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BIRDING BINOCULARS
QUESTION
What are good binoculars for birdwatching?
ANSWER
The best general binoculars for birdwatching are full size binoculars ranging anywhere from 7x30 to 8.5x50. The first number refers to the power of the binoculars to magnify an object, in this case by 7 times or 8.5 times. Any less powerful than this and you will not be able to see the bird very well; any more powerful and it may be hard to hold the image steady as you look through. There are some birders with steady hands who prefer 10 power binoculars.
The second number, such as 30 or 50, refers to the size in millimeters of the diameter of the lens at the far end of the binoculars. The larger the opening, the more light is let through and the clearer you will see the bird. Try to get the best quality binoculars you can afford, they will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and enhance your birdwatching experience. Buy from a knowledgeable retail source who will help you match the right binocular to your needs. Binoculars are available at retail stores, wild bird stores, mail order sources, and online stores. Don and Lillian discuss his and her optics in Episode 112 of the Stokes Birds At Home TV series.
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