Optics lessons

BINOCULARS AND SPOTTING scopes are fundamental to birding. They have evolved as our hobby has evolved and so, too, has my understanding of their application and limitations. Calling upon my 64 years of experience with optics, I thought I’d share my thoughts about them, which hopefully will mitigate some of the challenges you face today.

Here is the truth as I know it:

1. Binoculars are the defining instrument of bird study. Spotting scopes are specialty instruments.

2. Fact: Not all binoculars work for all people. That’s why there are different makes and models.

3. However: There is only one real test of a binocular: You bring them to your eyes; you focus on things quickly and