Whether you’re preparing for the bird watching season or you just want a better view of the goldfinches or robins in your garden, you’ll need a great pair of binoculars to help you do so.
The best binoculars for bird-watching need to offer a multitude of different features that other types of binoculars might not.
They need to be resilient and able to withstand the outdoors (including being exposed to the rain), comfortable to use for an extended period of time and have a good magnification level that will allow you to view different kinds of birds from afar.
Let’s face it though; amidst the different technical jargon and dozens of different types of choices out there on the market, searching for the best bird watching binocular for you can be far from easy.
For this reason, we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the hard work and bring our top choices to you!
So, in this article, we’re going to be providing you with a detailed review of each pair of binoculars from our top five picks, as well as including a handy buyer’s guide section to help you along with the buying process. Ready? Let’s begin.
If you’re a little pinched for time and want a high-quality pair of binoculars at an affordable price, we recommend the Olympus 10 x 50 DPS Binoculars.
Specifically designed to bring the action up close and help to enlarge the smaller details of the bigger picture, these binoculars are much loved by bird-watchers all over the country.
In a hurry? This is our winner!
- Wide field of view optimal for tracking fast-moving subjects - find a subject quicker with a wider view of your surroundings, whilst enjoying sharply defined details and brilliant natural colours.
- High-performance optics provide a bright, clear field of view with superb transmittance and sharp, high-resolution images with minimal distortion and chromatic aberration even in low light conditions.
- Built with a durable, high-quality finish the robust housing resists any nature conditions - ideal for outdoor use. A rubber coated grip ensures a safe hold for easy and comfortable operation.
Here’s why they’re our top pick:
- They feature a rugged, resilient finish with a sure-grip rubber coating that makes them ideal for taking with you on all of your outdoor adventures
- Due to large exit pupils, you will be able to enjoy bright, wide-angle image viewing that is ideal for fast-moving subjects (aka birds!)
- Both lenses feature an anti-reflective lens coating that are better able to ensure optimal transmission of light for a bright and clear field of view
- The 10x magnification feature is ideal for focusing in on the birds, meaning you can see them clearly and in detail even at a distance
Our verdict? Regardless of whether you are a beginner or a bird-watching expert, these binoculars are a great choice that won’t break the bank.
Better yet, they have been created with versatility in mind, so you are able to use these binoculars to watch sports or other types of events alongside bird watching, too!
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching – Comparison Table
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching – Reviews
Olympus Binocular 10x50 S - Ideal for Nature Observation, Wildlife, Birdwatching, Sports, Concerts , Black
Olympus have covered everything you need to have a successful bird watching season with these binoculars.
Constructed to meet the highest quality standards possible, these Porro-prism binoculars contain high-quality optics (including aspherical lenses) that will be able to minimise distortion and encourage a crisp, clear and clarified field of view.
Plus, thanks to 10x magnification, you will be able to enjoy razor-sharp images from afar. So, if you spot a particularly interesting bird from a distance and want to observe without disturbing it or spooking it away, you can quite easily use this feature to view the subject without getting too close.
Its large exit pupil design ensures that you will be able to enjoy bright image viewing at all times, while the wide-angle field of view is an impressive 65 degrees, which is able to deliver a broader and more breathtaking picture. Additionally, the wide-angle design is particularly suited to birdwatching, because it will be able to capture fast-moving subjects a lot easier.
Considering the fact that you will be using these for an extended period of time, Olympus has equipped the eyepiece with UV protection that will cut harmful UVA and UVB rays while also helping to lower the chances of eye strain. Not only is this going to keep your eyes protected, but it will also allow you to enjoy a day of birdwatching in comfort.
- Ideal for use in the outdoors, it features a rugged and robust design that can handle a few bumps and knocks, while its rubber handle coating allows for a secure grip.
- Its anti-reflective lens coating allows for optimal transmission of light for a bright and clear field of view to help you better observe the birds
- The 10x magnification level and wide-angle view make it great for watching all different kinds of birds
- Affordable without compromising on performance quality
- The quality of the holding case is not that great
Eyeskey Classic HD 10x42 Binoculars for Adults | Waterproof Fog Proof | BAK4 Roof Prism | FMC Lenses | Professional Binos for Outdoor Hunting Hiking Nature Watching Sports Events and Concerts
The next pair of binoculars we have selected are the Eyesky Classic HD Binoculars. Utilising high performing Porro-prism, multi coated lenses, you will be able to enjoy superb light transmission and a bright and defined image that is ideal for birdwatching.
Designed to be used in all types of weather conditions, the body of these binoculars is nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed which means that it is weatherproof and able to be exposed to the rain and other types of external factors with no impact on the performance. So, come rain or shine you will be able to spend the day observing and watching different types of birds with no problems.
Particularly ideal for extended bird watching sessions, the lightweight and ergonomic design makes these binoculars comfortable to hold for a long period of time, while the central focus knob is easy and intuitive to use, so you can easily focus in on the subject without peeling your eyes away.
Ensuring a wide field of view and complete comfortability, the ‘turn and slide’ eyecups will allow you to adjust the eye relief for a customised fit that will help you have a full field of view and allow you to bird watch for an extended period of time without feeling strain or discomfort.
- Ideal for birdwatching, they are waterproof, fog-proof and weather-resistant
- It comes with a carry pouch, cleaning cloth, neck strap and a cleaning cloth
- Thanks to coated BAK-4 Roof Prisms, these binoculars will deliver bright and high-resolution images
- Some users have complained of misaligned lenses
Bresser Binoculars Hunter 8x40
If you’re on a budget, we think that you’ll love the Bresser Hunter 8×40 Binoculars! Thanks to a particularly wide field of view (8.2 degrees) and relatively lightweight design, you will be able to birdwatch for a prolonged period of time with no strain, while also being able to observe birds with clarity.
Its wide-view lens is able to focus on moving objects with ease so, don’t worry if the bird that you are observing suddenly takes flight! This lens will be able to ensure a crystal-clear image, all the while allowing for a broader field of view that will allow you to easily follow the moving subject.
Its also features advanced central wheel focusing that can be easily used to adjust the focus of the lenses quickly and easily. There is even a tripod connection thread built-in that will allow you to attach them to a tripod to free up your hands if you so desire.
As well as this, the fully multi coated lenses will equip you with bright, high-resolution images (with or without glasses) while the rugged, resilient exterior will allow you to take it outside without fear of its performance being compromised – so it’s perfect for birdwatching.
- It comes with a sturdy nylon bag that will keep your binoculars well protected in the outdoors and when not in use
- Its rubber armoured binocular body is comfortable to hold and will ensure an excellent grip
- Wide-angle lenses which will provide a broad field of view, which is great for observing flying birds
- A neck strap has to be purchased separately
Nikon Prostaff 3S 10X42 Binoculars
Next up we have the Nikon Prostaff 3S Binoculars! Ideal for taking your birdwatching hobby to new heights (quite literally) the Avalon PRO HD Binoculars contain a 10x magnification level that will allow you to focus in on even the highest tree-top.
For starters, they combine excellent power with an impressively wide field of view that will allow you to observe different types of birds from both close-up and afar. Ideal for prolonged use, these sleek binoculars are lightweight and won’t feel like they’re weighing your arms or hands down while holding them for extended periods of time.
Ideal for use in the outdoors, the Avalon 10×42 Binoculars are waterproof, fog-proof and nitrogen filled (which means they are weather-resistant) while the fully multi-coated optics allow for sharp and bright images, again and again.
Additionally, these binoculars come with a carry case, strap and even a beautiful gift box, so they’d make a lovely gift for a bird watching lover!
- They are one of the lightest binoculars available on the market
- Ideal for bird watching, they offer a magnification level of 10x to help you easily focus in on the birds
- Twist-up eyecups for optimal comfort
- Some users have found these binoculars difficult to use with glasses
DFlamepower Mini Binoculars 30x60 Compact Folding Telescope with Waterproof for Adults/Kids/Birdwatching/Travelling/Sightseeing/Hunting/Outdoor birding
If you’re searching for something a little smaller and portable, we highly recommend the DFlame Mini Folding Binoculars.
Small enough to fit in your pocket, the DFlamepower Folding Binoculars can be folded up neatly in order to pop them into a bag or your jacket, while its lightweight design makes them very comfortable and enjoyable to use for a prolonged amount of time. It can even be used with a neck strap for added convenience!
Though smaller than your average pair of birdwatching binoculars, they certainly pack the punch: their full optical lenses provide a clear and bright image with a magnification level of 8x that means you can easily focus on the birds you are observing without disturbing them.
Additionally, its rubber material and anti-skid design positioned at the back of the binoculars prevent them from slipping or shaking, while the fully coated optics ensure increased brightness, optimum light transmission and is suitable to be used in all types of weather conditions.
- Waterproof and weatherproof
- Has a magnification level of 8x which is ideal for bird-watching
- Fully coated lenses will allow for a bright and clarified image
- The size may be too small for some
Best Binoculars for Bird Watching – Buyer’s Guide
Now that you’ve reached the end of our article, we’re hoping that you’ve found your perfect new binocular to assist on each and every one of your birdwatching adventures! If you’d like to learn a bit more about what separate the best birdwatching binoculars from the rest or you just want to gain some more knowledge before making a purchase, here are a few different specifications that the best binoculars for birdwatching will have:
A Wide Field of View
A wide field of view is a really important specification that all bird watching binoculars should have. With a wider field of view, it’s easier to locate and view fast moving subjects. It also means that you don’t have to worry about wasting time trying to locate the bird as you have a broader field of view. As a side note, many bird watchers opt for a lower magnification level because it means that the binocular lenses will have a wider angle, which is why it is common to go for a magnification that falls between 8x and 10x.
Clear Field of View
When it comes to birdwatching, the main concern for many is how clear, bright and stable the image is. Therefore, it is worth considering purchasing a pair of binoculars with a lower magnification level as these will shake significantly less than a pair of binoculars that offer a higher magnification level.
Another feature to keep an eye out for is whether the binoculars contain fully-coated optics. This is an important specification because it ensures optimum light transmission which will in turn produce a bright, vivid and clarified field of view.
Comfort and Convenience
Considering that many bird watchers spend prolonged periods of time holding and using their binoculars, it is important to take your eyes into consideration. Therefore, we recommend keeping an eye out for binoculars that offer eye relief, can be used with glasses and have some level of UVA/UVB protection.
You should also consider purchasing a more lightweight set of binoculars to reduce the chances of any arm or hand strain. Some binoculars are even designed to be compatible for use with a tripod, which will give you the opportunity to free up your hands and reduce the chance of discomfort if you get tired and would like a break from holding them.
Durable Design
Due to the nature of bird watching, you’re going to be outdoors. Therefore, it is only a matter of time before you get stuck in a rain shower or find yourself traversing through fog on an early morning bird watching session. For this reason, you should make sure that the binoculars you choose have some level of fog, water and weather-resistance.
Additionally, the best binoculars for birdwatching will have a sturdy design that can handle a few knocks and bumps, while also having a rubber grip that will lower the chances of your dropping it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What magnification level should my binoculars for birdwatching have?
Believe it or not, a powerful magnification level is not always a good thing! In fact, when it comes to bird watching, the best level of magnification is a smaller one (such as a 10x magnification level). Why? Well, even though you might be initially tempted to go for a 16x magnification level, this will often cause the image to shake significantly more than a smaller magnification level. Therefore, a smaller magnification level will allow you to be able to clearly focus on the birds you are observing clearly without any shaking or distortion.
How much should I spend on a pair of birdwatching binoculars?
Hopefully, after reading through our review, you’ll see that you can quite easily find an excellent pair of binoculars for birdwatching – no matter your budget or personal preferences! Though you may be tempted to spend a lot of money on a pair of binoculars, you certainly don’t have to if you want to save your money. In fact, you can quite easily grab yourself a reliable pair of binoculars suitable for birdwatching for less than a hundred pounds.