bins for beginner

[tollybridge]

I have decided this year I want to have a go at birdwatching. I do have some bins but they are pretty bad. Whats the best to try for a beginner, not too expensive or hard to use. I go down the fields for hours with the dogs and this year I saw buzzards for the first time and I think I saw a kite. We also have barn owls and little owls. I would like to go further afield as well so need some decent ones.

[Salopian_Paul]

This may not be helpful given your possible budget but I had a recent birthday present of a pair of RSPB bins (unspecified manufacturer), 10x25 HD Compact. Good news is they are great, very light and easy to carry around and give a really clear bright image even in gloomy conditions compared to my ancient Boots pair. Bad news, a £239 price tag. They are available from RSPB shops but apparently are 'iimited edition' and weren't advertised on their web site last time I looked.

More experienced birders will be of more help I'm sure.

[Merlin]

It really does depend on your budget as you get what you pay for with optics. A good starting point may be Opticron they have a large range in price and size and they are a British company you can trust.