Binoculars For Bird Watching - 3 Things You Should Know

Bird watching is a great activity as well as a special hobby for anyone and also one that can last for years to come. It does take a lot of patience and sharp observance. Whether your interest is to merely view these lovely creatures from your backyard or learning about their habits, it is a good thing to have a decent pair of binoculars for bird watching.
 

Perhaps you have decided that it is time to really enjoy your birding and you are ready to purchase your first pair of binoculars. You should be aware that not all of these gadgets are created equal and there are some things to keep in mind when searching for a suitable pair. Here are 3 things you should keep in mind.

1. Magnification of the Lenses

Having a clear view of the birds is your first thought. And with this in mind you need to make sure that the magnification is at least 7x35. You can get by with just a simple pair, but if you want to spend a little more in order to get multiple magnification from 8x up to 10x you will most certainly have the benefit of getting a much larger picture of your bird.

It all depends on you as to which size lens you want. If you need something not so heavy, then you may want to go for the less magnified. But if you are wanting a clearer picture with more light then you will need the larger lens, although they will be a bit heavier.

2. Flexibility and Focus

Try moving the barrels. Are they tight? These should move easily, making for a more comfortable hold and less likely to break. Binoculars for bird watching should feel comfortable and be easy to control.

Testing the focus is not always easy inside a building because stores are not normally very light. Try using a brighter side of the room and focus on an object that is fairly close as well as one that is farther away. Do you have to alter it much for a clear view? If you do that means "poor quality" and you may want to avoid those.

3. Size of Exit Pupil

This might not seem important, but it is because this has an influence on how clear a view you will have. The exit pupil is the amplified view of the image you see in the eye-piece when it is leaving the binoculars and entering your eye. In order to get the best image you will need an exit pupil that is no less than 4mm. Keep in mind that if you want to avoid dark images the exit pupil ought always to be larger than the pupils of your own eyes.

Ok, one last tip on how to bring an object into focus. Did you know that your nose is a great pointer? Well, it is. While holding your binoculars for bird watching, point at the object with your nose without moving your face. Bring the binoculars to your eyes without taking your eyes off the object. A beginner often makes the mistake of moving or dropping their face towards the binoculars. With a little practice it will soon become natural.

For more great tips on backyard birding and bird watching visit BJay's Blog for Bird Lovers at: http://www.BackyardBirdingBlog.org where you can get information on bird houses, bird feeders and other accessories including Binoculars For Bird Watching.
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