Recommendations for Binoculars for use on bush walks and bird watching?

I'm looking for some recommendations for some binoculars.
My young fella has expressed interest in the local birds in the garden and has attempted to use his toy telescope to get a better view the birds.
We went on some local bush walk trails and some of the birds were pretty skittish and far away.

I'm looking for something not too heavy so a primary school aged kid could comfortably carry and use.

I'm hoping to spend less than $100 or maybe even have two pairs for not much more than that.

I wear glasses and would likely wear them while use the binoculars, my son doesn't wear glasses, so if it's quick to adjust between a glasses wearer and normal vision that would be a bonus.

Comments

  • +1

    Plenty around for the $100 to $150 mark. Buy Bushnell, Nikon or another name brand - don’t go cheap.
    The wider the front lens, the greater field of view and the more light they let in - but they are bulkier.
    10x40 are a good compromise IMO. Be a bit anal about using a proper lens cleaning cloth and try not to get these lower priced ones too wet and they’ll give you years of good service.

    • I have a nice Bushnell.. But definitely get small ones — they're cheaper and you're more inclined to take them with you

      • I have a nice Bushnell..

        😲

  • +1

    In the meantime, how about using the zoom on a mobile phone?

    • +1

      how about using the zoom on a mobile phone?

      Good suggestion…

    • Can't tell if this is a joke, or if you don't understand optical vs digital zoom, or if phones now are coming with enormous lenses compared to old phones.

      • What? I have a Samsung S21 and the zoom is amazing

      • Of course I understand digital vs optical zoom, however when you just want to look at a bird for a brief time, my suggestion is perfectly valid

        Plus, can snap a pic of said birdy at the same time

        Win win

        • Of course I understand digital vs optical zoom

          Lots of people don't seem to understand digital zoom was always just cropping.
          I see now they have a lot more post-processing effects and "ML" upscaling, so i'm still not sure if digital zoom is any better than 10 years ago, or if phone lenses are a lot better than they were.

          • @ssfps: Well for starters, the resolution is far better than 10yrs ago, so the end result after being cropped down will be far better

  • I wonder how long until Apple Vision like devices are normal and we have binocular zoom option built into them, would make bird watching a lot easier.

  • +1

    Always a good selection of secondhand on ebay at good prices.
    My preference would be for a very lightweight pair with roof prisms.
    E.g. https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/235034368532
    These are not as powerful as heavier pairs, but that makes them lighter and less ‘jittery’.
    But they won’t be as useful for distant observations.

  • Nikon Aculon 8x42 are a reasonable choice for a cheap but quality beginners binos. Should be readily available 2nd hand too

  • +1

    Vortex Vanquish 10x26

    More around $150-$200 on sale but absolutely fantastic binoculars. Light and compact, but superb quality optics. Highly recommended. Mine are getting a lot of use for whale watching at the moment..

    I have some cheaper Tasco and they aren't even half as good

  • +1

    You will have to check out eye relief if you want to wear glasses. The more eye relief the better. Aim for 16mm or more.

    https://ligo.co.uk/blog/what-is-eye-relief-on-binoculars/

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