We Review The Best Birdwatching Binoculars 2020

Author: Published: August 14, 2016 0 comments
[simple-author-box]

 

Beach Baby has been reviewing the competition in the quest for the best bird watching binoculars to take to the beach – or anywhere else for that matter – this year.

These binoculars are the people’s choice, and each one has its own special abilities and features which we’ll be going over soon enough.

Before we move to our reviews, we will discuss what you need to look for when buying binoculars for bird watching. Here is what we are going to talk about today:

  • [ps2id url=’#1′ offset=” class=”]What to Look for When Buying Binoculars for Bird Watching?[/ps2id]
  • [ps2id url=’#2′ offset=” class=”]The Best Birdwatching Binoculars 2020[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#2′ offset=” class=”]Playsmarte Compact Mini Traveling Binoculars[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#3′ offset=” class=”]VicTsing Zoom Mini Binoculars[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#4′ offset=” class=”]Bushnell Falcon Binoculars With Case[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#5′ offset=” class=”]Polaris Optics Spectator Binocular[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#6′ offset=” class=”]Olympus 118760 Trooper[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#7′ offset=” class=”]Polaris Optics WideViews[/ps2id]
    • [ps2id url=’#8′ offset=” class=”]Nikon 8245 ACULON A211[/ps2id]

[ps2id id=’1′ target=”/]

Let’s start…

What to Look for When Buying Binoculars for Bird Watching?

The right pair of binoculars is probably your most important piece of equipment for bird watching. The right binoculars can enhance your enjoyment of the natural world exponentially.

However choosing the right pair of binoculars for bird watching can be a tricky position. That’s why we decided to help you out with this matter by explaining what you need to look for when buying binoculars for bird watching.

Magnification

Every binocular has two numbers in its description. For example, it will show numbers such as 8×50, 8×30, or 10×25.

The first number in the description is the magnification. Magnification is the number of times an object is magnified through the binocular.

So a 8×30 binocular would have a magnification of 8.

Lens Diameter

The second number in a binocular description is the diameter of the objective lens. The diameter of the lens is usually measured in millimeters (mm).

The diameter of the lens is very important because it is responsible for the amount of light that flows through the binocular.

More light is good because it allows you to see better colors and brighter images in dark conditions.

Field of View

Field of view (FOV) is the visible area seen through the binoculars as you look through them.

FOV can be described as the amount of details you can see looking through your binoculars.

Having a small field of view while watching birds can be tricky annoying and frustrating because it is easy to lose track of them when they move around.

That’s it! Those are the key factors you need to consider when buying binoculars. You are now all set to spend some money on good pair of binos.

Of course, you can spend a fortune on these if you want to, but you don’t have to, so we have compiled a short list of seven pairs that we feel are a good buy, across the board, and suitable for all pockets, literally. 

[ps2id id=’2′ target=”/]

Let’s check ’em out! (These are in no particular order btw)

Playsmarte Compact Mini Traveling Binoculars

Feature Pick


Playsmarte Binoculars Top Compact Mini With Clear Magnification For Birdwatching Sightseeing Boating Traveling Camping And Ebook By Playsmarte

QUICK STATS

  • DIMENSIONS: 2 X 1.5 X 4.5 INCHES
  • WEIGHT: 5.4 OUNCES
  • SHIPPING WEIGHT: 6.4 OUNCES
  • MANUFACTURER: PLAYSMARTE
  • FIELD OF VIEW: 1000 FT
  • EXIT PUPIL DIAMETER: 2.6
  • EYE RELIEF: 11MM
  • MAGNIFICATION: 8X
  • SUITABLE FOR: BIRD WATCHING, HUNTING, BOATING
  • OUR RATING: 3.8 STARS OUT OF FIVE
  • PRICE GUIDE: $30+

On the lighter end of the spectrum we have these dinky little things by Playsmarte.  At only 5.4 ounces, they are our lightest weight binoculars and will not weigh your pockets down unduly.  They are also small and compact.

The manufacturer boasts they can be used at night, and judging by the reviews, this is a fairly decent product that is good value for the money. At about the thirty dollar mark, it is possible to get cheaper, but they won’t necessarily be as good.

[ps2id id=’3′ target=”/]

On to the next one…

VicTsing Zoom Mini Binoculars

Feature Pick


Omorc 8 X 21 Mini Folding Binoculars Telescope With Wide Angle For Outdoor Travel, Sightseeing, Camping, Birdwatching, Hunting, Golf

QUICK STATS

Next up is the Victsing mini which also boasts a capacity for night time usage, although the listing warns that they can’t be used in total darkness.  

These are the cheapest on our list at around $11-ish at the time of writing and are the second lightest in terms of weight.  Given that these are really, very cheap, we are fairly satisfied that these are a pretty decent buy, with a solid user rating across the web of four out of five.

There have been one or two mentions of a ‘funny smell,’ but we think this is not the majority experience.  If you want something cheap and lightweight, just to grab when you go to the beach, you could do a lot worse.

[ps2id id=’4′ target=”/]

Moving on…

Bushnell Falcon Binoculars With Case

Feature Pick


Bushnell Falcon 133410 Binoculars With Case (Black, 7X35 Mm)

QUICK STATS

At twenty one ounces, is the Bushnell Falcon.  These are still pretty light and at around $20+, fairly easy on the pocket in more ways than one.

Also included are fold down eyecups for glasses wearers, and a complimentary carrying case, we feel this is good value for the money.

With an impressive four and half stars out of five on websites around the web, these can claim to be one of the best binoculars for bird watching available within this price range.

[ps2id id=’5′ target=”/]

On to the next pair from our list…

Polaris Optics Spectator Binoculars

Feature Pick


Wingspan Optics Spectator 8X32 Compact Binoculars For Bird Watching Lightweight And

QUICK STATS

Not the biggest and not the heaviest, but definitely making the customers reviewing them happy, are the Polaris Optics Spectators.

Already reviewed separately on this site, these are medium priced, and can offer great compatibility for eyeglass wearers.  

They are of medium weight, which means they won’t give you whiplash when worn around your neck, and can still fit into an average sized handbag if necessary.

[ps2id id=’6′ target=”/]

Moving on…

Olympus 118760 Trooper

Feature Pick


Olympus Trooper 10X50 Dps I Binocular (Black)

QUICK STATS

Slightly heavier, but nothing too weighty, are our next choice of binoculars, the Olympus Trooper. These are a bit cheaper than the Polaris Optics Spectators, if price is a consideration, but provide a crisp, clear view with a minimum of fuss.  

Of our selection, these are the only ones which offer ten times magnification, so if you want to go large, these are the ones to choose! They must be doing something right because three quarters of owners give it a five stars thumbs up, which is a truly solid rating!

[ps2id id=’7′ target=”/]

On to the next one…

Polaris Optics WideViews

Feature Pick


Wingspan Optics Wideviews Hd 8X42 Professional Binoculars For Bird Watching Extra-Wide Field Of View

QUICK STATS

At 2.2 pounds, these are on the heavier side, but the Polaris Optics Wideviews are quality made, and an investment in these will not disappoint. 

At over a hundred dollars these are not cheap, but come with a limited lifetime guarantee (like the other pair by the same maker).

Coming with the boast they are fog proof makes us stand to attention and make no mistake, these can weather a storm, so if you like your bird watching in wet conditions (i.e. boating), these are the ones to buy!

[ps2id id=’8′ target=”/]

Last but not least, Nikon 8245 Aculon A211

Nikon 8245 ACULON A211

Feature Pick


Nikon 8245 Aculon A211 8X42 Binocular (Black)

QUICK STATS

Lastly, we have our heavyweight contenders, the Aculon A211, weighing in at 2.4 pounds, these are still not impossibly heavy to carry, and being Nikon, are a well respected make.

The vast majority of customers have left five star ratings for these, and we feel that they are not wrong.  

These are easy on the eye, and easy to use and provide up, close and personal in an instant.  Treat them well and they should serve you loyally for years to come, AND come in well under the $100 price mark.

 

About the author: Sandor is a former stock broker and current tour guide and treasure hunter, travelling far and wide seeking buried treasure.  He has found some very interesting artifacts in his searches.  He is also an avid bird watcher and is an advocate for rare and endangered birds.

Next post:

Previous post: