Woman sitting on a bench in the woods, looking through a pair of binoculars.

A Beginner’s Guide to Binoculars 

Posted on January 4, 2023 by Kaylin D.

Binoculars are simple, right? Look through one end, turn a nob at the top, and call it good? It’s actually a little more complex than that. Among other things, wildlife watchers need to consider magnification, weight, and field of view. Lucky for you, the Mass Audubon Shop has the low-down on everything related to optics. 

Binoculars vs. Scopes 

Birders use both binoculars and scopes, but there are some key differences. As the name binoculars suggest, binoculars have two objective lenses, one on the end of each barrel. Scopes, on the other hand, only have one objective lens. With one large lens, scopes typically capture more light, allowing you to see at higher magnifications and are more useful when looking across great distances. Binoculars are a great introduction to optics, as they are more portable, more affordable, and also provide crystal-clear vision.  

A man standing on sand dunes looking through a pair of binoculars. A scope on a tripod is set up in front of him.
© Dennis Welsh

What to Look for in Binoculars 

Every pair of binoculars is marked with a set of numbers, such as “8 x 42,” which refers to the magnification (8) of the binoculars and the diameter of the objective lens (42). The magnification used by most birders is usually between 7 and 10, but don’t make the mistake of thinking bigger is better. A lower magnification means you can see a wider field of view and it is easier to keep the image steady. A higher magnification sees more detail, but the field of view is reduced. If you are inexperienced in using binoculars, a wider field of view of an 8-power (vs. a 10) is more helpful when trying to locate a bird or animal in the distance. 

The larger the objective lens, the more light can enter and, theoretically, the brighter the image should be. A larger objective lens also increases binocular size and weight—something to consider if you are hiking all day. 

Using Your Binoculars

First, check to see if the eyecups are turned up or down (when binoculars come out of the box, eyecups are typically down). People with glasses should use their binoculars with the eye cups twisted down. 

Once the eye cups are in the proper position for you, hold the left barrel steady and rotate the right barrel until you see one perfect circle of light through both eyes. Then, use the center focusing wheel to create a single, clear, crisp image.

Diagram of binocular components, including the eyecups, diopter adjustment, center focusing wheel, and the left and right barrels.

The Diopter Adjustment

Some binoculars have a diopter adjustment, an additional focusing tool typically used by people without glasses, and can be found as a ring on the right barrel. This adjustment accounts for any vision variances between your eyes and allows you to set the focus to accommodate the difference. There are a couple of ways to see if the diopter should be used—one of the most common procedures is doing a “triple check”.  

  1. On the first check, look through both barrels at a stationary object and use the focusing wheel to sharpen the image.  
  1. Next, cover the right barrel with your hand while keeping both eyes open. If the image is still clear with just the left barrel open, then do not adjust anything. If the image is fuzzy, readjust the focusing wheel.  
  1. For the last and final check, cover the left barrel—if everything is clear on the right eye, do not adjust anything. If you need to sharpen the image, slightly turn the diopter adjustment until the image is crisp.  

From there, do not turn the diopter ring—you will only need to use the main focusing wheel while exploring or viewing an object. 

Cleaning Your Binocular Lenses

If you notice your lenses could use a cleaning, first blow across the lens surface or use a “cleaning pen” (which looks more like a paintbrush than a pen) to remove any dirt or debris that could scratch the lens. 

Similar to cleaning a pair of reading glasses, lenses should be cleaned lightly with a microfiber cloth.  It’s helpful to breathe on the lens before using the cloth. Never use Windex or other similar glass cleaning products on the lenses.

Woman sitting on a bench in the woods, looking through a pair of binoculars.
© Phil Doyle

Buying the Right Binoculars

The best way to get an accurate feel for a pair of binoculars is by trying them out in person with our experts at the Mass Audubon Shop. We carry six different brands with varying magnifications, and members get a 10% discount. Plan your visit to the shop by going to shop.massaudubon.org/optics.

Take a Virtual Trip to the Shop to Learn about Buying Binoculars

Stephanie standing in a forest, smiling with a green shirt and blue Mass Audubon hat.

In Your Words: Stephanie Kane

Posted on December 16, 2022 by Kaylin D.

I was first introduced to Mass Audubon when I attended the Field Naturalist Certificate Program in 2021 at Drumlin Farm in Lincoln. Then, my connections strengthened through the yearlong Birding Certificate Program. With my growing knowledge about the natural world from these two programs, and countless others, my understanding, experience, and relationship with the environment deepened, along with my concern about climate change.

Stephanie with a blue Mass Audubon hat and gently holding a bird with her hands. Jon stands next to her with a hand underneath hers.
Stephanie Kane (left) with Jon Atwood (right) at the Birding Certificate Program © Lauren Ramos

As an individual, I had taken steps to reduce my own environmental impact. However, I wanted to do more, because we need to do more. I just didn’t know what to do or how to go about it. I sought out groups that make meaningful, impactful changes that are driven by science and nature-based approaches. I found that, and more, in Mass Audubon’s new Climate Champions program.

In the first month I joined, I learned about local and state programs, current legislative issues, and concrete opportunities I could participate in, at different levels of involvement. With the support and education of the Mass Audubon team, I participated in my first Lobby Day. This was more than I ever thought I could do. I was able to reflect on my experience with nature, why it matters to me, and how I could clearly communicate that to others. As part of the advocacy, I even led my group of constituents to advocate for key environmental and conservation funding with a state senator.

In hearing others’ experiences and reasons for advocating for nature, my understanding of nature’s role and impact across many facets of our lives expanded. Our personal stories represented a broad and diverse set of experiences with nature and its unique impacts on our lives.

Stephanie stands smiling in the forest with a green shirt and blue Mass Audubon hat.
Stephanie Kane

As a result of Climate Champions, I’ve continued to learn more about climate-related issues, complexities, and ways I can Influence and support impactful actions at a new level. I’ve shared what I’ve learned with others and used these skills to find new ways to advocate for the environment in my community and with my local legislators.

Overall, I am grateful for the Mass Audubon team and the Climate Champions community. In this community, each of us is heard, informed, and empowered. We’ve learned from each other’s unique perspective and supported each other as we work toward meaningful solutions. I am grateful for the opportunity to empower others to advocate for the issues that are meaningful to them. Overall, I am most grateful for the opportunity to do more and be a larger part of much needed climate solutions.

To learn more about Climate Champions and how you can become one, visit massaudubon.org/climatechampions.