Birdwatchers: The Ultimate Buyer’s Guide to Binoculars

If you can, it is a good idea to actually see the binoculars you are looking to buy in person so that you can truly assess the quality of the binoculars prior to purchase and ensure that you are comfortable with the set that you buy. There are eight major things to look for when buying a new set of binoculars.

1. Weight: How heavy is the set of binoculars? Will you be able to hold them up to your eyes for an extended period of times without fatiguing your arms? Are the binoculars light enough that you can carry them in your rucksack all day without hurting your back? Is the weight well distributed when you are looking through them?

2. Size: How large is the set of binoculars? Are the binoculars comfortable to hold up to your eyes for a long period of time? Many better sets of binoculars have thumb rests built into them to make holding them easier – do these thumb rests fit well with your hands? Where will you be keeping your binoculars most of the time – your car, a bag or your pocket? Will the binoculars fit easily into your intended storage area?

3. Viewing: The inter-pupillary distance of the binoculars is important. Adjust the barrels of the binoculars so that you can view through the binoculars with ease. You should be able to see a full field of view with no shadowing. Better sets of binoculars will allow you to ‘lock’ your favourite settings into place. If you wear glasses, ensure that the eyecup material will not scratch your lenses.

4. Focus: Adjust the focus on the binoculars. Does the focusing wheel turn easily? Ideally, one rotation will take the focus from close to distance whilst still allowing for very minor focus adjustments in between. How closely & how far away can you focus? Think about how you think you are going to be doing most of your viewing and then ensure that you are happy with the focus of the binoculars at that distance. Some binocular models have a locking feature that allows you to lock a particular focus in – if the set that you are testing has this, is it easy to use?

5. Magnification: 7x is probably the most popular, however try a few different models and find what sort of magnification you prefer. Compare several different manufacturers at the same magnification as different brands will be of different quality and often the higher the magnification, the darker the image, the shallower the depth of field and the narrower the field of view. 6. Colour Fringing: Most binoculars will have some form of ‘colour fringing’ (an effect of lateral chromatic aberration where bands of colour appear to contrast boundaries). Cheaper binoculars tend to have a lot more colour fringing than more expensive models so test out a few sets of binoculars and decide what degree of colour fringing you will accept. You can test this easily by looking at a dark object on a light background.

7. Curvature: When looking at an image, do straight objects end up curving badly at the edges? Are the objects in focus all the way along the line or do they veer out of focus towards the edge of the picture?

8. Quality: Quality is difficult to assess unless you have owned the binoculars for a period of time. The key things to look for are to ensure that the binoculars are fully waterproof; look for a set which are gas filled so that they are sealed from dust and rain. Check how ‘solid’ the rubber armour is on the binoculars. Is it sticky? Sticky rubber will end up attracting all sorts of dust and muck so avoid rubber which looks like it might perish quickly.

Although most binocular manufacturers will push the quality of image of their binoculars, there is little point getting a high-end set with the best image around if they are really uncomfortable to use. Although quality of image is undoubtedly important, it is equally important to ensure that the binoculars you buy are comfortable and easy to use otherwise they will just become an expensive dust collector. If you have a set of binoculars in mind that you would like to buy, always remember to compare binocular deals to ensure you get the cheapest price possible.

CheckoutSpy.co.uk is a leading price comparison website which features all the latest discounts, deals, reviews & news.
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November 4th, 2009 Comment (0) General

High-Tech Binoculars Shopping

Binoculars are a favorite of people that go hiking, bird watching or attend sporting events. This is because they can magnify items that are far away and bring them closer to you so you can see them in detail. Binoculars come in a few different shapes and sizes and vary in price from the very expensive to the inexpensive. But, if you’re not a professional bird watcher, whale watcher or theater goer, you probably won’t need pricey binoculars.

These days, binoculars are very high-tech, so you will have fun shopping around and looking at the recent improvements. These will be the most expensive binoculars you can buy but they will have all the most state of the art features.

Take for example the night vision binoculars you will find for sale at stores like the Discovery Channel. They allow you to see through the darkness and work well for people that like nighttime activities.

Another great new invention is binoculars that contain a digital camera. You can zoom in on whatever it is you’re looking at and snap a close-up picture through your binoculars. So, you can take home a picture of that bird, whale, person or anything else that you wouldn’t normally be able to have.

When you’re buying binoculars, purchase them through a reputable source, like the Discovery Channel or another well known store or brand. This will ensure that you’re getting the best quality product possible and you will know that it will last.

If you know anything about binoculars, you will know that they all contain two numbers. The two numbers are separated by a multiplication sign and it’s important to know their meaning. The first number is the millimeter of the lens while the second number is the magnification level. So, keep this is mind when are shopping for your new binoculars.

November 1st, 2009 Comment (0) General

The Best in Bird Watching Binoculars

Trying to read and interpret all of the jargon about various bird watching binoculars can be a little difficult if you are new to it. You will probably find that all of the manufacturers think their product is the best, and that nothing else is worth looking at.
If you are like most consumers, you want a place to go where you can find an honest opinion and some accurate information. If you do not live in an area where you can just walk into a specialty optics store and ask, do not worry, there are some resources available.
There are several such guides available to those who are in market for bird watching binoculars. Bird Watchers Digest publishes a review of the latest models and improvements every year. Additionally, a number of Web sites publish product reviews on a regular basis.
Some sites even have entire sections devoted specifically to binocular reviews and evaluation. Check out BirdWatching site for one good example of Web based product reviews. Experienced birders offer their honest opinions about the products that they use on a regular basis and what they did and did not like about each one.
When researching bird watching binoculars, keep in mind several things that may affect which style will work best for you. If you wear glasses, then some binoculars may not work well for you. Do you wish to use the binoculars to focus on small things that may be relatively close?
There are models like the Pentax Papillo, which will work very well when trying to zoom in on things like butterflies. When considering any binocular, a bird watcher needs to give careful thought to how much magnification power they need. While many are under the impression that they need the most powerful binocular available to enjoy watching birds, often times the most powerful optical tools can be very difficult to keep focused and to hold steady enough to get a clear image.
Some people in the market for bird watching binoculars pay no attention to price and do not consider cost to be of any importance. For most people, cost does play a large role in their decision.
Do not get frustrated if at first all you see are slick catalogue pages full of extravagantly prices binoculars. You can, and will, find equipment from many reliable well-known manufacturers that is well made and quite affordable for the average bird watcher.
To ensure that you are pleased with your purchase, make sure that you do the research. As shown here, there are plenty of resources available outside of actually walking into a store. Bird watching binoculars will be your primary piece of equipment as you begin your bird watching hobby.

Mike Selvon is the owner of various niche portals. Our bird feeder portal is a great resource for more information on bird watching binoculars. While you are there don’t forget to claim your free gift.
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October 31st, 2009 Comment (0) General

Binoculars for Birders

Binoculars for Birders

With the beginning of Spring Migration it is time to consider investing in new binoculars. This is a proposition that can present itself in daunting ways. Careful consideration needs to be made whether a new birder or one who has spent some time in the field and acquired some expertise. The optics field is quite large and the number of products is considerable. How does one choose a binocular? Here are my suggestions.

First, determine just how and under what circumstances you will be using your new binoculars. If you are going to be walking then full size binoculars are certainly worth your consideration. However, if you are a backpacker or will be doing your birding on a bicycle, then you may wish to consider mid size or even compact binoculars. If you bird by sitting in a favorite spot, then larger binoculars could be your choice. Size matters when one considers the mode of birding. Size is dictated by the objective lens. Generally, if the objective lens is 50 mm then it is considered to be a large binocular; if it is 42 mm, it is full size; if it is 32 mm, it is a mid size. Finally, compacts have objective lenses 25 mm or less.

The size of the binocular will probably affect the way they feel in your hands. One should consider the ergonomics of one’s choice. In other words, does the model you are examining have the right heft? Do you feel comfortable while holding the binoculars to your eyes?

Coupled with the size of the objective is the light gathering ability of the lens and the field of view. Of course, the larger lenses tend to gather more light. The more important consideration should be the field of view. Those new to the game should consider obtaining a pair of binoculars that posses a large field of view. Field of view is often stated in feet viewable at 1000 yards. For example, the Stokes Talon has one of the largest field of view for its size lens, 420 ft. at 1000 yards.

One of the most significant advances in optics is in water and fog proofing. This has been accomplished in two ways. The first of which is changing the prism design. Roof prism binoculars are so much easier to water and fog proof because of internal focusing. The older porro prism design has external focusing and, therefore, is not easily water or fog proofed. The other facet to proofing is the gas used to purge the binocular.

Two gases are currently being used, nitrogen and argon.

Nitrogen and oxygen, if you remember, are the major components of air. Oxygen is the active ingredient while nitrogen is not. This basic chemistry is the reason for choosing nitrogen as the purging agent in many models. However, the real advancement is in the use of argon.

The Argon Binocular is the newest class of binoculars. Argon is a member of the Noble Gases. Noble Gases were at one time called the Inert Gases because of their inability to react. In fact, they are so unreactive that it was not until the 20th Century that they were even discovered. The point is that argon is now being used because it does not attack the o-rings and seals in the binocular, thus allowing for excellent water and fog proofing and extending the life of your binocular.

One more word…in my opinion, one should be prepare to purchase a binocular worthy of your endeavors. Spend the money on a pair of binoculars that you can afford. Do not waste your hard earned cash on a pair of cheap ones. This advice is given in much the same vein as buying all the house you can afford. Let’s face it; you are going to possess these binoculars for a long time. You want to be able to see the bird with clarity and ease. You want to become adept at identifying a bird correctly. So, you must be able to see it in all conditions, including some adverse situations. Your willingness to increase your budget will often provide you with a return in performance of your purchase.

These tips hopefully will lend themselves to your benefit. Enjoy your new binoculars and spend as much time as you can in the field.

Roy Smallwood is the owner of Kingbirdfeeders.com. Roy began this enterprise after a 26 year career as a teacher of science. His love and enjoyment of the outdoors and birding in particular is the impetus for the company. He is an active member of the Central Texas Audubon Society. He encourages everyone to participate and enjoy birding whether in the backyard or in the field. Visit www.kingbirdfeeders.com for , binoculars”>http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/00ProdBinoculars.htm””>binoculars and spotting”>http://www.kingbirdfeeders.com/00SpotScope.htm””>spotting scopes and happy birding!
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October 24th, 2009 Comment (0) General

Antique Binoculars: Do We Really Recognize Them?

People all round the world like to collect stuffs. Some go for normal things like toys, paper, stamps, coins, photographs, but there are people who collect binoculars even though they are expensive. People usually collect antique binoculars as it is handed over to them from one generation to another.

If you are one among those people who want to collect binoculars then EBay is the place to go for as there are several auctions put up there. These antique binoculars are not that hard to find. There are many antique stores providing you a few pairs and even the optic shops will have few classy antique binoculars. Most of them often go to flea markets and yard sales to find few.

Some collectors have a cupboard full of antique field glasses. Field glasses are those that are used for outdoor purposes. This term however fell out of fashion with the entry of binoculars by the middle of nineteenth century.

The other type of binoculars that you see in a collector’s cupboard is the opera glasses. These are the classy glasses well suited for indoor events. It is most popularly used in theaters and concerts. These stylish binoculars were made of gold, silver and even jewels and were used as a manner to display wealth.

If you are desperate about buying a pair of binoculars my honest advice to you is to examine the lenses. The lenses should not look cloudy or blur. It is very hard to replace a broken or cloudy binocular lens. The same applies for a pair of prismatic binoculars, make sure the Bakelite eyepiece isn’t damaged.

Most of the antique binoculars are covered with leather. Make sure the leather is in good condition. Like the lenses even the leather covering is very complicated and costly to replace. Consult a local saddler about cleaning the leather covering.

Refer some books on antique binoculars and its life span. Decide if you can lower the price of the binoculars.

While choosing a pair of binoculars see to it that all the parts are there and none of the parts are damaged. And also see if they are original. Carefully examine if they are still working.

Cautiously look for the numbers and markings on the binoculars. Any marks or prints that have been printed on the binoculars will make identifying the antique piece even easier.

Fro those who are interested in collecting the beautiful antique binoculars there are many books available in the stores. The Antique Telescope Society has a membership of around two hundred enthusiastic collectors of binoculars and it is a priceless resource for anyone interested in antique binoculars.

Bhagyashree, a leading Internet Marketer is proud to announce her brand new website “Binoculars Hub”. She shares her ideas and experience regarding all aspects of Binoculars. She is particularly interested in the topic and has made many adventures in the same field. To know more log on to BinocularsHub
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October 21st, 2009 Comment (0) General

Night Vision Binoculars – Buying Tips

Night vision binoculars are exciting. They literally allow you to see well in the night. They have many uses for kids and adults, and can be used for night hunting, boating or just for fun.
Use of night vision binoculars
There are many ways you can use a night binoculars. Here are the most popular ways people use binoculars with night vision.
- Exploring caves
- Scouting game
- Security and surveillance
- Camping
- Wildlife observation
- Night hunting
- Nighttime navigation
- Night fishing and boating
Many night vision binoculars work similar to digital cameras, they have a built in flash. The size varies a lot – smaller binoculars are more expensive, but they might be just as powerful as the big ones. When choosing a night binocular first decide what you are going to use it for. If it just for the kids to play, then go with a less expensive model that they will not break easily. If you are going to use the binoculars yourself go for a higher quality optics which naturally would cost more.
How night binoculars work?
Optics in night vision binoculars amplifies the existing light. They use not only light visible to our eyes, but also infrared spectrum. Quality night binoculars have an infrared illuminator which increases the available infrared light.
All things you see through a night binocular appear green, because you don’t look directly at the objects but at their image on a phosphor screen.
Depending on light conditions at night binoculars perform differently. You will not see anything if there is no single star in the sky and no street lights. The lower the light situation is, the more powerful night binocular you will need. You can get Gen 1, Gen 2 and Gen 3 night binoculars. Gen stands for generation. Gen 1 are all right during a night with full moon and bright stars. For a crescent moon Gen 2 works better, and for a dark cloudy night you will need Gen 3 binoculars. Generation 1 night binoculars are affordable, Gen 2 and Gen 3 binoculars are much more expensive.
Kids enjoy night vision binoculars
If you are going on a long trip, a night vision binoculars will be excellent entertainment for kids. They will stare in the windows for hours and discover many thing that otherwise would be missed.
When it comes to binoculars you always get what you paid for. Brand name binoculars like Yukon, Night Owl, Weaver or N-Vision Optics cost more, but they come with more features. Also be aware, that night binoculars cost much more than ordinary binoculars.
Night vision range
The range of you binocular depends on three things – its gain, resolution and magnification. If you have powerful lenses, the magnification is good, but the amount of captured light decreases significantly. Usually only magnification below 5X works well for night binoculars. So unlike ordinary day light binoculars the range for night ones is not that extended.
Night vision monocular
Night vision binoculars are not your only option when it comes to night vision equipment. You can also get night vision monocular. Monocular have similar features and provide the same image. One advantage of night vision monocular is that they are much cheaper than binoculars.

Tatyana Turner is an owner of Zoom Binoculars Guide . We provide reviews of best binoculars including night vision binoculars , bird watching binoculars, fishing and hunting binoculars
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October 19th, 2009 Comment (0) General