Binoculars make a handy sighting tool for a wide range of outdoor adventure activities such as bird watching. They are simple to carry in the field and a great accessory for viewing birds at a distance. In our post today, we are going to take you through the best budget binoculars for bird watching that are suitable for every avid birder out there.
One of the best ways to have a great time outdoors is watching birds. It is more enjoyable when you have a pair of binoculars at hand. The right pair of binoculars will enhance the plumage pattern, colors and behaviors of the birds and ensure that you get the most out of your outdoor expedition.
What Makes a Great Binocular for Bird Watching
A great binocular for bird watching is made up of several attributes. These includes:
Premium Glass Quality
This is the first feature that a great pair of binoculars for bird watching should have. Good glass coupled with proper lens coatings enhances light transmission and guarantees crisp image views of the birds.
Lightweight Construction
When watching birds, you need a lightweight pair of binoculars. Such binoculars are easy on the hands and very convenient to carry around.
Sufficient Eye Relief
The best budget binoculars for bird watching should have an ample amount of eye relief to ensure great glassing comfort.
Weatherproof Construction
The other important feature that good binocular for birding should come with is weatherproof construction. It should be 100% waterproof, fog proof and dustproof to be safe to use in all kinds of weather conditions.
Best Budget Binoculars for Bird Watching
The market today is flooded with binoculars from so many brands. If you are on a tight budget and having a difficult time finding the ideal unit, here are the very best budget binoculars ideal for birding.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get into it.
1)Adorrgon 12×42 HD Binoculars
The Adorrgon 12×42 HD binoculars are by far the best budget binoculars for bird watching. They feature a powerful 12x zoom power that is essential for viewing birds at a distance in different habitats.
Although these binoculars are high-powered, they don’t compromise on the field of view as other models do. They deliver a massive field of view of 367ft @ 1000 yards which is capable of delivering a clear view of the birds from as far as 650 feet away.
Furthermore, this product is built ready for outdoor use. It has a non-slip rubber armor that provides a secure grip during use and shields the optics from shock and elements. On top of that, the binocular is fog proof and IP55 rated against water and dust.
Another remarkable feature of the binocular is optical performance. It boasts a large 42mm objective lens that enhances performance in all lighting conditions. Further, it employs high- definition optics and advanced fully multi-coated lenses that provide clear and color accurate images.
Features
- High 12x magnification power
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 5mm large eyepiece
- Soft and anti-slip rubber armor
- Sturdy structure
- High-definition optics
Pros
- Wide field of view
- Excellent picture quality
- Tripod adaptable
- Easy to hold and use
Cons
- Not built for long term use
2)Celestron – Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
Celestron makes a variety of top grade and cost-effective optics with high-quality glass and the Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars are not any different. It strikes the perfect balance of magnification, field of view and close focus distance to meet all your birding needs.
The binocular is 100% waterproof and nitrogen filled to drive out internal moisture. This property makes it ideal for use in all weather conditions. Other than that, it boasts a durable rubber armor that provides a sure grasp in the field.
Optically, this compact and lightweight pair of binocular has phase-coated BaK-4 glass prism to boost lighting transmission. It is also made with top-grade glass and fully multi-coated lenses that deliver phenomenal picture quality even in low light situations.
The other essential features it boasts include twist up eyecups with multi-stop and a tripod adapter that you can use to mount it on a monopod or tripod.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
- 8x moderate magnification power
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- Twist-up eyecups
- Phase-coated BaK4 prisms
- 5ft close focus distance
Pros
- Durable
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Great image quality
- Large field of view
Cons
- Cheap accessories
3)Nikon PROSTAFF 3S 10×42
Carrying the highly respected Nikon name, the PROSTAFF 3S 10×42 is an extremely compact and lightweight binocular ideal for bird watching and casual outdoor activities. The slim design provides a comfortable grip and ensures easy handling during use.
The picture quality this binocular yields is what makes it one of the best budget binoculars for bird watching. It employs high-reflectivity, silver-alloy mirror coated prisms to enhance resolution. Additionally, the binocular has multilayer-coated lenses to maximize image brightness and clarity by boosting light transmission.
When it comes to construction, this pair of binoculars has a rubber armoring for shock resistance and a firm, non-slip grip. Furthermore, it is waterproof and fog proof so its suitable for use in all weather conditions.
In addition to everything else, the binocular features a long eye relief and a wide field of view that makes finding objects effortless.
Features
- Waterproof and fog proof
- 10x magnification
- Slim body
- Turn-and-slide rubber eyecups
- Rubber armored body
- Multilayer-coated lenses
- Eco-glass optics
Pros
- Comfortable, anti-slip grip
- Compact and lightweight
- Long eye relief
- Wide field of view
- Easy to focus
Cons
- Fragile
4)Wingspan Optics Field View 8×32 Compact Binoculars
The Wingspan Optics Field View 8×32 Binocular is specifically built for bird watching. It has a compact size and an ultra-lightweight design of 15.2 ounces so you can carry it with ease anywhere you want.
The field of view is impressive. It is wide enough to help you find bird easily in any habitat. Besides, this binocular is intelligently designed to go from wide view to the sharpest focus in a matter of seconds and deliver the detail that you want.
While this pair of binoculars is compact, it is built to last. It is built tough to withstand outdoor use. It also has a soft but rugged rubber armor that provides a non-slip grip even when you are wearing gloves.
For added convenience, the Wingspan Optics Field View 8×32 Binocular is tripod adaptable and very easy to mount on a tripod or monopod. It is also waterproof and fog proof for all weather reliability.
Features
- 8x magnification power
- 3m close focus distance
- Tripod adaptable
- BaK4 prisms
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Ergo comfort non-slip grip
Pros
- Compact, lightweight and easy to carry
- Bright and clear detail
- Crystal clear focus
Cons
- Not durable
5)Athlon Optics 8×42 Talos G2 HD Binoculars
As one of the best budget binoculars for bird watching, the Athlon Optics 8×42 Talos G2 HD Binocular has everything you need to make your expeditions more enjoyable. It is built tough to last long and has a lightweight design for ease of portability.
The selling point of this set of binoculars is optical performance. It is built with advanced fully multi-coated lenses that work together with HD glass to provide optimum light transmission and true color representation.
Not only is this optic designed to provide top-tier viewing experience, but also be usable in all kinds of weather conditions. It has a durable composite chassis that is 100% waterproofed and nitrogen-purged to be operable even in less ideal weather conditions.
To top it all off, this binocular has a tough XPL lens coating to prevent scratches and dirt build up.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- High-quality BaK-4 prisms
- 8x magnification
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Durable composite chassis
- 42mm objective lens
- Scratch proof XPL lens coating
Pros
- Top-tier views
- Versatile
- Lightweight and durable
- Spacious field of view
Cons
- The hard plastic housing feels uncomfortable to some users
6)Vortex Optics Crossfire 8×42 HD Binoculars
The Crossfire 8×42 HD Binoculars is outstanding in versatility and functionality. It comes with a ton of accessories to enhance your performance in the field, including a GlassPak harness for quick optic deployment.
Built with 8x magnification power and 42mm objective lens, this pair of binoculars is good for watching birds in virtually all environments. It is built with a durable rubber armor which provides extra protection from elements as well as a secure, non-slip grip. Additionally, the optical tubes are nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to be fully fog proof and waterproof.
Another feature that makes this binocular shine is outstanding optical performance. It employs select glass element to cut chromatic aberration and provide stunning color accuracy. The binocular also boasts fully multi-coated lenses that guarantee bright and clear images by boosting light transmission.
Features
- Fully multi-coated lenses
- 8x magnification
- Non-slip rubber armor
- Waterproof and nitrogen purged
- Rugged construction
- 6’ close focus distance
- Roof prism optical path
Pros
- Easy to hold and use
- Good field of view
- Lightweight and durable
- Comfortable eye relief
Cons
- Clarity issues
7)Birds of Prey Optics Eagle Binoculars 10×42
Out last binoculars recommendation for the budget buyers is the Birds of Prey Optics Eagle Binoculars. It is built with 10x magnification power that guarantees clear vision and spectacular views.
A defining feature of this binocular is the functional design. It has twist-up eyecups that twist up and down to ensure great glassing comfort with or without eyewear. Other than that, the binocular is built with a metal focus wheel for smooth focusing.
The durability of this binocular is a force to reckon with. It is made with the most durable materials to withstand whatever you encounter. Furthermore, it is fully waterproof, dust proof and fog proof to deliver uninterrupted performance in any environment.
Optically, this optic has a 42mm objective lens for enhancing low light performance. Over and above that, it boasts BaK4 glass that maximizes clarity and precision in all lighting conditions.
Features
- Fully multi-coated ocular
- Tripod interface
- Twist-up eyecup
- Metal focus wheel
- Right eyepiece focus ring
- High-quality BaK4 glass
- Waterproof and fog proof construction
Pros
- Durable and well built
- Easy to hold and use
- Bright and clear optics
- Versatile
Cons
- Narrow field of view
Criteria for Choosing Binoculars for Bird Watching
Magnification Power
The first thing you will notice in a binocular’s configuration a set of two numbers separated by an “x”. The first number represents the magnification power which tells you the number of times the object you will be watching will appear closer to you than when you look it with naked eyes.
For birding, we recommend that you get a binocular with 8x or 10x magnification power. such binoculars are easy to use and hold steadily.
Picture Quality
Secondly, look at the picture quality the binocular yields. Generally, the type of glass and quality of lens coatings the binocular has determine the quality of picture it produces. For the best budget binoculars for bird watching, we recommend that you opt for a model that has ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses.
Eye Relief
Eye relief refers to the distance you can hold the binoculars away from your eyes and still be able to see a full field of view. It is an important feature in every binocular as it determines glass comfort especially during long glassing periods. If you wear eyeglasses or not, make sure that you get a binocular that has sufficient eye relief.
Weight
Weight is the other important feature to consider. The best budget binoculars for bird watching are lightweight to be easy to hold and carry around during use. Also look for a binocular that is compact in size for ease of portability.
Build Quality
Since bird watching is an activity that happens outdoors, you will want to invest in a binocular that is designed with durability in mind. Look at the nature of construction and pick a model that is made with the most durable materials. The binocular you choose should also be waterproof, dust proof and fog proof.
FAQs
- What size binoculars is best for bird watching?
8x. Binoculars with 8x magnification power are the best for bird watching. They strike the perfect balance between field of view and optical performance in virtually all environments.
- Is there a difference between 8×42 and 10×42 binoculars?
The main difference between the two binocular’s configuration is zoom power. 8×42 binoculars have a smaller zoom power which translates to a wider field of view. These binoculars also tend to be brighter and a better choice for low light use.
Final Thoughts
It is my hope that this article has given you some insight into the best budget binoculars for birding. Even on a budget, it is possible to get a quality pair of birding binoculars thanks to the ever-evolving technology in the optics world. Take a look at the features that each binocular brings to the table and pick the model that suits you best.