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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.

FI how to carry spotting scope + tripod

Top tips on how to carry a spotting scope and tripod

Carrying your spotting scope and tripod together is tricky. We have tried and tested methods to save effort while changing locations >>>

January 26, 2022

FI change eyepiece increase magnification

Changing eyepieces on a scope: how to increase magnification

Many people wish to upgrade their spotting scope’s power to enjoy even closer views. Discover different ways to increase magnification >>>

January 26, 2022

FI fixed or zoom eyepiece

Should I get a fixed or zoom eyepiece for my spotting scope?

Overwhelmed by the sheer range of fixed and zoom eyepieces? Let’s take a close look at which is best for your spotting scope >>>

January 26, 2022

FI How far spotting scope distance

Different distances: How far can I see with a spotting scope?

Curious about what distance a spotting scope can see? We explain the best range of magnification for your bird watching here >>>

January 26, 2022

FI spotting scope vs monocular

Best option for birding: spotting scope or monocular?

Yes, they each have one set of lenses, but there are big differences between monoculars and spotting scopes. What you really need to know >>>

January 25, 2022

All about Porro and roof prisms: how spotting scopes work

Need to understand what prisms do in spotting scopes? Wondering if Porro scopes are better than roof ones? Here’s what you need to know >>>

January 25, 2022

Featured image - a pair of spotting scopes

Angled vs straight spotting scopes: which is best for birding?

Angled or straight, that is the question. Each type of spotting scope has different use cases in birding. Here’s how to pick between them…

December 14, 2021

Featured image woman with small binoculars

How to choose the best lightweight binoculars for bird watching

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

December 8, 2021

Featured image binoculars shining in light

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

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?

December 6, 2021

Featured image sheets of glass

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

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

December 6, 2021

Featured image light through a prism

Why are prism and lens coatings important to birding binoculars?

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

December 6, 2021

Featured image - zoom lens

Are zoom binoculars good for bird watching?

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

December 6, 2021

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