This entry was posted on 12/19/2006 3:48 PM and is filed under Articles by Scott.
It is quite easy to watch birds without binoculars. Just put a feeder up in your backyard and wait for the birds to arrive. Put up several feeders with a mix of foods and you can get quite a variety of birds to visit your yard. However, bird watching without binoculars is like looking at a book cover but never being able to open it and read. You may be able to get the general idea of a bird and it's habits but you will not be able to see the detail. Pull out the binoculars and you are now able to see the intricacies of a birds plumage, see how they search tree bark for insects, watch them as they bathe and drink at your birdbath.
Buying binoculars can be an intimidating task. There are many to chose from and prices can be from under $100 to over $1000. You can make the process a little easier with a bit of knowledge and research.
1. The first thing you'll probably want to know is what those numbers mean. Most binoculars will have two numbers on them. Something like 8x42 or 10x25. The first number refers to the magnification or "power". The second number is the size, in millimeters, of the objective lens. This is the lens furthest from your eyes. Basically, this number is an indication of the amount of light a binocular will gather. The larger the better...to a point. A large objective lens can add a lot of weight so you don't want it too big or you'll get tired of carrying the things around. Generally, an objective lens of 35 to 42 will work well.
2. What "power" should I get? Generally, your choices will be 8x or 10x. The 8x is nice for all around bird watching. It has the power to give you a good image and is easier to use when following a quick moving bird. Many people will buy a 10x for the additional magnification. The tradeoff is that the larger image makes it a bit more difficult to keep on an active bird. Where the 10x glasses can excel is when watching waterfowl. You are often a longer distance from the bird and they are often more stationary.
3. Balance size & weight against use & function. Compact binoculars are small, light and can fit in a pocket. The problem is that their objective lens is smaller and lets in less light. You can get binos with a huge objective lens but they are so heavy that they can really only be used with a tripod. Generally, birders look for something in the middle. Binoculars with a lens of around 42mm and total weight of 22oz - 28oz will be about right.
4. Additional Features You should also pay attention to the close focus and field of view (FOV) numbers. A good close focus number (smaller is better) means that you can use your binoculars to watch butterflies and insects. The FOV relates to the amount of area you'll be able to see through the binoculars. In this case more is better.
5. Wear glasses? Make sure that the binos have adjustable eye cups and that they work well with your glasses or sunglasses.
6. You may have these things around your neck for hours at a time. Make sure the glasses come with, or purchase separatly, a wide neck strap and/or chest harness. Anything that can reduce neck strain is good.
7. Make sure the binos focus easily and smoothly. First, close your right eye and look at an object about 60 yards away. Now improve the image by using the center focus adjustment. Next, close you left eye and look at the same object. This time focus using the diopter adjustment located on the right eyepiece. The binoculars are now set for you vision. You should be able to look at anything and make quick adjustments using just the center focus knob.
