Overview
If you're looking for the best binoculars for birdwatching, you've come to the right place. Because birds are frequently in flight and easily startled, choosing the best birdwatching binoculars necessitates careful consideration of features. This guide is intended for birdwatchers, but for more general recommendations, see our best binoculars guide. Continue reading for tips on what to look for, as well as our top picks for the best birdwatching binoculars on the market right now.
Reviews
1. Celestron – Ultima 8×42 Binoculars
The first option we want to recommend to you is these Celestron Ultima 8×42 binoculars. The Celestron Ultima 8×42 binoculars are a classic prism construction that offers value for money for a range of observational tasks. It has an 8x magnification and a bright 42mm objective lens that is suitable for short-range birdwatching and general viewing.
It features a central folding mechanism that allows for adjusting the inter-pupillary distance and can be stored in a roomier jacket pocket. The synthetic rubber exterior provides a non-slip grip and is waterproof, and nitrogen-purged tubes prevent fogging. The binoculars provide a greater depth of image and decent image quality for a lower price than sleeker roof prism binoculars.
2. Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 8×42
The Nikon Prostaff 3S 8×42 binoculars are compact and clear, available in 8x or 10x magnification. They have a silver alloy coating, making the view brighter, and are O-ring-sealed and nitrogen-filled to prevent moisture and fogging.
The long eye relief adds comfort and they are suitable for those wearing glasses. With a reasonable price and solid build, they are ideal for birdwatching and hiking.
3. Vortex Optics Crossfire HD Binoculars
The Vortex Crossfire HD 10×50 binoculars come with a GlassPak chest case/harness that takes the weight off the neck, protects the binoculars, and makes them easy to deploy.
The binoculars offer impressive image quality due to their high-density, extra-low dispersion glass, and they come with an unlimited lifetime warranty. The GlassPak has some issues, such as getting tangled and having a permanently attached bag, but overall, these binoculars are a great choice for birdwatching.
4. Celestron – TrailSeeker ED 8×42 Binoculars
The Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 binoculars are versatile, portable, and suitable for a range of pursuits including birding and travel. The 8x magnification and 42mm objective lens are balanced, and the magnesium alloy body construction makes them durable and easier to hold steady.
The BaK-4 glass ensures more light gets through for greater viewing clarity, and a standard tripod adapter thread allows for mounting on a tripod. The image quality is consistently crisp and colorful, although the provided lens caps occasionally slipped off during review. Overall, a solid choice for birders and more.
5. Nikon 7246 Action 12×50 EX Extreme All-Terrain Binocular
The Nikon Action EX 12×50 binoculars offer a big and sharp image with large 50mm objective lenses and 12x magnification but are heavy at 1 kg and require a tripod for prolonged use. They are waterproof and fog-proof, but have a minimum focus distance of 7m. They are reasonably priced for their performance.
Conclusion
There are a variety of excellent binocular options available for birdwatching. Some of the best choices include the lightweight and compact Vortex Optics Viper HD 8×42, the rugged Nikon Prostaff 3S 8×42 with its bright and clear view, the versatile Celestron Trailseeker 8×42 with its premium glass, and the heavy but powerful Nikon Action EX 12×50 with its big, bright image. It's important to consider factors such as magnification, objective lens size, weight, and durability when choosing the right binoculars for your birdwatching needs.
