Guest Blogger Fatbirder
Birding is a hobby that has been enjoyed by many people for decades, but its only in the last thirty years when optics have become lighter and more durable as well as consistently good optically. Connecting with nature and observing the beauty of birds up close has been proven to be great for your peace of mind and physical wellbeing. Ther essential tool for birding is a good pair of binoculars. Binoculars enable bird watchers to see birds in their natural habitat and appreciate their beauty and behaviour more easily. In this article, we’ll be listing some of the very best birding binoculars to help you make an informed purchasing decision. But always TRY BEFORE YOU BUY to see what suits your eyes and arms as well as your pocket.
Opticron Range
Many birdwatchers agree that the best all round, value for money, birding binoculars are found in the Opticron stable. Optically first class they combine class with affordability. Opticron has become a well-known brand in the world of birding binoculars, offering a range of high-quality options. The best Opticron binoculars for birders will depend on personal preferences, budget, and specific needs, but here are some top options to consider:
Opticron Explorer WA ED-R 10×32 Binoculars is slap-bang in the middle of their price range and perhaps one of their most popular for birders. Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42 Binoculars offer excellent image quality, waterproofing, and durability at an affordable price point. They have a wide field of view, making it easier to spot and track birds. Opticron DBA VHD Plus 8×42 high-end binoculars offer exceptional image clarity, colour accuracy, and detail. They have a wide field of view and are waterproof and fog-proof, making them ideal for birding in any weather. Opticron Traveller BGA ED 8×32 compact binoculars are perfect for birders who need to travel light. They offer excellent image quality and a wide field of view despite their small size.
Vortex Optics Viper HD
The Vortex Optics Viper HD Binoculars are also a popular choice among birders due to their terrific performance in all lighting conditions – they feature a high-density, extra-low dispersion glass that provides excellent clarity and colour accuracy. It boasts excellent optics, impressive build quality, and a comfortable grip. The binoculars are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. The lenses are coated with anti-reflective materials to reduce glare, making them ideal for birding in bright sunlight. The Viper HD also features an adjustable eyecup, making it comfortable for people who wear glasses. They also have a rugged construction that makes them waterproof and fog-proof, making them an excellent choice for use in damp conditions.
Further up the costs scale are:
Nikon Monarch 5
The Nikon Monarch 5 is a top-rated binocular for birding. It features ED glass, which provides a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, making them suitable for birding in different weather conditions. The Nikon Monarch 5 is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It also features a close focus distance of 8.2 feet, allowing you to observe birds up close.
Then we come to the pricier, but top-quality optics for birders: All three brands have their devotees, none come cheap and all are extremely good optically with the added bonus of durability and really good after sales service and long guarantee periods.
Zeiss Terra ED
The Zeiss Victory SF Binoculars are a high-end option for birders who want the best of the best. These binoculars feature a wide field of view and a lightweight, ergonomic design that makes them easy to use for extended periods. The Victory SF Binoculars also feature a high-quality optical system that delivers sharp, clear images with excellent colour accuracy. The Zeiss Terra ED is another popular choice for bird watchers. It features Schott ED glass, which provides a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, making them suitable for birding in different weather conditions. The Zeiss Terra ED is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It also features a close focus distance of 5.25 feet, allowing you to observe birds up close.
Leica Ultravid HD-Plus
The Leica Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars are another high-quality, premium option for birders. These binoculars feature a high-quality optical system that delivers sharp, clear images with excellent colour accuracy. It features fluoride lenses, which provide a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions. The Ultravid HD-Plus Binoculars also have a rugged construction that makes them waterproof and fog-proof, making them ideal for use in all weather conditions but are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around. It also features an exceptional close focus distance of 6.2 feet, allowing you to observe birds and insects up close.
Swarovski EL
The Swarovski EL is another really popular high-end, premium binocular for birding. It features high-density glass, which provides a clear and bright image, even in low light conditions. The high-quality optical system also delivers excellent colour accuracy The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, making them suitable for birding in different weather conditions. The Swarovski EL is lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry around. It also features the very best close focus distance of 4.9 feet, making it ideal for those birders who take an interest in moths, butterflies, odonata and the like.