VeraP

I know this is a photography blog, but I am looking for bird-watching binoculars to take along with my cameras. I checked the existing binoculars posts here and they are pretty stale-dated. I’ve done a fair amount of research so that I have a pretty good idea regarding specs and features. I can’t find any of the models I am considering in a store anywhere near me so I can touch and look. So to help in narrowing my list of possibles, thought I would ask the group for opinions regarding the models you use. Looking at Swarovski, Nikon, Steiner, and Vortex. I would welcome and appreciate any personal observations. Thanks. Vera

Cracker-barrel Philosopher Loc: Duluth, MN

I've had several pairs of Leica and I think they can't be beaten. The 10x25 and 8x20 are real light but not nearly as bright as the 10x32 which are somewhat heavier with an exit pupil of 3.2 mm which makes them harder to use than the 8x40 with an exit pupil of 5 mm making them very easy to use for long periods of time and much brighter than the others mentioned. The 8x40 are also noticeably bigger and heavier than the 10x32. All Leicas I've ever had are sharp as a scalpel and very contrasty. The biggest problem with inexpensive binoculars is not necessarily a softer image with less contrast but frequently that the barrels are out of alignment (a mechanical manufacturing problem) so both eyes do not quite see the same thing and your eyes will "pull." That was my experience with both Minolta and Nikons I bought many decades ago because of price. I've heard Swarovski are excellent and are priced similar to Leica. Zeiss are also from the top shelf.

bodiebill

I have Swarovski & Nikon
Swarovski are top of the class but very expensive.
Nikon and Bushnell are more affordable and good quality.
Do not get high power 10x + as they are more difficult to hold steady.
I would suggest 8x with large objective lens for better light gathering at dawn and dusk.
There are some nice porro and roof prism models available.
Look at Leupold also

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

I have a pair of Steiner 10x42 Merlin's. Bought 2nd hand. They are small, light, and somehow make the dark areas in a tree light up. They are easy to hold steady. They are keepers. I would suggest a hands on approach and give any that you are interested in, a test drive in a store.

jeep_daddy Loc: Prescott AZ

There was a recent thread here on binoculars. I wonder why your search didn't find it. Anyway, I have been using Canon binoculars for years. Not the lightest, but the Image Stability they have makes up for the extra weight they have. It also makes up for the smaller glass up front. I've used these and wish I still had them because now I have the expensive 10x42 by Canon and they are very bulky and heavy. But they are also some of the best out there. Even our military uses them.

What I had:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1149460-REG/canon_9525b002_10x30_is_2_binoculars.html

What I have now:
https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/373459-USA/Canon_0155B002_10x42_L_IS_WP.html

pesfls Loc: Oregon, USA

As a guy who hunts game I’ve had numerous pairs of seveal brands over many years. Light availability when using is a big factor in what you see. So what you need is really based on the detail you need to observe in a given light in my experience. So choose your objective size based on your typical available light viewing conditions.

I’ve used binocs with 20 thru 50mm objectives. All work but to different levels in terms of detail observed. My favorite pair has proven to be a Zeiss 8X40. Bigger than some, smaller but others, moderate weight, size, but that’s just me. Good luck.

John N Loc: HP14 3QF Stokenchurch, UK

http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/binocular-awards-2018.php

Take a look here. One of the best guides I have seen. Essentially U.K. based but he does recognise the U.S. market with several of your home grown models in addition to top sellers / brands. The Audobon Society also has a lot of info., and may have own brand.
I viewed extensively in the last 3 years and there is no doubt in my mind that Leica, Swarovski and their kind are a cut above - but it comes down to what you feel most comfortable with. In the end I got a good deal on a PENTAX pair that I saw at the Photo show 9 months earlier.

Whilst looking I went to the R.S.P.B. shop (probably as close as we get to Audobon) and looked at there own brand - and they were pretty good. The lady there said that with modern manufacturing the gap between the top and the pack was far less than it was a few years back. I was inclined to agree.

Stevehyde Loc: NC

I did a similar search for binoculars recently. My search was focused on use for an Alaska trip. A bit different use than for bird watching but I read reviews all over and had hands on at a Bass Pro store. My search led me to purchase Carson 3D ED https://www.opticsreviewer.com/carson-3d-ed.html I did not like the feel of the Bushnell HD. I did like the Vortex Diamondback. What swayed my decision was the case and shoulder harness that was included. A co-worker has Leupold and they were nice too. Get some with a good warranty. Nikon reviews of their warranty service is not good.

suntouched Loc: Sierra Vista AZ

I have a compact pair of binoculars from Nikon that are pretty good and a better pair from Hawke- mid range ones- that are bright and clear. Both sets are 8x32 and 8x42- no 10s.

sinderone

A great deal has to do with your budget. There a good choices staring at around $200 up with the usual no upper limit. Some folks will tell you that you need to spend $2000 for a good pair. Personally I own two pair of Vortex Diamondbacks; a 10x42 and a 8x32 which I recently purchased for travel. I visited the Vortex factory while in Wisconsin and picked them out. I’m very happy with both pairs which satisfy my needs. Btw, Vortex has the best warranty in the business. Lastly, if you want to try a few pairs, Cabelas has a good selection. Good luck in your search.

Julian Loc: Sarasota, FL

I own a pair of green Swarovski binoculars as well; I am curious as to why you would indicate they are 'expensive'. Compare to what? Can you purchase less expensive binoculars that would give you the same sharpness, brightness, contrast and overall quality for less money? That would make your comparison a bit more fair.

BobHartung Loc: Bettendorf, IA

I have a pair of Leica 10x50 and I love them. Check with Cabella's or other outdoors stores on-line.

fourlocks Loc: Londonderry, NH

I just bought my wife a Nikon ProStaff 10 x 25 to replace her old binoculars; as I recall, it was about $300. She's a "back yard birder" and is very happy with this product although I'm not certain they would be good enough for a serious birder.

ken glanzer

The following suggestions are based on 70 years use of binoculars under a variety of conditions. I find 6P binoculars more useful overall as the reduced Jitter or Wigglitus adds detail to the image you won't see with higher powered binoculars unless held very steady. Hand held is the most often used support for shorter periods of time & the least useful. You will also observe many times longer with less eye strain. Only if you have a good solid arms supported position you can take advantage of the higher powers. The depth of field is greater the lower the power requiring less refocusing and the field of view is progressively less the higher the power. Leupold has a great 6P binocular for less than $100 & if stolen or abused somehow the loss is many times less & I have 2 of them in case. I carry one in the car for reading street signs ahead when too small. At the end of a hunt I've often given them to my guide. I made a believer out of them. They are often smaller also & more often to be taken with you. I also have a 8" flexible bipod off my chest for additional support that helps all of them. Get both lens focused properly to each eye improves detail also. For a brighter image in all binoculars use the equivalent of a small photographers black focusing cloth over & around the eyepieces & your forehead. There is less light fogging of the eye lens from side light also. A lens hood is used to reduce fogging of the lens. You can look more in the direction of the sun also with a brighter image & more detail. You will get more use out of & carry the shirt pocket binoculars using the black cloth also. This blocks side light to your eye which also closes the pupil down a stop or 2. It opens the pupil up for a brighter image in the darker areas where it is needed the most. The bright areas don't need more light. Binocular jitter or Wigglitus is the major disadvantage of the higher power binoculars along with their excessive cost. WWII 7x50 binoculars were just great, very bright & often very cheap. Leica people have often told dealers "you will see more with a 7P" & is often what they often personally use. Put up a newspaper with different size print & compare a 8P to a 12P as too what size print you can read hand held. Higher power is easier to sell in the store (their main goal) but less useful in the field. Make sure you get a full field view with your glasses on. The 10-12P binoculars are often not very useful but more profitable for the manufacture & dealer. Keep the lenses clean also. The cheap 12P & 12-50p Binoculars frequently sold are profitable unfortunately for some of the big manufactures who actually make the good stuff but virtually USELESS. They are like the food industry who sells junk food as it is profitable but is bad for your health. Fraud & Deception are the King Pins of business today - not your benefit. Ken

GWZ Loc: Bloomington, IN

Two years ago I also was looking for a pair of binos to take while doing nature photography and, like you, my search lead me to focus on Nikon. I handled the Nikons in-store, and found them to be suitable, but they were out of my price range. Then I came upon a website that had solid recommendations for Carson binoculars. Their specs met my needs and the were less expensive. I purchased the TD-842ED model. They are water proof and nitrogen filled, bright, and easy to get and hold focus. Check them out at www.carsonoptical.com and click on the "binoculars" button at the top left. You can check them out at B&H Photo (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/924901-REG/carson_td_842ed_8x42mm_3d_binocular_with.html?sts=pi-ps), which is where I purchased mine from. Hope this helps.