What features do binoculars for birding in the desert need?

Waterproof, internal-focus binoculars are ideal for desert birding. It may seem odd to recommend waterproof binoculars for desert applications, but the sealed bodies and minimal moving parts will help prevent damage inflicted by sand and grit.
     The ability of a binocular to gather light may not be as important a factor for desert viewing, especially during daylight hours, so you may be able to use a lighter, compact binocular. If much of your viewing will take place during the hottest hours of the day, choose a binocular with lower magnification.

Note: As you increase magnification, you also magnify the distortion produced by heat shimmer.

     If you plant to camp in the desert, a full-size binocular will provide you with brighter images of nocturnal wildlife and breathtaking views of starry skies. In open terrain, a 10x42 binocular or a 10x50 binocular can help you identify wildlife from a greater distance.


More about choosing binoculars.




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