Auto Focus Binoculars for Bird Watching

I've never tried auto-focus binoculars, are they worth the hefty price? [I'm new to bird watching, and my brother's pocket-size binoculars just ain't cuttin' it.]


Also, what would you consider the best magnification for bird watching(in estuaries, deserts, mountains, savanna grasslands)? I've looked at a few sites that sell binoculars, and it seems like 10x50 is the maximum strength for sale. Is that overkill, or a pretty common mag. for bird watching?


Thanks

Might want to check out Audobon Magazine.

auto focus is no good. it comprimises intermediate distances. get a good 8x40 and it will serve you well. 10x50 is better for smaller stuff far away but unless you have a rest you will find your hand shakes enough to make it a tiny bit blurry.


plus get too big and you will never have them with you when you need them so a size that you will carry works. i like 8x30 as it fits in my pocket and they are there. but when im going somewhere i know i will be watching and not moving alot i take my spotting scope, and thats the ticket. baush and lomb discoverer with a bogden tripod. i would rather put the extra dough into that and tripod. most avid birders use zeiss 10x50 and lug them around. 1000 bucks.

Is a spotting scope a high-powered monocular?

yes and you can get good ones that are variable power between about 15X AND 60X. this way you can find the subject and then bring it in. you need a tripod to steady it.