Buying guide to birding binoculars
Posted on 27 April, 2009 | No Comments
Bird watching is one of the most popular hobbies today - even if it doesn’t get much press. That should come as no surprise as it is one of the few pastimes that can be enjoyed almost anywhere. Birdwatching can be enjoyed almost anywhere there is some green space such as a back yard, a nature trail, or some exotic location. Bird watching can be as simple or as involved as you want it to be. It can be an all-encompassing passion or just an occasional enjoyment. There is really only one thing you absolutely need for bird watching, and that is a good pair of binoculars.
You don’t need special tools to watch birds. I enjoy the hummingbirds buzzing around the feeder in my backyard without binoculars, and I can spend hours watching finches play or Blue Jays defending their nests against some unknown enemy with resolve and determination. Only with a quality pair of binoculars will you see the quick tongue of a hummingbird or the detail and color of a birds wing. It’s the only way to really learn about them, and to get to know them. Here, as is the case with just about anything else in life, studying, observing, patience, and the proper equipment matter. Given a chance to see a rare bird only to be disappointed by inferior binocular quality will linger much longer that the sweet taste of a low price paid for it.
But how do you pick the right binoculars? Do the same standards apply for birding binoculars as for a set used for boating or hiking? The answer is no. Bird watching is not all about maximum magnification, which is often how newcomers select binoculars. Birding binoculars will provide maximum clarity, intelligent focusing, and outstanding twilight service at dawn or dusk. A large field of view is important as it allows you to keep the bird or object of interest in view even when it may flutter to a nearby branch.
What brands are best for bird watching? That depends on your budget and preferences. Quality birding binoculars are manufactured by fine companies such as Zeiss, Brunton, Leupold, Nikon and others. If nothing but the best will do, it’s hard to go wrong with a set of Zeiss Victory or Victory FL binoculars. Some of the Zeiss FL products now have the Zeiss trademark LotuTec coating that makes water pearl off and repels dirt. Anyone who has finally spotted a special target just to find the lenses smudged or misted will appreciate the value of this special treatment.
As always, based on my own personal experience I recommend buying binoculars from a place that specializes on them so you can benefit from their expertise and likely also get better prices. And speaking of price, birding binoculars and spotting scopes come in a wide range and you’ll have to decide how much to spend on a good pair. Decent starter sets are very reasonably priced and work well, but spending a bit extra for better glass and optics always pays off in brightness, sharpness and clarity. Premium binoculars, if they fit into your budget, can give you a lifetime of service and superb views thereby enhancing your enjoyment. To learn more about subjects like binoculars please visit the web site at: http://www.birding.rcsoptics.com
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About the Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. All Rights Reserved. Copyright 2008 (Fri Nov 28 2008) Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com