[Chickensoup]

I know next to nothing about optics. I want to look at the birds more closely at the feeders at home. I will be looking through double paned windows. The feeders are four to ten feet away. Then there are the birds in the trees that are up to 25 feet away.

Any recommendations for binoculars? I wear glasses and am nearsighted.

I would appreciate any input. I think they are going to be my Christmas present to myself. That or a receiver for my old stereo that I am trying to resurrect. But that will be another thread!

Thank you all!

soup

[tumblindice]

http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=binoculars

[Paladin2]

Light gathering power, resolution, zoom function these days, start with a low priced version to see what you really need to get your “job” done well enough.

[SaxxonWoods]

No need to go expensive for this kind of use. Go to a store that carries binos and try a few.

[Doomonyou]

Burris has good optics.

[RedStateRocker]

I have a pair of these.
Good for the price”

http://www.bigbinoculars.com/2080lw.htm

[Freee-dame]

Bump to check later about binoculars.

[mad_as_he$$]

Do NOT buy Barska. If you have a big box sporting goods store go there. They will have many choices. Keep in mind if you are going to watch for a long periods of time weight is an issue. Here at ranch we prefer Leopold but Vortex is and acceptable alternative.

[raybbr]

I got a monocular. My eyes don’t work well together. It’s cheaper and easier to use.

[SES1066]

There are a lot of specifications but give all due consideration for comfort. A large pair may see better but be cumbersome and unwieldy in use. A small pair might be easier to use but can get lost in clutter or cushions. Try to find one that fits your hand, has accommodation for eyeglasses and has easy controls.

[Jaxter]

I’ve worn glasses for about 15 years and that’s a problem when using binoculars. There’s lots of telescopes out there that can be connected to a computer. You might try checking them out. They wouldn’t be much good when the birds are moving but would be great when they are sitting. You’d also be able to take pics and videos. Just a thought.

[Billthedrill]

Try to work a tripod into your budget, too. Set the binocs up pointing the right direction and focus on the feeders. Mine function just fine through double panes but you don't want to have to hold the dang things steady long enough to observe the birds, especially if you opt for a relatively heavy pair. Big objective lenses mean more light in. Too high a magnification means it jiggles a lot and your field of view is narrow - that may not be a big problem at your range, though. If the binocs are pretty much inside all the time you won't have to worry about waterproofing. Fun hobby!

An interesting alternative is a spotting scope - these are used in shooting to see your hits without having to go downrange. Big zoom, lots of light. Good luck!

[tumblindice]

PS Get a `real-deal’ harness for it, not just a neck strap that comes with it. Your neck will thank you!

[stillfree?]

I got the ones that freeze the image electronically. I have never been so amazed when using them. Made by Canon with “Image Stabilizer”.

[CGASMIA68]

ever consider a spotting scope? On a tripod in the window is great.
Go to a store and try a few

[Flycatcher]

I'm a professional bird surveyor. In the field, I use mid-quality, mid-priced binoculars. Right now, I'm using an Endeavor Vanguard model, 10x42. I think, though, I prefer my old Nikon Monarch bino. It's a great mid-quality bino at a decent price (under $200).

For your purpose, I would get an 8x42 pair. The field of range is broader and you won't notice a shake as much.

Nikon Monarch is the way to go. You can spend $500 more for a better optic, but why when you're only looking out your window?

[MistrX]

I have enjoyed my Leica binoculars for over 20 years.
If I were shopping today, I would consider image stabilization.

[zeebee]

First, the windows are going to take away a lot of the sharpness that the good optics of the binoculars can provide. And if the temperature is different outside/inside, you will lose even more.

Any binoculars over 8x power will be difficult to hand-hold steady for any length of time.

I would strongly recommend a spotting scope on a tripod. Of course 4-10 feet away might be too close for focus for even binoculars.

[Octar]

We have a Tasco 7x50 which was not expensive. I had the opportunity to try my friend’s Steiner $700 pair and I could see little, if any difference. So try some in the store and see what works for you. You don’t need to spend a lot to enjoy birdwatching.

[Comment Not Approved]

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004I8U226/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

If you are not in a hurry wait for the sale. I got mine in Sept for $86.00 delivered to the door. Fantastic optics even at this price.

[eartrumpet]

You need to go to a store and try out low powered models to see which will actually focus at 4 feet. Most need about 25 feet minimum distance to focus. I doubt you’ll need a harness for sitting on the couch. Vortex makes some good lower priced models with a lifetime warranty, I’m getting a 10x monocular for the boy’s Christmas gift. Thats for hunting at longer distances, not feeder work.

I use binoculars daily and lift up my glasses to use them with just my eyeballs. Works out better for me.