Choosing Binoculars For Bird Photography

Binoculars are a reliable companion for bird watchers and photographers. They accompany bird watchers on every tour and help in discovering birds as well as determining the species. However, there are certain criteria binoculars must meet to give you quality enjoyment. The aim of this article is to summarise these characteristics so that you can see all the important criteria at a glance and not forget something when thinking about a purchase.

Size is important, but not everything

The optimum magnification for bird watching binoculars is an 8 to 10 times magnification to obtain an ideal balance between weight, details and field of view. The higher the magnification is, the more difficult it is to observe when the field of view is small. For bird photography, a field of view of approx. 100 meters makes sense.

High-quality prisms and lenses

For optimum viewing pleasure, it is very important that the binoculars will not alter the displayed images. For example, high colour fidelity is required. This is ensured by first class prisms and lenses such as BAK-4 prisms. A phase correction of prisms also enhance high colour fidelity and detail.

The brightness of the binocular is very important, too, for observing birds during the twilight, the dawn or under a dense tree canopy. The brightness is enhanced by a full multi-coating on all optical lenses, as reflection of lightrays is optimised.

 
Well equipped for a bird photographing tour

A low weight combined with a compact but robust construction is a basic requirement when on tour. A nitrogen filling prevents fogging of the internal optics and allows the bird watching in high humidity or even rain. For eyeglass wearers, spectacle eyepieces are absolutely necessary so that the binoculars can also be used with spectacles.
 

Checklist for purchasing binoculars

There are, of course, many more properties that a pair of binoculars may have. But this checklist identifies key aspects of the binoculars at a glance:

1. 8 to 10 time magnification
2. Field of view: at least 100 meters
3. Quality lenses and prisms: i.e BAK- 4 prisms
4. Phase corrected prisms for sharp details and color fidelity
5. Full multi-coating for optimum brightness
6. Rugged construction
7. Nitrogen filling, which automatically means waterproof
8. Eyepieces for spectacle wearers

Of course, quality has its price, so many binoculars seem almost prohibitive. Fortunately, there are also manufacturers like Eschenbach Optik in Germany, who have the optimal price-performance ratio in mind and meet all the needs of this target group. For example, the Arena 10x50, or the Adventure 10x42 binoculars are designed for bird and nature watchers and photographers on tours. They have all the above characteristics and cost between £100 and £200 on Amazon.

We recently reviewed Eschenbach's Arena D 10x50 binoculars, which received 4.5 out of 5 stars, making them highly recommended. 

Purchase the Arena D 10x50 binoculars here             Purchase the Adventure 10x42 binoculars here