A binocular is the next most important optic. And if you want to be insufferable, insist on saying “binocular” and never “a pair of binoculars.” That’s because a binocular is literally two ocular lenses; a monocular is one ocular lens.
Okay, didacticism aside, let’s get down to why every serious naturalist needs a good binocular instrument for:
- Observing wildlife from a far vantage point without disrupting the animal’s behavior;
- Observing close-but-small subjects such as butterflies and lizards;
- Scanning far landscape features such as geology or plant species;
- Observing very small details (by inverting the oculars).
My favorite binocular is the Swarovski NL 8X32: excellent exit pupil size for great low-light viewing, fantastic field of view, amazingly close focus for the power, and excellent weight for their power. I can wear mine all day and not feel any neck strain, and because of the superb optics, no eye strain. They are, however, very expensive (worth it if this is a tool you use every day, like I do; plus Swarovski’s warranty is excellent and portable with the binocular, so look for them used if you can). An alternative that is the excellent 8x30 CL.
We’ve been Swarovski fans for more than 30 years and remain so to this day. My only minor complaint is their new strap system, which is way too fussy—as you can see, I replaced mine with a simple leather strap, which is far preferable to the vaguely S&M contraption that is stock.