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Birdwatching can be truly mind-blowing when you realize just how many different species are all around us. Grab a pair of these binoculars and an identification book or app and soon spotting that rare warbler or raptor will become your personal holy grail.
With birding binoculars, lens width is important to capture all that soaring or diminishing into a speck on the horizon. Here are three excellent options that fit the bill. You can also pack them up and bring them on safari in order to spot far-off lions, cheetahs, and elusive leopards. Just be sure to avoid looking directly into the sun.
Quality lens: Celestron – Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
Amazon
These binoculars are comfortable, light, and easy to handle. Whether you’re watching shorebirds flock or are fascinated by pigeons fighting over a french fry on the other side of the street, you’ll enjoy both a wide field of view at a distance and a sharp focus close up.
Budget pick: Cayzor 12×42 Binoculars
Amazon
Some birds obligingly hop about their surroundings, while others have a majestic and far-reaching range. If you’re focused on eagles, hawks, falcons, or owls, these binoculars are right for you. They offer a field of view of 650 feet at a distance of over a half-mile away. Put another way, that’s a field of view that’s wider than 2.5 football fields lined up next to each other.
Safe near water: Bushnell H2O Waterproof/Fogproof Roof Prism Binocular
Amazon
This pair is a good value all on its own. For intrepid birders in boats or braving wet conditions, the waterproof and fog proof features make them a fine choice to pack alongside your rain jacket. People who wear glasses will appreciate the adjustable eyecups.