Birding Binoculars Recommendation
May 30, 2020 11:42:36 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
I hope this is photography-related enough to be here. I'm searching for a set of binoculars for my wife when we go bird watching. Not heavy but effective. Any recommendations. Thanks.
May 30, 2020 11:50:54 #
At least 10X32 - but, anything bigger become cumbersome .....
What I use and recommend - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015FYSZW/ref=twister_B079KBGQV1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
No trouble holding 10X - IF - they are small and light ! If you do not mind size and weight , then 10X40.
.
What I use and recommend - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0015FYSZW/ref=twister_B079KBGQV1?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
No trouble holding 10X - IF - they are small and light ! If you do not mind size and weight , then 10X40.
.
May 30, 2020 11:58:58 #
There is no substitute for stabilized binoculars. Canon makes several sizes. My wife has a favorite birder's 10x Swift set. She frequently borrows mine for the stabilization, image quality and larger magnification. Mine are 18x50. I chose that size after borrowing a set for a walk on along a dike with waterbirds in the bay. See the feather detail of a nearby crane blew me away.
Read the reviews here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/192388-USA/Canon_4624A002_18x50_IS_Image_Stabilized.html/qa
Read the reviews here: https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/192388-USA/Canon_4624A002_18x50_IS_Image_Stabilized.html/qa
May 30, 2020 12:03:43 #
May 30, 2020 12:04:40 #
I would recommend a good set of 8x40. Many people can't hold 10 power steady enough. I would not go with less than a 40mm objective lens. Just like camera lenses bigger is better on than front lens.
May 30, 2020 12:17:30 #
I agree with bsprague about IS, I have the Canon 15x50. But you need to consider the weight factor because they are heavy compared to non IS binoculars.
Maybe you should check out a "bird watching" website and see what they recommend. Below is one I googled for you !!
https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
Maybe you should check out a "bird watching" website and see what they recommend. Below is one I googled for you !!
https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
May 30, 2020 12:18:06 #
bobforman
Loc: Anacortes, Washington State
Thanks to those who have contributed thus far. I should add that my wife wears contacts, if that makes any difference. Thanks again.
May 30, 2020 12:46:10 #
I've been using these for years. They are sharp, bright, and waterproof.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7525-Realtree-All-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B000PW8RBW
There is a newer version available.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7577-MONARCH-10x42-Binocular/dp/B00C66C784/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7525-Realtree-All-Terrain-Binoculars/dp/B000PW8RBW
There is a newer version available.
https://www.amazon.com/Nikon-7577-MONARCH-10x42-Binocular/dp/B00C66C784/ref=dp_ob_title_ce
May 30, 2020 13:27:02 #
http://www.birdwatching.com/optics/2019_mid-sized_bins/review.html
I've been using a pair of Nikon Monarch 8x42's for over 10 years. Great clarity, sharpness and color rendition.
I've been using a pair of Nikon Monarch 8x42's for over 10 years. Great clarity, sharpness and color rendition.
May 30, 2020 14:20:37 #
Go to the National Audubon web site and look at their binocular selection guide.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
May 30, 2020 14:52:37 #
We just bought a new pair about a month ago: Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD. They are 8X42, waterproof, nitrogen filled, aluminum body, lifetime guarantee even if you are not the original owner. They weigh 23.5 oz. I bought them from Cabela's - free 2 day shipping. We also own a pair of Fujinon 7 X 50 rubber armored that we have used for boating for over 30 years. The Fujinons are a full pound heavier than the Leupolds. Weight can be a pretty important consideration if your going to be carrying them for any length of time. We like the fact that the Leupold is center focus, much lighter and quite clear and sharp. Low light performance is very good and they come with a fabric case and a neck strap. I was salivating for image stabilized bino's but their weight and price was the deal breaker for me.
Vortex seems to be another very attractive choice in what I'll call medium price range. If you want a good, clear image and durability I don't think price should be the first consideration.
Vortex seems to be another very attractive choice in what I'll call medium price range. If you want a good, clear image and durability I don't think price should be the first consideration.
May 30, 2020 18:22:28 #
larryepage
Loc: North Texas area
bobforman wrote:
I hope this is photography-related enough to be here. I'm searching for a set of binoculars for my wife when we go bird watching. Not heavy but effective. Any recommendations. Thanks.
I didn't see that anyone mentioned making sure that whatever binoculars you select are color corrected. This feature is by no means standard for all binoculars, but makes a giant difference in both usability and visibility.
8x42 is a good standard. I have a very nice 7x50 Fujinon pair which is very good for serious looking, but can get tiring for extended observation in bright sunlight...their image is just too bright.
May 31, 2020 05:55:30 #
chrissybabe
Loc: New Zealand
My binoculars (Nikon 10x50) have an arca-swiss plate attached and I generally use them on a monopod. Very rarely is this an inconvenience having the monopod attached but no worries about the weight. A carbon fiber monopod would be even better although mine isn't. Also makes swapping over to a camera much quicker.
May 31, 2020 06:21:30 #
You need to look here. There are loads of reviews around but this bloke knows what he is talking about. I bought a Pentax 8x 43 and very pleased. I won't try and explain all the details - this site does a much better job than I could ever do. Also has a sister site for spotting scopes.
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/
http://www.bestbinocularsreviews.com/
May 31, 2020 06:39:17 #
rwilson1942 wrote:
Go to the National Audubon web site and look at their binocular selection guide.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
It's broken down by price and quality.
Most birders I know are most comfortable with 8 power.
8 X 42 being a popular combination of magnification, light gathering and weight.
I’m a birder and I definitely agree with this recommendation. Some people use 7x35s. Very few use 10x50s; they’re too heavy and the field of view too narrow. Here is the link https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide. I use the Nikon Monarch 8x42s and like them very much.
If you want to reply, then register here. Registration is free and your account is created instantly, so you can post right away.