a birding spotting scope?

This shortlist of Gitzo’s top tripod heads aims to help birders looking to choose a stable and smooth-moving support for a spotting scope.

February 7, 2023

Featured image - how to choose a tripod by brand

What to consider when choosing a tripod by brand

What makes one brand different from another? We cover all the key points to be aware of when selecting a brand for your birding tripod.

February 7, 2023

FI 8x vs 10x binoculars

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

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.

February 7, 2023

Featured image - yellow bird

Top five 10×42 binoculars for bird watching

More magnification power means closer views of your favorite birds. Choose from these great picks for a winning pair of 10×42 binoculars >>>

February 7, 2023

featured image - woman using binoculars

Are 12x binoculars good for bird watching?

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

February 7, 2023

Featured image - bird wading in water

Are 10×42 binoculars good for bird watching?

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

February 7, 2023

Featured image - girl looking through binoculars

The best 8×42 binoculars for bird watching

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

February 7, 2023

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