The first optics a birder needs is a good binocular. For more distant birds, you will really enjoy a spotting scope.
We especially like this tiny 13-30x Nikon Fieldscope. Its zoom lens lets you go from 13 power (which gives youmore than double what your binocular sees) to 30 power
Yet this scope weighs only a pound. Easy to carry anywhere, even in your airplane carry-on bag. And the optical quality is outstanding.
For watching
distant birds
...
The first optics a birder needs is a good binocular. If you then want to see birds far away, such as at a wetland, grassland, or the ocean, you will really enjoy a spotting scope.
If you want a top quality scope but at a moderate price, we recommend the Vortex Razor.
When we tested it for a review, we found it the equal of scopes costing two or three times a much.
For watching
distant birds
...
The Vortex Viper HD 80mm scope is a real breakthrough in high quality at a lower price.
We were really amazed at the great optical quality of this scope when we compared it side-by-side with much more expensive models.
