Careful consideration needs to be made whether a new birder or one who has spent some time in the field and acquired some expertise. Outdoor conditions can contribute to situations which can damage binoculars.
As an experienced wildlife photographer my top priority was optical quality, and I did alot of research before deciding on this pair. If you go over 10x, you should consider getting a tripod. But the optical surfaces still need protection from scratches and other damage.
Many viewers using prescription glasses do not need them to see through most telescopes and can see more comfortably by taking off their glasses. But when magnification is increased in binoculars, the brightness as well as the field of view decreases. A few compact binoculars come filled with nitrogen and are waterproof.
If your application is bird watching, theater or sporting events, a low powered binocular will suffice in most cases. Purchasing a pair of binoculars that have been designed with coated lenses will help extend the life of your binoculars.