Optics to Enjoying Birdwatching

Bird watching has become an exciting and relaxing hobby that many people are getting into and it's a hobby that anyone can enjoy.  For some, it has become a sport and obsession to try and observe as many different types of birds in their nature environment.  When is comes to beginners, there are basically two pieces of equipment that you need to get started, the best pair of binoculars for bird watching that you can afford and a bird identification book.  This article will try to help you out with purchasing the correct pair of binoculars for the beginner to the avid birdwatcher.

Binoculars Configurations

First off let’s talk about the two basic styles of binoculars; porro vs roof prism.  The difference between the two are the roof prism style have their prisms configured in a straight line with each other, where the porro prism style have their prisms in an offset configuration where the eyepieces are offset to the objective.  The figure below shows the different styles.

Porro prism binoculars are easier to manufacture so the price is typically cheaper than their counter part Roof prism type.  Roof prisms binoculars are more expensive due to prisms need to be in exact line with each other to produce a clear, quality image.   The cheaper price of the porro prism binoculars do not always mean an inferior product.  If you look at comparable budget binoculars, the porro prism binoculars will give you the best bang for your money.  As you move up in price, the roof prism binoculars are going to give you the top-of-the-line image quality, contract and color for more detail imagery.

Now let’s talk about magnification and objective size.  Magnification is the number that represents how many times larger the image will be compared to the human eye.  Example, an 8x magnification binocular will display the image 8 times closer than what you can see the image without the binoculars. One disadvantage for a higher magnification is they are harder to hold the binoculars steady for a stable image.  Typically, when you move up to a 12x or high, a tripod is recommended.

Now the objective size refers to the diameter of the front lens in millimeters.  Example, an 8x42 binocular has an objective size that is 42 millimeters in diameter.  In basic, the larger the objective size the more light is allowed to pass through the binoculars to your eye.  The larger the objective size, the larger the over size and weight of the binocular.

Now we have discussed the basic fundamentals of the binoculars. Below are some binoculars we recommend in each category.

Porro Prism Binoculars

Vortex Raptor 10x32 Binocular

The Raptor 10×32 hits a nice sweet-spot of magnification + portability + build quality. It’s not ultra-premium glass, but for field walks, hikes and everyday birding it's more than capable.  The 10× magnification brings birds in close while still keeping them easy to follow, even when they’re hopping through branches. The compact 32mm design keeps things lightweight, so youcan wear them around your neck for long walks without feeling weighed down.

Leupold Rogue 10x25 Binocular

The Leupold Rogue 10x25 binoculars are a compact and reliable option for bird watchers who want powerful magnification in a pocket-sized design. Their 10x power brings distant birds into sharp view, while the smaller 25mm objective lenses help keep them lightweight and easy to carry on day hikes, nature walks, or travel. The ergonomic porro-prism design offers bright, contrast-rich images for spotting fine feather details, and the rugged rubber-armored housing delivers a secure grip and dependable protection outdoors.

Roof Prism Binoculars

Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 Binocular

The Midas G2 UHD 8×42 binoculars offer bird watchers an excellent blend of optical performance and field-ready durability. With 8× magnification and 42 mm objectives, you enjoy a wide field-of-view, making it easier to locate and track birds in flight or scan open landscapes.The “UHD” extra-low dispersion glass, combined with ESP dielectric prism coatings, delivers sharp images with minimal chromatic aberration and vivid color fidelity.

Leupold Pro Guide HD Gen2 10x50 Binocular

The Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD Gen 2 10×50 binoculars are an excellent choice for bird watchers seeking clarity and brightness in varied light conditions. With 10× magnification and large 50 mm objective lenses, they capture more light for enhanced low-light performance and allow detailed viewing at longer distances. Featuring Leupold’s Elite Optical System, advanced lens coatings for glare reduction, and a rugged, waterproof/fogproof design, they are built to provide crisp, high-contrast images even in challenging environments. The open-bridge ergonomic roof-prism body and interchangeable Form-Fit eyecups also add comfort for extended sessions in the field.

Vortex Razor HD 10x42 Binocular

The Razor HD 10×42 binoculars bring exceptional optical clarity to bird-watching with a 10× magnification and premium 42mm objectives that deliver sharp, true-to-life detail even in dense foliage. Utilizing high-density extra-low dispersion glass, sophisticated coating systems. For the bird-watcher who demands both premium optics and rugged portability, these are a top-tier choice.

Conclusion

In the end, bird watching is a great family activity that can get the whole family outdoors and learn about nature!

Customers can learn more about other binocular products we carry, just checkout our website TheOpticZone.com.