Using binoculars for birdwatching can take some getting used to, especially if you’re new to the hobby. To get the best possible experience, it’s helpful to practice beforehand and get comfortable with focusing on different objects. Here’s how to make the most of your binoculars when you’re out in the field.
Before you can begin birdwatching, you’ll need to adjust your binoculars for the clearest possible view. A good pair of binoculars will have a central focus wheel and a diopter focus adjustment, which allows you to compensate for differences in the strength of your eyes.
1. Adjusting the interpupillary distance
Start by adjusting the distance between the two barrels of the binoculars to match the distance between your eyes. If the barrels are too far apart or too close together, you’ll see black edges in your field of view. When set correctly, you should see a perfect circle.
2. Coarse focusing
Find something stationary, like a tree, street sign, or part of a building, and turn the central focus wheel until the object appears in focus with both eyes open.
3. Fine focusing
To fine-tune the focus, close your right eye and adjust the central focus wheel until the image is sharp. Then, close your left eye and use the diopter adjustment (located near the right eyepiece) to bring the image into sharp focus for your left eye.
4. Final focus check
After fine-tuning, open both eyes. The view should now be crystal clear. If not, repeat the steps, making small adjustments until the focus is perfect.
5. Comfortable viewing
When your binoculars are properly adjusted, the view through them should appear three-dimensional and shouldn’t cause any strain on your eyes. If you feel discomfort, headaches, or eye strain, your binoculars might be out of alignment. Most manufacturers will be able to adjust them for you.
One common challenge for beginners is getting the bird into view. Here’s a technique to help you quickly locate birds:
1. Positioning
Pick an object to focus on, such as a tree or a distant landmark. Stand squarely in front of it, and align your body – feet and head – with the object.
2. Eye alignment
Raise your head and look directly at the object. This ensures your eyes are locked onto it.
3. Bringing binoculars to your eyes
Without moving your head, raise the binoculars to your eyes. You should now be looking directly at the object. With practice, you’ll quickly get used to this technique, making it much easier to locate birds, even if they’re in flight or moving between branches.
4. Tracking moving birds
To track a bird in flight, try “leading” the bird’s path by focusing ahead of where it’s flying. This way, when the bird reaches that point, it will be in your field of view and easier to follow.
1. Keep both eyes open
It’s generally best to keep both eyes open while using binoculars. This helps reduce eye strain and maintains a more natural, relaxed view. Plus, it enhances depth perception, which is useful for tracking birds.
2. Stabilising the image
Higher magnification binoculars can cause the image to wobble due to hand movement. To reduce this, hold the binoculars with both hands and keep your elbows close to your body. If you’re standing, lean against a stable object like a tree to minimise movement. For even greater stability, consider using a tripod or monopod, especially for higher magnification models.
3. Adjusting eyecups
Many binoculars have adjustable eyecups, which are important for people who wear glasses. If you wear glasses, twist the eyecups down to get a full field of view. If you don’t wear glasses, twist them up for added comfort.
4. Protecting your binoculars
Since binoculars are frequently used outdoors, they can be exposed to the elements. To protect your investment, use lens caps and rain guards. When not in use, store your binoculars in a padded case. For extra comfort while walking or hiking, consider investing in a comfortable harness or strap to keep your binoculars easily accessible.
5. Cleaning the lenses
Keep your binocular lenses clean to ensure a clear view. Use a soft brush or lens cloth to remove any dust or dirt before wiping the lenses with a microfiber cloth. Avoid touching the lenses with your fingers, as oils from your skin can cause smudges and affect the image quality.
6. For low-light conditions
If you’re birdwatching early in the morning, late in the evening, or in dense woodland where light is limited, binoculars with larger objective lenses (e.g., 50mm or more) will provide brighter, clearer images.
7. Wet conditions
If you often birdwatch in damp conditions, opt for waterproof binoculars. These will keep moisture out and prevent condensation from fogging up the lenses.
8. Consider the weight
Binoculars will likely spend a lot of time hanging around your neck or in your pocket, so it’s important to choose a pair that feels comfortable. Heavy binoculars can be a hassle to carry, and if you don’t want to miss a rare sighting, you’ll need a pair that is both light and compact enough to carry easily. However, very lightweight binoculars might be a sign of poor construction.
9. Neck strap comfort
Don’t overlook the neck strap. Make sure it’s adjustable, padded, and comfortable enough to support the weight of your binoculars for long periods without rubbing against your neck. Spending a bit of time finding the right strap will make a significant difference to your comfort.
Follow these tips, and with a little practice, you’ll soon be able to spot and track birds more easily, all while ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable experience
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