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Message: <blockquote data-quote="kabsetz" data-source="post: 3342491" data-attributes="member: 10167">You said you are planning to get the Kowa 884. I'd say start with that as your deck instrument, with the 25-60x wide zoom. As a binocular, Binastro's suggestion of the Canon 15x50 IS is excellent. You don't need a tripod with it, just a short monopod or a selfie stick screwed right onto the adapter thread under the binocular body will do as it will allow you to keep your hands low while viewing. This will let you spot the birds, which you can then enjoy and identify through the scope. Another alternative is the Canon 10x42 L IS, which gives more pleasant and higher-quality views but with a lower magnification. Enough to spot birds at almost any distance, again to be identified with the scope if they are too far.Later, if you really feel you need a big binocular also, the Kowa Highlander is the best, but optically it is not quite as good as the Kowa 883/884, so although it will allow you to view with both eyes, it is a bit of a step down from the scope.Kimmo</blockquote>