The Decision Making Process
The following describes the basic process of selecting binoculars. These steps are based on the recommendations of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
1. Determine how you will use your binoculars. Think about the ways you plan to use your binos. Will you watch birds? Do you plan to watch butterflies? How close do you plan to get to your subject? Do you need to see a high level of detail? Do you need to see a large area of landscape? Understanding how you intend to use your binoculars is necessary before you can proceed with steps 2 and 3.
2. Determine the magnification you need: 7x, 8x, or 10x. This decision should be easier if you know exactly how you intend to use your binoculars. It's also down to a bit of personal preference. Whenever possible, test drive binoculars with different magnifications to see if they're right for you. Take a peak through a fellow birder's binos or visit an optics store and ask to peek through a range of magnifications.
3. Identify any features that are important to you. Do you want a wide field of vision? Do you need lightweight binoculars? Do you have glasses and need adjustable eye cups to obtain the appropriate eye relief? Do you plan to bird watch at dusk or in dim lighting conditions? Once you know what features are important to you, you can then weigh any trade-offs you'll need to make.
5. Determine what you're willing to spend. The money part, though painful, is simply another trade-off. Do you want to hand over extra cash to obtain more features? Do you want to wait and save some money until you can afford a certain pair of binoculars?
6. Narrow Your Search and Make Your Purchase. Make a shortlist of binoculars you're interested in. Be sure to read some reviews and to test drive the models on your shortlist before you make your purchase. After that, enjoy!
What to Do With Your Old Binoculars
In his article 'The Age of Binoculars', Kenneth V. Rosenberg, director of the Conservation Science program at the Lab of Ornithology, brings up a great idea for those of us replacing an old pair of binoculars:
"I ask you to consider the fate of your old optics. As birding and bird-conservation efforts flourish worldwide, ornithologists and birding guides throughout Latin America and the Caribbean often lack the means to purchase the basic tools of their trade."
If you would like to ensure your retired binoculars won't gather dust and will instead be put to good birding use, you can donate your binos via the American Birding Association’s Birders’ Exchange at www.americanbirding.org/bex or Optics for the Tropics at www.opticsforthetropics.org.
Postscript
I'd like to note that I've not yet purchased my new set of binoculars. So far, I've made it through Step 5. Determine what you're willing to spend. After weighing my options, I've decided to save up some more cash before I make my purchase. I'd prefer to wait and purchase a pair of binoculars that will last me decades than to purchase something that I will want to replace a few years down the road.
Sources
- Birding Binoculars and How They Work (Birdwatching.com)
- The Age of Binoculars (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- Binocular Prisms (Shaw Creek Bird Supply)
- Desperately Seeking Binos (Cornell Lab of Ornithology)
- Selecting Binoculars for Birding (Binoculars.org)
