Best Binoculars for Bird Watching

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology does an extensive review of binoculars for bird watching. Below are the top picks of their most recent review.

Features that were rated include price, quality, weight, close focus, field of view, image quality, and overall feel. We have summarized their best birding binoculars into price categories below.  If you can afford a little extra, the mid-price range bird watching binoculars, the Nikon Monarch's, are your best bet considering performance, quality and price.

Best Binoculars for Bird Watching by Price:

Economy Binoculars (under $200)

The Nikon Action Extreme 7x35 ATB Binoculars was the best quality binoculars in the economyNikon 7x35 Action Extreme Binoculars group.

The field of view is exceptionally wide, is 100% waterproof/fogproof and has rubber armoring for those of us who occasionally bang or drop our bins when we get excited seeing a new bird!

Can't beat this one for the price and quality. Well reviewed and a best seller at Binoculars.com. You can read more about the different sizes and reviews here at our Nikon Action Binoculars page.

Mid-Price Binoculars ($200-500)

The Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Binoculars w/ Dielectric Coating actually came in second place to the Katmai 6x32 in the mid-price class, but Cornell advised that the Monarch's are actually better binoculars for bird watching.Nikon 8x42 Monarch ATB

The low magnification of the Leupold (6x) is limiting for bird watching, good for butterfly viewing.

The Monarch's are lightweight, waterproof, and very comfortable. Many of the reviewers thought they were just as good as binoculars 2-3x more in price.

Review:
And here's our Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Binoculars Review.

Top Affordable Binoculars ($500-$1,000)

Cornell was disappointed with what was out there in this category. They noted that the binoculars for bird watching tested in this group did not rate any higher than the top-ranked, less expensive models.

You're better off with the Nikon Monarch ATB 8x42 Binocularsthan the Nikon 8x32 HG DCF which was at the top in this class. The HGs have a slightly wider field of view and closer focus, but image quality is not any better than the Monarch's.

Top Gun Most Expensive Binoculars (over $1,000)

The Zeiss Victory 8x42 FL scored the highest in theZeiss 8x42 FL T w/pouch - Black "Top Gun", best of the best category. It scored the highest for overall quality, producing clear, bright, crisp, near perfect images.

If you can afford it, you can't go wrong with the Zeiss Victory FL 8x42

Dr. Keith Hunziker's review of the Zeiss:

"I have used binoculars for outdoor pursuits for over 50 years now. I currently own both Leitz and Swarovski binoculars in 7 power and they are optically superb products.

Long story short, several of (Cornell's) perennial binocular favorites all earned "excellent" ratings, but the binocular that earned top rating, and was ostensibly considered the finest binocular they had ever tested, was the Zeiss 8X42 T* FL.

When I had an opportunity to look through them outside of a local sporting goods store in the rural area where I live, I was immediately taken by their incredible clarity and image quality. But what really drew me to them was the absolutely perfect eye relief distance. They simply got it right and I have never been able to say that about any other brand, regardless of price or prestige. I bought them on the spot and "have never looked back!" I consider them one of the finest investments I have ever made. "

Best Price for Zeiss Victory FL 8x42

Also look at our New Swarovski SLC Binoculars Review

Here are current ebay auctions for the .

Binocular Auctions

Take advantage of auctions for great deals on binoculars and scopes. Just remember to check seller's feedback, ask questions, and stick with name brands for quality.



Bird Watching Binoculars 101 and Birding Binoculars 102
Learn how to choose the best binoculars for bird watching. Learn more about binoculars and their features before making a purchase.

Spotting Scopes 101 and Spotting Scope 102
Learn about the different features of spotting scopes and which are best for birding.

For additional information about the ratings, go to Cornell's Picks of the Best Binoculars for Bird Watching.

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