Beginner guide

Binoculars: how to choose your first pair

Binoculars matter more than any other gear. The good news: you do not need an expensive pair to start.

What the numbers mean

In 8x42, the 8 is the magnification and the 42 is the diameter of each front (objective) lens in millimeters. Bigger lenses gather more light; more magnification brings birds closer but shows more hand shake and a narrower view.

Why 8x42 is the classic first pair

• 8x is steady enough to hold by hand and wide enough to find a moving bird fast.
• 42 mm lenses stay bright at dawn and dusk.
• 10x42 suits open country, shorebirds and hawks, if your hands are steady.
• Compact 8x32 pairs are lighter for travel and still bright in daylight.

Features worth paying for

• Close focus under about 2 meters for butterflies and nearby birds.
• Wide field of view, so you can find birds quickly.
• Waterproof and fog-proof (nitrogen or argon filled).
• Eye relief of about 15 mm or more if you wear glasses, with twist-down eyecups.
• Phase-coated roof prisms give sharper, higher-contrast views.

How to use them

Keep your eyes on the bird, then raise the binoculars into your line of sight without looking away. Set the diopter once for your right eye, and use the strap.

Questions people ask

What does 8x42 mean on binoculars?

8x is the magnification and 42 is the diameter of each objective lens in millimeters.

Is 8x or 10x better for birdwatching?

Most beginners do best with 8x: a steadier image, a wider field of view and easier tracking. 10x helps for distant birds in open country.

Do I need waterproof binoculars for birding?

It is strongly recommended. Waterproof, fog-proof binoculars survive rain, dew and temperature changes that fog cheaper pairs.

Further reading: Audubon: how to choose binoculars