Choosing The Best Binoculars For Birding

If you want to see the birds in really good detail you need a pair of binoculars that have wide field of view and produce brighter images. However, keep in mind that when magnification increases field of view decreases. So, to pick up one of best binoculars for bird watching, you need a pair that has good balance between ‘the magnification‘ and ‘the field of view‘ and ‘the objective lens diameter‘. A good balance of these specs will ensure your binoculars produce best image without straining your eyes.

Skip the details, just show me the best ones

Bushnell Legend L-Series Binocular, Black, 10x42mm
Professional Binoculars for Bird Watching – Premium Bird Watching Binoculars for Adults - Lightweight Binocular kit for Birding - 10x42 Long Range and High Powered Binoculars
Xgazer Optics 10x42 Ultra HD Certvision Binoculars, Anti-Reflective Lenses Waterproof, Fogproof, Rainproof | Hunting, Safari, Birding, Bird Watching, Sporting Events | Incl. Strap, Hard Case, Covers
Make/Model:Bushnell Legend 10x42mm
Make/Model:Wingspan Optics 8×42
Make/Model:Bushnell Birder 8 x 40
Magnification: 10x
Magnification: 08x
Magnification: 08x
Objective Diameter: 42mm
Objective Diameter: 42mm
Objective Diameter: 40mm
Prism: Roof Bak4
Prism: Roof Bak4
Prism: Porro BK-7
Phase correction: Yes
Phase correction: Yes
Phase correction: Not required in Porro Prisms
ED Glass: Yes (ED Prime)
ED Glass: Yes
ED Glass: No
Lens Coatings: Fully Multicoated (FMC)
Lens Coatings: Fully Multicoated (FMC)
Lens Coatings: Multi Coated (MC)
FOV: 340 ft / 7.0°
FOV: 393 ft / 7.5°
FOV: 402 ft / 7°
IPD: 57mm-75mm
IPD: 57mm-75mm
IPD: 56mm-74mm
Close Focus: 6.5 ft
Close Focus: 6.6 ft
Close Focus: 14 ft
Eye Relief: 18.0mm
Eye Relief: 17.0mm
Eye Relief: 14.0mm
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): Yes
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): Yes
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): No
Weight: 666.0 g
Weight: 624.0 g
Weight: 720.0 g
Price: Under $200
Price: Under $200
Price: Under $100
Bushnell Legend L-Series Binocular, Black, 10x42mm
Make/Model:Bushnell Legend 10x42mm
Magnification: 10x
Objective Diameter: 42mm
Prism: Roof Bak4
Phase correction: Yes
ED Glass: Yes (ED Prime)
Lens Coatings: Fully Multicoated (FMC)
FOV: 340 ft / 7.0°
IPD: 57mm-75mm
Close Focus: 6.5 ft
Eye Relief: 18.0mm
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): Yes
Weight: 666.0 g
Price: Under $200
Professional Binoculars for Bird Watching – Premium Bird Watching Binoculars for Adults - Lightweight Binocular kit for Birding - 10x42 Long Range and High Powered Binoculars
Make/Model:Wingspan Optics 8×42
Magnification: 08x
Objective Diameter: 42mm
Prism: Roof Bak4
Phase correction: Yes
ED Glass: Yes
Lens Coatings: Fully Multicoated (FMC)
FOV: 393 ft / 7.5°
IPD: 57mm-75mm
Close Focus: 6.6 ft
Eye Relief: 17.0mm
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): Yes
Weight: 624.0 g
Price: Under $200
Xgazer Optics 10x42 Ultra HD Certvision Binoculars, Anti-Reflective Lenses Waterproof, Fogproof, Rainproof | Hunting, Safari, Birding, Bird Watching, Sporting Events | Incl. Strap, Hard Case, Covers
Make/Model:Bushnell Birder 8 x 40
Magnification: 08x
Objective Diameter: 40mm
Prism: Porro BK-7
Phase correction: Not required in Porro Prisms
ED Glass: No
Lens Coatings: Multi Coated (MC)
FOV: 402 ft / 7°
IPD: 56mm-74mm
Close Focus: 14 ft
Eye Relief: 14.0mm
Nitrogen Filled (Waterproof): No
Weight: 720.0 g
Price: Under $100

Things to Check Before Choosing a Bird Watching Binoculars

A great birding experience starts off with the right choice of selecting the best binoculars for birding. That’s why we are committed to give a proper guide to buying binoculars for bird watching.

Field of View

Birds compared to other animals such as a zebra, lion, or cheetahs are extra small in size and finding them with your set of binoculars might be as hard as it is with naked eyes.

That’s why you need to have a wider field of view so that you can pick them out with some sense of ease and less hassle really. Typically, binoculars with 32mm, 40mm, or 42 mm objective lens will be okay.

Quick Focus

Quick focus will mean that you can easily eliminate the subtle features much more specifically in areas with dim light and pick out your bird easily in a crisp and crystal clear image any time you choose to.

Such binoculars will actually have a magnification power of between 8X and 10X so that you don’t have to drag your images for longer periods. If you do, you might find the bird flown away.

Eye Relief

The best eye relief will play a key role in the type of birding experience irrespective of whether you wear glasses or not. Typically you need to have the adjustable eyepieces so that you can have a great eye relief and also keep your device at a safe distance that gives you a great viewing experience.

Construction

You also need your binoculars to be super durable. Because you have already spent so much money on them, it will make no sense if they fell and broke on the same day.

That’s why it is very ideal that you get binoculars with rubberized armor so that you can have the best casing for your binoculars in case of any kind of eventuality such as a fall. Find the best deals on internet like Black Friday deals and such.

When checking birding binoculars what factors do you look for most?

  • Ultra sharp image to identify unknown birds
  • Wide field of view and better close focus distance so you don’t lose your focus in case the bird flies away
  • Compact and lightweight binoculars.

Well, these are all high end specs for high quality binoculars. And high quality binoculars always come with price. After all, you cannot have your cake and eat it too!

But, the Bushnell Legend L-Series 10×42 is one of very few  (my personal favorite) that comes with good and cheap together. It’s a great combination of quality and price.

Pick Our

4.5 out of 5
4.5/5

Bushnell Legend L-Series 10x42mm Binoculars

Explaining the Bushnell Legend Series for 10×42 Binocular

  • E Series
    These are the base series of the three. They offer decent optical performance what you can tell ‘best value for money’.
  • L Series
    L series binoculars have higher-end optical specs than the E series that offer the best bang for your buck. They offer improved sharpness of view and better eye relief.
  • M Series
    These are the best of all three series that focus a little less on value for money and more on outright performance in every details.

All three series have some features in common, and some differences – which are reflected in the price tag.

Optical Performance

Exterior Features That I Liked

The Bushnell Legend L 10×42 binoculars have some exterior features that make them easy and comfortable to use. These features are:

  • Rubber armor: Provides a good grip and protects the binoculars from shocks and scratches.
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design: Keeps the binoculars safe and clear in wet and humid conditions.
  • Locking diopter: Allows you to adjust the focus for each eye and prevents accidental changes.
  • Twist-up eyecups: Lets you customize the eye relief and are soft and comfortable.
  • Smooth focus wheel: Enables you to quickly and easily adjust the focus with one finger.

My Personal Recommendation On Bushnell Legend L 10×42

I have used Bushnell Legend L 10×42 binocular for 2 weeks for birding. In the process, I got the opportunity to test all these series very carefully. So, My opinion is if you are looking for a great pair of binoculars for any outdoor activity, I recommend this binocular because they have:

  • ED glass and multi-coated lenses for bright and sharp images
  • Magnesium chassis and rubber armor for durability and comfort
  • Waterproof and fog-proof design for reliability in any weather
  • Locking diopter, twist-up eyecups, and smooth focus wheel for easy adjustment
  • Reasonable price and accessories included

The Bushnell Legend L 10×42 binoculars are versatile, rugged, and high-quality. You will not regret buying them.

Value For Money

4.6 out of 5
4.6/5

Crony Optics 10x42 Long Range Binocular with Binocular Kit

The Crony Optics 10×42 Long Range Binocular is a versatile and reliable device that can be used for various outdoor activities such as hunting, bird watching, stargazing, hiking or golfing, this binocular can help you spot your target and measure the distance accurately. It has a long range of up to 2,200 yards and four different modes that adapt to different weather and terrain conditions. It also has a tracking assistant that helps you locate your last shot hit the target.

Optical Performance

  • High power of 10x magnification for a clear and bright view
  • Large objective lens of 42mm diameter for more light transmission
  • Extra-low dispersion glass for reduced chromatic aberration and enhanced color accuracy
  • Roof prisms system for a compact and slim shape
  • ESP dielectric coating on the prisms for 99% light reflection and improved contrast and resolution
  • Edge-to-edge system for eliminating distortion on the outermost edge of the field of view.

Exterior Features That I Liked

  • Shock and water resistant rubberized armor that protects the binoculars from damage and provides a comfortable grip.
  • Magnesium chassis that reduces weight while keeping the chassis rugged and durable.
  • XPL lens coating that prevents scratches and dirt buildup on the lenses.
  • Twist-up eyecups that adjust to different eye relief positions and accommodate users with or without eyeglasses.
  • Carrying case, neck strap, cleaning cloth and user manual that are included in the binocular kit.

My Personal Recommendation On Crony Optics 10×42 Binocular

As a binocular expert, I have used the Crony Optics 10×42 Binocular for long distance viewing. It has it’s own good and bad sides. It has excellent optical performance, impressive exterior features, and amazing range finding and tracking features. It is suitable for various outdoor activities such as hunting, bird watching, stargazing, hiking or golfing. Some years ago, avalon 10×42 pro hd binocular was one of best lightweight  binocular but as it’s not available now and Crony Optics 10×42 Binocular have come with more advance feature and more lightweight advantages. Best lightweight binocular is easy to carry for long time. 

However, I also noticed some drawbacks of these binoculars. The exit pupil and the field of view were too small. The focus knob was too stiff. The tracking assistant feature was not very accurate or reliable.

Definitely there are far better options out there in the market but when I think about the price point, it all make sense. If you are on a tight budget for your next trip, it is a great companion for any outdoor enthusiast who wants to enjoy the beauty and details of nature.

4.6 out of 5
4.6/5
Xgazer Optics 10×42 HD birding binocular

Xgazer Optics 10×42 Ultra HD (Anti-Reflective Lenses Waterproof, Fogproof, Rainproof)

Explore the outdoors with the Xgazer Optics HD 10X42 Professional Binoculars. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens that deliver crisp and clear images in any light condition. They are also waterproof, fog-proof and shock-proof, making them ideal for any weather and terrain. They come with a neck strap, cleaning cloth and carrying case for easy transport and maintenance. Whether you enjoy hunting, fishing, safari, bird watching or sports, the Xgazer Optics HD 10X42 Professional Binoculars will let you see the world in brighter colors.

Optical Performance

  • Fully multi-coated optics and BAK4 roof prisms
  • 10x magnification and 42mm objective lens
  • Wide field of view of 342 feet at 1000 yards
  • Close focus distance of 6.6 feet
  • Generous eye relief of 15.6mm

Exterior Features That I Liked

  • Increase contrast and also image resolution
  • Wide lens diameter
  • Focus knob to track your object
  • 5′ close focus for a highly detailed and up close observation

My Personal Recommendation On Xgazer Optics 10×42 Ultra HD Binocular

I have been using the binocular for a few months now and I am very impressed with their performance and quality. Here are some of the things I would like to mention about the binoculars:

The binoculars are comfortable to use, with a generous eye relief of 15.6mm that is suitable for eyeglass wearers. They also have a close focus distance of 6.6 feet, which allows me to observe nearby objects with ease. They have a wide field of view of 342 feet at 1000 yards, which is great for scanning large areas and spotting wildlife. They also have a diopter adjustment range of -4D~+4D, which helps me to fine-tune the focus according to my eyesight. The binoculars come with a complete set of accessories, including a neck strap, a hard carrying case, lens covers and a cleaning cloth.

The only downside I can think of is that they are slightly heavier than some other models, weighing more than 2lb. Also it has plastic eye-cups which can make it feel cheap for some people. However, this is not a big issue for me, as I find them well-balanced and stable in my hands. I also think they are worth the price, as they offer excellent optical quality and durability. I highly recommend the Xgazer Optics 10×42 Ultra HD Binocular to anyone who is looking for a high-power, high-quality and versatile binocular for outdoor use. They are definitely one of my favorite binoculars and I enjoy using them every time I go out.

Don’ts of Buying a Birding Binocular

So now that you know about some of the best binoculars for birding out there in the market, here are some secret tips for you that you must check before you buy one:

  • Don’t buy compact sized or pocket-sized binoculars – they have a narrow field of view.
  • Don’t buy any type of zoom binoculars – they easily distort your images
  • Don’t ask from hikers, boaters, hunters, or o non-birders for a device.
  • Don’t buy your birding binoculars until you have tried them out.
  • Don’t open or try to fix your binoculars alone – buy one with warranty.

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