A Guide to Buying Binoculars for the First Time
Sydney Bird Club’s Guide to Your First Binoculars
Many years ago, a pair of heavy, star-gazing binoculars opened up new worlds for me. I know it can be daunting to purchase a pair of binoculars, but the enrichment they bring to your birdwatching experiences will last years. You’ll be able to see birds clearly and identify them more easily. You’ll also notice things about birds that you didn’t before like how messy some of their beaks can be!
Here are a few things you’ll need to know before you purchase your first pair:
1) It’s a Numbers Game:
Every binocular has two numbers listed to describe it which reference its magnification and size of the lens.
Our recommendation: An 8x32 or 8x42 binocular is a good choice for beginning and great for birdwatching. The first number (the 8) is the magnification and we don't recommend going higher as it narrows your field of vision and can be more difficult to use.
The second number is the diameter of the lens and a larger diameter lets more light in during darker or cloudier conditions or if you birdwatch with sunglasses. A larger diameter costs more. Tip: Taking your sunglasses off lets in more light.
2) Do You Wear Glasses?
If you're an eyeglasses wearer like me, make sure to get binoculars with soft rubber eyecups that you can fold down or no covers at all.
If you don’t wear glasses, most options will suit you.
3) Other Considerations
Are they waterproof or water resistant?
How much do they weigh?
Is there a fog coating?
Beginning Binoculars We Recommend:
With a huge range of binoculars and some with very expensive price tags, here’s some more affordable ones we recommend:
Celestron Nature 8x32 - just over half a kilo in weight, great clarity and easy to use, waterproof, rubber coated and eyeglasses friendly, fogproof
Celestron Nature 8x42 - 4 ounces heavier than the Celestron 8x32, great clarity and easy to use, rubber coated and eyeglass friendly, waterproof and fogproof
Nikon Prostaff 8x42 - just under half a kilo in weight, the lightest option, great clarity and easy to use, waterproof and fogproof
Bushnell Prime 8x42 – great clarity, easy to use, waterproof and fogproof
Where Can I Buy Binoculars in Sydney:
Ted’s Cameras, Camerahouse, Bintel and Ryda Dot Com (in Petersham) all sell binoculars. Go in person and try them out. See how they feel in your hand, around your neck and as you use them and ask questions. The folks at these shops will be knowledgeable and are there to help you.
Cheers,
SBC
