Which Binoculars are Best for Birding? | Optics Trade Debates

Thanks! That was amazing!

I have the steiner ultrasharp 8×22 😉 amazing performance;) very clear 🙂

I tried big 10×50 , for me anything higher than that needs a tripod. Shaky hands.

I personally disagree with the suggestion that low light isn’t important, I do a lot of glassing at dawn and dusk and the extra bulk of a 10×56 is worth it over 35’s or 42’s

I use a 12×50 often without a monopod or tripod. It is slightly shaky, but not terrible. I also have 10×42 and 8×42. All serve a purpose.

Thanks for the info, this was very helpful! I have been debating between a set of Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42 or 8×30. They're both on black Friday sale. I like the compactness of the 8×30 for travel etc but I like the 10×42 for getting closer and for a slightly higher res and brighter image. Unfortunately there's nowhere nearby that stocks them so I have to go entirely off reviews. I decided to go for the 10×42 because I think the quality and brightness of the image, as well as having a slightly higher magnification, is more important to me than portability. The 10×42 are only a wee bit bigger/heavier anyway so I can still chuck them in a backpack if I need to. Any thoughts? Did I make the right choice?

Thanks for the info, this was very helpful! I have been debating between a set of Nikon Prostaff P7 10×42 or 8×30. They're both on black Friday sale. I like the compactness of the 8×30 for travel etc but I like the 10×42 for getting closer and for a slightly higher res and brighter image. Unfortunately there's nowhere nearby that stocks them so I have to go entirely off reviews. I decided to go for the 10×42 because I think the quality and brightness of the image, as well as having a slightly higher magnification, is more important to me than portability. The 10×42 are only a wee bit bigger/heavier anyway so I can still chuck them in a backpack if I need to. Any thoughts? Did I make the right choice?

Bushnell Legend E or Athlon Neos G2???

Hello! Please! Vortex Viper 10×42 or Steiner Safari ultrasharp 10×42?

I use a 12×50 often without a monopod or tripod. It is slightly shaky, but not terrible. I also have 10×42 and 8×42. All serve a purpose.

I think this discussion regarding binoculars for birders is well thought out. Of course, everyone has their differences, but I think for the majority of birders, your assessments are spot on. The majority bird during daylight hours and the majority focus on one bird at a time through their binoculars. Add to that, the majority like to be outside on foot for at least a couple of hours at a time, and would prefer more time if they are able. Thus, I believe you addressed the important issues related to the majority of birders. I've been birding for 30+ years and lead birding field trips in my area. By the way, I really like one of the newest entries into the binocular world: the GPO 10×32 – light-weight, bright, and excellent clarity.

This is a great video. I'm just getting started in birding and enjoy using my 7 x 35 porros I purchased from a thrift shop for 15 dollars. It's nice to hand my binos to my young children who are still learning how to care for for delicate and expensive items without any stress

Clearly these guys are not Birders, 8x are the most popular by far and much better for freehand without supports when travelling about. Plus in woody darker areas or dawn and dusk they are better letting more light in.

I've just purchased the Kowa Genesis Prominar XD 8.5×44 and want to put filters to protect the objective lenses (this model features front threads for installing filters).

Is it better to install just standard protective filters (i.e. Hoya HD Gold Protector) or UV filters instead (i.e. Hoya HD Gold UV)?

Thank you.

Hello, great video! My favorite is the Canon 10×30 is binoculars. I absolutely love the image stabilization. Here is my short video https://www.youtube.com/shorts/-ot4HfIODXM

greetings from Austria

x50 too heavy? Wimps! I've been using 10×50 Porro for over 40 years and don't understand why everybody recommands x42 roofs nowadays if not for children and women.

This may offend many bird watcher’s but it’s the truth.
Swarovski Leica & Zeiss middle or high end are probably the best out there.

Why the weird texting…? 'You see the burden fly..'

Thanks very useful tips.

👺

I couldn't agree with this more.