Search results for: photography buying guide binocular buying guide
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by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Ever find yourself still struggling to make out a bird, even when your binoculars are trained directly on it? No matter how steady you hold yourself, you simply just don’t have the reach. You could get a stronger pair of binoculars, but these come with inherent drawbacks, such as stability issues and, of course, a heftier build. What’s our solution?
It’s only natural that after using a pair of binoculars, some birders will find that they yearn for more, and the only way to practically get more reach is to use a spotting scope. These are
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Optic size is measured by what it can do, but when you’re new to the hobby, this can be confusing. Pick up a spotting scope or any pair of binoculars and you’ll see them adorned with a set of numbers like 8x42, 7x32, or 20-60x80. What exactly do those numbers mean and what do they tell us about an optic?
At the most
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Binoculars are a birdwatcher's best friend. They allow you to get close-up views of distant objects without having to actually get close. Some birders use spotting scopes and others use cameras with telephoto lenses, but you may be hard-pressed to find a serious birder without a pair of binoculars at the
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Mother’s Day and Father’s Day are right around the corner! Finding the right gifts can be a challenge, especially when it seems like they already have everything. Luckily, we’ve got the best gift ideas for the outdoorsy photographer parent in your life. Whether mom and dad are avid hikers, bird watchers, beachgoers, or polar bear guides in Svalbard, Norway, we’ve got you covered.
Camera
In a surprising twist, a camera is our first suggestion. One of the first things any outdoorsman should consider is a tool to record what they see so
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
There is nothing that can replace the extreme close-up view of a rare bird in the wild. Binoculars can get you close but, if you want to look the bird in the eye or confirm that identification for your life list, you need a spotting scope. Spotting scopes pack incredible magnification in a generally simple and lightweight package that is
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
As the holiday season fast approaches, you may find yourself looking for the perfect gift for the photographer in your life. With all the gear on the market, finding the right gift can seem overwhelming, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We’ve compiled a list of some of the most popular gift items for both digital and film shooters.
35mm Film and Beyond
Film is back and there are plenty of vibrant stocks to choose from. You can never go wrong with
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
There’s an old adage that gear doesn’t make the picture, it’s the photographer. This is partly true. A super-telephoto prime with a fast aperture will make quick work of busy backgrounds, and the faster focusing systems of high-end full-frame cameras will more easily track a bird’s eye in some of the most challenging lighting conditions. But there’s another factor to consider. At the heart of the image is a creative eye and technical proficiency. High-end camera gear only serves a purpose once you know what you’re doing.
In this guide, we’re
by Mathew Malwitz · Posted
Choosing a pair of binoculars can be as easy or as daunting as you want it to be. We’ve covered the technical aspects of binoculars, from magnification to glass quality, and how they affect your choice, but not everyone wants to get into all that. While yes, once we know the basics, we can better choose the pair that meets our particular needs, but that assumes we want to get into all that. If you do, check out our
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
What is the best pair of binoculars for kids? The short answer is: That depends on the kid… and the binoculars! There are so many brands, types, sizes, and price points for binoculars, where does a person begin?
Before we take a look at a few binocular options, if you want a comprehensive education on the parts, features, components, and all other things binoculars, check out the
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
The ubiquitous shoulder-mounted camera bag is a fantastic camera carrying solution for almost any type of photography—except when it comes to wildlife and nature photography. If you are hiking far from civilization and deep into nature—be it a forest, tundra, mountains, desert, or jungle—you’ll likely bring a dedicated hiking backpack. Luckily for nature photographers, camera bag manufacturers and manufacturers of traditional hiking packs have created
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
There are a few genres of photography in which accessories are crucial to photographic success. Astrophotography is one of those genres! Let’s take a look at some great astrophotography accessories to help you (or your favorite stargazing photographer) elevate your Astro-photo game deeper into the night sky.
Here is a list of top astrophotography accessories:
Binoculars
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Have the sparkling new images from the James Webb Space Telescope made you, or someone you know, want to explore the cosmos from your backyard? If the answer is “Yes!”, then you have come to the right place because B&H Photo is your one-stop shop for some great, out-of-this-world gifts and gear. Here is a quick guide to just some of the binoculars, telescopes, and other astronomical gear we have for your off-world adventures.
Binoculars
By far, the easiest tool to improve your stargazing is a good pair of
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Binoculars make great gifts. Regardless of who you are shopping for, or what their hobbies are, a nice pair of binoculars can be appreciated and enjoyed by just about anyone. If you think about it, almost all of us find ourselves out in the world wishing we could have a closer view of something almost every day.
Now that I have convinced you to gift a beautiful pair of binoculars, you’ll click through to the binocular section of the B&H website
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Many of us believe that astrophotography requires a ton of know-how plus the investment of highly specialized (and expensive) gear to create successful images. The truth is that you can capture astrophotography with any camera and any lens. But, as the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
If you already have a camera and lens, you might want to head over to my three-part series Basic Backyard
by Todd Vorenkamp · Posted
Save the date! On Monday, April 8, 2024, North America will be treated to a spectacular total solar eclipse. Many of you remember the 2017 Great American Solar eclipse that crossed the United States from the northwest to the southeast. This solar eclipse will cross the country from the south and head to the northeast.
Eclipse photographs © Todd Vorenkamp
Safety First
Do NOT view a solar eclipse with unprotected eyes. Permanent damage to your vision may occur. Special eclipse viewing glasses are needed to protect your vision. The protection