Australia is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 800 species of birds. From brightly colored parrots to elusive nightjars, there is an incredible diversity of birds to see across the country. Having a good pair of binoculars is essential for getting the best views of Australia’s avian residents and visitors. But with so many models on the market, it can be tricky to determine which binoculars are right for your needs and budget. This guide will walk you through what to look for when choosing binoculars for birding in Australia. We’ll cover key factors like magnification, objective lens size, field of view, eye relief, weight, and more. We’ll also provide specific binocular recommendations for a variety of price points and use cases. Whether you’re a beginner getting started or a veteran looking to upgrade, you’ll find the best binoculars for your bird watching adventures in Australia here.
Key Factors for Selecting Birding Binoculars
When evaluating binoculars for bird watching, there are a few key specifications to consider:
Magnification Power
The magnification power, indicated by the first number (e.g. 8x, 10x, 12x), determines how much closer objects will appear through the binoculars. Most birders use binoculars with 7x to 10x magnification. Higher magnification will make distant birds appear larger, but the tradeoff is a smaller field of view and more visible shaking when holding the binoculars by hand.
Objective Lens Diameter
The second number (e.g. 32, 42, 50) refers to the diameter in mm of the objective lenses – the larger front lenses that collect light. Larger objectives provide brighter images, especially in low light conditions. For birding, objectives of at least 32mm are recommended for good light transmission.
Field of View
The field of view is the width of the area visible when looking through the binoculars, typically measured at 1000 yards/meters. Wider fields of view make it easier to locate and track birds. Look for field of view 300 feet or more at 1000 yards for bird watching.
Close Focus Distance
The close focus distance indicates how near you can be to an object and still focus on it. For observing small backyard birds, look for close focus of 6 feet or less.
Eye Relief
Eye relief is the distance your eyes can be from the eyepiece while still seeing the full field of view. Long eye relief of 15-20mm is ideal for eyeglass wearers.
Weight
Lighter binoculars are easier to carry and hold steady. For extended birding sessions, slimmer models weighing 20oz or less will be most comfortable.
Weatherproofing
Fogproof and waterproof binoculars will perform reliably in all conditions. Nitrogen purging and O-ring seals keep moisture out of the optics.
Best Budget Binoculars Under $100
You don’t need to spend a fortune to get decent binoculars for casual birding. Here are some of the top picks under $100:
Nikon Prostaff 3S 8×42
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 136m
– Close Focus Distance: 2.5m
– Eye Relief: 15.2mm
– Weight: 21.9 oz
Nikon is renowned for their sports optics. The Prostaff 3S model offers excellent quality for the price. Phase correction coatings deliver bright, clear images. The lightweight chassis is nitrogen filled and O-ring sealed for waterproof and fogproof performance. A long eye relief makes them comfortable for eyeglass wearers. The Prostaff 3S provide great optics at an affordable price point.
Celestron Outland X 8×25
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 25mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 114m
– Close Focus Distance: 2m
– Eye Relief: 15mm
– Weight: 9.7 oz
Featherlight and compact, the Celestron Outland X 8×25 is ideal for hikers or backpackers who want to travel light. The small objectives and close focus make them better suited to observing backyard birds, feeders, and near shore birds rather than distant specks. BaK-4 prisms, multi-coated optics, and phase coated roof prisms deliver good light transmission and image sharpness in a rugged polycarbonate housing.
Bushnell H2O 8×25
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 25mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 405ft
– Close Focus Distance: 16ft
– Eye Relief: 12mm
– Weight: 8.8 oz
Bushnell’s H2O binocular gets top marks for waterproofing, with O-ring seals and nitrogen purging keeping water out in the rain or near splashing waves. The compact porro prism design has a nice wide field of view. The H2O offers solid performance for the budget-conscious.
Best Mid-Range Binoculars Under $500
Stepping up to the $200 to $500 price range provides noticeably better optics and features ideal for serious birders. Here are some excellent mid-range choices:
Nikon Monarch 5 8×42
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 135m
– Close Focus Distance: 2.5m
– Eye Relief: 15.5mm
– Weight: 21.6 oz
The Monarch 5 combines Nikon quality with excellent ergonomics perfect for all-day bird watching. Roof prisms deliver sharp, bright views across the wide field. The lightweight polycarbonate chassis is rubber armored for shock protection and comfort. They are tripod adaptable, waterproof, and nitrogen filled. For a balance of quality, features, and value, the Monarch 5 is hard to beat.
Zeiss Terra ED 8×42
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 120m
– Close Focus Distance: 2m
– Eye Relief: 16mm
– Weight: 24.8 oz
Zeiss optics consistently rank among the best available. The Terra ED binocular combines excellent light transmission and color accuracy with useful features for birders. A comfortable wide-angle eyecup design provides the full field of view even for eyeglass wearers. The lightweight carbon fiber reinforced chassis is waterproof and ergonomic. The Terra ED is optically superb for the price.
Athlon Optics Midas 8×42 ED
– Magnification: 8x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 113m
– Close Focus Distance: 2.5m
– Eye Relief: 15mm
– Weight: 22.5 oz
Athlon’s Midas ED binocular features extra-low dispersion glass for outstanding resolution and color reproduction. XPL lens coatings and phase corrected prisms transmit light exceptionally well, keeping images sharp and bright across the wide field of view. Argon purging prevents internal fogging, and the magnesium chassis is rugged yet lightweight. The Midas ED delivers impressive optics for an affordable price.
Best High-End Binoculars Over $500
For well-heeled birders seeking the ultimate viewing experience, the sky’s the limit in terms of optical performance and specialized features. Here are some of the finest binoculars money can buy:
Swarovski EL O-Range 10×42 W B
– Magnification: 10x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 114m
– Close Focus Distance: 2.4m
– Eye Relief: 15mm
– Weight: 27.1 oz
With Swarovski’s legendary optical quality, the EL 10×42 raises the bar for brightness, resolution, and color accuracy. Field flattening lenses deliver edge-to-edge sharpness across the wide field of view. A sophisticated ball bearing tripod mount allows rapid reorientation without adjusting the optics. The ERGO-BAL design optimizes balance and grip for extended treks. For birders seeking no-compromise performance, the Swarovski EL is unmatched. Expect astonishing views and lasting satisfaction from these lofty peaks of binocular technology.
Leica Noctivid 10×42
– Magnification: 10x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 110m
– Close Focus Distance: 1.8m
– Eye Relief: 15mm
– Weight: 24.5 oz
Living up to Leica’s esteemed reputation, the Noctivid binocular provides incredibly bright images at dawn and dusk when birds are most active. Revolutionary Perger porro prisms with phase correction coatings optimize light transmission through the oversize objectives. The slim bridge construction offers a secure grip. Leica AquaDura lens coatings defend against dirt and scratches. Elegant design and magnificent optics come together in the Noctivid, delivering spectacular views in challenging light.
Zeiss Victory SF 10×42
– Magnification: 10x
– Objective Diameter: 42mm
– Field of View at 1000m: 114m
– Close Focus Distance: 2m
– Eye Relief: 15mm
– Weight: 27.2 oz
Zeiss aims for perfection with the Victory SF, their most advanced birding binocular. A complex optical design reduces chromatic aberration to increase sharpness and detail. Ultra-hard Zeiss T* coatings on fluoride lenses boost light transmission and glare reduction. Smart Focus intelligently optimizes images as you adjust the central focusing wheel. The open bridge construction provides a steady grip. Rugged and ergonomic, yet offering the peak of optical performance, the Victory SF excels during dawn choruses or dazzling displays at sunset.
Binoculars for Specific Types of Birding
Along with all-purpose birding binoculars, there are models tailored for specialized types of bird watching:
At Sea
Observing pelagic birds on the ocean requires binoculars with enhanced waterproofing. Models like the Nikon Prostaff 7S 10×30 are internally nitrogen purged and O-ring sealed to withstand splashing waves. Compact dimensions make them easier to handle on a rocking boat.
In Rainforests
Low light beneath the rainforest canopy calls for extra bright binoculars like the Zeiss Terra ED 10×42. Phase corrected roof prisms and premium lens coatings maximize light transmission. Waterproof, fogproof models like the Pentax AD 8×42 WP II excel in steamy jungles.
For Eyeglass Wearers
Long eye relief binoculars over 15mm, such as the Nikon Aculon A211 8×42, provide the full field of view for birders who don’t want to remove their glasses. Adjustable eyecups that twist up and lock allow eyeglass wearers to see the entire image.
For Digiscoping
Connecting a camera directly to your binoculars for digiscoping requires an adapter to align the optics. Models like the Celestron Outland X 8×42 have threads on the eyepieces to accept digiscoping adapters. The lightweight frame minimizes shake when photographing through the binoculars.
Conclusion
For rewarding bird watching in Australia’s diverse habitats, having a quality pair of binoculars is an essential investment. Carefully compare magnification, lens size, field of view, close focus, eye relief, weight, and weatherproofing specifications to choose the right binoculars for your needs. Outstanding optical performance doesn’t have to break your budget. Affordable models from Nikon, Celestron and Bushnell offer good quality for casual users. Serious birders will appreciate mid-range offerings from Nikon, Zeiss, and Athlon with excellent optics and ergonomic designs ideal for extended birding trips. Flagship binoculars from Swarovski, Leica, and Zeiss take optical excellence to the highest tier for devoted enthusiasts pursuing the ultimate viewing experience. Whether you’re just getting started or seeking to upgrade, selecting binoculars suited for your particular interests will provide many hours of awe-inspiring bird watching in Australia’s spectacular landscapes.