BIRD WATCHING Scopes

Boy-with-binoculars (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bird watching is a popular hobby in the US with already more than 50 million members and this figure is expected to grow. Of course, you have to get close to them in order to see it which is why the hobbyist needs to have a bird watching scope. 

While some people use binoculars, hunting optics seem to be much better and if you want to know which of these are the best to buy, they are namely ATN, Bushnell, Leupold, Nikon and Swarovski.

So you know what species you’ve seen in your scope, you will have to refer to a bird watching book that is readily available at the store.   

But what if you want to see and take pictures of them at the same time? For that, you will need the digital camera binoculars. 

This type of bird watching scope allows you to take high-quality images.  These happen to be the latest innovation in technology that allows you to take shots even at night and then download it into your desktop or laptop. 

Very lightweight and compact, you can easily carry it no matter where you go. If you don’t like the picture you took, you can review it by displaying this on the LCD screen then deleting this image and taking a better shot. 

Another great feature of the digital camera binoculars is that you can record a live video for up to 20 seconds or more. It is very affordable and a great addition to those who want to take a bird watching to the next level. 

Some of the brands that sell this bird watching digital camera include Barka, Bushnell, Celestron and Meade. These companies are the best in the business and if you want to take more shots, you just have to change the flash card from a 64MB to one that can accommodate 1 GB.

There are two features you have to look for when comparing these brands. These are namely the objective lens size and the magnification power. Objective lens size will determine the field of view while the magnification power may be from 7x to 10x. 

Of course, don’t forget to check if the bird watching scope has a clear LCD display, good resolution and as mentioned earlier, the video capture option. Since it is hard to stay in one position for a long time, you should also check if your new toy can be mounted on a tripod.   

As much as we want to buy the best digital camera binoculars around, one thing that we have to consider is our budget. If some brands are beyond your price range, you can either wait until you have more money or settle for those that are within your reach. Once you have narrowed that, it is time for you to try them out. 

It should be durable, lightweight and water resistant because it has to withstand the elements. Speed is also another factor so you are able to capture the bird should it fly away suddenly and you are able to add this to your collection at home. 

Aside from checking out the merchandise, do some research and see what reviews have been written about the product. These bird watching scopes area also great for other activities like boating, hiking and hunting so get something that can be used all around in the outdoors. 

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The Best BIRD BINOCULARS

Birdwatchers in Central Park, New York City (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

To get the best out of bird watching you want decent bird binoculars. Birding can be somewhat ruined when you can't see the birds you are trying to view with the level of clarity and detail that you would want to. An unclear image means it is hard to tell the difference between one bird and the next with some bird binoculars not really helping you see much more than you can see with the naked eye.

The quality of the optics in bird binoculars is exceptionally important if you want to ensure maximum enjoyment out of the sport. In recent years the cost of bird binoculars with high-quality lenses has decreased and with the wider availability of affordable quality, binoculars have come to an increased interest in bird watching.

There are some great 8x32 and 8x42 bird binoculars around and the Canon 12x36 IS binoculars are increasing in popularity as they offer the option of high powered binos without the distortion that is experienced when high magnification non IS binoculars are handheld.

At the top end of the market, you have some serious bird binoculars such as the Swarovski 8.5x42 EL's or the Leica Ultravid 32 or 42 series. Some critics say that they aren't worth the price (at £1,000 +) but in reality, it really is a matter of opinion and it does depend on how serious you are about birding. As you head up the price range the added benefit between bird binoculars begins to decrease so it just depends on what value you place on certain extra features that make binos particularly special.

If you are looking at the top of the range check out the Leica Ultravid 8x42. The weight and balance is superb, you could use these for hours and they would still feel comfortable in your hand. As for the quality of the optics, just try them and see! If you can afford it they are well worth a look.

If you want something a bit cheaper then the Pentax DCF SP 8x43 or 8x32 make excellent bird binoculars. They come with phase-coated prisms and fully multi-coated lenses with a sophisticated optical design, they are waterproof, nitrogen filled and sealed and have a water repellent coating on all exposed lenses. A great buy at less than £400.

Steiner makes some brilliant bird binoculars such as the perfectly balanced 8x44 Steiner Discovery which comes with a comfortable balance system, high definition optics, Steiner Nano Environmental protection and fast close focus. Or, if you want something smaller and cheaper then the Steiner Wildlife Pro is an immensely popular bird binocular, particularly the mid-size 8x30 which has a wide field of view making it ideal for following fast moving objects.

Image stabilizing is an excellent feature to have for many applications. Some find the Canon 10x42 IS binoculars rather heavy at1030g with many birders opting for the more powerful but lighter and cheaper option of the 12x36's (660g but not waterproof and they don't have the L series lenses that are featured in the 10x42's).

Another great bird binocular is the Nikon High Grade, with advanced lens and prism construction which produces exceptionally clear, sharp images and excellent color reproduction. Every model is waterproof and is made with environmentally friendly materials. Prices start at around £300 up to around £1,000 (available in both full size and compact binoculars).

If you are looking for something in a lower price bracket then the Nikon Monarch is a popular choice, with multi-coated lenses, phase correction coated prisms, high eyepoint design with long eye relief (ideal for spectacle wearers) and lightweight body. They are waterproof, fog-free and shock resistant, all for around £200. Just don't compare them against the Swarovski or the Leica's!

By Terry Ross - Article Source: EzineArticles

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