Birding Binoculars - 7 Tips To Remember When Buying For The First Time
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Birding binoculars are an essential tool for the advid birdwatcher. Here are a few tips that can aid you in choosing the right pair for your needs.
Experienced birders agree that compact are not as good as mid-range when it comes to birding.
A good pair must have a good field of view because birds move fast.
They must also have good magnification (about a 8X to 12X magnification should do nicely) but not an over powering magnification.
The higher the magnification, the smaller the field of view and the more every little shake of your hands will be magnified.
Compacts fail to meet these requirements. Sure, you could use compact binoculars, but if you want the best, the mid-size set is superior.
When looking for a good pair, try checking the Internet for reviews.
Many experienced birders would be more than happy to share their experiences with you, and they can tell you what their views are for the best pair.
Seven Tips When Considering Binoculars for Birdwatching
1. Spend as much money as you can afford. Not everyone is Bill Gates, but the more money you can spend on a pair of binoculars, the better the chance you will get a good pair.
2. The larger the field of view, the better the binoculars are for birding. When looking at a pair of binoculars, you will see they are rated by using two numbers. For example, a pair might say 8X42.
The first number is the magnification power and the second number is the size of the objective lens measured in millimeters.
The higher the second number, the sharper the image and the larger the field of view. Also, look for the ratio between the magnification number and the size of the objective lens.
The higher the ratio, the better it will be for birding.
3. If you look at the binocular reviews available on the net, you will notice that most birders think that zoom binoculars are not as good as regular binoculars.
With a zoom binocular, you cut down your field of view and this will hurt your vision when birding.
4. Try the binoculars before purchasing. The binoculars you buy must feel comfortable in your hand.
After all, you could be holding them for several hours pursuing the perfect bird.
Not everybody has the same size hands or the same shape to their face. Your binoculars should suit you.
5. You need to be able to focus quickly when bird watching. Birds move fast and you may need to focus just as fast.
6. Consider the weight of the birding binocular. While compacts are lightweight, they are not the best types. However, mid-size binoculars come in all different sizes and weights.
You will want to get the lightest pair you can find. The heavier the pair, the more weight you are holding.
When your arms tire, you won't be able to watch those magnificent birds.
7. You want a pair that has good light gathering ability.
You will want to watch the birds when there is a lot of light because a binocular can't see very well in low light conditions.
Buying any type of binoculars can be a pain staking process, but its well worth it to take your time and get the best binocular that best suits you, and your needs.
Keep the suggestions listed above when buying your birding binoculars and don't be afraid to ask the dealer as many questions as you can.
Talk to other birders, use the Internet, and get their experiences and learn about their preferences.
Their input can be invaluable when it comes time to purchase your first real pair.
On a personal note, I use a pair of Nikon 8245 ACULON A211 8x42 binoculars for viewing and a COOLPIX P900 Camera for photographing when out birdwatching.
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