Last updated on May 9th, 2023 at 03:52 pm
You’re going birding and you want the best in viewing equipment. Binoculars and monoculars are powerful magnification tools, but which is better for birding?
Binoculars and monoculars are both good for birding. A monocular is better if you’re planning to bird on a long-distance trip, like while backpacking, because it takes up such little space. But binoculars are a good choice if weight is less of a concern or you need a fuller visual picture.
When To Use Binoculars for Birding
Binoculars are best for birding when depth and field of view are the priority.
They can capture a bigger and deeper image than a monocular, although they’re also a bit heavier and harder to carry around.
That said, plenty of birders use a binocular harness or strap to make them easier to carry.
Binoculars and monoculars may offer about the same magnification as each other.
And both are typically made to withstand the elements and avoid fog and moisture buildup.
Best Birding Binoculars 2021
When you’re shopping for birding binoculars, you want to find a pair that’s rugged, waterproof, and shockproof.
Typically, you’ll want magnification between 7x and 10x.
Here are some of the best options that are available on Amazon.com.
Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 8×42 Binoculars
The Vortex Optics Crossfire HD 8×42 Binoculars have 8x magnification, ideal for birding.
They also have a 42mm objective lens that delivers clear resolution and accurate color.
The lenses are coated to increase light transmission and reduce reflectiveness.
These binoculars also have durable rubber armor.
Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars
The Celestron Nature DX 8×42 Binoculars offer 8x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, making them great for birding.
These binoculars are treated with nitrogen to reduce fog, and they have waterproof rubber armor for durability.
The lenses are also coated, creating more contrast, brighter images, and a higher resolution.
How To Use Binoculars for Birding
To use binoculars for birding, you’ll need to start by focusing the lenses. To do this, follow these steps:
- Adjust the distance between the barrels to fit the distance between your eyes.
- Find an object to focus on.
- Look at the object through the binoculars with both eyes open, turning the central focus wheel.
- Close your right eye.
- Adjust the focus wheel again.
- Close your left eye.
- Use the diopter adjustment to bring the image into sharp focus.
- Look through the binoculars with both eyes open to test the focus, then repeat steps 1-7 as necessary.
Once your binoculars are focused, it’s time to find birds.
Start by looking and listening without the binoculars, then only bring the binoculars into place once you’ve found a bird to focus on.
The process of finding a bird will be easier if you lock eyes on it and then bring the binoculars to your face instead of scanning with the binoculars.
Don’t forget that you need to clean and protect your binoculars as well.
Most come with a carrying case, but some also come with a soft Neoprene layer called a bib.
A bib is useful for binoculars to keep them from getting damaged by water or other elements.
Tips for Birding With Binoculars
The following are some tips that you can consider when you go birding with binoculars:
- Make the most of your binoculars by taking them out on long hikes where you wouldn’t be able to take a bigger scope.
- Keep your lenses clean and dry, wet cleaning only when necessary.
- Look for binoculars with a magnification between 7x and 10x to optimize image clarity and reduce image shake.
- If you’re a beginning birder, start with a lower magnification.
When To Use a Monocular for Birding
Monoculars are best when you’re birding on a long-distance hike or backpacking trip and have very little space available for your magnification tools.
They can have as much as 10x magnification even at a small size, so they make for a powerful tool even though they’re so compact.
Monoculars are also a great choice if you’re on a budget, as they typically cost much less than a comparable pair of birding binoculars.
Best Birding Monoculars 2021
The best part about monoculars is their compact size and portability. But you should also look for a rugged pair that won’t break or fog easily.
Here are some of the best options that are available on Amazon.com.
Vortex Optics Solo 8×36 Birding Monocular
The Vortex Optics Solo 8×36 Birding Monocular weighs just 5.6 oz and spans 4.4” long, so it’s a great pick if you need a monocular that will fit in your pocket.
The lenses are also coated for better light transmission, resolution, clarity, and brightness.
In addition, the Vortex Optics Solo 8×36 Birding Monocular is weatherproof and shockproof.
It is protected against fog, water, and impact by its rubber coating and fortified interior.
Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Birding Monocular
The Bushnell Legend Ultra HD 10×42 Birding Monocular offers a bit more magnification than average and a lot more image clarity.
It comes with fully multi-coated ED Prime glass and a 42mm lens. This monocular can give you a 340 ft. field of view at 1,000 yards.
This monocular is an ideal combination of power and compactness because it exemplifies the best of what monoculars have to offer for birders.
How To Use a Monocular for Birding
To use a monocular for birding, follow these steps:
- Hold your monocular up to your dominant eye.
- Use the dial to adjust the focus, picking a nearby object as a point of focus.
- Listen and look for birds without the monocular.
- Look at a target, and then bring the monocular up to your dominant eye.
- Turn your head as you watch your target.
- Refocus your lens as you track the target.
- Stay still.
Tips for Birding With a Monocular
Follow these tips to make the most of your monocular while birding:
- Use the monocular strap, keeping it around your wrist or neck to prevent the monocular from falling and breaking.
- Keep the monocular dry, using a dry bag to protect it if necessary, like when kayaking.
- Replace the lens cap when you’re not using the monocular to keep the lens from getting scratched or smudged.
- Clean your monocular with an eyeglass wipe or compressed air regularly.