Which binocular is best for bird watching?
641010
Typical binocular sizes for birding are around 8x40, 8x25, 7x35, and 8x30. Bigger 2nd number = more light but heavierer. Models up from this that rare really great but still not to expensive would be the Nikon Acculon 7x35 (wide view), LL.Bean/Bushnell "Discovery" 8x25(small but sharp), and the Leupold Yosemite 8x30(very sharp and clear). This 8x21 is OK but it needs a bright target and it's not super sharp. Still, 8x21 is easy to carry around in pocket or purse. I use the Discovery a lot...it's a compromise size and super-sharp.
265364
They are good for watching birds at 20-30 feet (low forest canopies). Beyond that these binos are still useful, but start lo lose details.
1923607
Yes, they are a great mid-range priced pair of binoculars for bird watching, were recommended by Bird Watchers Digest
1047
We have the Monarch and are very happy with it for birding. Are just a tad heavier than we'd like but a good binoc for the $
977782
I have used this binoculars to stargazing...but's it's really not like a telescope. I use it mainly to watch birds.
265368
If you are an extremely serious birder, they probably aren't the best but, that said, distance viewing is just fine....not spectacular but certainly good enough for identification and observation. Be sure to get the 8.5x21 and not the 6.5x21. BTW, they adjust very quickly from close in viewing to distance viewing....and they are lightweight enough that you don't mind carrying them on a long hike. I love them!
2183879
my birding friend bought an REI 10x42 binocular that is just as good, but about 16% smaller & lighter. The only disadvantage with the REI ones is that the carrying case is a very tight fit for the neck strap. I actually prefer the Monarchsystem of only having a strap for the binocs, letting that strap serving for the case as well. The REI lens covers work much better though ...sorry to leave you with an unclear choice!
734209
Absolutely. I just used them while in Maine viewing Moose. For the $$ these are excellent. My birding friend has a $1K pair of binos and he said they are not much better than the Monarchs. He's the one who recommended them. Hope this helps.
503067
This link answered my questions before I decided on the Monarch 5. Hopefully it will do the same for you.http://www.birdwatching-bliss.com/nikon-monarch-binoculars.html
298678
They are good for birds. The really good thing about them is that with these lenses, at dusk I can see details even fairly close (25') that I can't see with the naked eye. The lenses gather so much light that you can view objects in dimmer light than my previous binoculars or the naked eye. I purchased these binoculars to watch owls at dusk, and found I can watch the owls for 10-15 minutes longer, with clarity, than I could with other binoculars.
1089669
8x20 are small but good enough for travel etc. for birding I use 8 x42 which gives the best of both worlds but not as compact. You may need to research further for a more accurate answer. Depends on what you intend to use the binoculars for.
2136163
These binoculars are very clear and do well in low light but they are not high power. If he is looking at birds around the lake and near shore, these would be great. However, a spotting scope would be a better choice if he wants to look at birds far out on the lake. A scope would have a higher magnification so that a tiny spot turns into an identifiable bird. These binoculars are not high power but are great for warblers, winter birds at the feeders... I'm bringing mine to Belize where I will use the water proofing and low light features. For general birding I recommend them very highly. For distance birding, a scope would be the way to go. These binoculars are very clear and do well in low light but they are not high power. If he is looking at birds around the lake and near shore, these would be great. However, a spotting scope would be a better choice if he wants to look at birds far out on the lake. A scope would have a higher magnification so that a tiny spot turns into an identifiable bird. These binoculars are not high power but are great for warblers, winter birds at the feeders... I'm bringing mine to Belize where I will use the water proofing and low light features. For general birding I recommend them very highly.... » Read More These binoculars are very clear and do well in low light but they are not high power. If he is looking at birds around the lake and near shore, these would be great. However, a spotting scope would be a better choice if he wants to look at birds far out on the lake. A scope would have a higher magnification so that a tiny spot turns into an identifiable bird. These binoculars are not high power but are great for warblers, winter birds at the feeders... I'm bringing mine to Belize where I will use the water proofing and low light features. For general birding I recommend them very highly. For distance birding, a scope would be the way to go. « Show Less
1054013
In my opinion, you should probably use 8 power binoculars for bird watching unless you can hold these 10 powers quite still. 10 powers really expose any shaking.
1939070
Yes, they're excellent binoculars. Not as large as ones used for bird watching, but bigger than small "opera" glasses.
1051932
I bought 3 pair for a trip to watch the PGH Steelers play. The bino's were not good for that application. However, we went to. Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the east. They were awesome for the long view there.
2187923
Definitely. I have the same camera/ lens combo. It's the best lens you can get for that camera for taking pictures of birds.
1283678
Absolutely. The optics is superb, its razor sharp and no chromatic abberation is visible. But keep in mind, it's a 8x power scope, so the angular resolution is of a 8x power scope too. You will can identify any bird with it, but no insects ;)