
Some binoculars cost over £1,000, others cost under £30. Good pairs for birdwatchers start at around £50, but second-hand pairs can often be good value.
Don’t worry if some of the paint has flaked off – binoculars don’t rust. Just make sure that the lenses aren’t scratched and that you can focus smoothly to the horizon and otherwise check them as you would buying a new pair.
View this page online at http://www.rspb.org.uk/youth/discover/environment/binoculars/cost.asp