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Good Binoculars for Bird Watching

Diehard bird watchers will tell you the most important birding tool is a reliable set of binoculars. Good binoculars are a key to watching and identifying birds properly. Binoculars are labeled with two numbers separated by an "X." The first number represents the magnification of the binoculars and the second number is the diameter of the front lens. The second number is important because the larger the diameter, the more light that is let in and the brighter the image. There are a wide variety of binoculars, but some come highly recommended.

Bushnell 8x40 Natureview Binoculars
- Bushnell's Natureview Binoculars are highly recommended because of their quality and reasonable price. Natureview binoculars come with fully-coated lenses and 12 mm eye relief, providing extra comfort for those who wear glasses. With eight times magnification and an affordable price of around $60, as of 2011, it is hard to find a better pair of binoculars for the beginning bird watcher. On the downside, they are not waterproof or fog proof.
Bushnell 12x25 Powerview Compact Binoculars
- These Bushnell compact binoculars may be smaller, but they provide 12 times magnification. Their size means they are easy to carry and store in bags, but the smaller diameter of the front lens creates a darker, unclear image. The higher magnification makes them harder to control, so those with unsteady hands may want to look elsewhere. Bushnell's Powerview binoculars sell for $30, as of 2011.
Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 Binoculars
- Nikon Monarch ATB 10x42 Binoculars may be pricey, at around $470 in 2011, but they give you a lot of bang for the buck. The binoculars are waterproof, fog proof and shock-resistant, making them reliable in any environment. With 10 times magnification and phase-corrected prisms, they provide a high-quality image of every bird you see.
Canon 10x30 Image Stabilization Binoculars
- Holding binoculars steady in the field isn't easy. Canon Image Stabilization Binoculars solve that problem by including horizontal and vertical gyroscopes to detect motion and a micro computer that adjusts light refraction so the image always appears stable. The binoculars are lightweight, but require a battery to operate the image stabilization. With a hefty price tag of almost $900, as of 2011, they are designed for the bird-watching enthusiast or those looking to upgrade to a pricier pair of binoculars.
Minolta Activa 8x40 WP.FP Binoculars
- Minolta Activa 8x40 WP.FP Binoculars offer all-purpose viewing for a $300 price tag, as of 2011. Minolta Activas provide a high-quality image not available in many other sets in the same category. With a large front lens and wide eye cups, they give the birder very bright, clear images. They are among the most durable binoculars you can find. They are also waterproof and fog proof. The one drawback is that they are slightly heavier than many other brands.

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