A Birder's Eye View

With Spring in full swing, now is the time to be out there experiencing the joys of nature. All the colourful male songbirds flitting through the vegetation can rejuvenate the soul. But, these little creatures can be difficult to see without the help of improved vision.

Birdwatching is greatly enhanced when you use the right equipment. And, without a good pair of binoculars, it's almost impossible to enjoy the activity.

However, beginners often make hasty purchases, selecting equipment that provides weak performance under most birding conditions. I have watched many novices suffer fits of frustration while others enjoy what they struggle to locate.

A little technical information first:

Binoculars are ranked by two numbers, separated by "X". The first number indicates power (magnification). Each number above 1 is the times the image is magnified. The second number indicates size. The number is equal to the diameter of the objective (outer) lens in millimetres. For example: 8 X 42 binoculars magnify eight times, and their objective lenses are each forty two millimetres across. It is important to know that with increased magnification you are decreasing the field of view, and lowering the brightness. By increasing the diameter of the objective lenses you are adding bulk & weight. But, you are also adding brightness and, in some cases, widening the field of view.

• What can I afford?
• What is comfortable to wear?
• Will I need the binoculars for other subjects besides birds?

Like any purchase, get the best that you can afford. And...buyer beware. Optics are like fishing lures. Many are designed to catch the fisherman...not the fish.

Here are some general tips for selecting birding binoculars:

• 8 X 42 is a good range for most conditions (bright with good magnification)
• Avoid high powered binoculars (anything greater than 10 power). They have a narrow field of view, and are difficult to hold steady.
• Avoid Zoom binoculars (variable magnification). Although zoom is a versatile feature on a telescope supported buy a tripod, this feature has poor performance when coupled with a birding binocular.
• Get a model that fits comfortably in the hand, as well as around your neck (there are neck harnesses specially designed to help distribute the weight of a larger binoculars).
• Small binoculars might be comfortable. But they do not supply a bright/clear image.
• If you insist on buying small binoculars, get a low magnification (7 or 8 power maximum). Large magnification on small "bins" perform poorly during many birding situations.
• Waterproof optics, and armour/rubber plating are worth considering. They have improved durability, and could add a few years to the life of the binocular.
• Test as many different types before you make a choice. Consider comfort and clarity. When you're in the field (and there are no birds around), ask other birders if you can test their binoculars, and compare them to your own. Test them under low light and shadow to see how they perform under extreme conditions.
• If possible, before testing, read the owners manual, and make sure the individual pair is focused for your own vision.
• When you buy your "bins", read the owners manual thoroughly, and follow all the instructions.

In my opinion, the current best design for general birding is an 8X42 roof prism model. Higher end products are durable, relatively comfortable and perform very well for birding. Some of the best ones can focus extremely close (good for butterflies, flowers or tame birds).

With the right tools in hand, you will experience more of the wonders that nature offers. As a bonus, you might avoid the embarrassment of coming home with a smaller list than your partner.