Your best friend during bird watching – binoculars are essential for spotting birds hiding at long distances or spying them in dense forest foliage. Their unmatched portability and convenience make them the best item you will ever need for watching birds.
You would not want just any binoculars for bird watching. Otherwise, you will miss the beautiful colors and the chance of identifying the bird you just spied on. For some, if not all, binoculars are bird watchers extension of their bodies.
For some years now, the National Audobon Society holds Audobon Convention every July. It has since then, been a gathering of people wanting to review nearly 50 pairs of binoculars from different companies. This year, because of the pandemic, the convention has been canceled.
But, with this article, you will still be updated with the best binoculars for bird watching.
Birding with Binoculars
Based on the USFWS (US Fish and Wildlife Service), about 47 million Americans are bird watchers. This 15th most popular outdoor recreational activity could be a hobby, a past time, or a sport. Whatever you classify it, birding needs you to have a binocular.
And, as Audubon New York’s Eric Lind says, “Binoculars are an investment.”
While some birders are contented with bird spotting using scopes and some cameras with telephoto lenses, one may struggle to find a determined birder without a pair of binoculars hanging on his neck or ready on the one hand.
Binoculars give birders a step ahead advantage over other optical gears. They are a lot more portable and lighter than spotting scopes and huge telephoto camera lenses. Besides, a pair of binoculars offer you a more natural “3D view” of the birds as you are looking through double optical tubes.
Thus, giving you the ability to view the birds with both eyes. A birder must understand that the human eyes are stereoscopic, and seeing through two optical apparatuses gives the most natural view. Finally, many spotting scopes and telephoto lenses compel the use of a tripod or alternative support for a steady sight. You wouldn’t want extra luggage just to get the best bird view, would you?
Best Binoculars for Birding
Whether it is your first pair of binoculars or an upgrade to the previous you had, purchasing one will instantly confront you with various purchasing decisions. The number of brands in the market is one thing. Another is the many shapes, sizes, colors, and feature options you will have to consider.
We’ve picked out some of the birding binoculars that are considered favorites by hard-core bird watching enthusiasts. These may just be what you need for your first birding toy or your upgrade.
Comparison Chart
Celestron – Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars – Outdoor and Birding Binocular – Fully Multi-coated with BaK-4 Prisms – Rubber Armored – Fog & Waterproof Binoculars – Top Pick Optics
Gosky 10×42 Roof Prism Binoculars for Adults, HD Professional Binoculars for Bird Watching Travel Stargazing Hunting Concerts Sports-BAK4 Prism FMC Lens-with Phone Mount Strap Carrying Bag
Stellax ZoomX Binoculars for Adults 10×42 Waterproof Lightweight Compact Binocular Prism BAK4 FMC Lens HD Binoculars for Bird Watching Hunting Traveling with Smartphone Adapter Carrying Bag Black
H20 8 X 42 Binoculars by Bushnell
Specifications
- Durability: Waterproof, fog proof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Multi-coated
- Near focus: 4 m/12 ft
- Field of view: 102 m/1000 m, 305 ft/1000 yard
- Prism Type: BaK4
- Eye Relief: 17 mm
- Weight: 1.56 lbs
Good looking and well-made, Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular is robust and can lay comfortably in hand. They are designed for any outdoor conditions as they are completely waterproof and fog proof.
It doesn’t matter where you bring them. Water won’t penetrate even when you take them for a birding adventure under the rain, by the lake, or even in the most humid of environments like rainforests. It is coated in non-slip rubber that absorbs shock as it provides safe grip and handling.
Bushnell Binoculars offer bright, precise, HD imagery – all while enduring the same terrain and weather conditions the bird watcher may be facing. Perhaps, this is the best feature it markets aside from its amazing optical and hunting friendly features.
Speaking of optic features, the internal factors of this binocular, like the image quality, used optics, and lenses are superior. It offers everything you will look for in a high-performance hunting binocular. Plus, it is very efficient in light-transmitting because of its 100% multicoated glasses. Use it even under low light conditions.
You won’t miss vibrant scenery, superior sharpness, and superb clarity as the BaK-4 prisms deliver excellent viewing. Its nearest focus point is at 12 feet. And, with 10x magnification and 42mm objectives, this binocular sure serves its purpose well.
Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars by Celestron
Specifications
- Durability: Waterproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens Coating: Fully Multi-Coated
- Near focus: 2 m/6.5 ft
- Field of view: 102m/1000m, 388ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: BaK4
- Eye Relief: 17.5 mm
- Weight: 1.37 lbs
There are bird watchers who are so fond of dipping their toes in the birdwatching pool but is never interested in investing in a nice pair of binoculars. Most bird watchers in this category must have Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars by Celestron hanging on their necks.
But, at a bargain price, this binocular offers a great birdwatching experience. It treats you with an impressively sharp image. You can have a fast and smooth focus adjustment, and in our opinion, they are comfortable to hold.
The clarity with Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars by Celestron is excellent. It is one feature that goes well with its smooth focus. These bins indeed punched above their weight class. This binocular is what you should get in the event you are looking for a secondary, inexpensive, and portable pair.
Testing the lenses, you will be able to consistently get the main subject seeming quite sharp, with minor details clearly perceivable. This feature makes this binocular perfect for beginner birders since they can display the small but substantial identification traits of even the smallest birds.
Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars won’t fail you by staying within striking distance of the higher-end models. In brighter conditions, you will have trouble telling the difference between this pair and a higher priced model. This binocular produces remarkably vivid images.
Monarch 5 8×42 by Nikon
Specifications
- Durability: Waterproof and fog proof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 8x
- Lens Coating: Multi-layer
- Near focus: 2.37 m/7.8 ft
- Field of view: 100.5m/1000m, 330ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: Roof Prism
- Eye Relief: 19.6 mm
- Weight: 1.37 lbs
With the price tag it has, you can’t do any better than Monarch 5 8×42 by Nikon. These binocs handles providing high-end optical quality and striking brightness. All while shielding yourself from the additional prices you will run into when shopping for a quality set of optics.
The brand paid full attention to the small details of these binocs. The focus knobs are designed nicely and smoothly. They will feel secure in your hands with its grippy rubber coating – no matter what type of grip you like to use.
Monarch 5 8×42 by Nikon delivers a crisp and striking image that really stands out. You will be able to pick out inconspicuous identification marks on tiny birds. Not only that, but you could also even count every single pine needle in a pine branch at 100 feet.
What really separates Monarch 5 8×42 by Nikon from other brands in the same price range is its impressive brightness. They are the cheapest pair that will give you perfect images at dawn on a gloomy and grey day.
This binocular is well made and is designed for easy use. Its stable yet smooth focus know allows for an easy adjustment and the knack to quickly lock in on a perfect focus once you find it. The overall quality of the adjustment category is superb.
Gosky 10×42 Binoculars for Adults
Specifications
- Durability: Shockproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
- Near focus: 5 m/16.4 ft
- Field of view: 93.5m/1000m, 307ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: BAK4
- Eye Relief: 18 mm
- Weight: 1.55 lbs
Gosky 10×42 Binoculars are not as full of bells and whistles as the most expensive binoculars in the market. Still, its 10x magnification, highly adjustable eyecups, and high-end optics make them quite a steal at its price.
The weight allows you to use them for more extended periods, sans feeling fatigued like you would with a pair of full-scale binoculars. Don’t take its small size and compact wrong, as it houses quality optics that are highly comparable to more expensive models.
The price might give you away. It is no surprise as you may find it hard to believe that an amount it has equips it with roof prism lenses. Yes, the manufacturer made it their goal to craft a compact pair of binoculars that are packed with high-quality optics at a price that won’t break your bank.
As we have mentioned earlier, binoculars at this price range usually offer a magnification of 6x to 8x. But, Gosky offers 10x, which is perfect for birding, hunting, watching, outdoor sporting events, hiking, and a lot more outdoor activities.
Gosky 10×42 Binoculars feature 42 mm multi-coated objective lenses with 18 mm blue film eyepieces. The manufacturers meant to design it this way to improve the viewing experience during which glare and light interference is minimized. The package comes with a smartphone adapter that is compatiblewith both Android and iOS devices.
ZoomX – 007 Binoculars by Stellax
Specifications
- Durability: Waterproof, weatherproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 42 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Fully multi-coated
- Near focus: 2 m/6.5 ft
- Field of view: 93m/1000m, 305ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: BAK4
- Eye Relief: 13.6 mm
- Weight: 1.20 lbs
Stellax X-007 ZoomX Binocular is made to put color in phase with its BaK-4 prism. Its bright and clear images are possible because of its fully multi-coated lenses. Made to be transportable, they weigh just over 500 grams and fit comfortably and securely in your hands.
These binoculars are your perfect choice for quality gear at no extra cost. They are created with advanced optic technologies for viewers to enjoy crystal clear and lively images, even at dim lights. They’ve passed all consumer’s tests with good ratings.
Stellax X-007 ZoomX Binocular performs well under unfavorable weather conditions both in low and high temperatures. Thanks to its body that is covered, fully sealed, and nitrogen-filled. These characteristics make this pair the best lightweight binoculars for bird watching.
This pair of binocs comes with a trendy case that allows for easy transport and carrying around. Its unique rubber coating on its handles keeps the inner parts from moist and mechanical stress. Thus, when you accidentally drop it into the water, you’re sure they’ll still be functional as you wipe them dry.
One more feature that keeps this binocular at par with most field glasses in the market today is its sharp tenfold zoom. Even with its tiny size and lightweight, Stellax X-007 ZoomX is well-rounded and very versatile. These tubes will literally expand your horizons.
Trooper 10 x 50 DPS by Olympus
- Specifications
- Durability: Shockproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Anti-reflective lens coating
- Near focus: 6 m/19.7 ft
- Field of view: 104.2m/1000m, 342ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: BK-7 Porro
- Eye Relief: 12 mm
- Weight: 1.88 lbs
Trooper 10 x 50 DPS by Olympus is a fantastic pair of binoculars that deliver one of the crispest and most precise images of the binoculars in the market. This excellent binocular for birding features a focus knob that is incredibly easy to fine-tune.
The barrels for this binocular are designed for wide-faced viewers; thus, they may seem a little significant. This design makes it uncomfortable for users with smaller faces to hold the binoculars while trying to adjust the knob.
Trooper 10 x 50 DPS by Olympus is advertised as a “wide-angle view” for keeping up with fast-moving objects.” True to its advertisement, it offers a field view of 342 ft x 1000 yards. This quality makes Trooper rank at #6 out of the 11 binoculars tested based by just looking at Field of View.
With magnification raised at 10, this binocular gives a powerful punch simultaneously with its optical lens with the size of 50. A feature as such, allows for the tubes to work in any lighting conditions – even low light settings like dawn or dusk.
The sturdy plastic outer coating and its various lens caps make the Trooper 10 x 50 DPS by Olympus built to last. You can shove it into your backpack, let it fall five feet onto the ground, or sat on by a 35 lb dog, and it will still serve its purpose.
Falcon Binocular by Bushnell
Specifications
- Durability: Shockproof
- Objective Lens Diameter: 50 mm
- Magnification: 10x
- Lens Coating: Fully coated
- Near focus: 7.62 m/25 ft
- Field of view: 91.44m/1000m, 300ft/1000yard
- Prism Type: Porro Prism
- Eye Relief: 9 mm
- Weight: 1.68 lbs
There are more than a hundred choices of binoculars that will just leave you confused when you need to shop for one, from high-powered to low-powered and with a vast array of quality choices. But, you know a brand is something when two of its products make it to the same list of items being reviewed.
The second entry of Bushnell, Falcon Binocular, comes with the quality you’d anticipate from the brand and a lot more. It has a massive magnification and a great field of view. The lenses are as with most Bushnell binoculars are – high-quality and precise.
The prism used is porro, making the cost lesser than their roof prism binocs without compromising quality. Its focus knob is easy to use that you can shift from distance to close with one smooth movement.
You would not expect such quality of the image from this binocular, considering its price range. Most are due to the prism used – Porro instead of a roof prism. A lot of modern binoculars are using roof prism, which is more compact but way more expensive to design and create.
Add to the Porro prism magnification raised to 10 and the 50 mm objective lens – you will surely gel an absolutely massive field of view with a brighter image and better experience.
Our Top Pick
The binoculars included in this review were based on extensive research and reviews from consumers, too. These are some of the best binoculars for birding. Image quality, magnification, close focus, optics, low dispersion – are but some of the characteristics we considered in picking.
But, the binocular that stood out the most was H20 8 X 42 Binoculars by Bushnell. They are waterproof and fog proof and can stay with your bird watching activities, even in the most challenging conditions. Come what may, any sights you set on, you will surely benefit from the brand’s 65 years of mastering ruggedness, clarity, and light transmission.
Buying Guide: What To Consider in Getting The Best Binocular for Birding
It is beneficial to know which are the best binoculars for birding. But, it is even more advantageous if you understand the different factors you need to consider in picking such. Here are some of the things you will have to think about when you are shopping for binoculars.
Price Range
Yes, it always comes down to price. The most significant factor in shopping – after all, your budget tells you the kind of binoculars you can buy. If your budget has the sky as its limits, then look at the high-end products. Otherwise, consider some of the items we have on the list. They are priced less but packed with features.
Magnification
Sufficient magnification in binoculars is vital in bird watching. You should be able to visibly see the smallest signs that will help you identify a bird. 8x should be your minimum standard. This term means that the things you see through the lens will be eight times bigger than in real life. The best magnification for binoculars is at 10x.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is particularly important, especially if you wear prescription glasses. The eye relief is the gap between your eye and the binocular’s eyepiece. Bifocals may prohibit you from seeing the whole image if the difference is too significant between your eye and the eyepiece. Look for birding binoculars that bid long eye relief.
Durability
It would be nice if the binocular can keep up with you and the weather you will experience as you bird watch. Although non-waterproof binoculars can still handle a little rain and humidity, it is always better to get the pair that shields against all possible eventualities.
Focus
Focus is another feature vital in bird watching. The speed at which you can focus, especially since birds are often moving around can be quite a challenge. Your binoculars should have a focusing wheel that is intuitive and simple to use.
Final Words
In conclusion, the best binoculars are those that you are excited to use when you go out to bird watch. This feeling will come when the binocular you are interested in has all the relevant features you need. Take note that you should not feel constricted by your funds. With today’s technology, there is a world full of excellent value birding binoculars.