10 Myths
about
Birding Optics

by Michael and Diane Porter

Every subject has its myths, misconception, and urban legends. They spread and persist like gossip, but are even more unreliable. Birding optics is no exception. Perhaps we can shed a little light on the subject of binoculars and scopes.

Here are 10 common myths about birding optics. A click will take you to the full story on each myth.

Myth 1 - Higher power binoculars will let me see more.

Myth 2 - Bigger binoculars are more powerful.

Myth 3 - Bigger binoculars are brighter.

Myth 4 - Bigger binoculars have a wider field of view.

Myth 5 - I can share my binoculars.

Myth 6 - A good binocular is outside my price range.

Myth 7 - I don't need waterproof binoculars.

Myth 8 - I can buy what my expert-birder friend has.

Myth 9 - Twilight factor is key to performance in dim light.

Myth 10 - A straight-through spotting scope is easier to use.

"Ten Myths about Birding Optics" article appears in the September/October issue of Bird Watcher's Digest.