BINOCULARS FOR BEGINNERS
By the staff of Black Swamp Bird Observatory
Along with a good field guide, a pair of binoculars are a birder’s best tool for identifying birds. But as any birder will tell you, there are a plethora of binocular options on the market and finding the right pair can seem like a daunting and confusing task. With so many options to consider, the best way to find the right pair for you is to try out multiple models and brands. But before you buy, it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with the basics of binoculars.
Magnification
The size and power of a binocular is indicated by a set of two numbers such as 7x25, 8x42, or 10x50, generally printed on the focusing knob. The first part of these numbers represents the magnification. In a pair of 8x42 binoculars, the bird you see with the naked eye will be magnified 8 times through the binocular. The bigger the magnification, the clearer the subject will appear. However, a larger magnification (such as 10) will be heavier and harder to hold steady, magnifying shaky hands.
Objective Lens Size
The second number in the set (25, 42, 50), represents the size of the outer, objective lens in millimeters. This is the lens that gathers light and sends the image through the barrel of the binocular to the ocular lens and your eye. A smaller objective lens (such as 25) will be lighter and easier to carry, but may not produce a clear image in low lighting. A larger objective lens (such as 50) will gather more light and show more details—especially in low lighting—but will be very heavy.
Features
Most features such as waterproofing come standard in today’s optics. Rotating eyecups that aid in eye relief (the distance your eye is from the ocular lens to view the full image) are essential for those switching between the naked eye and eyeglasses. These cups should rotate smoothly and feel comfortable against your eyes. While most of these are standard, it’s still important to ensure that the binoculars you’re interested in come with these features.
Field of View
Field of View (FOV) is an important consideration
in choosing a binocular. A binocular’s FOV is measured in feet at 1000 yards (400 ft/1000 yds) or degrees of arc (7 degees symbol) and measures how much of the world you can see through your binoculars. Your naked eye FOV is approximately 7,800ft/1000 yds or 150 degrees symbol. The larger the number, the better. A wide FOV allows you to scan for hawks in the sky or stay on a quick flitting warbler in a tree without moving your binoculars around. Higher magnification binoculars typically have a smaller FOV. Likewise, a 32 mm objective optic has a larger FOV than a 42 mm.
Cost
Binoculars are an investment. You’ll be investing in what you want to get out of your birding and binocular experience. While you could spend upwards of $2,000 on a pair of binoculars that will produce a great image and last for decades, you can often get similar results with a pair in the $500-$800 range. For the new birder, those purchasing binoculars for children, or those who want a simple pair of binoculars for occasional use, there are models available for less than $200. The higher you go in price the better the quality of glass, coatings, and construction will be, with better magnification and image quality.
Where to Try and Buy
Binoculars are sold in many stores and online sites. However, you’ll want to find a location that sells binoculars designed for birding and with multiple options to try. Black Swamp Bird Observatory offers a small selection of binoculars, available year-round in our gift store. During The Biggest Week In American Birding, Optics Alley (located at Black Swamp Bird Observatory) hosts multiple optics companies, with multitudes of binoculars to choose from.
Magnification
The size and power of a binocular is indicated by a set of two numbers such as 7x25, 8x42, or 10x50, generally printed on the focusing knob. The first part of these numbers represents the magnification. In a pair of 8x42 binoculars, the bird you see with the naked eye will be magnified 8 times through the binocular. The bigger the magnification, the clearer the subject will appear. However, a larger magnification (such as 10) will be heavier and harder to hold steady, magnifying shaky hands.
Objective Lens Size
The second number in the set (25, 42, 50), represents the size of the outer, objective lens in millimeters. This is the lens that gathers light and sends the image through the barrel of the binocular to the ocular lens and your eye. A smaller objective lens (such as 25) will be lighter and easier to carry, but may not produce a clear image in low lighting. A larger objective lens (such as 50) will gather more light and show more details—especially in low lighting—but will be very heavy.
Features
Most features such as waterproofing come standard in today’s optics. Rotating eyecups that aid in eye relief (the distance your eye is from the ocular lens to view the full image) are essential for those switching between the naked eye and eyeglasses. These cups should rotate smoothly and feel comfortable against your eyes. While most of these are standard, it’s still important to ensure that the binoculars you’re interested in come with these features.
Field of View
Field of View (FOV) is an important consideration
in choosing a binocular. A binocular’s FOV is measured in feet at 1000 yards (400 ft/1000 yds) or degrees of arc (7 degees symbol) and measures how much of the world you can see through your binoculars. Your naked eye FOV is approximately 7,800ft/1000 yds or 150 degrees symbol. The larger the number, the better. A wide FOV allows you to scan for hawks in the sky or stay on a quick flitting warbler in a tree without moving your binoculars around. Higher magnification binoculars typically have a smaller FOV. Likewise, a 32 mm objective optic has a larger FOV than a 42 mm.
Cost
Binoculars are an investment. You’ll be investing in what you want to get out of your birding and binocular experience. While you could spend upwards of $2,000 on a pair of binoculars that will produce a great image and last for decades, you can often get similar results with a pair in the $500-$800 range. For the new birder, those purchasing binoculars for children, or those who want a simple pair of binoculars for occasional use, there are models available for less than $200. The higher you go in price the better the quality of glass, coatings, and construction will be, with better magnification and image quality.
Where to Try and Buy
Binoculars are sold in many stores and online sites. However, you’ll want to find a location that sells binoculars designed for birding and with multiple options to try. Black Swamp Bird Observatory offers a small selection of binoculars, available year-round in our gift store. During The Biggest Week In American Birding, Optics Alley (located at Black Swamp Bird Observatory) hosts multiple optics companies, with multitudes of binoculars to choose from.