Looking for the best binoculars for bird watching? We are here to help. We have created this birdwatching binoculars review to help you find the best model for your needs.
Bird watching is an outdoor activity enjoyed by many all year round. Both adults and children enjoy spending their leisure time watching birds in their different habitats. Besides bringing you closer to nature, bird watching is also considered to be therapeutic.
You’ll need good-quality binoculars to get the best views of these majestic creatures. While the quality of binoculars gets better each passing day, you’ll need one with high image definition to see every detail. With that in mind, here is a list of the best binoculars for bird watching available on the market. Let’s take a look.
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
1) SkyGenius 10×50 Full Size Binoculars for Bird Watching
If you are looking for a versatile pair of bird watching binoculars suitable for both close- and long-range bird viewing, this is your ideal choice. Available at a reasonably affordable price, SkyGenius 10×50 binocular offers the best birdwatching watching experience for both adults and kids.
The binoculars offer superb low light performance. The large 50mm objective lens provides optimum light collection even under low light conditions. The lenses are fully multicoated to provide bright, clear and natural images.
The binoculars are built to last. They feature a heavy-duty construction to withstand the harshest outdoor environments. The whole unit is also covered with an odorless rubber armor which enhances durability and provides an ultra-firm grip even in wet weather conditions or when wearing gloves. Besides, they are fully waterproof and fog proof to withstand extreme weather conditions.
The binoculars are eyeglass-friendly. The eyecups are foldable to provide a customized eye relief. Therefore, you can adjust your eye relief to the most comfortable viewing position.
Overall, the binoculars are durable, reliable and lightweight. You can mount them on a tripod for hands-free viewing. They are also versatile and suitable for other outdoor activities not just bird watching.
Key Features
- Adjustable eyecups
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Extremely durable and sturdy construction
- Multi-purpose application
- Lightweight, compact and great for travel
- Powerful 10x magnification
- Large field of view
- Ergonomic, anti-slip rubber grip
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Tripod adaptable
2) Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
Bird watching gets better and more fascinating with the Celestron –Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars. If you are on a budget, these are your ideal bird watching binoculars. They feature twist-up eyecups with a multi-stop function. This helps ensure comfortable positioning of the eyes for both eyeglass wearers and non-eye glass wearers.
With a close focus of 6.5 feet and a wide field of view of 300feet/1000yards, you get to enjoy every single detail of the birds you are watching. Besides, the lenses are fully multicoated to produce bright and clear image views. The premium quality BaK-4 Prisms are phase-coated to increase contrast and produce true-to-life images.
Made for rugged outdoor use, these mid-sized binoculars feature a robust, waterproof housing. You can take them with you anywhere you go regardless of the weather conditions. Moreover, they have a rugged rubber armor to enhance durability and provide an ultra-firm grip in wet weather conditions.
Weighing about 1.75 pounds, this unit is lightweight and easy to carry around. It also comes equipped with an array of accessories to make your birdwatching experience better and enjoyable.
Key Features
- Long eye relief
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Lightweight, compact and great for travel
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- 5’ close focus
- 8x zoom power
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Twist eyecups that accommodate eye glass wearers
- Phase-coated BAK-4 prisms
- Backed by a limited lifetime warranty
3)Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars
If you are on the market for compact binoculars for bird watching, you should go with the Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars. These small-size binoculars are amazingly light and ideal for both kids and adults. They also make the perfect binoculars for birders who are always on the go.
The binocular’s objective lens uses several layers of fully multicoated broadband green film to provide real color images with no color distortion. Additionally, the lenses are fully multicoated to provide bright and clear image views in low light conditions. The two adjustable eyepieces let you to concentrate more on the views while also accommodating different users even those who put on eye glasses.
Made from heavy-duty ABS plastic, these compact binoculars are extremely durable and sturdy. They also feature a shock absorbing rubber armor that enhances durability. On top of that, this pair of binoculars is fully waterproof and fog proof for use in extreme weather conditions.
Key Features
- Compact, light and easy to carry around
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Sturdy and durable construction
- Multi-purpose application
- Suitable for both adults and kids
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Fully multicoated lenses
- FMC Broadband Coating Technology
- Adjustable eyecups that accommodate eyeglass wearers
- Long eye relief
4) Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism 10×42 Binoculars
When it comes to versatility and reliability, you can hardly go wrong with the Vortex Optics Viper HD Roof Prism 10×42 Binoculars. This is a mid-priced pair of binoculars suitable for multiple outdoor activities among them birdwatching.
The binoculars feature HD optical system which provides outstanding optical performance. Moreover, the optics are coated to produce bright and clear image views under different light conditions.
Like any other Vortex optic, these binoculars are extremely sturdy and durable. They are O-ring sealed and argon purged to deliver reliable waterproof and fog proof performance respectively. On top of that, this unit features a shock-absorbing rubber-armored chassis with perfectly placed indents that provide non-slip grip even in wet weather conditions.
With a long eye relief of up to 17mm, birders who put on eyeglass will find these binoculars very comfortable to use. Besides, the binoculars are very light and comfortable to hold for long hours. The lightweight design makes it a great choice for birders who are always travelling.
Key Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Lightweight, compact and great for travel
- Snug to hold for extensive periods
- Generous eye relief
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Bright and clear images full of color contrast
- Good close focus
- HD resolution
- Armortek lens coating
- Shock-absorbing rubber armor
5) Nikon 16001 Prostaff 7S 10×30 Compact Binoculars
Whether you are buying your first birding binoculars, or looking to upgrade an old pair, you can never go wrong with the Nikon 16001 Prostaff 7S 10×30 Compact Binoculars. This eye-catching pair of binoculars is suitable for bird watching all-year round.
The compact and lightweight design makes them easy to carry and hold comfortably for long hours. The adjustable eyecups provide a customized eye relief suitable for all users, with or without eye glasses.
The binoculars are made for the rugged outdoor environment. They have a sturdy housing for the ultimate durability. The shock-absorbing rubber armor offers protection during rough handling and provides a secure, non-slip grip even when wearing gloves or under wet conditions. You can also use the binoculars in any weather condition thanks to the fully fog proof and waterproof properties.
More importantly, the PROSTAFF 7S has its lenses fully coated to provide superior edge-to-edge image clarity. You also get to enjoy clear bird views in low light conditions.
Key Features
- Extremely lightweight and portable
- Compact design that’s great for travelling
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Ergonomic, non-slip rubber grip
- Adjustable rubber eyecups
- Shockproof and impact resistant
- Wide field of view
- Fully multilayer lens coating
- Suitable for multiple outdoor application
- Advanced optical system
6) SkyGenius 10×25 Compact Binoculars
If you are on a budget, you should go with the SkyGenius 10×25 Compact Binoculars. These compact binoculars are versatile and great for multiple outdoor activities. They are also user-friendly and great for both adults and kids.
Built with latest technology, this compact binocular will provide you with an array of impressive features at a reasonably affordable price. For starters, the lenses are fully multi-coated to provide better image brightness, clarity and color contrast under any lighting conditions.
When it comes to construction, the compact binoculars are sturdily built to provide many years of field use. For added durability, the unit is covered with a shock-absorbing rubber armor which provides a secure, non-slip grip under wet conditions, when wearing gloves or when your hands are sweaty.
For your own convenience, these binoculars are compact and amazingly lightweight. You can slide them inside the pocket and take them everywhere you go. They also have a foldable design which makes them perfect for travel and backpacking.
Key Features
- User-friendly
- Fully waterproof and fog proof
- Suitable eye glass wearers
- Ideal for both adults and kids
- Fully multicoated lenses
- Durable, shock-absorbing rubber armor
- Ultra-firm grip
- Large field of view for wider images
- Diopter system for adjusting the imbalance vision of both eyes
7) Wingspan Optics FieldView 8×32 Compact Binoculars
Here is another compact-sized binocular suitable for bird watching. The FieldView 8×32 Compact Binocular from Wingspan provide crystal clear focus when watching birds in different habitats.
Made with birders in mind, these compact binoculars are lightweight and comfortable to hold for extended. You can hold them for hours and not get hand-fatigue. Besides, they are easy to stash in a backpack for birders who are always on-the-go.
Equipped with a powerful 8x magnification, the binoculars are suitable for all-round bird watching. They will help you get closer to nature as you enjoy every single detail of the birds you are viewing.
More importantly, the binoculars are made to last. They feature a secure, non-slip grip that’s snug to hold even in wet weather conditions. Besides, these binoculars are fully watertight to prevent water damage and fog proof to inhibit internal fogging caused by changes in temperature.
Key Features
- Wide field of view
- Versatile 8x magnification
- Multi-purpose application
- Fully watertight and fog proof
- Secure, non-slip grip
- Lightweight, compact and perfect for travel
- Tripod adaptable
- Unbeatable durability
- Outstanding sharp and clear focus
8) Zeiss Conquest HD Binocular
If you are looking for a rugged pair of binoculars for birdwatching and other outdoor applications, you should consider the Zeiss Conquest HD Binocular. The binoculars are user-friendly and suitable for beginners and seasoned birders alike.
The lightweight design and compact size make them the convenient binoculars for avid birders who are always in the go. You can use them for long viewing sessions and enjoy snug viewing all through. Besides, they have a long eye relief which provides comfortable viewing with or without eye glasses.
Other than the sleek design, the binoculars have a conveniently placed focus wheel which makes them easy to focus. The rugged housing absorbs shocks and impacts for long-lasting durability.
Overall, these are good quality bird watching binoculars with a decent magnification power. When taken good care of, they will last for decades.
Key Features
- Multi-purpose application. Used for birdwatching, game viewing and other outdoor activities
- Superb low light performance
- Suitable for eyeglass wearers
- Snug and secure, non-slip grip
- Conveniently place fast focus knob
- Moisture proof and scratch proof lens coating
- High-end lens coating for clear and bright images
- Wide field of view
- Ideal for both kids and adults
Read Also
- Best Budget Binoculars for Bird Watching
- Best Lightweight Binoculars for Bird Watching
- Best 10×42 Binoculars for Bird Watching
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Binoculars for Bird Watching
Whenever you are on the market for the best binoculars for bird watching, here are some of the important features you should look out for.
Eye relief
One important feature to look out for is the eye relief. Eye relief refers to the optimum distance between the binocular’s ocular lens and your eyes. The size of the eye relief determines how comfortable it will be for you to see the full field of view and enjoy snug viewing. People who put on eye glasses should ensure that they get a pair of binoculars with at least 16mm. Generous eye relief provides enough room to snugly look through your pair of binoculars while still maintain wide field of view.
Durability
Bird watching is an all-year round outdoor activity. When stalking the birds, the binoculars will be subjected to all sorts of rugged outdoor conditions. It can be scratched by brushes or accidentally dropped. This calls for a durably made pair of binoculars that provides a lifetime of reliable field use. Majority of the birdwatching binoculars have a shock-absorbing rubber armor to enhance durability. Ensure that the binoculars you choose is durably made to withstand anything thrown at it.
Image Clarity
A binocular is rendered useless if it produces dull and bad image views. Once you get a perfect spot for viewing your objects, your binoculars should help you get bright and clear views with every single detail on your subject. If your binoculars have fully multicoated lenses, you’ll be able to enjoy amazing image clarity and sharpness regardless of the lighting conditions.
Size
Avid birders know that finding new bird species requires them to trek for long distances. In such as situation, a compact binocular that’s easy to carry around is handy. Regularly, bird watchers have their binoculars hanged around the neck while travelling. In such a case, if your binoculars are too big and bulky, they’ll be more of a hindrance than use. On top of that, big sized binoculars are less comfortable to hold especially during extensive viewing period.
Weight
Size and weight go hand in hand. Lightweight binoculars are easiest to carry around and the best option for birders who are always on the go. Better yet, lightweight binoculars are comfortable to hold even for long periods of time. They are also comfortable to hang around the neck and not weigh you down when taking some long hikes. Lightweight binoculars are also more comfortable for kids to use.
Magnification
Magnification refers to how close an image appears when viewed through the lenses. The best magnification for birdwatching ranges between 7x-10x. If you are a beginner, a quality 8x binocular will be ideal. On the other hand, if you are more experienced in this field and looking to better your views, a 10x binocular will make image views bigger and better.
Weatherproofing
Birdwatching is an activity that takes place all-year round, season after season. Mother Nature is hardly predictable and at some point in time, you might get yourself caught up by heavy downpour while still on the field. This calls for reliable weather protection for your binoculars. Majority of the best binoculars for bird watching are nitrogen filled to provide 100% waterproof and fog proof performance. Other units are argon purged as well to provide better weatherproofing, but at a higher cost.
FAQs
- Which is the best magnification for bird watching binoculars?
The best magnification for birdwatching ranges between 7x-10x. If you are a beginner, a quality 8x binocular will be ideal. For professionals, 10x -12 magnification will do.
- How much does a good pair of birding binoculars cost?
How much you are likely to spend largely depends on your set budget. Prices vary greatly with bird watching binoculars. A high end pair of binocular costs a lot of money, but worth the value. Such binoculars cost hundreds of dollars or more. However, if you are tight on budget, you don’t have to break the bank to own one. You can still find a decent pair with a budget friendly price of less than $200.
- What should I look for when buying birding binoculars?
Generally, the binoculars should be lightweight, compact and easy to carry around. They should be comfortable to hold for long and easy to focus. If you put on eyeglasses, the binoculars should have a generous eye relief and adjustable eyecups. If you’ll be using the binocular often, make sure that’s its comfortable to hold and use.
Binoculars vs Monocular for Bird Watching: Which is the Best to Use?
The obvious difference between a monocular and binoculars is the number of viewing tubes. A monocular has one viewing tube while binoculars have two. In the world of optics, monocular tend to be overlooked. This should however not be the case. A good quality monocular can perform as good as a pair of binoculars.
Advantages of Using a Monocular
- More compact and lightweight
- Superb low light performance and much better vision at night
- Simpler to adjust on-the-fly
- Relatively affordable
Disadvantages of Using a Monocular
- Less comfortable to use and more eye fatigue
- Smaller field of view
- Less suitable for long viewing sessions
Advantages of Using Binoculars
- Handy in just about any viewing situation.
- Wider field of view
- Less eye fatigue even during long viewing sessions
- Multi-purpose application. Binoculars can be used in different outdoor activities such as hunting, birding, wildlife and travel among others
- Ideal for both adults and kids
Disadvantages of Using Binoculars
- More expensive
- Bulky and larger in size compared with a monocular
- Less suitable for night viewing
Are 10×42 Binoculars Good for Birding?
Given the wide range of birding binoculars to choose from, these binoculars come with different magnification power. While 7x and 8x binoculars are widely used in bird watching, you might also want to consider using the 10×42 binocular for the same activity. If you have been in engaging in this activity for quite a while and your arms are strong and steady, you can comfortably use the 10×42 binocular as your main binocular for birdwatching.
8×32 vs 8×42 Binoculars for Birding?
Unlike 8×42 binoculars which are well known to be best all-round birding binoculars, the 8×32 binoculars are also good for birdwatching, but under certain conditions. While the 8×32 binoculars have the same magnification as the 8×42, their objective lens size is much smaller. This means that they have lower light gathering abilities.
However, a large sized objective lens translates to more weight. Therefore, 8×32 binoculars are great for anyone looking for a lightweight and compact pair of binoculars. As long as you get one from a reputable brand that guarantees high quality construction, the compact design makes them great for bird watchers who are always on the go.
8×42 Binoculars on the other hand are all-round birding binoculars suitable for both kids and adults. They provide superb light gathering abilities under different lighting conditions. Since their body isn’t too big or bulky as such, they are also convenient for travel and backpacking as well. Besides that, they provide more steady images and a larger field of view with bright and crystal clear image views even at the highest magnification setting. Their only downside compared with the 8×32 models is that they tend to be more expensive and bulkier. However, the difference in weight is something negligible.
Conclusion
Hopefully, this review has given you the insight into the best binoculars for bird watching. Finding the best binocular for bird watching largely melts down to personal preference. Whether you are in the market for your first pair of birding binoculars, or you are looking for an upgrade, this review got you covered. All of the binoculars listed above are top-notch and ideal for bird viewing. They offer the best value for money and also suitable for other outdoor activities not just birdwatching.