Being Ojective About Binoculars

Here's the remainder of the information you might need to have in order to buy those new binoculars you have been wanting.

Brightness

You've got your bird in your binoculars, but just what color is he?

Brightness is given in that second number in the details, 8x40. This number is called the objective. The larger the objective, the more light will be allowed in and the more detail you can see on the birds.

So do you need the biggest number you can get? No. Think about the times you will normally be looking at birds. If you look at them in bright sunlight fairly close, then binoculars with an objective lens of 35 will be fine.

If you like to go out at dusk or into the shady areas with deep shadows, the difference between 30mm and 50mm will be very apparent. Many different coats of compounds on the lens do improve visibility, but can make your binoculars cost the moon. Forget any pair that a company tries to sell you on their wonderful "relative" brightness. That's just a scam.

Other factors

You also need to be aware that putting binoculars close to your eyes will cause you to blink and can cause eyestrain. They make eyecups from 10mm to 15mm and of different widths that will help relieve this. You should try the binoculars on for size to see if the eyecups are comfortable. Also people with glasses, be sure the eyecups retract or roll down.

Next comes the weight of the binoculars. These things can get heavy to hold up to your eyes and even heavier to wear around your neck for hours on end. Check to see how they feel in your hand and put them around your neck. If necessary you can get a special strap to wear around your neck. But check the weight. It should be listed.

Then comes durability. First of all waterproof binoculars are very expensive. Binoculars are not waterproof unless you spend a fortune on ones full of nitrogen, which has no latent water vapor to condense on the internal optics or foster the growth of mold or fungus. (Yuck.) Anyway, that means don't drop non-waterproof binoculars in the water. However, you can get water-resistant ones for less. This is supposed to be a good compromise.

Finally, you might unexpectedly drop them or fall wearing them. To make sure you have a good pair look for the ones that are well sealed and say they are cushioned. This is worth the extra price.

So what do you want?

The bottom line is that there isn't just one right pair of binoculars out there, just like there aren't just one right pair of shoes for everyone. You have to try on each pair and compare for yourself.

I found prices ranging from $1 to $1,000 for binoculars on the Internet; but remember that you get what you pay for, at least up to maybe $200-$400. I think you could get a nice pair for around $35- $75. Check Wal-Mart and Radio Shack.

When you get that pair of binoculars, you will really begin the adventure of seeing what all there is in our own backyard. But remember, don't put them away in your bedroom with your field guide. Put them both near your backdoor.