If you’re like me and enjoy hiking and birdwatching with binoculars in your backpack just in case something interesting shows up you’ve probably searched for something lightweight, simple, affordable and decent enough to not ruin the view. That’s what led me to look into the Quechua X12 Binoculars, officially known as the MH B560. They’re … Read more
On 21 May, we mark Natura 2000 Day — and we have over 27,000 reasons to celebrate. That’s how many protected areas make up the Natura 2000 network, the largest coordinated conservation system in the world. Stretching across land and sea, through ancient forests, rich wetlands, dramatic cliffs, meadows, dunes, and farmland, these sites are … Read more
I’ve always had a soft spot for Panasonic. Their cameras don’t chase trends—they quietly evolve. So when the LUMIX S1II and S1IIE were announced, I paid attention. As someone who juggles stills and video, these new full-frame hybrids had all the right keywords: “Phase Hybrid AF,” “5.1K Open Gate,” “Real Time LUT,” and yes, a … Read more
At GoToBirding, I am always on the lookout for gear that makes distant birds feel like they’re just a few feet away. When a premium lens like the Nikon 600mm f/4E AF-S NIKKOR FL ED VR prime lens drops by $3,600 (29% OFF), it’s worth more than just a passing mention. This is a big … Read more
I’ll be honest, I never used to trust compact binoculars. They always felt like an afterthought—too small to deliver a decent image, and too flimsy to survive serious use in the field. But the Maven C.2 7×28 changed my mind. After testing them in the field during early fall migration and comparing them with a … Read more
The Canon EOS R6 Mark II is still a favorite among bird and wildlife photographers, but its successor—the Canon EOS R6 Mark III—is already generating serious buzz. Based on credible leaks and early reports, Canon is preparing to launch the next-generation model, potentially at the end of 2025. But is this upgrade truly worth the … Read more
Sometimes you pick up a pair of binoculars and immediately feel like they just fit. That was my first impression of the Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×32. As I wrote about my top 5 lightweight binoculars for birding and hiking, the Celestron TrailSeeker ED 8×32 kept coming up in reviews, rankings, and conversations with other birders. … Read more
World Migratory Bird Day (WMBD) 2025 is putting the spotlight on a powerful message: it’s time to make our cities and towns more welcoming to birds. The new theme, Creating Bird-Friendly Cities & Communities, calls on all of us—whether we live in a busy city or a quiet town—to help migratory birds thrive in human-dominated … Read more
When it comes to portable power, BLUETTI just raised the bar again. Launching this May, the new Apex 300 Power Station marks a fresh chapter—bringing modular energy to birders in remote locations, off-grid living spaces, and homes that need reliable backup during outages. I spend a lot of time outdoors and value energy independence. So, … Read more
Tired of heavy gear weighing you down on hikes or birding trips? The right lightweight binoculars can transform your outdoor experiences. In this guide, you’ll find the best lightweight binocular models for 2025 — compact, rugged, and sharp — carefully selected for birders, hikers, and explorers who prefer freedom without compromise. If you’ve ever stood … Read more