Jump-start your new birdwatching hobby with binoculars that are perfect for the whole family!
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6 Top-Rated Binoculars for Every Kind of Birdwatcher
Updated on Jun. 28, 2022
Vanguard Endeavor ED II Binoculars
Looking to upgrade your birding skills? Bring along these Vanguard binoculars for a crisp viewing experience even on early mornings with low light. These bins are rated highly by Birds & Blooms content director Kirsten Schrader. Reviewer Bruce Bannerman writes, “Every time I look through these I am amazed by the sparkling clarity and brightness.”
Celestron Nature DX Binoculars
These 8×42 Celestron binoculars are a good choice for birders of all ages. Adjustable eye caps offer comfort while you’re wearing glasses or sunglasses. They’re also waterproof, and are coated in nonslip rubber. A carrying case, neck strap and cleaning cloth are included. Reviewer Daniel Vreugdenhil writes, “Folks, I tested more than 20 different under $200 brands, and these represent the best value for money. Don’t hesitate to buy these.”
LET’S GO! Binoculars for Kids
Adult-sized binoculars are tricky for kids to focus and heavy to hold. These are durable, coated with soft-rubber and compact for little hands. Young birders will love having their own pair of binoculars to take along on nature hikes—and each child can pick their favorite color! Amazon reviewer C. Henwood says, “I gave these to my 11 year old granddaughter when we went camping. She was thrilled because they really work, and are very realistic.”
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Nicon Aculon 8×42 Binoculars
If you’re just getting started as a beginning birding, or want a better look at the birds in your backyard, these binoculars are a great budget-friendly choice. They’re durable and easy to focus. Birds & Blooms senior digital editor Lori Vanover uses these to keep tabs on her bird feeders. Amazon reviewer Colette Cairns writes, “I am just getting into bird-watching, and I wanted binoculars that were not too heavy, not absurdly expensive, and had good viewing capabilities. This fit perfectly. I can walk around with them for hours and they aren’t burdensome. They fit my hands well, and I can quickly adjust the focus. I’m able to identify birds easily. Overall, I’m very happy with my purchase.”
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Vortex Optics Diamondback 8×42 Binoculars
For professional performance and sharp viewing of colorful warblers during spring migration, upgrade to these high-definition binoculars. They deliver top quality resolution, sharp focus and clear colors, so you’ll be able to identify more birds. Amazon reviewer Steven Pocock writes, “I find myself picking up birds much more easily, due to the super color rendition and easy focus.”
Occer 12×25 Compact Binoculars
These lightweight binoculars (the #1 best selling bins on Amazon!) offer 12x magnification and are small enough to hold in one hand, making them a good choice for people on the go—keep them in your glove box so they’re always handy. You can use these for sightseeing, watching sporting events and more. Reviewer Carl Underwood says he was, “really impressed with the optical quality of these…After seeing how good these were, I ordered another pair.”
