Binoculars for birding, wildlife

The weigh comes from the lens size, but also from the bodies.  Make the bino bodies too light and they are sensitive to vibrations and hard to hold still.  So in a sense, some weight is good.  I think the real answer is gonna be a personal one of how small of a set will you be happy with?  42mm objective lens is pretty standard.  There are some 38mm ones if I recall, and definitely some 32mm lenses.  You may know this, but there is an inter play between magnification, and field of view.  If you like the zoom of your 10Xs you may just want to stem down in size to 10X42.  They will weigh about 1.5lbs.  The field of view will be smaller but not too bad.  I prefer 10X42 as the usual magnifications available are 8, 10, 12… its in the middle.  If 10X42 is too shaky for you, then try 8X42.  They wont be as zoomed in, but they wont be as shaky as 10X42s.

If you glass a lot and want good ones look for HD or ED glass.  (High density)  Its like HD tv to standard def.  You will get a more crisp image and will be able to glass longer without eye fatigue.

Prices should be pretty similar for apples to apples comparison.  Its pretty much that more expensive= better, so settle on a size and look through them side by side to compare.  Sometimes peoples eyes dont like some glass for some reason, or the interpupillary distance doesn’t fit them or something.

I’ve sold Leupold, Nikon, Bushnell, Leica, Swarovski, and Vortex.  Personally I have Vortex Viper 10X42.  HD glass, 1.5 lbs, AMAZING warranty.  Leicas and Swaros were too much money for me, but in the nitty-gritty they are better, but for $1000 over the Vipers… somebody else can have them.  I also liked Monarch HDs but went with the Vortexes for the warranty.

Its hard to explain optics, so lemme know if I need to keep babbling

Take a look at the Monarch  5 8×42.

You lose some magnification but they are brighter , have a wider field of view (6.3 degree/330′) and are just under 21 oz.

There is a higher quality version (Monarch 7) but that is heavier. (24oz)

https://www.opticsreviewer.com/monarch-5-vs-7.html

Here is a photo from Zeiss to illustrate the difference.

BTW, high quality binos are heavier because the High Density glass in them is much heavier than standard optical glass.

The angle of view is not directly related to the size of the front element, you need to check the specs to get that figure.

For example a typical 10×50 has a 5 degree view, the Monarch 10×42 7  has a 6.7 angle of view.

( I was posting and looking up specs as Jeff had posted his comments. There are some conflicting specs on various sites but don’t confuse one version of the Monarch with the other so check again to make sure)

I’ve got a nice pair of Leica 8×20 Ultravids. Probably not powerful enough for what you want, but they only weigh a touch over 8 oz.

Just for reference, when backpacking I carry Leica “compact” 10x25s at about 9 ounces (with lens covers). For all-day birding I carry Zeiss 10x42s at 31 ounces.

“Compact” binocs usually have dual pivots which takes some skill to get quickly adjusted to your pupillary distance each time you get them out. And they usually have a relatively narrow field of view which can be a challenge when searching for the bird or animal. Their advantage is that they are light and unobtrusive in a hip belt pocket, and readily available when the opportunity arises.

If your binocs spend the day in the pack and are only used around camp you will have more options with “traditional” single pivot models. Newer models with magnesium bodies will be lighter. And the new HD glass will be brighter, so a 10×40 works very well even at dusk and dawn.

How frequently are you using them while on the trail, and how do you manage them now?

Is there limit to how much you are willing to spend?

We got each other really nice anniversary presents two years ago – his & hers Swarovski binocs.  Hers are 35s, mine are lighter 30s.  There was a unexpected benefit in a Costa Rican Cloud Forest preserve.  10 tourists were all set to be guided around by someone with a few years experience.  They noticed our Swarovskis, and the 18-year veteran guide took us around.  We aren’t nearly as serious birders as most who’ve taken that leap.

I’d suggest Sportsman’s Warehouse as having a pretty broad make/model/price range, including Nikon, Vortex, and Swarovski.  Beyond the weight/spec (I like 30-35mm objectives and 6-7-8 power), I look for what is most relaxing to look through as I focus on something across the store or through the window out in the parking lot.  My sense is that value per dollar is highest with the Vortex ones – a little less name-brand cachet than Nikon and much less than Swarovski.  SW prices are pretty good and you can also get an AR-15 and a thousand rounds of ammo in the same trip.  But I always double-check a purchase like that on Amazon, on my phone, from the store, in case some online option is much cheaper.

Back in the day, there were those camera/optics stores out of NYC that advertised in camera, birding, and astronomy magazines.  Their best prices were always on the units that had no warranty because they were supposed to have been sold in Poland or only came with instructions in Finnish.

I use the Eagle Optics Ranger Platinum 8X42

Thanks for all the suggestions. When I’m hiking my binos are always over my shoulder, in front of the pack strap, for quick access. I use them very frequently if I’m alone or with a slow group, less when I’m making more of an effort to keep up. They are never in my pack or in a pocket. Close at hand, where David probably keeps his AR15.

I’ll have a look at Sportmans warehouse, no ammo though, thanks. No camo gear needed either. And I’ll avoid the tick spray and snakebite kits they also sell here in Fairbanks, Alaska. I asked one of the staff once why they sold these here, we have neither ticks nor snakes. She was from Missouri and didn’t know, but thought there might be snakes here some day.

I just can’t quite go for Swarovskis. I think I’d be afraid to use them!  Might look seriously at the Vortex though. I had the chance to compare my Nikon Monarchs with a $1000 Zeiss pair, can’t recall the model. I couldn’t tell the difference, at least with a brief hour of use.

Karen I don’t bring them on every hike but my wife and I love viewing wildlife and binoculars bring us up close and let us see things we’d otherwise miss. I highly recommend going with 8 x 30 or 8 x 32 lightweight though quality and good value binoculars.

In this group, I recommend the Nikon Monarch 7 8 x 30. They are light (15 oz) and very bright with a good field of view for the weight. I tried them side by side with 6 other binoculars in the same class, ranging in price from $250 to $600, and I was happiest with the Monarch 7 ($380 but you can find deals here and there) which I liked more than 2 pairs priced $500-600. It’s good to try multiple pairs side by side because each one will offer different levels of brightness, have slightly different tints, different hand feel, different field of view, different focus control, etc. You will find you immediately like some pairs over others.

I personally find anything larger than this format to be too heavy and bulky for backpacking and unnecessary for anything but darker conditions like later dusk and very early dawn.

Birdforum is a great place to research binoculars and post questions about them.

Amy and Jim, two BPL members who author the excellent Doing Miles blog, use similar 8 x 30 binoculars and did a nice binocular writeup.

I’ve used the highest end optics available in the military and I don’t miss them for wildlife viewing or backpacking. A great number of users will not be able to distinguish much between a good value quality $300 pair and a much more expensive pair. And some people naturally gravitate to certain tints, brightness levels, hand textures and controls. Just pick up some models and try them out.

All this advise is good imo.  Take Davids advice and got to Sportsmans and make em take you outside so you can see them in the real world.  I would suggest going towards dusk to get lower light levels.  You definitely be able to see differences in clarity then.

Also IMO in Alaska, with big landscapes, sizes like 8×32 may leave you wanting more.  If you are just birding, and get relatively close to your subjects, then those will be fine.  I’m just thinking that if you want to glass the elk herd on the next ridge over you may want something bigger.

For backpacking I carry a Leica 8×20 Ultravid. For general glassing and highcountry backpack elk hunting I carry a Leica 8×32 Ultravid. In my experience, if one needs more than an 8x bin, it’s time for a spotting scope. And you couldn’t give me a 10×20/25 glass of any kind.

Even if I wanted to spend the equivalent price of a used car for a pair of Swarovskis, I wouldn’t save on weight. As far as I can tell comparing specs online, the only way to save weight is to sacrifice light, as some of you have said. To stay with the quality of glass I have now would mean the Monarch 7s are a good option, and the 8x30s save me a full pound, lots of competitive prices out there. I may go that route. Although I’d love to go for the Vortex Razor 8×42 – overall a quality step up, better light, but would only save 7 ounces for quite a bit more money. This decision is much harder for me than a tent!

I recently went through a similar decision process and ended up with the Nikon Monarch 7 8×30. They are significantly lighter than most binos with similar optical quality, and have significantly better optics than most binos of similar weight. I’ve only had them a few months, but I like them and would buy them again.

Compared to my Zeiss Conquest HD 10×42; the Monarch is clearly not as good, but it’s half the weight. I also have an older Monarch ATB 8×36 (equivalent of a Monarch 5); the Monarch 7 8×30 is better optically and is a few ounces lighter.

The other bino I seriously considered was the Leupold Mojave BX3 8×32. Cabela’s sells a very similar model called the Guide 8×32 – these often go on sale for around $200.

Birdforum is a great site when you’re doing this sort of research.

The best way to decide and to be happy with your choice is to get the pairs in your hands, viewing the same objects outside at the same time. Compare the image you see, focus operation, feel in your hands, etc. and you’ll know. You can also try them two or three different times of day in higher light and lower light conditions.

Regarding higher weight for higher light gathering capability, ask yourself how often you’ll use them in darker conditions.

The other bino I seriously considered was the Leupold Mojave BX3 8×32. Cabela’s sells a very similar model called the Guide 8×32 – these often go on sale for around $200.

Hmm – it appears Leupold no longer makes the BX3 8×32, and Cabelas no longer carries the Guide 8×32.

“The best way to decide and to be happy with your choice is to get the pairs in your hands …”

+1

I narrowed my choice down to three. Called the shop and they shipped all three, on my credit card of course.  I used them (carefully) in the neighborhood side by side for a week and sent back two.  I was surprised by the different physical designs and how that played into the ergonomics of use.  One of the “Big Names” was eliminated immediately.  Return shipping via well insured UPS was substantial, but well worth it.

You can read all about “relative brightness” and “twilight factor” here:

https://www.astronomics.com/binocular-specifications_t.aspx

which certainly is a factor for hunters because so many deer species are most active at dusk and dawn.  That’s true of some bird species, too, but if you bird in the middle of the day, then it’s less important.  For a given magnification and field of view, you can only increase brightness with bigger, heavier objective lens.

When you’re down to 2 or 3 models, you could return to the store at dusk when you can compare one against another for low-light performance.  But between high-quality brands with similar specs (e.g. both 8×32), you might not notice any difference.

I was joking about the ammo, but SW does have more binoculars on display than anyone else in my small Alaskan town.

Even if you may not use them in low light situations, looking through them in low light will help you see which ones collect light better.  Just as a buying comparison tool.

Minimum power for birding would be 8X. Max would be 10X.

I have:

1.PENTAX DWP 8 x 42 with very good glass. Once PENTAX’s top binocular but now surpassed by their line using “HD” glass. (HD glass usually means ED glass – see definition below.) BTW, 10X is about the highest magnification you can hold steadily with both hands but it’s nice for those little tweety birds 100 yards away to add to your Life List.

2. Bushnell ARC 1Mile 10 x 42 laser rangerfinders for hunting. Love to zap song birds with my laser binocs and stun them. (Kidding)

Actually if you can afford Leica binoculars you will get just about the best glass quality available. SCHOTT glass. SCHOTT glass is THE very best kind of “ED” glass which means Extra-low Dispertion.

Be SURE to get binoculars that are fully multi coated to have the best color rendition. This means every glass surface, externally and internally, is multi coated with special minerals & chemicals to correct color distortions. Each maker has proprietary coatings they claim are “the best”. Stick with Japanese and European brands (except Russian). Avoid Chinese binoculars at all costs unless branded by someone like Vortex or Nikon.

Very close to the top German glass, but far less expensive, are those made in eastern Europe like MEOPTA. You can likely only tell the difference with professional optical test instruments and charts – if then.

Shott glass…

True that. Worth mentioning that Schott is fully owned by Zeiss.

Zeiss also use Schott HT (ED) glass in some of their own binos.

But generally they are heavier and a lot more more expensive than the Nikon Monarchs.

( I have owned 3 Leica binos, still have one)

The higher end vortex are japanese made

“I narrowed my choice down to three. Called the shop and they shipped all three, on my credit card of course. I used them (carefully) in the neighborhood side by side for a week and sent back two. I was surprised by the different physical designs and how that played into the ergonomics of use. One of the “Big Names” was eliminated immediately. Return shipping via well insured UPS was substantial, but well worth it.”

Funny, that’s exactly what I did.  I knew I was going to spend a lot of money, and I wanted the best I could get, assuming I would be using them for several decades.  So I invested around $7000 in a pair of Zeiss Victorys, Leica Ultravids, and Swarovsky ELs.  Right off the bat I disliked the Zeiss, I didn’t care as much for the image quality, and I didn’t like  the ergonomics.  The Leicas were the most comfortable for me, but Leica has become known for extremely poor customer service, and I marginally preferred the optics of the Swarovskys, so I kept them and returned the other 2.  This was a reminder to me of how binocular preference, like everything else, is very individual.  Unfortunately the company I bought from, Eagle Optics, is no longer around.  They had excellent customer service and a great return policy.  Is there any similar company out there that anyone knows of?

They had excellent customer service and a great return policy.  Is there any similar company out there that anyone knows of?

Amazon.

Vortex has excellent customer service in my own experience with their shooting optics.

@David, Eagle Optics is out of business?? Cr@p! They were the ones that sold me my PENTAX binoculars years ago.

Eagle Optics.

I had a look and indeed they have closed down.

Pity because some of their own branded binos were sourced from the same manufacturer brands like Nikon,Canon and Pentax do.