With the spring migration beginning, it’s time to consider investing in new binoculars. This is a proposition that can be presented in a daunting light. Careful consideration should be given to whether you are a new birder or one who has spent some time in the field and gained some experience. The field of optics is quite wide and the number of products is considerable. How do you choose a binocular? Here are my suggestions.
First, determine how and under what circumstances you will use your new binoculars. If you’re going to be hiking, full-size binoculars are worth considering. However, if you are a backpacker or will be doing your birding by bike, then you may want to consider medium sized or even compact binoculars. If you bird watch by sitting in a favorite spot, then the larger binoculars might be your choice. Size matters when considering the mode of birding. The size is dictated by the objective lens. Generally, if the objective lens is 50mm, it is considered a large binocular; if it’s 42mm, it’s full size; if it’s 32mm, it’s a medium size. Finally, compacts have objective lenses that are 25mm or smaller.
The size of the binoculars will likely affect how they feel in your hands. One must consider the ergonomics of their choice. In other words, is the model you are examining the correct weight? Are you comfortable holding the binoculars to your eyes?
Along with the size of the lens is the light gathering ability of the lens and the field of view. Of course, larger lenses tend to collect more light. The most important consideration should be the field of view. Those new to the game should consider getting a pair of binoculars that have a large field of view. Field of view is often expressed in feet visible at 1000 yards. For example, the Vortex Diamondback has one of the largest fields of view for its lens size, 420 feet. at 1000 yards.
One of the most significant advances in optics is in protection against water and fog. This has been accomplished in two ways. The first of which is to change the design of the prism. Roof prism binoculars are much easier to protect against water and fog due to internal focusing. The older porro prism design is externally focused and therefore not easily protected against water or fog. The other facet of the test is the gas used to purge the binocular.
Two gases are currently being used, nitrogen and argon.
Nitrogen and oxygen, if you remember, are the main components of air. Oxygen is the active ingredient, while nitrogen is not. This basic chemistry is the reason nitrogen is chosen as the purging agent in many models. However, the real breakthrough is in the use of argon. The Argon Binocular is the newest class of binoculars. Argon is a member of the Noble Gases. The noble gases were at one time called the inert gases due to their inability to react. In fact, they are so unreactive that it wasn’t until the 20th century that they were discovered. The point is that argon is now used because it does not attack the o-rings or seals on the binocular, allowing for excellent protection against water and fog and extending the life of your binocular.
One more word… in my opinion, one should be prepared to buy a binocular worth their efforts. Spend the money on a pair of binoculars that you can afford. Don’t waste your hard-earned money on a cheap pair of shoes. This advice is given along the same lines as buying as much house as you can afford. Let’s be honest; You are going to own these binoculars for a long time. You want to be able to see the bird clearly and easily. You want to become an expert in correctly identifying a bird. Therefore, you need to be able to see it in all conditions, including some adverse situations. Your willingness to increase your budget will often provide you with a return in the return on your purchase.
We hope these tips will be of benefit to you. Enjoy your new binoculars and spend as much time as you can in the field.