If you’re new to birding or are thinking of upgrading an old pair of binoculars, the basic birding binoculars would be 7 to 10 power with an aperture of 35 to45 mm. This will get you close enough to the bird without adding an unmanageable amount of jiggle. Remember, the higher the magnification, the harder it is to hold them steady. An aperture of 35 to 45 mm will allow enough light to enter the binoculars to give a clear, sharp image even in the early morning or late afternoon.

Here are three of the best binoculars for bird watching based on optical quality, durability, and overall value:

Under $100

Alpen Pro 317 Binoculars 8 x 42

BAK4 optics for bright, clear, high resolution images, multi-coated optics, long eye relief, wide angle viewing,  ergonomic styling for comfort and tireless use, rubber armoring for durability and protection, twist up adjustable eye cups, durable and stylish carrying case. Premium extra wide neck strap and Alpen’s lifetime warranty.

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PRODUCT FEATURES: BAK4 optics for clear, bright, high resolution images
Multi-coated optics
Wide angle viewing
Long eye relief
Ergonomic styling for tireless use and comfort
Rubber armoring for protection and durability
Soft rubber rain guards
Fold down eye cups
Stylish and durable carrying case
Premium extra wide neck strap
ALPEN’s lifetime warranty

Customer Review

“This is a great bino for the money. Works great with eyeglasses. Wide field of view allows me to find and track birds and butterflies more easily than with my narrower FOV binos. I really enjoyed using them for the first time this evening watching groups of vultures and a hawk soar in the sky. Twist down eye cups function nicely. Color and finish of these binos appear better in hand than as shown in picture. Not as sleek and light as my 8×42 roof prism binos, but not too heavy or awkward either. Optical quality impressive considering price. No CA that I could detect. Based on this experience, I would try other Alpen products.”

- MCO, Sparta, NJ

Customer Review

“There are so many good things to say about the Alpen model 317.The brightness-multi-coating gives a very bright image even on cloudy days-the twist up eye cups-All focusing wheels turn very smoothly just to mention a few. I did not expect to get this much quality for the price.”

-Cap Portzer, Ashtabula, Ohio

Customer Review

“BEST BINOCULAR EVER HAD FOR USE WITH GLASSES”

- Dave, Vacaville, CA

Customer Review

“If you have only used someone else’s cheap pair of binoculars, as I have, you’re going to be very pleasantly surprised at the huge difference these binoculars make. I wanted a quality pair without a big pricetag. I like to kayak and hike, so rugged and waterproof were a must.  They are crystal clear with a fairly wide field of vision and the neck strap is very comfortable which saves you from spending another $20 to replace the cheesy one that comes with most binoculars in this price range. I am extremely pleased with my purchase!”

- Maid Marion, Long Island, NY

List Price:$119.99 Sale Price:  $96.99 FREE SHIPPING

Under $300

Diamondback 10×42 Roof Prism Binocular

Superior quality, high-performance hunting optics can find their way around your neck for a surprisingly affordable price. The smooth focusing 10×42 Diamondback binocular takes you to the fine details you prize. Taking its lead from the Diamondback rattlesnake, this rugged binocular is striking in how well it detects life in low light. Look for a huge field-of-view—the largest in its class— with enhanced fully multi-coated optics, phase-corrected prisms, waterproof and fogproof construction, soft tapered eyecups, and rugged rubber armor. It’s all there in a Diamondback. Now you can use “wow!” and “thank you” in the same sentence.

Product Features:

• Rainguard Tethered objective lens covers

• Comfort neck strap

• Deluxe custom-molded carry case

• Fully Multi-Coated Lenses

• Multi-Position Eyecups

• Center Focus Wheel

• Right Eye Diopter

• Phase Correction

• Roof Prisms

• Rubber Armor

• Tripod Adaptable

• Waterproof & Fogproof

• Magnification: 10x

• Objective Lens Diameter: 42mm

• Eye Relief: 16 mm

• Exit Pupil: 4.2mm

• Linear Field of View: 345 feet/1000 yards

• Angular Field Of View: 6.6 degrees

• Close Focus: 5 feet

• Interpupillary Distance: 57-73 mm

• Height: 5.9 inches

• Width: 5.6 inches

• Weight: 24.4 ounces

Customer Review:

These are the best binoculars available in this price range. Period. A great value and better quality than optics costing up to 3 times as much. Can you sight in a .22 rifle at 100 yards (and clearly see the bullet holes) with YOUR binoculars? —- well… with these you CAN! Great warranty too. Fantastic product!

- Rob, Fairfield, CA

List Price:  $279.00 Sale Price: $229.99 FREE SHIPPING!

Under $1000

Teton Binoculars 8 x 42

Alpen’s 10×42 Teton binocular provides a super sharp and bright image using the latest coating and optical technology through BAK4 PXA phase coated, SHR metallic coated and fully multicoated optics. Teton binoculars also feature long eye relief which is great for eye glass wearers and allow you to see the full field of view even with glasses and are fully waterproof and fogproof. 17mm eye relief; 341 feet field of view; close focus of 6.8 feet; Multi-position Twist-lock eye cups. Includes carrying case and wide neck strap.

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Product Features:

• BAK4 prisms with SHR metallic coating for bright sharp high resolution images.
• Each air to glass surface is fully multi-coated for maximum brightness.
• PXA phase coating for outstanding clarity and contast.
• Long eye relief provides full viewing performance for eye glass wearers.
• Large eye piece elements for a full field view.
• Waterproof, sealed and nitrogen filled for guaranteed internal fog-free durability.
• Soft rubber eye piece rain guard and objective covers protect lenses from the elements.
• Premium quality carrying case and quick release neck strap system.
• Alpen’s lifetime warranty.

Customer Review

The Tetons are a new binocular line released by Alpen. This is a relatively high-end product for Alpen,  putting the Tetons right in the middle of the mid-price range bracket among optics. The Tetons are a roof prism design, and feature  SHR™ metallic coatings and PXA™ phase-coating which is great news for those who want to buy binoculars.

Like all Alpen roof prism models, the Tetons are made with BaK4 glass, and are sealed and nitrogen-purged to be waterproof, dust proof and internally fog proof. The Tetons are nicely balanced, and have a great feel in the hands.

- Optics for Birding, Irvine, CA

Customer Review

I have tried Steiner Merlins,Leupolds and Monarchs. But these Alpen Tetons are simply great. The focus wheels are smooth. The field of view is large and the view is crisp from edge to edge. Its like looking at everything in High Definition. The color of everything is rich in color. I will never go back to the ones I mentioned above.These simply are the best of the best,PERIOD!!!!!!

- Elevenpoint11, Spring, Tx

List Price:  $915.99 Sale Price: $737.99 FREE SHIPPING!