Binoculars for Birdwatching 2024: Jungle Gyaan Edition

Many birding enthusiasts on our tours ask, “What binoculars should I buy?”

Today’s Jungle Gyaan blog dives into the world of binoculars, helping you find the perfect pair for your next birding adventure with Jungle Buddies Tours!

Types of Binoculars:

• Porro Prism Binoculars: Traditional design, wider field of view, good light transmission (especially in low light). They’re portable but slightly heavier.
• Roof Prism Binoculars: Modern, sleek design, comfortable to carry. They can be more expensive and have a slightly narrower field of view and potentially less light transmission.

Understanding Binocular Numbers (e.g., 8×42):

The first number (like 8x) indicates magnification power. The second number (like 42) is the objective lens diameter in millimetres (mm), affecting how much light enters.

Pro Tip: Avoid 12x binoculars. They’re heavier and can be shaky while focusing.

Objective Lens Size Guide:

• 32mm: Great for daytime birding.
• 42mm: Good balance for day and low-light visibility.
• 50mm or larger: Excellent for low-light birding, but bulkier.

Beyond Magnification and Lens Size:

• Eye Relief: The distance between your eye and the eyepiece for comfort. If you wear glasses, choose binoculars with at least 10-12mm of eye relief.
• Focusing Options: Central focus adjusts clarity for both eyes with one knob. Individual focus eyepieces allow fine-tuning for each eye.

Jungle Buddies Experts recommend the following Binoculars for birding:

Starting Your Birding Journey:

• Olympus 8×40 S: Best for beginners (affordable, decent image quality).
• Olympus 10×50 S: Affordable option.
• Solognac Wildlife Binoculars 100 10×42: Affordable option by Decathlon with good features.

Ready to Level Up?

• Nikon Prostaff Series: Excellent roof prism binoculars in various ranges (like 3s, 5s, 7s) with options like 8×42 and 10×42.

For the Discerning Birder:

• Swarovski EL Range 8×32: Top-of-the-line optics, lightweight, compact.
• Zeiss Conquest HD 8×42: Superb image quality, wide field of view, very durable.

Pro Tip: Try Before You Buy! If possible, visit a store and test different binoculars to see which feels most comfortable.

We hope this Jungle Gyaan helps you choose the perfect binoculars for your birding adventures!

Happy birding from Jungle Buddies Tours!