Optics4Birding
Optics4Birding carries the largest selection of binoculars found anywhere. We’re serious about providing birders,
wildlife researchers, sports fans, and outdoor enthusiasts with the equipment they need to get the most out of their
activities. We carry the top brands at a range of price points, making our selection the ideal choice for people on
a tight budget or those looking for top of the line binoculars.
Binocular Brands We Carry
Optics4Birding offers our customers a wide selection of binoculars, from budget-oriented models to precision optics
choices from some of the most respected manufacturers in the binocular industry. Our company staff uses the birdwatching
binoculars we offer to enjoy the outdoors, and that gives us a solid understanding of the brands and models we have for
sale in our online storefront. We proudly carry brands like:
How Do I Choose Binoculars?
A common question we get from our customers is “Which binoculars should I buy?” With so many choices and so many uses,
this is not an easy question to answer. Selecting a pair of birding binoculars is not the same as choosing the right
stargazing binoculars. Customers should have an idea of what activities they will use the optics for, the conditions they
expect to find out in the field, what features are desired, and the budget one has to spend on optics.
Binoculars are divided into two major types:
Porro prism binoculars – porro prism binoculars use triangular-shaped internal glass prisms to reflect the image twice before
exiting the binocular body. These binoculars are less expensive to manufacture than other types, but exhibit great optical
qualities for those on tight budgets. Their drawbacks are that they tend to be heavier less durable than other types and harder
to waterproof. Good examples are the child-friendly
Kowa YF II 6x30 binoculars or
the Pentax Papillio II 6.5x21 reverse
porro prism binoculars, which are designed for getting close-up views of butterflies and other insects.
Roof prism binoculars – roof prism binoculars use polygon-shaped internal glass prisms where two of the faces meet at a 90-degree
angle. For the same optical quality, binoculars equipped with these prisms tend to be substantially lighter and more durable. Roof prisms
are found in the most expensive binocular brands and models due to their tendency toward improved optical clarity and image reproduction.
Some good examples of more expensive roof prism binoculars include the
Zeiss Victory SF 10x42
binoculars or the
Swarovski NL Pure 8x42 Binoculars.
Binoculars come with power ratings – or the magnification they possess. The higher the magnification, the more detailed images a user can view.
Higher numbers also mean a narrower field of view. Low power binoculars are great for wide viewing areas but at the expense of detail and low
light performance.
A specification important to birders, butterfly observers, and dragonfly observers is close focus ability. When you’re looking at small things it helps to
get as close as possible. Most birders and all insect viewers prefer binoculars with a close focus around 6 feet or less. An excellent close focus binocular
is the Kowa BD II XD 8x32 Prominar Binoculars with
a close focus of 4.25 ft.
Another phrase you might hear is “exit pupil”. This is the size of the image at the focusing point of the binocular, and is calculated by dividing
the objective lens size by the magnification. Larger exit pupils make it easier to keep the image over your pupils if your hands are shaky or you are
on rough water.
There are many other aspects involved in choosing binoculars, such as their waterproofing, the optical coatings, ease of focus, and eye relief or the
distance at which the binoculars are designed to be held away from the eye. Longer eye relief models are great for users who wear eyeglasses.
What About Binocular Accessories?
To get the most out of your new binoculars, Optics4Birding carries an impressive selection of binocular accessories. Choose from our range of
binocular cases, carrying straps and harnesses,
tripod mounts, and miscellaneous accessories
like doublers, compass illuminators, and more. Accessories such as these improve carrying comfort and help protect your expensive binoculars from damage during travel.
With our range of accessories, it is easy to choose the equipment you need to keep your binoculars safe and functional for many years of use in the field, on the water,
or at the sports park.
The Optics4Birding Difference
No other company offers the selection, the pricing, and the variety of binocular that Optics4Birding carries. We are serious about outdoor activities like birding,
wildlife observation, and sporting events, and we are committed to providing our customers with the best equipment at the most competitive prices. Our company has
developed a reputation for quality that is backed by some of the most outstanding customer service in the optics industry. Optics4Birding stands behind every product
we sell with our signature no-hassle return policy and our easy-to-use online shopping storefront.
In addition to our selection and service, Optics4Birding proudly offers our customers our exclusive Price Guarantee. We will meet or beat any advertised price from
an authorized dealer on the same item. Best of all, most orders ship free!