Binoculars
Briefly, “bins” are no more than two connected tubes with magnifying glasses.
Binoculars carry two numbers, e.g. 7 x 42, 8 x 24, 10 x 50. The second, and larger number indicates the size of the lens at the front of the binoculars, the so-called “objective” lens. The amount of light passed through this lens depends on the size of the lens. The larger the number, the greater amount of light is let in, making the objective of your watching easier to see and identify. Lenses also may be coated with one or many coats, increasing the amount of light that’s let in.
Traditionally, 7 x 35 binoculars are excellent glasses for birding. My own favorite field glasses are 7 x 42, and are the ones I use for general field birding. I also own a mini-pair – 10 x 25 – that are excellent for slipping into my pocket or packing for an overnight trip. In fact, I bought this pair when a 2-day business trip to San Francisco turned into a week, and I was left with time to roam the wonderful wildlife refuges in the area.
Spotting Scopes
Spotting scopes are larger than binoculars. They’re single lenses you must mount on a tripod, and are invaluable if you plan to bird-watch near lakes, shores, or over great field distances. Scope magnifications start at 20 x and eyepieces come with either a single magnification, or zoom out. Like binoculars, their expense depends on the types of lenses used.
How to Buy Binoculars and Birding Scopes.
Purchasing binoculars and birding scopes is a very individual process. There are binoculars and spotting scopes out there to fit every birder, not to mention every birder’s wallet. Here are a few tips to consider when buying birding optics:
Size and shape. Selecting binoculars is like buying shoes: no matter how attractive the bins, they’re not going to be of use if they don’t fit. Too small, they’ll feel like toys in your hands. Too heavy, they’ feel like the proverbial millstone draped around your neck. Just right, they’ll feel perfect. When selecting a spotting scope, I also like to consider its weight as well as how well it focuses. I’m normally out in the field with a pair of bins around my neck, and a 35mm camera and daypack slung over my shoulders. Already hunched like Quasimodo, I’m not about to contort more body parts lugging around a too-heavy scope.
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