Binoculars for Bird Watching

Genoma

Genoma

Genoma

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Joined
5 Mar 2006
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2,347
Location
Shropshire
Having enjoyed a bit of bird watching in the Gambia I'm thinking about a pair of binoculars however I know nothing about them. What should I be looking for?
 
considered a spotting scope instead? I use to work with a very keen bird watcher who swore on his spotting scope over binoculars, even though he had some insanely expensive leica binocs!
 
I use a pair of 8X42 Leica Ultravid HD but they are a bit on the pricey side, but the view/brightness is spectacular.

If you're travelling, don't get a big pair. They'll annoy you very quickly both with how bulky and heavy they are. A pair of 8X20 may be a decent shout, again I have a pair of Leica 8X20 that I sometimes use when out and about and they are a decent option.
 
birdforum.net is a good place to start reading.

Whatever you do don't try any of the top of the range Leica, Swarovski or Zeiss binoculars or you'll never be happy with your own eyes ever again.
 
Thanks some good pointers, so a reasonable entry point seems to be above the £60 Olympus 8x40 I was considering then? :)
 
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