When planning for a trip into the wilderness, carrying a pair of binoculars is a must. Check out 5 Best Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing in India and buyer’s guide.
Not only do binoculars help you observe animals located at a faraway distance, but these can also accumulate light in darker areas nearby and capture species that would otherwise be difficult to detect. Check out best camera brands.
It can be hard to find the perfect binocular considering the range of options available in the Indian market today. You need to consider your budget, preferences and the purpose for which you will invest in one.
In order to help you make the right decision, read on to learn more about the top five binoculars in India offering a range of features such as good magnification, protection from UV rays, wide covering distance and so forth.
5 Best Binoculars for Wildlife Viewing in India:
1. Olympus 10 x 50 DPS
The Olympus 10 x 50 DPS is one of the highest rated binoculars due to many reasons.
Primarily, this falls under the category of binoculars commonly classified as Porro Prism binoculars.
Named after the Italian developer Ignazio Porro, Porro Prism binoculars consist of two prisms facing each other and located at right angles wherein light enters through the rectangular face of the prism, goes through total internal reflection both times through the sloped faces and exits through the rectangular face again.
Being a Porro Prism binocular, the Olympus 10 x 50 DPS has lenses with large diameters that allow enhanced field of view and glowing vision under darkness.
Crisp, bright images can be seen due to its 6m close distance for focusing, 50mm diameter of its lenses and a field of view of 1.14m at 1000m.
Need protection from the sun’s UV rays? This binocular offers this advantage since the inside of its barrels has a monolayer coating.
It also has an in-built dioptric correction mechanism that will consider and adjust to each individual eyesight thereby increasing the line of vision when you are travelling through a forest or large wooded area.
Use the focus knob, located in the middle of the two barrels, and navigate focus areas for both barrels simultaneously. It weighs only around 855 gm.
Pros:
- Enhanced magnification allows greater visibility from a distance and in lowly lit areas
- Eyes are protected from UV rays
- Clear and bright image quality made possible by anti-reflective lens coating
Cons:
- Not water resistant
- Image stabilization feature not present
- Does not have tripod attachment feature
2. Nikon ACULON A211 10×50
For your next wildlife safari, consider getting a Nikon ACULON A211 10×50.
This pair of binoculars promises a wide and magnified field of view through its objective lens that possess a large diameter of 50mm and a field of view at 1000 m (in m/ft) of 114/341.
Lenses are coated in multiple layers that result in well defined, marked images. Eye relief for this product is 11.8 mm.
Further, the lenses are shaped in an aspherical manner to provide clear cut images. This product has a 10x magnification quality and a focusing distance (in m/ft) of 7/23.
It weighs around 900 gm. You can position your eyes accurately by adjusting and refocusing the rubber eyecups.
Armored with rubber, this binocular provides resistance from shock and a steady but comfortable grip. This product can be adapted to fit your tripod stand as well.
Pros:
- Optical performance is enhanced due to objective lens having a large diameter
- Tripod attachment feature
- Shock resistant
Cons:
- Night vision is not available
- Is not water resistant
- Anti-fog property is not available
3. Celestron 71256 G2 10×50 Upclose Wide-Angle Porro
One of the more affordably priced binoculars in the market, the Celestron 71256 G2 10×50 Upclose Wide-Angle Porro possesses all the features you would want in a binocular.
It has a 10 times magnification feature and contains optics that are multi-coated in nature. This helps to increase transmission of light thereby resulting in brighter and clearer images.
With a 50mm diameter of its objective lens, this pair of binoculars has a 12mm of eye relief. It also comes with a minimum of 7.01m in focusing distance and 6.7 degrees in angle of view.
It weighs about 767 gm. Comfort is assured with its efficient indent for thumbs and ridges for inserting your fingers into that makes it easy to use.
In addition, its body is coated with rubber so that the aluminium content inside remains protected from mishandling.
Unlike many binoculars in the market, this one is unique since it can resist water. More appendages include a gentle case for carrying it around and binocular straps.
With such diverse properties, this pair of binoculars is ideal for wildlife exploration, bird viewing, hunting, travel, boating and many other activities.
Pros:
- More reasonably priced binocular
- Has waterproof quality
- Consists of a Porro Prism that is of BK7 variety and lenses with multiple layers of coating which allow brilliant image contrast, show all details and produce crisp and clear views
Cons:
- Not suited for use in the night
- Requires a tripod adjustment in case viewing for long time periods
- Best if used for up to 500m since views above that vision may get slightly blurry
4. Vanguard Orros 8X42
The Vanguard Orros 8X42 is regarded as a versatile binocular that serves a range of different purposes.
This pair of binoculars is made of BAK4 Roof Prisms which are considered the best type of prisms having high refractive index and a lower critical angle than materials.
As a consequence, its multiple layer of lens coating reflects better light both in the morning and at night thereby generating images that are bright, clear and capture every single element.
Its 8x magnification property captures the smallest details in all light conditions and prevents distorted images from conjuring within one’s line of vision.
This pair of binoculars can resist distortion due to fog since it has a special O-ring seal. It is also waterproof and the insulating rubber armor ensures a firm grip even during wet conditions.
There is a focus knob located at the centre of these binoculars and the attached diopter adjustment allows you to regulate focus.
One of the lightest weighing binoculars, the Vanguard Orros 8X42 measures only 599 gms. This is one of the many reasons why it is ideal for trips of a long duration.
Pros:
- Made of BAK4 Roof Prisms that facilitate superior optical performance
- Waterproof and fog proof
- Functions well in both light and dark conditions
Cons:
- Higher price
- Limited warranty available
- Eyecups need to be adjusted to obtain the perfect view according to the viewer’s preferences
5. Wingspan Optics Spectator Pro 8X32
If you have been in search of a pair of binoculars that are light-weight and are ideal for taking along on your safari trip, then look no further.
The Wingspan Optics SpectatorPro 8X32 offers all the qualities you would want for your next sightseeing trip.
Powered with Ultra HD resolution, these binoculars provide a huge field of view (362 ft/1000 yards) capturing every detail with its 8x magnification quality.
The BAK4 objective lenses are filled with nitrogen thereby making these binoculars fogproof. With a 32mm diameter, you can enjoy colorful and clear images.
These are also water resistant in nature. These binoculars can be fitted on a tripod so ensure that you bring one in case you do not wish to hold them for long hours.
However, if you do not wish to carry a tripod stand, then this is one of the lightest weighing binoculars at just 426 gm.
Its efficient solid casing protects it from any kind of damage due to weather or mishandling.
What’s more, this product comes with limited lifetime warranty.
Pros:
- Water resistant and fog proof
- Light weight; comfortable grip allows carrying around easily for long hours
- Good clarity and brightness
Cons:
- Has a limited lifetime warranty
- Needs some adjustment for focusing
- Best suited mainly for wildlife exploration than other activities
How to Choose Best Binocular for Wildlife Viewing?
Choosing a pair of binoculars can be a daunting task, especially if it’s your first time. Check out best selling budget binoculars.
Not only do you need to look at your pocket, but you also have to navigate through the countless choices available in the market.
Finding the right pair of binoculars for your next hiking, sporting event or wildlife excursion can be tough since there are various options for each kind of activity.
There are several properties that need to be considered in addition to your budget and personal preferences.
Read on to learn more about each of these properties and the importance of having each in your future binoculars.
Field of view
A pair of binoculars that has high magnification and covers a wide field of view is an absolute must.
This is because wildlife exploration trips often entail journeying into restricted areas.
If you are unable to get physical access to see your favourite animal, you can certainly use binoculars with an extended line of vision to see it.
It is also crucial to see that the objective lenses have a large enough diameter to capture moving images spaced out across a large area.
All five of the above binoculars have a high magnification and will help you see the tiniest creatures lurking behind the bushes.
Steady Grip
Another quality to consider is the grip. Being able to steadily hold your binoculars is an advantage especially if you are planning to carry it around for a long time.
Rubber covering ensures a firm control that prevents slipping off from your fingers. Or a solid casing that protects the inner body from damage and exposure to adverse climatic conditions.
Portability
If you are planning to make videos of your wildlife trip, then getting the right pair of binoculars is essential.
Finding binoculars that have tripod attachment facility will help to fix your binoculars on a tripod stand when you need a steady focus and want to capture longer moments in videos.
A tripod attachment area also helps reduce wear and tear.
Of the above options, the Nikon ACULON A211 10×50, the Celestron 71256 G2 10×50 Upclose Wide-Angle Porro and the Wingspan Optics SpectatorPro 8X32 are portable and allow you to attach to tripods.
Prism quality
Binoculars come in Porro Prism and Roof prism quality and they are both excellent in the kind of view that they offer.
Porro Prism binoculars tend to be bigger in appearance and bulkier in terms of their weight but they also provide more enhanced image quality with a larger depth perception and bigger field of view.
Roof prisms, on the other hand, have a more complex light path and necessitate more optical precision in manufacturing. As a consequence, these are more costly than Porro Prism binoculars.
Resistance to fog and water
There are many options in the market that offer this feature.
If you are travelling through a foggy area or someplace that is prone to heavy rainfall, make sure to carry a pair of waterproof and fog-resistant binoculars with you.
Binocular FAQ:
What is the best magnification for bird watching?
Usually, lower magnification provides better clarity for viewing larger and distant areas where birds might be located. 7x or 8x magnification binoculars provide clearer images, brighter focus, better depth perception, are easier to hold and a larger field of view.
Are spotting scopes better than binoculars?
Both spotting scopes and binoculars serve different purposes. It always depends on the kind of activity that they will be used for that makes it easier to choose between spotting scopes and binoculars.
For wildlife viewing and bird watching trips that involve mobility, binoculars are the better choice. With two lenses and two eyepieces, binoculars are compact, shorter in size and can be hung around the neck. Further, binoculars tend to be stronger and survive falls better. A good magnification also helps to see animals that are located at medium to long distance.
Spotting scopes, on the other hand, have higher magnification than many binoculars although some high-end binoculars have the same magnification as low-end spotting scopes. They tend to be taller and heavier in size and therefore usually require to be adjusted on a tripod if viewing for longer hours. Spotting scopes are best used if you are intending to sit for a long time and if you wish to perform extremely long-distance viewing.
Are monoculars better than binoculars?
As the name itself suggests, monoculars are single lens products that are light, compact and small in size. Easy to carry around and used popularly for sky viewing at night (like telescopes). Binoculars, made of double lenses, are better suited for seeing things for longer time periods since it reduces the strain caused on just one eye.
Leave a Reply