I recently withdrew a chunk of savings and bought, after much research a pair of Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 binoculars specifically for looking at birds and wildlife. My first impression is: Wow! It's like someone turned the light on. The image is bright and clear and detailed.

I want to carry these alongside my Fuji X-T2 and big heavy zoom lens so wanted something reasonably small and light yet powerful.

Binoculars L to R: Pentax XCF 12x50, Nikon Monarch M7 8x42; Bushnell 8x25.
Binoculars L to R: Pentax XCF 12x50, Nikon Monarch M7 8x42; Bushnell 8x25.

Until now I've carried a pair of Bushnell 8x25 (permafocus) binos. They're wonderfully small and light and I don't have to fiddle with finding focus. They're easy to use and were inexpensive. New ones cost around $200 but I bought mine for around half that more than a decade ago. These fit in a pocket and are great for a quick look at something.

Bushnell 8x25 (permafocus): 265 grams. Close focus: not given. Focus-free models are designed for viewing distant subjects.

I also have a pair of Pentax XCF 12x50 (also around $200) that mainly stay at home. Although not huge they're just too big and heavy to routinely carry. They're pretty useful for looking at the night sky, which may well be what I originally bought them for.

Pentax XCF 12x50: 900 grams. Close focus: 9 metres.

But I don't only use these binoculars while out and about. We have a lot of birds around our home, some within just 3 or 4 metres. I can use the Bushnells to look at them, but only if I remove my specs first. Even then, it's a bit iffy.

A couple of weeks ago I was inspired to spend serious money getting excellent birding binoculars. Having discovered an interest in birds over the last few years I've now invested in a good camera and an excellent zoom lens. It's not surprising then that I decided to invest in binoculars too.

My research soon revealed that there are some extremely highly rated birding binoculars that cost vast amounts (US$2,500 anyone?). My budget was more in the low to mid-range, good value bracket.

See The Audubon Guide to Binoculars to find a pair of binoculars that suits you.

After a lot of review-reading, video watching and weighing up features I finally opted for the Nikon Monarch M7 8x42. They fall between the two pairs I currently have for weight and ease of use, but they have an amazing 2.5 metre close focus — perfect for use at home.

I considered the 10x42 but after learning that the additional magnification would also magnify any shake in my hands I decided to stay with the 8x42.

Nikon Monarch M7 8x42: 670 grams. Close focus: 2.5 metres.

Today I took them out for a test run and have been viewing nearby cows at home, nearby and more distant birds at the lake and down at the beach, by the river.

They're remarkably better than my other two pairs. The image is so bright and the detail stunning. I've had the chance to examine one starling near the front door and could see more than I've ever seen before.

These are definitely an investment for the next decade or two. So far I'm thrilled.