When a person with a growing interest in bird watching decides to upgrade their scope or binoculars, a problem arises at once: there are so many good scopes and binoculars for sale online, it is very difficult to decide which pair to buy. It is impossible for the buyer to test all the makes available. The solution is to rely on experienced and trustworthy experts who have tested the different makes and produced reviews.
A Good Review Site For Scopes and Binoculars For Bird Watching
A good site that has reviewed many excellent scopes and binoculars is birdwatching.com. On the face of it, the site is good for the following reasons.
- The reviewers on the site, Michael and Diane Porter, have been reviewing scopes and binoculars since 1993. During that time they have focused not only on optics but also on how the scopes and binoculars feel when used. In addition, they have used a team of bird watchers in Iowa to test scopes and binoculars and provide feedback. This additional feedback is useful as presumably it is feedback from use in the field
- The site makes a distinction between high-end spotting scopes and mid-priced spotting scopes, with plenty of detail on both. This will help the budget conscious buyer make a decision quickly. A word of caution. The prices on the site (as at July 2010) are 2008 prices, so the latest prices need to be checked. This in no way detracts from the value of the site.
- A very useful service offered on the site is called the Binocular Advisor. It consists of a series of questions that will be asked by any bird watcher who is serious about investing in a good pair of binoculars, taking into account budget constraints. The questions are based on questions that Michael and Diane Porter have actually been asked.
- There is a very useful binocular comparison chart on the site. It must have taken many hours to research and compile. The chart compares 12 10-power full-sized binoculars, 12 8-power full-size binoculars and 5 8-power mid-size binoculars. Comparisons include manufacturer, model, size, street price, prism style, field of view, eye relief, close focus, weight, length, width and other important considerations. There is also an overall valuation score offered for each make.
- The site also has many useful articles on bird watching.
When a keen bird watcher decides to buy a new scope or good pair of binoculars, the decision is not easy. Using a good review such as the one under discussion will help a great deal and save a lot of time. At the end of the day choosing the right scope or pair of binoculars will pay great dividends for the avid bird watcher.
Sources
Website: The optics page on birdwatching.com.
Website: Article on the best binoculars for birdwatching on Suite101
John Bartels - John is a Lawyer (retired). A qualified Attorney, Notary Public and Conveyancer John has a BA,LLB from the University of Cape Town, South ...
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