Tips On Buying The Best Bird Watching Binoculars

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Tips On Buying The Best Bird Watching Binoculars

Monday, August 4th, 2008 by www Subscribe To My Feed

When it comes to birding, binoculars are one piece of equipment you should not be without. They take a tiny speck and turn it into something you can not only see but identify as part of your bird watching experience. Depending on what type you are looking for there is a great selection of birding binoculars on the market ranging from those costing a few dollars to the ones which will set you back a few thousand. Popular brands include Nikon and Swarovski. Nikon produce many quality optic products and their birding binoculars are particularly good. Nikon binoculars are excellent for the early morning or dusk - times when most species of birds are quite active.

Magnification and Front Lens Diameter

For basic birding, a standard set that you find in any hardware or sporting goods store will probably be appropriate to your needs. They can be purchased for very little and are generally quite durable, as well as doing an adequate job of magnification. Binoculars are rated by two numbers the first of which indicates the power of the magnification and the second number denotes the diameter of the front lens. The best binoculars for birding also provide a wide view so that birds can be viewed in flight, as well as in a static situation.

Usually these are written in the following manner 7×23. This set of numbers indicates that the binoculars have a magnification of seven with a diameter of 23 millimeters on the front lens. The distance you intend to be away from the birds will determine what magnification power you will need. If you are planning to watch just around your neighborhood at birds that may be in trees or on the ground, then a lighter magnification will probably work. However, if you want to spend a lot of time watching birds interacting in their natural habitat where distance viewing is likely, you will need a stronger magnification to get the best from your bird watching.

Changing the Level of Magnification

There are birding binoculars that have a single level of magnification, these are usually the basic style that allow for a small amount of focusing. There are then the styles that allow you to be able to alter not only the focus of the lens but also the level of magnification, allowing you to adjust between objects that are closer and farther away without having to have additional sets of binoculars.

Make Sure Your Binoculars Are Not Too Heavy

Weight is something which you should always take into account when purchasing binoculars - don’t choose a pair which will be too heavy to comfortably hold for a long period. You don’t want to have to put down your binoculars due to fatigued arms just when you’ve spotted a rare or unusual bird in the field! There are a number of lightweight models that offer a full range of features without being hard to handle. After all, if you intend to carry them around with you whilst out on your adventures bird watching you do not want to be struggling with a heavy pair of binoculars.

Nothing ruins a birding trip more than ending up not being able to spend the time you want or get to where you want due to the weight of the equipment. Some additional things to keep an eye out for are a scratch resistant lens, and a means of carrying the binoculars without the use of your hands or having them hanging round your neck. After all, you want your binoculars to give you a clear view, yet be out of your way except when you are marveling at avian wildlife.

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