Pet ownership is out of reach and impractical for many people who love pets. Luckily, there are several simple alternatives to pet ownership. Playing with the neighbor’s pets, digital pets, robotic toy pets, volunteering at a local shelter or pet rescue, or working at a veterinarian clinic are obvious options. But for some people, even though alternatives are not viable.
What should I do if my kids want a pet but can’t have one?
Luckily, there is another option – being a keen observer of wildlife. It’s as close as the nearest public park, your backyard, or the balcony of your apartment. All you need is a pair of binoculars.
Observing birds, rabbits, turtles, fish, ducks, geese, fox, coyotes, and much more in nature provides several great alternatives to pet ownership. Wildlife viewing makes a nice pet substitute for children also. And they are likely available for viewing within a short walk or drive from your home.
If you sit quietly in nature, you will soon see that wildlife is all around you. You can see many animals via direct observation; and by being still (and quiet). But you will be surprised what you see with a good pair of binoculars. Binoculars are an essential tool for bird watchers and general wildlife aficionados.
When the wildlife isn’t available you only need to look skyward. Even when you don’t have access to a public park, wildlife refuge, or zoo, you most likely always have access to the outdoors for viewing stars and planets. And, binoculars are excellent for amateur astronomers too.
How to Find a Good Pair of Binoculars
However, finding a pair that is suitable for both activities can be challenging. Hybrid binoculars are an excellent choice for those who want a versatile tool that can be used for both activities. These binoculars have features that make buying them suitable alternatives to pet ownership for both bird watching and astronomy. In this article, we will list the 8 best hybrid binoculars for bird watching and astronomy and identify the ones that are good for glasses wearers.
8 Best Hybrid Binoculars
Celestron Nature DX ED 10×42: The Celestron Nature DX ED 10×42 binoculars are an excellent choice for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Vortex Optics Viper HD 8×42: The Vortex Optics Viper HD 8×42 binoculars are another excellent choice for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have an 8x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Nikon Monarch 5 10×42: The Nikon Monarch 5 10×42 binoculars are a great choice for those who want a high-quality tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Pentax AD 10×36 WP: The Pentax AD 10×36 WP binoculars are a compact and lightweight option for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 36mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Bushnell Legend L-Series 10×42: The Bushnell Legend L-Series 10×42 binoculars are a high-quality option for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42: The Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42 binoculars are a great choice for those who want a high-quality tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have a 10x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42: The Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42 binoculars are a lightweight and compact option for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. These binoculars have an 8x magnification and a 42mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions.
Steiner Predator AF 8×30: The Steiner Predator AF 8×30 binoculars are a specialized option for bird watchers who want to get up close and personal with wildlife. These binoculars have an 8x magnification and a 30mm objective lens, which provides a bright and clear image. The binoculars are also waterproof and fog proof, which makes them suitable for use in all weather conditions. These binoculars also have an autofocus system that allows you to quickly and easily focus on your subject, making them an excellent choice for bird watchers.
Best Binoculars if You Wear Glasses
For glasses wearers, it is important to choose binoculars that have a long eye relief. Eye relief is the distance between the eyepiece and your eye when the image is in focus. Binoculars with a long eye relief are more comfortable for glasses wearers because they allow you to keep your glasses on while using them. The following hybrid binoculars have a long eye relief and are suitable for glasses wearers:
Celestron Nature DX ED 10×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 18mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Vortex Optics Viper HD 8×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 20mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Nikon Monarch 5 10×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 18.4mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Pentax AD 10×36 WP: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 14mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Bushnell Legend L-Series 10×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 18mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Leupold BX-4 Pro Guide HD 10×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 15.5mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Opticron Discovery WP PC 8×42: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 22mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Steiner Predator AF 8×30: These binoculars have a long eye relief of 17.4mm, which makes them comfortable for glasses wearers.
Hybrid Binoculars Provide Alternatives to Pet Ownership
A nice, quality pair of hybrid binoculars are an excellent choice for those who want a versatile tool for both bird watching and astronomy. The binoculars for bird watching and astronomy that we have listed in this article all have features that make them suitable for both activities.
For glasses wearers, it is important to choose binoculars that have a long eye relief, and the binoculars we have listed that are suitable for glasses wearers all have a long eye relief.
With any of these binoculars, you will be able to enjoy the beauty of nature and the wonders of the night sky.
Alternative Pet Companions
If you like wildlife but prefer an animal to keep you company at home, here are some alternative pet companions for consideration:
- Hermit crabs
- Tarantulas
- Chincillas
- Scorpions
- Hamsters
- Rats
- Gerbils
Some of those suggestions are common, like hamsters, gerbils, and hermit crabs, but scorpions and tarantulas are uncommon suggestions that many forget about. But before you decide, check your local regulations to be sure you can legally own them where you live. You need to understand pet ownership laws by state to stay in the good graces of authorities.
And after you decide on which pet you will add to your household, you need to consider the best options for pet supplies delivery subscription service to use.
