What To Look For
Binoculars for bird-watching should incorporate several handy features. For a comfortable hiking companion, look for binoculars with small front lenses. On every binocular are two numbers, like 7x50. The first refers to the magnification, while the second refers to the aperture. Look for magnification around 7 or 8 for hand-held comfort and a wide field of view. Make sure the binoculars have close-focus features, which allow you to swoop in on a nearby bird. To avoid becoming cross-eyed from the close focus, Pete Dunne at the American Birding Association recommends a close focus of no less than 8 feet.
Common Pitfalls
Don't forget to waterproof your binoculars. Avoiding rainy days won't necessarily prevent water damage, according to U.S. Navy optical expert William Cook. He states that moisture creeps into binoculars when temperatures shift, even without rainfall. Also keep in mind that "water resistant" does not mean as much as "waterproof."
Where To Buy
Chain stores, such as Best Buy, sell binoculars, but the selection is usually limited. REI sells binoculars and may have staff that can help you with your purchase. If you want to make sure you are paying for high quality binoculars, try Nikon, Canon or Olympus binoculars. Online stores, such as EagleOptics.com, have the widest selection, though shoppers cannot test the binoculars firsthand before purchasing.
Cost
According to Bird Watcher's Digest, when it comes to binoculars, "you get what you pay for." If you're on a budget, you can find basic binoculars for $100 or less. Mid-range options cost $150 to $350. High-end binoculars from companies like Zeiss run $600 to $1,000, but these are not necessary for bird-watching.
Comparison Shopping
When you start shopping for binoculars, you will notice two kinds available: Porro prisms and roof prisms. Porro prisms have an angled design. Bird watchers will appreciate that they have close focus features that allow you to spot objects nearby---such as a bird flying toward you. They also have a wide field of view that makes observing birds easier. Meanwhile, roof prisms have a sleek, straight-barreled design. They are more user-friendly, durable and lightweight, according to Bird Watcher's Digest, making them excellent choices for first-timers or people who plan to carry binoculars on long hikes. They are usually more expensive than Porro prisms.
Insider Tips
Look for binoculars with plenty of eye relief, especially if you wear prescription glasses or plan to wear sunglasses on your bird-watching excursions. Greater eye relief allows you to hold the binoculars away from your face without sacrificing full-sized imaging. In other words, it doesn't force users to push their faces against the binoculars to see through them. Bird Watcher's Digest recommends at least 14 mm to 15 mm of eye relief to accommodate glasses.
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