Best Telescopes & Gear For:

Birding

Birding

Birdwatching and astronomy are often hobbies that overlap, as the tools used for both are often the same. That said, there are some key equipment considerations to make when considering sports optics for birdwatching.

Portability and ease of use are often the most important considerations in birdwatching gear. Something that is easy to carry on the trail and setup and use quickly will improve your ability to observe your favorite feathered friend. As such, binoculars and spotting scopes typically make the best choices for birding equipment.

With binoculars, you usually want something hand-held that is easy to carry with you on your person using a harness or neck strap. For hand-held binoculars, we recommend not exceeding a magnification of more than about 8x or 10x. Anything above that is extremely difficult to hand-hold with any precision. In addition, choosing a pair of light weight binoculars will typically make your birdwatching excursions far more comfortable.

If you plan to set up in a stationary location to watch birds, such as a blind or observing deck, a spotting scope could be an excellent choice. While not necessarily ideal for hiking due to the extra weight and equipment required spotting scopes will allow significantly more magnification than binoculars. A spotting scope with minimal chromatic aberration would be most desirable (to avoid color fringing around high contrast targets such as dark birds on a bright sky background), though that will increase cost. 

Regardless of whether you choose binoculars or spotting scopes, we recommend getting equipment that is waterproof and fogproof, to allow for observing in all weather conditions.

Our Binocular Birding Recommendations:

Celestron Outland X 8x42
Celestron Trailseeker 8x42
Celestron Trailseeker ED 8x42
Pentax AD WP 8x25
Pentax ZD WP 8x43
Pentax ZD ED 8x43

Our Spotting Scope Birding Recommendations:

Celestron Regal M2 65
Celestron Regal M2 80
Pentax PF-65EDA Kit with Zoom Eyepiece
Pentax PF-80EDA Kit with Zoom Eyepiece

One of the best parts about birdwatching gear is that it generally isn’t limited to use ONLY for birdwatching.  They can be used at things like sporting events, the theater, and for astronomical observation, as well! If you have questions about what equipment might suit your needs best, give us a call or come by the store and we’ll happily help you get set up with the perfect spotter or pair of binoculars.

OUR RECOMMENDATIONS FOR Birding

  • Celestron
    $64.95
    save $-64.95
  • Celestron
    $849.95
    save $-849.95
  • Celestron
    $599.95
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  • Celestron
    $379.95
    save $-379.95
  • Celestron
    $279.95
    save $-279.95
  • Pentax
    $129
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  • Celestron
    $999.95
    save $-999.95
  • Pentax
    $499
    save $-499
  • Celestron
    $389.95
    save $-389.95
  • Pentax
    $519
    save $-519
  • Pentax
    $139
    save $-139
  • Pentax
    $879
    save $-879
  • Pentax
    $849
    save $-849
  • Pentax
    $749
    save $-749