imagemeister Loc: mid east Florida

I have and use Nikon 12X50's and agree the Nikons are a very good mid-range costing solution - but 40's are just too cumbersome for me while also carrying camera gear - is why I recommend 30-32's ( or smaller). On a tight budget, I'll still use and recommend Bresser's ....

OZMON Loc: WIGAN UK

if your camera has live view a hoodloupe can be an advantage, it will give you a better view of what you are trying to photograph, a good one is not cheap but will last you for a long time.

billnikon Loc: Pennsylvania/Ohio/Florida/Maui/Oregon/Vermont

You CAN spend lots of money and not get what you want. You have been sent a lot of very useful information. Personally I use Nikon Monarch brand cause I photograph with Nikon and if you are carrying both your camera and binoculars you have to be concerned about weight. I carry a Nikon D500 or D4s with a Nikon 200-500 f5.6 lens attached. I use the tripod mount reversed and use it to carry my camera and lens around with. If I am going to be mobile I use the Nikon Monarch 8X30's, (they are lighter and I can keep them around my neck at all times as I move around, they are light and sharp)if I am going to be stationary, I use the Nikon Monarch 10X42's (cause they are more powerful and I am usually watching sitting or slightly moving birds, nesting or swimming). My wife, on the other hand, prefer's the Nikon Monarch 8X42's, she says it is a compromise between the two I use. Any way, that is my story and I'm sticking to it. Good luck. All Nikon Monarch's come with a very comfortable foam neck strap and a nice case, I do not use the objective lens cover they supply as I think it gets in my way.

Eberhard Brunner Loc: Alaska

Getting the most of your new binoculars you must practice.
Sitting and resting your elbows on your knees is a good position when in the field.
The Leica I mentioned cost $750 and come with a lifetime warranty. I had my pair cleaned, adjusted and eye cups replaced at no charge.
I found that the Swarovski models have a "warmer" coating than Zeiss, Leitz, Bushnell and other models. The coating I believe is called "rosal".
When looking in snow or at high altitude the warmer coating is easy on your eyes.
Again, go test several models and buy a good pair binoculars. Its a lifetime investment.

Jimmy T Loc: Virginia

The source:https://www.audubon.org/gear/binocular-guide
Smile,
JimmyT Sends

jwreed50 Loc: Manassas, VA

+1 for the Swarovski 8.5x42 binoculars. Yes, they are expensive but, as noted above, you do get what you pay for. Really no need for IS on an 8X pair of binos.

I also have a pair of 8x32 Leica Ultravids and, as good as the Leica glass is, the Swarovski 8.5x42 is even better. If you are serious about birding, you want to get the best pair of binos that your budget will allow. You won't regret it.

Bobspez Loc: Southern NJ, USA

Why can't you just use a zoom lens? Use the widest angle to locate the bird then zoom in. Small birds don't stay put for long. Sometimes just a few seconds. By the tieme I locate a bird, zoom in, and fire a burst of shots, I am lucky to get one good shot from the burst before the bird flies away.

reader Loc: Los Angeles

With binoculars as in lenses it is all about the glass. Buy the best you can afford. The difference in light capture is dramatic and makes a world of difference. As previously commented, 8x42 or 10x42 are most common for birders.
If you can, Swarovski, Zeiss or Leica are great from $1000-3000. A more modestly priced Nikon Monarch 7 is well respected. Depending on where you live it is best to go to a binocular specialty shop where you can look through then to see the difference. Here in SoCal I recommend https://www.optics4birding.com/ who has a wide selection.

Orphoto Loc: Oregon

Reader. A valuable opinion added to an 8 YEAR OLD discussion. Always check dates.

reader Loc: Los Angeles

Thanks