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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.

FI best straight scopes - long-tailed bird on branch

The best straight spotting scopes for birding

March 23, 2024

Wondering which straight spotting scope will offer you the best views of birds? Check out these options and their main features >>>

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The best Porro prism binoculars for birding

March 23, 2024

When only Porro prism binoculars will do, check out these reviews. We cover the main features to help you sort which priorities matter most.

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The top 12×50 long-distance birding binoculars

March 23, 2024

Decided to go for 12×50 binoculars for their long distance and light gathering abilities? We narrow it down to the best for all budgets >>>

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Top five 10×42 binoculars for bird watching

March 23, 2024

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

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Eight of the best 10×50 birding binoculars

March 22, 2024

10×50 binoculars excel in low light while still being portable. With some great models in this size, how do their features compare?

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Which 10x binoculars are best for glasses wearers?

March 22, 2024

You’ve decided to go for great views from 10x binoculars. But which are suitable for glasses wearers? We’ve narrowed the choices to the top 6

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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 >>>

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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.

How to teach kids to use binoculars

Teach children to use binoculars: adjustments + technique

November 9, 2023

Showing a young birder the best ways to use binoculars is rewarding – and it need not be a challenge with our step-by-step guide of teaching tips

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