Requirement 3
3. Demonstrate that you know how to properly use and care for binoculars, a spotting scope, or a monocular.
a. Explain what the specification numbers mean on binoculars, a spotting scope, or a monocular.
b. Show how to adjust the eyepiece and how to focus for proper viewing.
c. Show how to properly care for and clean the lenses.
d. Describe when and where each type of viewing device would be most effective.
Binoculars are to birders as a glove is to a baseball player. While you could catch a fly ball without a glove, you’d do it better and much easier with one.
After first finding a bird in your binoculars, a spotting scope can give a better look, but is heavier and requires a tripod to keep it steady. They are mostly used for birds like ducks or shorebirds that tend to be out in the open and stay still.
Most birders use 7×35 or 10×40 binoculars. What do those numbers mean? Check out this site for information about binoculars:
Basic info about binoculars from a dealer specializing in them.