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Travel + Leisure
3 days ago
- Travel + Leisure
The Best Binoculars for Birders, With Picks for Every Trip and Budget
After years living in South Africa and spending my weekends exploring the country's magnificent game reserves, I turned to birding as something to do when other wildlife were scarce. In the decade since, I've realized that it's one of those rare hobbies whose reward vastly outweighs the effort and cost involved. Wherever you are in the world, there are almost always birds to spot and enjoy and the only investment required is a good pair of binoculars. For this reason, I'm now a self-confessed bird nerd who, when given the choice between a raptor and a rhino, is always more likely to be focusing on the creature with feathers. There are binoculars for all budgets and specifications, but the best magnification, objective lens diameter, field of view, close focus range, and size for you depends on your budget, the species you're most interested in, whether you typically bird on foot or from a hide or vehicle, and the type of habitat you most often find yourself in. To help you narrow down your options, our travel experts tested a wide range of binoculars while birding to give you the inside view. We used the tripod-adaptable Celestron TrailSeeker 8x42 ED Binoculars for hours of birding in national parks across Oregon and were impressed with their 8x magnification. A 42-millimeter objective lens diameter lets in plenty of light while also facilitating a generous 8.1-degree field of view. Effectively, this meant we could easily find and track flying birds as they moved across the landscape, using the conveniently placed focus wheel to sharpen the image as our subject got closer or further away. The binoculars use extra-low dispersion (ED) lenses made from a special glass designed to minimize chromatic aberration for high-contrast, high-resolution colors that are true to what you'd see with the naked eye. The difference between ED and non-ED glass is especially noticeable at dawn and dusk, when many bird species are most active. In the bright Oregon sunshine, the binoculars' fully multi-coated, anti-reflective lenses helped to maximize light transmission and eliminate glare so that we could view birds at a considerable distance with very little detail loss. In terms of durability, these binoculars survived being thrown repeatedly into a backpack with no signs of wear and tear. The body is made from lightweight magnesium alloy with a rubber coating for impact resistance, while the interior is filled with nitrogen to prevent fogging when moving between cool and warm environments. They're also fully waterproof. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2 millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $260 at Amazon $293 at The Athlon Optics 8x42 Midas UHD Binoculars combine 8x magnification with the 42-millimeter objective lens diameter and wider field of view often considered ideal for bird watching. They also boast ED glass and fully multi-coated lenses for a clearer, sharper image defined by the accuracy of its colors; while dielectric prism coatings maximize light transmission for increased contrast, color fidelity, and glare reduction. We were particularly impressed with the binoculars' precise focal range, which was easily adjusted as birds moved closer or further away. While there is some very minor distortion at the edge of the field of view, it's virtually unnoticeable unless you're focusing on it. With the eyecups twisted so that they were flush against our face, we were able to use the binoculars in full sun without any light leaking in and causing glare; equally, image quality remained consistent in the low light of late afternoon. The binoculars are compact, light, and great for hiking. They're also waterproof, argon purged for fog protection, and come with a tripod mount for alleviating fatigue when focusing for long periods on a nest site or other fixed point. The Details: 1.45 pounds | 8.1-degree field of view | 6.5-foot close focus | 17.2-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $189 at Amazon View on Competitively priced, perfectly packable, and lightweight enough to hold up to your eyes or carry around your neck for extended periods of time without getting fatigued, the Opticron Oregon 4 PC Oasis 8x42 Binoculars are an excellent choice for the casual birder. They combine 8x magnification with all the clarity of a BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses for maximum light transmission and minimum glare. We found the image to be sharp and bright with no noticeable distortion, even on a sunset birding session in low light conditions. The focus wheel is ideally placed for making precise adjustments with one hand. Once focused, we were able to view birds on our feeder in minute detail. One thing to note—the field of view is slightly narrower than that of other options, making these binos best for environments that require minimal searching or tracking. They are sturdily made with a waterproof body, slip- and impact-resistant rubber coating, and nitrogen purged interiors for fog-free viewing in all climates. Twistable eyecups and a tripod adapter complete the list of features. The Details: 1.5 pounds | 7-degree field of view | 7.5-foot close focus | 22-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Pentax Binoculars AD are great for those planning a backpacking expedition, thru-hiking adventure, or any other kind of trip that requires you to prioritize lightweight equipment. Measuring just 4.3 x 4.1 inches, they are less than half the weight of our top pick and can easily be carried in hand or around the neck for extended periods of time. You won't be sacrificing any magnification, although the 25-millimeter objective lens makes for a much smaller field of view (5.5 degrees). We found that this made it tricky to locate and track birds on the move. And while we were impressed with the binoculars' ability to capture details on distant subjects, the 9.8-foot close focus limit means they're not as useful for viewing birds at close quarters. However, a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated, phase corrected lens make for a sharp, glare-free image with good contrast and color accuracy. We were able to focus easily and found the picture just as good on bright and overcast days. Nitrogen-purged waterproofing provides all-weather durability. The Details: 10.5 ounces | 5.5-degree field of view | 9.8-foot close focus | 21-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon $449 at Amazon View on Backed by a 10 year warranty, the Kowa BDII42-8XD Binoculars are designed for adventures and built to last. Expect a lightweight, yet durable magnesium alloy body and rubber armor that feels both ultra-protective and comfortably soft to the touch. The binoculars are waterproof and nitrogen filled, and we found that they stayed completely clear in humid weather and in close proximity to the water. The sturdy, slightly weighty build helped us to brace the binoculars and keep them steady, but did cause some fatigue after long periods of use. In terms of performance, the binoculars offer 8X magnification and an impressively wide 8.2-degree field of view that allows you to locate birds quickly. They can also focus down to 5.9 feet for viewing birds on a feeder or smaller insects and flora in exquisite detail. ED lenses allow for fantastic image quality with no discernible blurring or distortion. We tested them in a range of light conditions with similar results. We especially liked how the fully multi-coated lenses prevented glare even while birding from a boat in full midday sunshine. The Details: 1.4 pounds | 8.2-degree field of view | 5.9-foot close focus | 17-millimeter eye relief | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon If you're looking for a pair of binoculars that can stand up to the elements, look no further than the Zeiss Terra ED 8x42s. Rated for temperatures between 5 and 140 degrees Fahrenheit, they're equally at home in tundra or desert while nitrogen purging protects against fogging in birding destinations with high humidity. Best of all, a hydrophobic multi-coating reinforced with glass fibers makes these binoculars waterproof up to 100 meters, meaning you could swim with them around your neck and they should still function perfectly afterward. They offer 8x magnification and ED glass for enhanced light transmission. We found the image clear and crisp all the way to the edges of the field of view and were impressed that there was no glare even when using the binoculars to scan for waterbirds on the Colorado River in bright sunshine. The intuitively placed, easy-to-operate focus wheel was a highlight, allowing us to make minute adjustments quickly. We also appreciated the 5.3-foot close focus, which meant we were able to get an incredibly detailed view of a tanager at close range. The Details: 1.6 pounds | 5.3-foot close focus | 8x magnification | 42-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon Ideally priced for beginners, the Nocs Provision Field Issue 10x32 Binoculars are compact and lightweight enough at just over one pound that we never felt shaky or fatigued using them. They'll also last well past your introduction to birding, with a textured rubber housing for maximum grip and protection, and a waterproof rating to a depth of up to three feet. A BAK4 prism with fully multi-coated lenses provides excellent light transmission, contrast, and color accuracy. We also found the oversized focus wheel easy to adjust one-handed while spotting. We liked the crisp view and loved that we were able to see individual feathers on distant birds thanks to the 10x magnification. We tested these binoculars alongside the Nocs Provisions Field Issue 8x32 Binoculars and preferred the former's higher magnification; however, some may find the wider field of view offered by the latter preferable for scanning large areas. Additionally, the 8x32s have a higher relative brightness and may be a better pick for birding at dawn and dusk. Both come in a range of quirky colors and are protected by a "No Matter What" lifetime warranty. The Details: 1 pound | 6-degree field of view | 9.3-foot close focus | 16.8-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 32-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Amazon The Hontry 10x25 Compact Binoculars are a budget pick, so you won't have to worry about your kids breaking them or losing interest in birding. On the other hand, with a BAK4 prism and fully multi-coated lenses, they are effective enough to last into the next stage of the hobby if your children develop a passion for it. We were pleased with the sharpness of the image, which was undistorted and showed enough detail that we were able to see the veins on leaves and individual feathers in an owl's nest. With 10x magnification and a 25-millimeter objective lens diameter, the field of view is relatively narrow (6.5 degrees). But, the small lens size also makes the binoculars super compact and lightweight at just 9.6 ounces, making them comfortable for kids to hold. Ours were able to use them for extended periods without their arms getting tired, although our seven year old did need a little help reaching and using the focus wheel. Finally, the binos feel sturdy with a textured, non-slip grip and feature a carry case to help kids take care of them. The Details: 9.6 ounces | 6.5-degree field of view | 10-millimeter eye relief | 10x magnification | 25-millimeter objective lens diameter Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure Credit: Travel + Leisure
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
A 'Golden Handle' will appear on the moon tonight. Here's how to see it
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Saturday night presents a perfect opportunity to spot a "Golden Handle" shining brightly on the moon's surface. It is a fleeting sight that appears when sunlight catches the peaks of a mountain range on the moon. On July 5, the moon's terminator, the line that separates lunar night from day, falls slightly to the west of the great circular plain Sinus Iridum (Latin for the 'Bay of Rainbows') in the northwest region of the lunar surface. At this time the sun is perfectly positioned to illuminate the eastern peaks of the vast Montes Jura mountain range bordering Sinus Iridum's northernmost edge, giving rise to a spectacular golden arc that has since become known as the "Golden Handle". To find the Golden Handle, look for the waxing gibbous moon hanging above the southern horizon as the sun sets on June 5, shining among the stars of the constellation Libra. Then find the Montes Jura mountain range close to the terminator, above the dark expanse of Mare Imbrium (the Sea of Showers) — a colossal lunar plain formed from solidified lava flows. There you will see a crescent-shaped curve near the terminator — the Golden Handle. A pair of 15x70 binoculars mounted on a tripod will help reveal the sweeping profile of the Golden Handle, while a telescope with an aperture of 6 inches or greater will give you a more detailed view of Montes Jura and the nearby Bianchini Crater. While you're exploring the moon, be sure to swing your scope over to Copernicus Crater. At about 57 miles (93 kilometers) wide, it makes for a striking lunar target. On July 5, the low angle of the sun will cast prominent shadows along the eastern rim of the impact crater, while highlighting reflective debris streaks known as ejecta rays that were cast out during its creation some 800 million years ago. Stargazers looking to understand Earth's natural satellite better should check out our ultimate guide to exploring the lunar surface, along with our guides to the best telescopes and binoculars for exploring the solar system. Those interested in immortalizing their stargazing sessions should also read our roundup of the best cameras and lenses for astrophotography. Editor's Note: If you capture an image of the 'Golden Handle' and want to share it with readers, then please send your photo or video, along with your name, location and comments to spacephotos@
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
9 best things to see in the night sky with binoculars from May to July 2025
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. If you want to take your stargazing to the next level, a pair of binoculars is the way to go. With a little magnification, it's possible to access another level of the night sky, revealing open clusters of stars, the Milky Way and detail on the surface of the moon. Armed with a pair of the best stargazing binoculars (we recommend anything above 10x50 for astronomy), here's what to look at from the Northern Hemisphere between May and July. If you want to get even closer to the night sky, the best telescopes will give you that extra bit of power. A classic spring binocular target, the Beehive Cluster lies in the constellation Cancer, between Leo and Gemini, and will be sinking in the west after sunset during May and June. Perhaps the most beautiful star cluster to see through a pair of binoculars, M44 displays hundreds of stars. Prep your binoculars for a special sight after dark on Monday, June 16, and Tuesday, June 17, 2025, when the red planet and bright star shine close together. Reddish-golden Mars and whitish Regulus in the constellation Leo will shine at almost equal brightness in the west after sunset, with the colorful duo less than the width of an outstretched finger apart. Come late June's solstice, those in the mid-latitudes of the Northern Hemisphere struggle for astronomical darkness. However, the sun not going far enough below the horizon to create full darkness does have an advantage. Web-like noctilucent or "space' clouds, which form from ice crystals on meteor dust high in Earth's atmosphere, can often be seen late at night in northern skies in June and July. Their eerie structure, reflecting sunlight at the edge of space, looks fabulous in binoculars. The moon is always a fabulous object in binoculars, not least when it's a delicate crescent. However, on Sunday, June 29, 2025, the 23% waxing crescent moon will closely visit Mars, with the duo as close as a mere fifth of a degree from each other. This close conjunction will occur shortly after sunset in the west and sink into the horizon before too long, so don't waste time. Put your binoculars on the crescent and study the long shadows on the terminator — the dividing line between light and dark — as well as the reflected light on its dark face, called "Earthshine," before moving to the upper left to Mars. One of the anchors of the Northern Hemisphere night sky from June through November is the Summer Triangle, a simple shape created by three bright stars — Vega in the constellation Lyra, Deneb in Cygnus and Altair in Aquila. Point your binoculars at Deneb and drag them down to Alatir, and you'll be looking at the rich starfields of the Milky Way as it streams down to the horizon. At its best in July is this famous globular cluster — a dense ball of as many as half a million ancient stars that are almost as old as the universe itself. Also called M13 and appearing as a fuzzy patch in a pair of binoculars (the bigger, the better), first find Hercules's keystone — four stars forming a diamond shape between the bright stars Vega and Arcturus. It may sound like a whimsical sight, but find this target, and you've reached Galactic Central Point — the center of the Milky Way. Although it's a famous constellation of summer in the Northern Hemisphere, most people will struggle to find Sagittarius, the archer. It's best found by looking not for the shape of a person, but for a teapot formed of eight bright stars. Trace out its shape with your naked eyes before planting a pair of binoculars on its spout. Range up to see fabulously rich starfields — the "steam" from the Teapot is one of the night sky's most beautiful summer sights. The once-a-month sight of a full moon appearing on the horizon at dusk is unmissable for sky-watchers, and there's only one tool you need to get the very best from it — a pair of binoculars. Find out the dates of the full moon and be somewhere looking east at the exact time of moonrise for your location. That way, you'll see it glowing orange as it appears, rather than the glaring white orb it will become as it rises higher into the sky. Related articles Best binoculars for stargazingBest binocularsBest binoculars for kidsBest image stabilized binocularsBest compact binocularsBest telescopesBest small telescopesBest smart telescopesBest astrophotography camerasBest beginner astrophotography cameras Once you've found the Teapot, it's time to explore around it. There are many sights to see in its vicinity — including the Lagoon, Trifid and Omega nebulas — but a great target for binocular users is the Sagittarius Cluster, also called M22. A globular cluster like M13, this one is about 10,400 light-years distant and also looks like a fuzzy patch in binoculars. Find it above the Teapot's handle.
