Best Telescopes For Bird Watching – May 2023

Here’s the Best Telescopes For Bird Watching!

Table of Contents

Top 8 Best telescopes for bird watching Compared 2023:

Here’s the top 8 options for the Best telescopes for bird watching in 2023:

Last update on 2023-09-23  / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Read on for more reviews…

1. EASYLIGHT 12×50 Monocular Telescope

Experience the beauty of nature up close with the EASYLIGHT 12×50 Monocular Telescope. 

Designed with birdwatchers in mind, this handheld telescope delivers stunningly clear images and comes with a tripod and phone holder, making it the ultimate companion for your outdoor adventures

Pros:

  • Excellent magnification and objective lens diameter
  • 3-phase lens coating and BAK4 roof prism deliver clear and bright images
  • High exit pupil distance and diameter provide great eye relief
  • Comes with tripod for added stability

Cons:

  • Some users have reported issues with attaching their phone
  • A few users have reported poor vision clarity

specification

  • The EASYLIGHT 12×50 Monocular Telescope has a manual focus type, allowing you to adjust the focus to your specific needs.
  • Its BAK4 roof prism ensures high-quality images by minimizing light loss and optimizing contrast and resolution.
  • The objective lens diameter of 50mm lets in more light, resulting in brighter and clearer images.
  • The high exit pupil distance of 18.5mm and diameter of 4.3mm provide excellent eye relief, which is ideal for prolonged birdwatching sessions.
  • The 1000m field of view is perfect for spotting birds and other wildlife from a distance.

2. MINI Close-up Telescope

Last update on 2023-09-23  / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Take your bird watching to the next level with the MINI Close-up Telescope, offering high-powered magnification and excellent image quality in a compact and portable design.

Pros:

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • High-powered magnification of 10-30x
  • BAK4 prism with FMC green film and HD blue film for excellent image quality

Cons:

  • Some users have reported difficulty with focus and barrel twist
  • Limited zoom range may not be suitable for all bird watching situations

Product Specifications:

  • Magnification: 10-30x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 30mm
  • Prism Type: BAK4
  • Weight: 0.4lb

3. TECHBLAZE 20-60 X 60 HD Scope

Looking for the best telescopes for bird watching? Look no further than the TECHBLAZE 20-60 X 60 Zoom HD Spotting Scope. 

With a powerful magnification range of 20x to 60x and a wide field of view thanks to the 60mm objective lens, you’ll easily spot even the smallest birds in the distance.

Pros:

  • Powerful magnification range of 20x to 60x
  • Wide field of view with 60mm objective lens
  • Anti-skid rubber armor structure provides a comfortable, non-slip grip
  • Retractable eyepieces can be used with or without glasses
  • Retractable sun visor reduces glare for a clearer view

Cons:

  • No customer reviews available yet

Specifications:

  • Material: Metal
  • Coating: Multi Coating
  • Water Resistance: Waterproof
  • Includes tripod and mobile holder

4. Device of Urban InfotechH Spotting Scope

Last update on 2023-09-23  / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Experience the thrill of birdwatching like never before with the high-powered Device Of Urban Infotech 20-60 X 60 Spotting Scope – designed to provide stunningly clear and detailed views of your feathered friends.

Pros:

  • Powerful magnification ranging from 20x to 60x
  • Wide field of view of 131-66 ft/1000 yards
  • BAK4 high-transmitting prism for bright and clear images
  • Fogproof and waterproof design
  • Comes with a tripod stand and smartphone holder

Cons:

  • None mentioned in the reviews

Product Specifications:

  • Brand: DEVICE OF URBAN INFOTECH
  • Optical Tube Length: 1000 Months
  • EyePiece Lens Description: Prism
  • Telescope Mount Description: Tripod Mount
  • Product Dimensions: 60D x 20W x 60H Millimeters

5. Antique Maritime Brass Telescope

Last update on 2023-09-23  / Commissions Earned / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

If you’re searching for the ultimate bird watching tool, look no further than the Antique Maritime Brass Telescope with Adjustable Tripod stand from Medieval Replicas, providing a sturdy tripod stand and 10x zoom ratio for an exceptional bird watching experience.

Pros:

  • Sturdy and adjustable tripod stand
  • Unique rustic look
  • 10x zoom ratio for clear and crisp views

Cons:

  • Some reviewers have noted it as more of a showpiece than a functional telescope

Specification

  • Brand: Medieval Replicas
  • Item Weight: 1.43 pounds
  • Material: Brass
  • Focus Type: Manual
  • Zoom Ratio: 10x multiplier
  • Mounting: High-mounted on tripod stand

6. Easylight 12×50 Monocular Telescope

Get up close and personal with your feathered friends like never before with the EASYLIGHT 12×50 Monocular Telescope – the perfect tool for birdwatching enthusiasts!

Pros:

  • Excellent magnification for birdwatching
  • Comes with a tripod and phone holder
  • High-quality BAK4 roof prism and 3 phase lens coating
  • Lightweight and easy to use

Cons:

  • One reviewer reported a defective product

Product specifications:

  • Brand: Manventure
  • Model: 12×50 Monocular Telescope For Mobile Phone & Tripod
  • Eyepiece lens description: BAK4
  • Objective lens diameter: 50mm
  • Focus type: Manual Focus
  • Power source: Battery Powered

7. Cospex 16 X 52 Dual FocusTelescope 

Ready to take your bird-watching to the next level? Look no further than the Cospex 16X52 Dual Focus Zoom Monocular Telescope – the ultimate tool for spotting and observing feathered friends in their natural habitat.

Pros:

  • High-powered 16×52 zoom lens for superior magnification
  • Multi-coated optics for superior light transmission and brightness
  • Waterproof, moisture-proof, fog-proof, and dust-proof design for use in any condition
  • Comes with a 1-year replacement warranty all over India

Cons:

  • Monocular design may not be suitable for those who prefer binoculars
  • Phone clip may not fit all phone models

Specifications:

  • Brand: Cospex
  • Model: 16x lens20
  • Optical Tube Length: 52 months
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 52 millimeters
  • Finderscope: Reflex

8. Celestron UpClose Spotting Scope

Capture every detail of your favorite birds with the precision and clarity of Celestron’s UpClose Spotting Scope Telescope, designed specifically for bird watchers seeking the best viewing experience.

Pros:

  • Zoom range up to 60x for a close-up view of birds
  • Refractor optical design and fully coated optics ensure sharp, clear images
  • Waterproof feature and aluminum carrying case make it ideal for outdoor use
  • Metal tabletop tripod ensures stability while observing birds
  • Comes with both soft and aluminum carrying cases for convenient transport and storage

Cons:

  • Not suitable for astronomy or rifle shooting
  • Single scope design may not be comfortable for extended use for natural scenery

Specifications:

  • Magnification: 20-60x
  • Objective Lens Diameter: 60mm
  • Angular Field of View: 2.2-1 degree
  • Close Focus: 23 feet
  • Eye Relief: 18-15mm
  • Exit Pupil: 3-1mm
  • Prism Type: Porro
  • Length: 14 inches
  • Weight: 2.2 pounds

Overall Verdict: The Winner Of The Best telescopes for bird watching 2023 Is

Our top pick is the Celestron UpClose Spotting Scope

Spotting Scope Features to Consider Before Purchasing

When shopping for a telescope for bird watching, there are several features that you should consider. Here are some of the most important ones:

Magnification

Magnification is perhaps the most important feature to consider when choosing a telescope. Magnification determines how much closer the image appears compared to the naked eye. A good magnification range for bird watching is between 20x and 60x, although some bird watchers prefer higher magnifications.

Objective Lens (Aperture)

The objective lens is the lens at the end of the telescope that gathers light and focuses it onto the eyepiece. A larger objective lens will allow more light to enter the telescope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. A good aperture size for bird watching is between 60mm and 80mm.

Exit Pupil

The exit pupil is the diameter of the beam of light that leaves the eyepiece and enters your eye. A larger exit pupil will result in a brighter image, which can be beneficial in low light conditions. A good exit pupil size for bird watching is around 4mm.

Eyepieces

Eyepieces are an essential part of any telescope, as they determine the magnification and field of view of the image. Look for telescopes that come with interchangeable eyepieces, allowing you to adjust the magnification to suit your needs.

Field of View

The field of view is the width of the image that you see through the telescope. A wider field of view is beneficial for bird watching, as it allows you to see more of the bird’s surroundings. A good field of view for bird watching is around 100ft at 1000 yards.

Optical Design

The optical design of the telescope can greatly affect the image quality. Look for telescopes with high-quality lenses and coatings to ensure a bright and clear image.

FAQs About Choosing Best telescopes for bird watching

If you’re considering purchasing a telescope for bird watching, you likely have a few questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about telescopes for bird watching.

Can a telescope be used for bird watching?

Yes, a telescope can be used for bird watching. In fact, telescopes offer several advantages over binoculars, including higher magnification and the ability to see birds in low light conditions.

What is the best magnification for a bird watching scope?

The best magnification for a bird watching scope depends on several factors, including the size of the bird and the distance from which you’ll be observing it. A good range for bird watching is between 20x and 60x.

Is a telescope better than a birding scope?

It depends on your personal preferences and needs. Telescopes offer higher magnification and the ability to see birds in low light conditions, but they can be more cumbersome to use. Birding scopes are generally more portable and easier to use, but may not offer as much magnification.

Is a scope or binoculars better for bird watching?

Both scopes and binoculars can be used for bird watching, and the best option depends on your personal preferences and needs. Binoculars are generally more portable and easier to use, while scopes offer higher magnification and the ability to see birds in low light conditions.

What size lens is best for bird watching?

A lens size between 60mm and 80mm is generally considered best for bird watching. A larger lens allows more light to enter the telescope, resulting in a brighter and clearer image. However, larger lenses can also make the telescope heavier and more cumbersome to use.

Final Thoughts About Choosing Best telescopes for bird watching

Choosing the best telescope for bird watching can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. By considering factors such as magnification, aperture, exit pupil, eyepieces, field of view, and optical design, you can find a telescope that will help you observe birds in stunning detail.

When making your decision, it’s important to keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all option.Your personal preferences and needs will ultimately determine which telescope is right for you. 

Dale Garrett

I'm a bird enthusiast and creator of Chipper Birds, a blog sharing his 15 years of my experience caring for birds. I've traveled the world bird watching and I'm committed to helping others with bird care. Contact me at dale@chipperbirds.com for assistance.