Our editors and experts reveal how to buy binoculars. Discover our picks for the best birding binoculars and find out what features to look for.
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How to Buy Binoculars: Our Birding Binoculars Guide
Updated on Dec. 15, 2021
Picking out that perfect pair of birding binoculars can be both fun and overwhelming. With so many brands and models on the market, setting you back from a modest $100 to $2,500 and up, we can help you understand how to choose binoculars that are perfect for you.
The Birds & Blooms staff, along with frequent birding contributor Ken Keffer, conducted a binocular field test. We tried out pairs from different manufacturers, taping over the brand names to make it a fair test. If we learned one major lesson from our experiment, it’s that everyone is different. Nearly all of us had a different favorite for one reason or another, which you’ll see in our results. While we’re not necessarily crowning one pair the ultimate winner, we do think our picks will serve as a good birding binoculars buying guide. Ready to start shopping? The birds are waiting!
Next, check out 5 top-rated binoculars for every kind of birdwatcher.
Our Picks for the Best Birding Binoculars
Best Value Binoculars
Nikon Monarch M7 8×42
These stole the heart of executive editor Kirsten Schrader, and seriously impressed many other testers. They’re the perfect birding binoculars for those looking to go beyond the basics but not quite ready to break the bank. These are a great deal and will last you years with their sturdy modern design.
Best Binoculars for Beginners
Celestron NatureDX 8×42
If you’re just starting to go birding, we understand that you might not want to spend a lot of money on binoculars. If that strikes a chord, these are for you! Many of our testers rated them higher than more expensive brands. Lightweight and easy to focus, they’re the ideal starter binoculars.
Best First Impression
Carson TD-842 ED 8×42 3D Binocular
They say you don’t get a second chance to make a good first impression—and if that’s the case, these binoculars take top honors. These Carsons had a great look and feel. The view was nice, too, making them quite a hit with many of our testers.
Don’t forget about the best bird field guides for birders.
Best Binoculars for Backyard Birding
Kowa BD42-08XD
Do the rest of the choices on this list seem a little daunting? If you’re just looking to enjoy the birds in your own backyard, consider these Kowas. Small and compact, they’re ideal for keeping by your window for the moment you spot that bird you’ve been trying to attract for ages.
Best Midrange Binoculars
Vanguard Endeavor ED II 8420
If you’ve moved beyond the lowest-priced binoculars but aren’t ready to commit to a high-end pair, consider this choice. We liked the clarity of close-up images and the clear illumination of the subject. These will serve you well at the stage of your birding life when you’re not quite an expert but no longer a newbie. Psst—here’s 7 ways to be a better birder.
Best Splurge Binoculars
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus 8×42
If you’ve graduated to birding beyond the backyard, consider these Leicas. With a wide field of view, gorgeous clarity and impeccable lighting, they’ll allow you to spot almost any target you choose. Our testers said that just looking at and holding them made it obvious they were beautifully crafted. You won’t be sorry you splurged.
Check out the ultimate guide to backyard bird photography.
Best Binoculars for Birding On the Go
Zeiss Terra 8×42
Great lighting, ease of focus, fantastic clarity—these won lots of praise from our reviewers. While Zeiss is a brand typically known for binoculars running $1,000 and up, these deliver high quality at a reasonable price. No matter the terrain, they’re sturdy and ready for anything.
Best Binoculars for Serious Birders
Swarovski EL 10×42
Got some money burning a hole in your pocket? Consider these Swarovskis. The higher magnification allows for greater discernment of detail and makes them excellent for long-distance birding. Some testers thought they were heavy, but the quality justifies the extra weight and bucks.
Best Clarity and Field of View
Opticron Explorer Wide Angle 8×42
This wide-angle pair had the best field of view, but the clarity of the images and the ease of focus were impressive, too.
How to Choose Binoculars
- We strongly recommend testing out binoculars for yourself. Look for a birding festival in your area: Optics dealers often set up shop there, allowing you to test many brands and styles. Otherwise, call a birding or outdoors store near you to see if they have samples.
- Try out different brands and types of binoculars. Make sure they’re not heavy on your neck or too bulky for your hands.
- Many birdwatchers use an 8×42 model, a good all-around size. These numbers on binoculars mean an object appears 8 times closer and the objective lens diameter is 42 millimeters.
- The more you pay, the better and more durable the lens, but you don’t have to break the bank. Start with a waterproof model and work up from there.
- Binoculars should be easy to focus instantly and precisely.
- The field of view should be fairly wide, with no distorted edges.
- Whether you’re focusing close up or far away, you want a great picture. Try digiscoping to take better bird photos
- The image should be as bright as or brighter than what you can see with your naked eye, not darker.
How to Use Binoculars for Birding
Bins
This word is birder jargon for binoculars, which are one of the gifts any bird lover will absolutely adore.
Diopter Ring
Move the ring to adjust this side’s ocular lens. It allows for differences in your eyes and focuses your view correctly.
Hinge
The hinge connects to the two barrels. Hold the eyecups to your eyes and pivot the barrels until you see one circle-shaped image.
Eyecups
Here’s a tip. If you wear glasses, the eyecups should be twisted down. Sans spectacles? Twist up.
Ocular Lens
These lenses, closest to your eyes, magnify the object.
Focus Wheel
Spin the wheel to move the ocular lenses simultaneously and bring the bird into focus.
Objective Lens
These large lenses gather light. The bigger the lens, the more light it captures, which means a brighter image.
Barrels
The magic happens here! Each barrel works like a mini telescope to deliver a clear, crisp image.
Now that you know how to buy birding binoculars and know how to use them, check out birding gadgets and gear you never knew you needed.
