Table of Contents
Birding is a great way to get out of the house and enjoy the outdoors for both kids and adults alike. Spotting that elusive bird you’ve had an eye out for can be an exciting time and you’re going to want to have the best pair of binoculars on hand when the time comes. Take a look below for our reviews of some of the best binoculars on the market for birding.
Best Compact Binoculars for Birding
Here are our reviews of the best compact Binoculars for birding
1. Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular
Built with quality optics that produce stunning high-definition clarity, these binoculars, from Bushnell, are a must have item for any serious birdwatchers.
- Bak-4 prisms and multi-coated optics
- 100% waterproof and fog proof
- Shock absorbing rubber armor for protection
2. Nikon 7577 Monarch 5 10×42
These lightweight and durable binoculars are nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed, making them perfectly capable of handling any weather conditions you may find yourself in during your bird watching excursions.
- Eco-glass, multi-coated lenses for sharp images
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Complete with 5-piece, digital accessory kit
3. Vortex Optics Diamondback HD Binoculars
These binoculars, from Vortex Optics, are lightweight with a non-slip grip and thumb indents, making them easy one the hands and perfect for long days.
- Waterproof, fog proof and shock proof
- Adjustable eyepieces allow you to focus both eyes individually.
- Tripod adaptable
4. Aurosports 10×25 Folding High Powered Compact Binoculars
These compact binoculars are able to foldup, easily fitting in the palm of your hand. Don’t let their small size fool you, these binoculars, from Aurosports, produce stunning images.
- Multi-coated lenses for sharp images from dawn until dusk
- Low-level night vision
- Large field of view
5. APEMAN 12×25 Compact Folding Binoculars for Adults and Kids
These binoculars are a great choice for any young outdoor enthusiasts. Small and lightweight, simply tuck them into your pocket for easy access when not in use.
- Individual eye focusers
- Low-level night vision makes them suitable for viewing at dusk
- Skid proof, shock proof and waterproof
Compact Binoculars for Birding Buyer’s Guide
Binoculars are the most important tool in any bird watchers arsenal. You’re not set for a proper birding excursion unless you have a set of these tucked away in your backpack or draped around your neck. Let’s be honest, we’re not super heroes. The human eye just isn’t capable of making out fine details over large distances. Thankfully, a reliable set of binoculars will have you spotting beautiful details on your favorite birds in no time.
Our buyer’s guide is here to help you make the best decision for all of your birding needs. Continue reading to get an idea of some important things to think about when purchasing your new pair of birding binoculars.
Weight
Keep in mind: Bigger doesn’t always mean better. Large binoculars are prone to image instability and often require a tripod to stabilize them. A small to medium sized pair, weighing under 2 pounds, is recommended for birding as they are much more portable and easy to use.
Magnification
For birding, magnification of 10-12X is recommended. This means that the birds will appear to be 10-12 times closer than they actually are. Anything over 12X magnification and you will start to lose your field of vision and image stability. In other words, because you are zoomed in so much, even the slightest movement will cause the image to shake and become unstable.
Stability
Image stabilization is an important feature for bird watching. Remember, the more zoomed in you are, the more unstable the image will be; even breathing can cause you to loose sight of your target. Keep an eye out for binoculars that are built with this in mind.
Moisture
Make sure your binoculars are rain and fog proof, especially in regards to birding. The last thing you want is to spot that rare bird and put the binoculars to your eyes only to discover they have completely fogged over, or worse yet, broken completely due to rainwater.
Recommended Reading:
- Best Binoculars
- Best 8×32 Binoculars
- Best 8×42 Binoculars
- Best 10×32 Binoculars
- Best 10×42 Binoculars
- Best 12×50 Binoculars
- Best Horse Racing Binoculars
- Best Image Stabilization Binoculars
- Best Marine Binoculars
- Best Safari Binoculars
- Best Rangefinder Binoculars
- Best Compact Binoculars
- Best Digital Camera Binoculars
- Best Binoculars for Kids
- Best Night Vision Binoculars
- Best Binoculars for Sporting Events
- Best Binoculars under $50
- Best Binoculars under $200
- Best Binoculars under $300
- Best Binoculars for Hunting
- Best Binoculars for Birding