Best Overall - Nocs!
The 8 best bird-watching binoculars—for beginners and enthusiasts
Ready to improve your bird-watching skills with a new pair of binoculars, but overwhelmed by the different price tags and features? We've got you covered.
ByAbigail Bassett
March 27, 2024
https://www.nationalgeographic.com/lifestyle/article/best-binoculars-for-bird-watching
Bird-watching, or birding, is one of the fastest-growing hobbies in the United States, thanks in part to the pandemic. According to a 2022 survey by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, more than a third of Americans have taken up the pastime.
While you can observe birds without any special equipment, a good pair of binoculars for bird watching can help enhance the experience. With so many great options out there, it’s important to know what to look for.
“The biggest error that people make when buying binoculars for birding is that they choose ones that are far too small and are ill suited for their needs,” says Martha Harbison, the National Audubon Society’s senior network content editor in charge of testing binoculars. “Be mindful that you might have to spend a little money in order to get a pair that is decently useful to you. If you don't wear glasses, that’s going to be slightly under $100. If you do wear glasses, it's going to be slightly over $100, at least for an entry-level set.”
Generally, binoculars can cost anywhere from the mid $100s to over $2,000 with a wide range of features. Harbison recommends trying as many binoculars for bird-watching as you can to find the right fit for your eyes, body, and needs.
Our top pick for best bird-watching binoculars are the Nocs Provision Field Issue binoculars. This pair offers the features birders of any level need at a relatively affordable price. We also looked at other binoculars, weighing them for price, features, and ease of use. Read on for more.
Our picks for best bird watching binoculars
• Best overall bird-watching binoculars: Nocs Field Issue Binoculars
• Best budget bird-watching binoculars: Tasco Essentials
• Best for bird-watching binoculars beginners: Nikon Prostaff P3
• Best pocket-sized birding binoculars: Swarovski Optiks Curio CL
• Best bird-watching binoculars for low light: Vortex UHD
• Best smart binoculars for bird watching: Swarovski Optik AX Visio
• Best image stabilizing binoculars for bird watching: Canon IS
• Best water-resistant binoculars for bird watching: Leica Noctivid
Best overall binoculars for bird watching: Nocs Provisions Field Issue Binoculars
Check the price at Nocs
Why we like it: Nocs’ Field Issue binoculars are affordable, compact, and waterproof to a depth of about three feet, according to the company. This model combines the same high-quality optics as the Nocs Pro Issue binoculars with the compact size and durability of the company’s Standard Issue binoculars. It comes in two sizes (8x32 and 10x32), with a comfortable rubberized exterior in multiple colors, a cleaning cloth, and a strap.
The Audubon Society loans Field Issue binoculars during events for their ease of use, ruggedness, and good magnification, says Harbison. The Field Issue binoculars are also one of National Geographic’s top travel essentials, as a great option for beginners or those on a budget.
Keep in mind: The Field Issue’s 32 mm objective lens diameter may not offer enough visibility in low light conditions, such as early morning, when wildlife tend to be most active. Harbison points out that the eye relief might cause some trouble for those who wear glasses because they only offer 16.8 mm of distance, making it challenging for glasses wearers to see through them. Some reviews mention that images can be a bit soft at the outer edges of the viewfinder.
Product details: Weight: 16.7 oz | Foot field of view: Up to 315ft @ 1000yd (10x32) | Foot close focus: 9.3 ft | Millimeter eye relief: 16.8 mm | Objective lens diameter: 32 mm | Magnification: 8x or 10x
