TOOLBOX
BINOCS FOR BEGINNERS
As chosen by Terrie Miller of Citizen Science Projects
Nikon
Action Series
Nikon Monarch Series
Eagle Optics Ranger Series
Swarovski EL
I love showing someone a bird or animal through my binoculars. Their
first reaction is surprise and wonder at the detailed view of the animal.
Their second reaction is to pull the binoculars down and look at them:
“What kind of binoculars are these?!”
The truth is, any decent binoculars will open the door to entrancing
views of wildlife, but buying them is fraught with details. What if you
just want a pair to get started, without learning every detail? I’m going
to go out on a limb here and make specific recommendations.
Binocular sizes are indicated by two numbers: the magnification and
the diameter of the objective lens, in millimeters. Ignore any models
that claim to be “zoom” lenses. They’re more trouble than they’re
worth, and you’ll probably have a harder time getting a good crisp
focus with them.
» For birding and wildlife get 8× 42 or 10× 42. (If you’re a beginner,
get 8× 42; if you’ll mostly be looking at faraway critters, get 10× 42.)
» For fast-moving subjects, sporting events, twilight conditions, or
just general-purpose viewing, get 7× 50. Not every model is available
in this size, but it’s a great one to consider for beginners.
» Astronomers, choose 10× 50. If you’ll be looking at stationary
objects like planets, they’re great for a little boost in magnification
and light-gathering power.
If you’re on a tight budget, I recommend the Nikon Action series, at
less than $100. (I don’t recommend you buy anything cheaper than
this.) They have good optics in a sturdy package. The Nikon Action
ATB series is a little more expensive and better for more rugged use.
For a mid-range budget, I suggest Nikon Monarchs at about $300,
or Eagle Optics Rangers at about $320. My current binoculars are
Eagle Optics 8×42s, and I love them. I broke the eye cups on mine
after a couple of years of hard, almost daily use, but the fine folks at
Eagle Optics recently repaired them, for no charge, and sent them
back to me in a jiffy.
If money is no object, don’t mess around — get yourself a pair of
Swarovski EL or SLC binoculars. They’ll cost you a grand or two, but
you’ll have people like me drooling over your optics, and your views
will be outstanding.
It’s best if you can try out binoculars in person, but an online dealer
with a solid return policy is also good. Local nature and birding stores
and outdoor retailers like REI will carry some of these brands. If you
want to order online, I highly recommend Eagle Optics.
Good luck! Soon you’ll be sharing those “wow!” moments with
others. And I’ll bet it won’t be long before you hear, “What kind of
binoculars are these?!”
Terrie Miller is a hawk watcher and birder in Northern California, and writes
about citizen science projects at citizensci.com. For more binoculars resources
and tips, visit citizensci.com/?p= 100.
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