Pros: Fantastic edge-to-edge image quality, sublime ergonomics, great low-light performance and a field of view to rival many 8x binoculars, coupled with outstanding build quality -- the NL Pure 10x32 is an exceptional binocular up there with the very best.Cons: While they are svelte, the barrels on the NL Pure are long for a 32mm binocular, so they are perhaps … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×32 Binocular Review
Best Binoculars for birding and wildlife observation: reviews, guidelines, features and more....
Reviews, articles, guides and more to help you choose the perfect binocular for birding and wildlife observation, brought to you by the team of optics experts at Ireland's Wildlife.
Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: High quality optics that deliver premium features and a high-performance viewing experience at a reasonable price point. Sharp, contrasty image impresses in a range of challenging viewing conditions. Bright, vivid colours that make the image "pop".Cons: Twist up eyecups are plastic, rather than metal, Vanguard Warranty dropped from 25 years to only 10 since I reviewed … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO HD 2 8×42 Binocular Review
Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
Hawke's Frontier APO is the new flagship binocular model from a brand with a reputation for offering the best value for money in the business. With a host of premium features, at a price-point that undercuts market leaders by a significant margin, we find out how Hawke's new top-of-the-range birding and wildlife binocular stacks up.Pros: Great ergonomics in a surprisingly … [Read more...] about Review: Hawke Frontier APO 10×42 Binocular
German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Premium quality build and high-end features combined with outstanding optics at a lower price point than most top binocular brands. Image is pin sharp and contrasty across the wide field of view, and colours pop, yet still appear natural and neutral, with no obvious colour cast.Cons: Feels a little on the large/long side for a x42 binocular. When set for my eyes, the … [Read more...] about German Precision Optics (GPO) Passion HD 10×42 Binocular Review
12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation
Binoculars are perhaps your most indispensable piece of wildlife watching equipment. The right pair of binoculars can enhance your enjoyment of and engagement with the natural world exponentially. But choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife watching can be a tricky proposition.At Ireland's Wildlife we get to try a wide range of binoculars from lots of different … [Read more...] about 12 Expert tips on choosing binoculars for birding and wildlife observation
Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: The best binocular I have ever used: period. Exquisite ergonomics, incredible image clarity across the field of view... and what a field of view. The NL Pure takes immersive viewing to a whole new level.Cons: Slight detectable seam in the rubber armour where it meets on the inside of the barrels. No locking mechanism on the dioptre adjustment. … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik NL Pure 10×42 Binocular Review
Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Excellent entry level ED binocular that ticks a lot of the right boxes for birders and wildlife enthusiasts. Lightweight, with reasonable field of view for a 10x binocular, the VEO ED delivers sharp high-contrast images. Great blend of high-end features at a very reasonable price point.Cons: Focus is a little too aggressive for my taste, and meant I regularly overshot … [Read more...] about Vanguard VEO ED 10×42 Binocular Review
Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
Pros: Outstanding build quality, excellent optics and superb ergonomics in a very affordable package. Image is crisp, bright and clear in the centre of the field, with plenty of detail and good contrast.Cons: Softening around the field edges is noticeable when panning with a moving subject or scanning a large area and can be a little distracting. While the HD handles … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier HDX 8×32 Binocular Review
Seeing is Believing: WIN a pair of Vanguard Endeavor EDII 10×42 binoculars
Ireland's Wildlife has teamed up with Vanguard to bring you a fantastic photo competition with a superb prize. We're thrilled to introduce our "Seeing is believing…" wildlife photography competition.We are looking for your best photographs that capture nature's wild side!The prize is an amazing pair of Vanguard Endeavor ED II 10x42 binoculars, worth €400.Email … [Read more...] about Seeing is Believing: WIN a pair of Vanguard Endeavor EDII 10×42 binoculars
Competition: Win a pair of Vanguard Endeavor EDIV binoculars in time for Christmas
The Endeavor EDIV is the brand new flagship binocular from Vanguard.With their Endeavor ED range Vanguard broke new ground in terms of value and performance, delivering premium features and build quality at mid-range prices. With the EDIV the company raises the bar yet again, delivering a bright, razor sharp edge-to-edge image and an immersive field of view in a … [Read more...] about Competition: Win a pair of Vanguard Endeavor EDIV binoculars in time for Christmas
Win a pair of Eschenbach Trophy D binoculars
Thanks to the folks over at German optics company Eschenbach we're giving away the pair of Trophy D 8x42 ED binoculars we recently reviewed on the site.Optically excellent, the binoculars are superbly made and feature an intriguing contemporary design packed with high-end features. For your chance to win this superb pair of binoculars all you have to do is share this … [Read more...] about Win a pair of Eschenbach Trophy D binoculars
Announcing the winner of our Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 binocular competition
Congratulations to Daire Cleary, who's name was drawn at random earlier today as the winner in our latest competition. We'll be getting Daire's prize... a pair of excellent Hawke Endurance ED 8x42 binoculars. I was really impressed by the Hawkes when I reviewed them recently, and I'm sure that Daire will enjoy many fabulous up-close wildlife experiences with his new … [Read more...] about Announcing the winner of our Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 binocular competition
Competition: win a pair of Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 binoculars
A good pair of binoculars is perhaps the single most important piece of wildlife equipment you'll ever own. We were mightily impressed with Hawke's latest offering, the Endurance ED 8x42, when we reviewed them recently.Now, thanks to the kind folks at Hawke in the UK, we're giving you the chance to win the very pair of 8x42 Hawke Endurance ED we reviewed.All you have to … [Read more...] about Competition: win a pair of Hawke Endurance ED 8×42 binoculars
Choosing Binoculars e-book free for a limited time on Amazon Kindle
Buying a good pair of binoculars is arguably the most important investment you'll ever make when it comes to wildlife watching equipment. It's not something you want to rush into, and you want to make sure you're making the right choice for you.While there's no such thing as the perfect binocular, you can certainly find the perfect binocular for you, and for the sort of … [Read more...] about Choosing Binoculars e-book free for a limited time on Amazon Kindle
Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8×42 binocular review
Pros: Superb build quality, excellent balance and high quality materials give a premium feel. excellent optics deliver a pin sharp, high contrast image right to the edge of the field. View appears almost flat... with very little field curvature. Good close focus performance. Practically no colour fringing (chromatic aberration).Cons: Focus mechanism a little aggressive … [Read more...] about Vanguard Endeavor EDII 8×42 binocular review
Minox BV 8×25 BRW Binocular Review
Pros: very compact design that feels solid and well made. Lightweight and easy to carry and transport. Quite bright for a compact, with good all-round image quality. Large focus wheel for a compact and good quality twist up eye cups make these very comfortable in use. They feel like a "proper" pair of binoculars despite their compact size.Cons: strap lugs dig into my hands … [Read more...] about Minox BV 8×25 BRW Binocular Review
Minox BD 7×28 Binocular Review
Pros: Superb optics in a very compact, striking and ergonomic body that's a joy to hold and use... Minox demonstrates its optical pedigree with a bright, sharp, wide image that has great contrast and excellent colour.Cons: Individually focussing dioptres are far from ideal for wildlife. In fairness this is obvious before you ever get the binocular in your hands, but it does … [Read more...] about Minox BD 7×28 Binocular Review
Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 Binocular Review
Pros: Excellent high-contrast image with vibrant colours and good detail across the exceptionally wide field of view. Very bright optics that perform well across a range of challenging light conditions. Great build quality and finish for the price: feel very solid, without being overly heavy and excellent balance makes them comfortable in use. Good close focus to 2m coupled … [Read more...] about Hawke Frontier ED 8×43 Binocular Review
Swarovski Optik announces re-vamped SLC binocular range
Swarovski Optik -- the renowned European premium sports optic manufacturer -- has announced a re-vamp of its venerable SLC (Slim-Light-Compact) binocular range.The SLC line received a major upgrade to its 42mm models back in 2010 with the release of the SLC 42 HD. Available in both 10x42 and 8x42 configurations, the SLC HD is my binocular of choice, and is an outstanding … [Read more...] about Swarovski Optik announces re-vamped SLC binocular range
Meopta MeoStar B1 8×32 Binocular Review
Keen birder and Ireland's Wildlife contributor Colin Barton puts the Meopta MeoStar 8x32 through its paces, and is suitably impressed.Pros: Great image quality — can rival the best optics on the market today. Very sharp and crisp, with great low light performance and a good wide field of view. Binoculars feel very sturdy and well-built. 30 year warranty among the best … [Read more...] about Meopta MeoStar B1 8×32 Binocular Review
Vanguard slash price of ED binoculars
I've just found out that Vanguard has slashed the price of its impressive ED binoculars, AND is offering a further £20 cash back between now and the end of July through UK retailers.The offer officially runs from 01 May to 31 July and the cash-back deal applies to all models in the Endeavor ED and Spirit ED line. However, there's a huge discount on the 10x42 and 8x42 … [Read more...] about Vanguard slash price of ED binoculars
Nikon EDG 8×42 Binocular Review
Pros: Stunning optics, high quality materials (including eco-friendly lead- and arsenic-free glass) and contemporary design combine to put this Japanese binocular up there with the best of the European competition. Bright, clear, razor sharp image practically to the edge of the field of view, coupled with excellent balance and handling makes the EDG a superb binocular in the … [Read more...] about Nikon EDG 8×42 Binocular Review
Meopta MeoStar B1 10×42 HD Binocular Review
Meopta MeoStar B1 10x42 HD: Short Review Pros: Outstanding image quality -- superb sharpness, detail and brightness. Up there with the very best optics on the market today. Good wide field of view, excellent edge sharpness and great low light performance. Optically there's absolutely nothing to criticise here. Body feels bulletproof. Amazing padded strap has to be seen to be … [Read more...] about Meopta MeoStar B1 10×42 HD Binocular Review
Choosing Binoculars for Wildlife and Travel
Choosing the right optics can enhance your wildlife watching exponentially… but it can also be a tricky thing to get right. Here Jason Whitehead, who runs the excellent Best Binocular Reviews website gives us his top tips for picking the perfect binocular for wildlife and travel [IW]I travel quite a bit mostly because where I currently live in rural France is on a … [Read more...] about Choosing Binoculars for Wildlife and Travel
Binocular Review: Docter 8×42 ED
Docter 8x42 ED Binocular: Short Review Pros: High quality optics deliver a very sharp, clear image with excellent resolution, contrast and colour fidelity. Excellent edge sharpness and no sign of colour fringing (chromatic aberration). Handles glare well in difficult light conditions. Clean, understated design and lightweight construction makes for a compact and comfortable … [Read more...] about Binocular Review: Docter 8×42 ED
