Best Birding Binoculars

Below are what birders have considered to be the best birding binoculars currently on the market based on quality and cost. Any of the binoculars listed here will be suited well for most types of bird watching, whether it be for general backyard bird watching, on bird watching tours, viewing songbirds or raptors, these will suit most birding activities.

Nikon Monarch Binoculars

For a mid-range priced of birding binoculars, you really cannot beat the Nikon Monarch 8x42 ATB Binoculars

Features:

• New dielectric high-reflective multilayer prism coating for brighter, crisper images
• 100% Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof
• ATB - All-Terrain-Binocular is Rubber Armored & Ulta-Rugged for Outdoor Use
• Phase-Corrected Prisms
• Lightweight and ergonomic construction for comfortable use

For all the above features which are usually found in more expensive binoculars, the Nikon Monarchs are one of the best birding binoculars around. 

Our Review:
Here's our personal Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Best Birding Binoculars Review.

Another User Review of Nikon Monarchs:

"I use my binoculars primarily for watching and identifying migrating hawks. I found the Monarch ( to be of excellent value as they are light enough so they are not bothersome ---they are easily adjustable ---but best of all they show a large degree of brightness ----I would definitely recommend them." -Ginny from Barrington, Rhode Island

Nikon Action Binoculars

For a low-priced or "cheap" pair of binoculars without compromising too much quality, you must go with the Nikon Action Extreme ATB 8x40 Binoculars

Features:

• Waterproof/Fogproof/Shockproof
• Multi-layered, anti-reflective coatings on lenses
• BaK4 high-index prisms for maximum light transmission
• Aspherical lenses eliminate virtually all distortion
• Wide Field of View 429 Ft.

So why are these cheaper than the Nikon Monarch's?  These are porro prism binoculars whereas the Monarchs are roof prism which makes them a little more expensive (Porro vs Roof Prism Binocular Design). The porro prism makes these binoculars a little more heavy, weighing 30.1 oz versus the Monarch's weight at 21.3 oz. You can see the shape difference by comparing the photos of each above.

So if you don't mind a little more weight and a slightly more bulky design, these are a great pair of cheap binoculars for bird watching.

User Review of Nikon Action Extreme Binoculars:

"We ordered one pair, and liked it so much that we ordered a second pair. We use our binoculars for close and long-distance bird watching. We have lots of hawks, gulls and water birds, and also the typical bird feeder variety.
These binoculars have great clarity, and are perfect for our needs." -Deb & Bill from Mays Landing, NJ

Swarovski EL Binoculars

For top of the line, spare-no-expense, the Swarovski 10x42 EL SwaroVision Binoculars (Free Next Day Air) are a birder's dream come true.

Features:

• Best of the Best Award for 2010
• SWAROTOP anti-reflective coatings, SWARODUR scratch-resistant coatings and SWAROBRIGHT mirror prism coatings for ultimate brightness, contrast and natural color, especially at dusk.
• Fluoride containing HD glass allows for the truest possible color.
• Redesigned, smooth and tolerance-free focus mechanism
• Extremely durable and lightweight housing of magnesium alloy, an aerospace material.
• Unique, wrap-around grip. Non-slip rubber armoring, which is comfortable to handle even in cold weather.

User Review of Swarovski EL 10x42 SwaroVision Binoculars:

"This is simply the best optics that money can buy for a pair of binocular. Image is bright and color is vivid. I cannot find any aberration. I can see the brillant yellow spots on a pair of butterflies flying in twenty to thirty feet away from me. The color just jumps out, it was amazing!" - Dan Ng Khan

So that is our top three best birding binoculars based on review from bird watchers and our personal use.

Summary of Top 3 Best Birding Binoculars

Nikon Monarch 8x42 ATB - Best Mid-Priced Binoculars. Roof prism, lightweight, ergonomic design, high-quality lenses give bright, clear images. View all current Nikon Monarch Binoculars with side-by-side comparison table.

Nikon Action Extreme 8x40 ATB - Best Low-Priced Birding Binoculars. Good viewing, just a little bulky & heavier than more expensive binocs. You can read more about the different sizes and reviews here at the Nikon Action Binoculars page.

Swarovski EL SwaroVision 10x42 - Best High-Priced Binoculars. Simply the best of the best. Highest quality optics, nice feel, all the bells & whistles to make an excellent pair of birding binoculars.

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Nikon Monarch's - Best Binoculars for Bird Watching Based on Quality & Price	Keeps Squirrels Out, No Batteries, Easy Adjustable Spring, Won Best New Product Award	Excellent Illustrations & Unique System For Easier Bird ID. Eastern/Central, Western & N.A. Editions
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