For nature and bird watching we recommend binoculars with at least a 30-50 mm front lens diameter. The magnification should be between 7 and 12 times. Any more than this makes no sense without a tripod. At lower magnification levels, you cannot see the plumage details that may be important for identification.
The use of special types of glass or lens structures reduces colour fringing and also makes it easier to recognize the object being observed. For detailed observing over longer distances, we recommend the additional use of a spotting scope.
Here you can find out which criteria we use to evaluate binoculars for nature or bird watching ...
Vixen
Image stabilized binoculars Atera II ED 16x50 WP
$ 1,770.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Talron HD 10x34
( 4 / 5 )
$ 99.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 10x56 ED
$ 399.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Talron HD 8x42
$ 129.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Celestron
Binoculars UpClose G2 10x50 Porro
$ 77.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Orange 8x42 monocular
$ 69.00
Sale price:
$ 49.90
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 12x50 ED
$ 389.00
Sale price:
$ 299.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Blackstar 10x42
$ 109.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Talron HD 8x34
$ 99.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Blackstar 2.0 10x50
$ 149.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Blackstar 2.0 8x42
$ 119.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Geovid Pro SE 10x42
$ 2,950.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 12x56 ED
$ 399.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 10x50 ED
$ 389.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Monocular Endurance ED 10x42 mono
$ 218.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Geovid R SE 8x56
$ 1,950.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 8x56 HD
$ 349.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Trinovid 8x32 HD
$ 1,140.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
EL 10x42 WB 3rd generation binoculars
$ 2,120.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Monocular Endurance ED 8x25 Mono
$ 136.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HDX 10x42
$ 1,480.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Victory SF 10x42 black
RRP:
$ 3,480.00
Our price:
$ 3,130.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Blackstar 8x42
$ 109.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Binoculars Frontier ED X 8x42 grey
RRP:
$ 800.00
Our price:
$ 720.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 10x42
$ 219.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Ultravid 10x42 HD-Plus
$ 2,680.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 8x56
$ 299.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Monocular Endurance ED 10x25 Mono
$ 148.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Victory 10x54 RF
RRP:
$ 4,710.00
Our price:
$ 4,240.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars NL Pure 8x42
$ 3,080.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Ultravid 12x50 HD-Plus
$ 3,070.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Blackstar 2.0 12x50
$ 149.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 10x56
$ 299.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars NL PURE 10X32 BURNT ORANGE-BLACK
$ 2,710.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HDX 8x42
$ 1,420.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars NL Pure 14x52
$ 3,760.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HDX 10x32
$ 1,180.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HDX 8x56
$ 1,830.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Brightsky ED-APO 22x70 - 90° + Case
RRP:
$ 2,289.00
Our price:
$ 2,190.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars NL Pure 10x52
$ 3,710.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 12x56
$ 299.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Binoculars Frontier APO 10x42 green
RRP:
$ 970.00
Our price:
$ 870.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 8x42 black/green
RRP:
$ 650.00
Our price:
$ 590.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
HAWKE
Monocular Nature-Trek 10x25 Mono
$ 117.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Omegon
Binoculars Hunter 2.0 12x50
$ 279.00
Sale price:
$ 199.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Vixen
Binoculars ARTES J 10x42 DCF
$ 690.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Geovid R SE 8x42
$ 1,770.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Geovid R SE 10x42
$ 1,770.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Opticron
Binoculars EXPLORER WA ED-R 8x32
$ 364.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Opticron
Binoculars Savanna R PC Oasis 8x33
$ 183.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Levenhuk
Binoculars 10x42 Guard PRO 3000
$ 590.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
APM
Binoculars MS 25x100 ED
$ 1,410.00
Product can be shipped as of 01.08.2025
Swarovski
Binoculars EL Range 10x42 TA green
$ 3,920.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars CL CURIO 7x21 black
$ 870.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Vixen
Binoculars ARTES J 8x42 DCF
$ 640.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Bresser
Binoculars Spezial Astro 25x70
$ 148.00
Product can be shipped as of 01.08.2025
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 8x32 Green
RRP:
$ 411.00
Our price:
$ 370.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
HAWKE
Monocular Endurance ED 8x42 Mono
$ 206.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Celestron
Binoculars Trailseeker ED 8x42
$ 600.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 10x42 black/green
RRP:
$ 710.00
Our price:
$ 640.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Helios Optics
Binoculars 10x50 Nitrosport Waterproof
$ 218.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
APM
Binoculars 70 SD 45° 1.25"
$ 2,360.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
CL 10x30 COMPANION binoculars, green, plus WILD NATURE accessory package
$ 1,470.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
HAWKE
Binoculars Frontier ED X 10x42 green
RRP:
$ 830.00
Our price:
$ 750.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
APM
Binoculars 23x100 SD APO UF24 45°
$ 3,520.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
APM
Binoculars 23x100 SD APO UF24 90°
$ 3,290.00
Product can be shipped as of 01.08.2025
Swarovski
Binoculars EL Range 10x32
$ 3,240.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
TS Optics
Binoculars 10x50 WP
RRP:
$ 211.00
Our price:
$ 194.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars NL Pure 12x42
$ 3,180.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Levenhuk
Binoculars Nitro ED 10x42
$ 206.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Vixen
Image stabilized binoculars 12x30 Atera II
$ 1,120.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Trinovid 10x42 HD
$ 1,360.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars EL Range 12x42 green
$ 4,420.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars EL Range 12x42 orange
$ 4,420.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Meopta
Binoculars Optika HD 10x42
( 4 / 5 )
RRP:
$ 435.00
RRP:
$ 435.00
Our price:
$ 391.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Nikon
Binoculars Aculon A211 8x42
$ 152.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Steiner
Binoculars Observer 10x42
RRP:
$ 446.00
Our price:
$ 402.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Meopta
Binoculars Meopro Optika LR 10x42
RRP:
$ 1,760.00
Our price:
$ 1,580.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
ZEISS
Binoculars Victory 10x42 RF
RRP:
$ 4,360.00
Our price:
$ 3,920.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 10x42 black
RRP:
$ 710.00
Our price:
$ 640.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars AX Visio 10x32
$ 4,970.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Helios Optics
Binoculars 8x42 ED WP6 Mistral
$ 256.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
APM
Binoculars MS 40x110 ED
$ 1,760.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
APM
Binoculars 100mm 45° ED APO 1,25"
$ 2,940.00
Product can be shipped as of 01.08.2025
Vanguard
Binoculars 8x32 Endeavor ED
$ 317.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Leica
Binoculars Noctivid 10x42
$ 3,180.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Victory SF 8x32
RRP:
$ 3,120.00
Our price:
$ 2,810.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
HAWKE
Binoculars Frontier ED X 8x42 green
RRP:
$ 800.00
Our price:
$ 720.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Meade
Binoculars 10x32 Rainforest Pro
$ 270.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars EL 10x50 WB 3. Generation
$ 3,220.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Nikon
Binoculars Monarch HG 10x42
RRP:
$ 1,360.00
Our price:
$ 1,220.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
HAWKE
Binoculars Frontier ED X 10x32 grey
RRP:
$ 780.00
Our price:
$ 700.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Levenhuk
Binoculars Sherman PLUS 7x50
$ 118.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 8x25 green
( 4 / 5 )
RRP:
$ 270.00
RRP:
$ 270.00
Our price:
$ 243.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Meade
Binoculars 8x32 Wilderness
$ 176.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Vixen
Binoculars Apex II 10x28
$ 293.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Vixen
Binoculars Apex J 10x42
$ 570.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Omegon
Binoculars Brightsky 22x70 - 45° + Case
RRP:
$ 1,689.00
Our price:
$ 1,590.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars NL Pure10x42
$ 3,130.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars SLC 10x56 W B
$ 2,650.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars CL Companion 10x30 anthracite + UJ Urban Jungle
$ 1,470.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars SFL 8x30
RRP:
$ 1,770.00
Our price:
$ 1,590.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Geovid Pro 8x42
$ 3,660.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Levenhuk
Binoculars Karma PRO 10x25
$ 142.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 8x32 Black
RRP:
$ 411.00
Our price:
$ 370.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Swarovski
Binoculars EL 8,5x42 WB 3. Generation
$ 2,070.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 10x50 Green
RRP:
$ 560.00
Our price:
$ 497.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HD 10x32
$ 1,180.00
Sale price:
$ 822.51
ready for shipping in 24
h
Bushnell
Binoculars Legacy 10x50
( 5 / 5 )
RRP:
$ 205.00
RRP:
$ 205.00
Our price:
$ 185.00
ready for shipping in 3-5
weeks
Nikon
Binoculars Action EX 7x50 CF WP
$ 258.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Levenhuk
Binoculars 12x42 Guard PRO 4000
$ 630.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
HAWKE
Binoculars Vantage 10x42
$ 258.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Ultravid 10x32 HD-Plus
$ 2,320.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Leica
Binoculars Geovid 10x42 R
$ 2,070.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Meopta
Binoculars Optika HD 8x42
RRP:
$ 411.00
Our price:
$ 370.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Victory HT 8x54
RRP:
$ 2,890.00
Our price:
$ 2,600.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Bresser
Binoculars 15x70 Spezial Astro SF
RRP:
$ 371.00
Our price:
$ 351.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Kahles
Binoculars HELIA RF 8x42
$ 1,590.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Barr and Stroud
Binoculars Series 5 ED 8x42
$ 404.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Barr and Stroud
Binoculars Sierra 10x50
( 5 / 5 )
$ 193.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 8x42 black
RRP:
$ 650.00
Our price:
$ 590.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 8x42 black/grey
RRP:
$ 650.00
Our price:
$ 590.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 8x56
RRP:
$ 570.00
Our price:
$ 510.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Geovid Pro 10x32 oliv
$ 3,340.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Leica
Binoculars Geovid Pro 10x42 Edition Orange
$ 4,060.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED 10x42 black/grey
RRP:
$ 710.00
Our price:
$ 640.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Barr and Stroud
Binoculars Sahara 10x50 FMC
$ 172.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Barr and Stroud
Binoculars Sierra 12x50
$ 199.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Leica
Binoculars Geovid Pro 8x42 Edition Orange
$ 4,060.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Celestron
Binoculars NATURE DX ED 8x42
$ 341.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
HAWKE
Binoculars Endurance ED 10x32 Green
RRP:
$ 423.00
Our price:
$ 381.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Levenhuk
Binoculars Nelson 8x30
$ 171.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Vixen
Binoculars Ascot 8x32 ZWCF
$ 293.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Swarovski
Binoculars CL Pocket 10X25 Anthracite Mountain
$ 940.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Vixen
Binoculars ATREK II 10x32 DCF
$ 293.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Terra ED Compact 8x32 black/green
RRP:
$ 590.00
Our price:
$ 530.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Meade
Binoculars 10x25 Wilderness
$ 141.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
ZEISS
Binoculars Conquest HDX 8x32
$ 1,120.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Nikon
Binoculars Aculon A211 10x50
$ 176.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Swarovski
Binoculars MY Junior 7x28 jungle green
$ 520.00
ready for shipping in 24
h
Bresser
Binoculars 15x70 NightExplorer
RRP:
$ 590.00
Our price:
$ 352.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Steiner
Binoculars Ranger Xtreme 10x42
RRP:
$ 970.00
Our price:
$ 870.00
ready for shipping in 3-7
days
Bresser
Binoculars Spezial Astro SF 20x80 ED
RRP:
$ 1,110.00
Our price:
$ 1,040.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
Vanguard
Binoculars 8x42 Endeavor ED
$ 352.00
ready for shipping in 1-2
weeks
What is important when selecting binoculars for bird watching?
The "very good" rating for binoculars is achieved if they meet the following points:
- The magnification should not be less than or greater than 8 – 12 times
- The front lens diameter should be at least 40 mm
- An exit pupil of 4 mm or more provides sufficient brightness to sufficiently recognize plumage details at dawn or dusk
- The field of view should not be less than 110 m, so that you can also easily catch birds in flight
- The close focus must not exceed 3 metres
- In addition, the binoculars should be waterproof and use high-quality lens material to minimize image errors
- Irritating elements, such as a compass or reticle, reduce the rating by one point
For a "good", binoculars must achieve these values:
- Magnification: 7 – 12 times
- Front lens diameter: min. 32 mm
- Exit pupil: min. 3 mm
- Field of view: min. 100 m
- Close focus: max. 5 m
For a "medium" we will accept:
- Magnification: 7 – 15 times
- Exit pupil: min. 2.5 mm
- Close focus: min. 10 m
Binoculars that have too low or too high magnification levels, or whose exit pupil is less than 2.5 mm, or which cannot focus at a distance of 10 m, are "not recommended" by us for bird watching.
Of course, these binoculars can also be used to observe birds at the garden bird table, but for serious ornithology it is not advisable to use pocket binoculars or binoculars with single ocular focusing.