How to Find the Right Binoculars for You
There are a wide variety of binocular brands, features, and prices. Deciding what pair is right for you is
not difficult but does require understanding of a few key issues. Here are important binocular attributes to consider
as you evaluate your options:
- Magnification
Defined by two numbers, such as 7 x 35 or 10 x 40. The first number is the magnification power and
indicates how many times larger than the naked eye the binocular makes the image appear. The second number
is the diameter of the objective lens and relates to the binoculars' brightness. Most birders prefer
7x or 8x magnification.
- Design
Porro prism, roof prism, and reverse porro prism are the three basic types of binocular design.
The porro prism is the traditional binocular design.
The Roof Prism is usually more expensive than the porro and is more likely to be weather-proofed. The
reverse poro is usually in the low to mid price range and provides relatively poor depth perception.
- Light Gathering Capacity
This is a critical issue for birders. The larger the objective lens, the more light gathered
by the binoculars. Use the second number in the "7 x 40" designation to determine the objective lens size.
- Optics Quality
High quality binocular lenses are coated with non-reflective film that can deliver
more than 90% of the light. Without non-reflective coating, binoculars may lose up to 60% of that light.
In addition to coating, the quality of the optics glass impacts resolution and image sharpness. The more
expensive binoculars typically have higher-quality glass.
- Field of View
The width of the area seen while looking through binoculars is the field of view and is usually
expressed as the width in feet of the area visible at 1,000 yards.
Wider fields of view make it easier to locate birds with your binoculars.
- Durability
Less expensive binoculars are typically less durable and tend to become misaligned with use.
When binoculars are out of alignment, the images presented to each eye are not of the same field of view,
resulting in a blurred image.
- Price
Bird watching binoculars range in price from about $100 to $1,000 (or more). More experienced
bird watchers appreciate the image quality, durability, and comfort of the more expensive brands and
models. Beginners typically buy at the low end of the price range as they do not yet appreciate the
benefits of the expensive models. For a comparison of binoculars across price ranges, read the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
article.
Places to Buy Binoculars on the Web
- Amazon.com
The web's superstore offers a broad selection of binoculars ranging from the high-end Swarovski to the affordable Bushnell.
- Binoculars.com
Website focused on binoculars and other optics such as spotting scopes and opera glasses. Has a special
section for bird watching binoculars.
- Ebay
Browse a variety of used and new binoculars using Ebay's unique auction system.
- Eagle Optics
Originally a mail order optics company, Eagle Optics now sells binoculars via the Web. Site includes
a buying guide and other background information helpful in shopping for binoculars.
- Audubon Binoculars
Buy Audubon-branded binoculars and support the Audubon Society's conservation mission.
|
