Collection: Binoculars for bird watching

Finding the right pair of binoculars isn't always simple.

Here’s a quick guide to help you make the best choice for your birding adventures.

How to choose the best binoculars for bird watching?

Bird watching is a game of patience and attention to detail. With the right binoculars, you’ll spot vibrant feathers, catch subtle movements, and notice unique behaviours that the naked eye can easily miss. 

What binocular magnification is best for bird watching?

Magnification is the first thing to think about. For bird watching, an 8x or 10x magnification is usually ideal. Here’s why:

8x magnification offers a wide field of view, which makes it easier to track birds in flight or in dense foliage. It’s stable, comfortable, and you can use it without worrying about image shake.
  
10x magnification zooms in a bit closer, making it perfect for spotting birds at a distance. It’s great in open spaces but requires a steady hand for the best viewing experience.

Higher magnifications (above 10x) may seem tempting, but they tend to narrow the field of view and make it harder to keep track of quick-moving birds. In birding, balance is key—so stick with 8x or 10x for a happy medium between zoom and stability.

Are lightweight binoculars better for bird watching?

Think about how long you’ll be holding your binoculars. Bird watching can mean standing for hours, and if your binoculars are too heavy, your arms will get tired fast. A good weight range for birding binoculars is between 500 - 850 grams. That way, you’ll have a steady view without needing to set your binoculars down every few minutes to rest.

Consider a harness or neck strap to help distribute the weight evenly. It’s a game-changer if you plan to spend all day outside watching for those rare bird sightings.

What focal length should I choose?

Birds aren’t always perched at a distance. Sometimes, they’re flitting around right near you. For these moments, your binoculars need a good close focus distance, ideally within 8 feet. This lets you watch small, nearby birds (like warblers and sparrows) in sharp detail, capturing every feather and colour shift.

Not all binoculars have a close focus distance optimised for bird watching, so check this feature when choosing. If the focus distance is too long, you’ll miss out on some incredible up-close details!

Are more expensive binoculars worth it?

Clarity is everything in birding. Cheap binoculars often have poor optical quality, which can make colours look dull or lead to blurry images. Multi-coated lenses are key here—they minimise light reflection, improve contrast, and let in more light, which is especially helpful during early morning or twilight birding sessions.

Also, look for binoculars with phase-corrected coatings on the prisms. This feature reduces glare and enhances contrast, giving you a bright, true-to-life image that makes it easier to identify subtle markings on a bird’s feathers.

What is best lens size for bird watching?

Lens size is also crucial. You’ll typically see binoculars listed with two numbers (like 8x42 or 10x50). The second number refers to the lens diameter, in millimetres. For bird watching, a 42mm lens is a great choice. It lets in ample light, which makes images appear brighter, especially in low-light conditions.

If you want something lighter, you could go with a smaller lens size (like 8x32), but be aware that these won’t perform as well at dawn or dusk. Larger lenses, on the other hand, will make your binoculars bulkier—so again, balance is key.

Summary

Remember to balance magnification, weight, and optical quality, and don’t forget to check the lens size and focus distance for the best results.

That said, all the binoculars for sale on this page should be suitable for birdwatching. 

Happy birding!