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About Birdwatching Binoculars

By James & Ruth White

What about Birdwatching Binoculars and Why Use Them?

Hummingbirds and many other birds are abundant all around us.
For many, birdwatching is a kind of artistry.
Hummingbirds and other birds are gorgeous. We want to see their beautiful colors and feathers close up and detailed.
Sometimes it is convenient to remain at a distance enjoying hummingbirds.

Observing their antics at feeders, at flowers or perched on a high branch is possible with binoculars.
Through my binoculars, I like to watch hummers bathing in dew or a birdbath, hawking for insects (a spectacle in itself), and in the forest.

What are binoculars?

We understand about birdwatching binoculars and their purpose is to bring things close.
Binoculars are simply two telescopes mounted side by side.
Prisms inside bend the light back and forth to give the effect of a long telescope squeezed into a short tube.
I am not technical in any way shape or form. So this simple definition helped me to relax about binoculars in general.

Vortex Birdwatching Binoculars

What kind should I buy for birdwatching?

It really is a lot like buying anything. Ask yourself these simple questions:

  • What is my price range? In general quality goes up with price.
  • How will I use them? For example, will I view birds in my backyard or use them for field bird watching?

Some features to consider in a pair of good birdwatching binoculars:

  • Magnification - 7x or 8x is good. A magnification that is too high might give less depth of field. Also, the stronger the magnification the more the binoculars are prone to shake. In other words, with a high magnification, it is harder to hold them steady to prevent focus shaking. Larger magnifications are best suited to use with a tripod.
  • Lens Diameter - lens diameter should be at least 25mm. We need a clear image and a FOV (field of view) at least 300 ft. @ 1000 yds. A larger diameter lens will let in more light which is beneficial in low light situations.
  • Weight - lightweight are easier to hold for long periods of time. Heavier binoculars are often easier to hold steady but not for long periods of time.
  • Size - compact binoculars are easier to carry but have a smaller exit pupil. This is only important in low light conditions such as in a forest.
  • Waterproofing - important for those who plan to view birds in all weather conditions. Most quality binoculars are at least water-resistant but the best are actually waterproof.


I hope this clears up any questions you have about birdwatching binoculars and what to look for when considering a purchase.

Happy Birdwatching!!

James & Ruth White

James and Ruth White are Certified Hummingbird Habitat stewards with the International Hummingbird Society, specializing in backyard hummingbird care, behavior, and conservation. With 45+ years of hands-on experience, they have cared for over 1,000 hummingbirds, built two large perennial gardens, and support a community of 30,000+ subscribers through hummingbird-guide.com, their widely followed migration map, and active social channels. They observe hummingbirds daily across 12 home feeders and document their behavior through photography and video.