Binoculars for my budding birdist?

[darnheather]

My 12 year old loves to watch birds. She will also have to do at least one school report centered around our PC cruise. She isn't even a little bit interested in the locks, but I think the birds we see in different ports and going through the canal would be a good fit. Giving her the gift of binoculars at Christmas might even make the school work seem like fun.

I looked and Audubon recommends 8x42 binoculars for the beginning bird watcher. Their highest ranked under $200 is the Celestron 71332 Nature DX. However, looking at Amazon there are two other sets that are about 1/2 the price and have the same high user ratings: Celestron 71346 Outland X and the Wingspan Optics Spectator. Any thoughts on why one is better than another? Any experience with these or a different brand you recommend in the price range?

 

[KGmomoftwins]

As an avid birder this is the model I have and were suggested by my ornithology professor in college http://www.nikonsportoptics.com/en/nikon-products//binoculars/action-extreme-8x40-atb.html. Amazon has them for 143.88. I've now had them for 13 years and they have been to Costa Rica, Belize, a cruise, and countless other trips. They are amazing and easy to pack! I would also suggest getting a guide to the birds for the area you are going it will be worth it. Have fun!

 

[Capt_BJ]

with a 12 year old I'd be careful how much I spent

binoc' do not take well to being dropped .....